Insurance for Surrey homes, townhomes and new builds
Surrey is where a lot of people buy their first townhome, add a suite, or build on their own lot. Each of those changes what your insurance needs to do, and the gaps usually show up only when something goes wrong.
What's different about insuring here
- Different ground, different risk. A 2023 mapping study rated most of Surrey as very low liquefaction hazard, compared with high to very high in neighbouring Delta and Richmond. Earthquake cover is still optional and worth discussing, but the conversation looks different here.
- Lowland flooding. The Serpentine and Nicomekl lowlands are floodplain, protected by dikes and pump stations, and the City has a plan for rising coastal flood risk around Mud Bay, Crescent Beach and Semiahmoo Bay. If you're in or near those areas, overland water coverage matters.
- Townhome stratas. Townhome complexes have strata deductibles too, often for water damage. Your policy should match the number in your strata's insurance summary.
- Building or adding a suite. If you're managing the build of your own new home, BC Housing requires an Owner Builder Authorization, and you're personally responsible for defects for 10 years. A course of construction policy should start before work does.
- Renting out a suite. Provincial rules generally allow short term rental of your home plus one suite on the same property. Long term or short term, tell your insurer.
Coverage people here ask me about
- Condo and townhomeTownhome strata deductibles matched to your building.
- Home including high-value custom homesSuites, lowland addresses and overland water explained.
- Course of constructionOwner builds and coach houses, set up before work starts.
- BusinessTrades and contractors: liability, tools and equipment.
- ICBC AutoplanRated for where your vehicle is kept.
- Free policy reviewA second look at your current policy.
Questions people ask me
Is my townhome covered for the strata deductible?
Only up to the limit on your own policy. Send me the strata's insurance summary and I'll compare.
I'm building a coach house. What insurance do I need?
A course of construction policy for the build, plus a check that your existing home policy is fine with construction on the lot. If you're the owner builder, you'll also need BC Housing's authorization.
Does Surrey have the same earthquake ground risk as Richmond?
Mostly no. Mapping shows most of Surrey as very low liquefaction hazard, though local conditions vary.
Can I rent my basement suite for short stays?
Generally yes, if it's your home plus one suite on the same property, and your policy is set up for it.
Working with me from Surrey
I'm based in Squamish and work with Surrey clients by phone, email and e-signature.