Insurance for Prince George and Northern BC
In the North, insurance questions are practical ones: how far is the fire hall, is the wood stove inspected, and are the work trucks rated right. I work with Northern clients remotely and keep it simple.
What's different about insuring here
- Ice jams. In the winter of 2007 to 2008, an ice jam on the Nechako River flooded parts of Prince George and caused significant damage. A City study counts 21 high water events on record caused by river ice. Overland water coverage is what responds to this kind of flooding.
- Fire protection areas. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George lists 13 volunteer fire departments in the region. Whether your home is inside a fire protection area can make a big difference to home insurance.
- Wood heat. Wood stoves are common. Insurers usually ask for a WETT inspection, so keep the report.
- Fleets and work trucks. ICBC rates some commercial vehicles by where they're used rather than where they're kept. Forestry and industrial fleets should be rated for how and where they're used.
- Winter driving. Most northern highways are winter tire routes from October 1. Check DriveBC for the end date on your route.
- Rules. Prince George is under the principal residence rule for short term rentals. It isn't in the Speculation and Vacancy Tax area.
Around the region
Prince George
Prince George has a long record of ice jams on the Nechako River, and the jam in the winter of 2007 to 2008 flooded parts of the city. Outside the city, it matters whether a home sits inside a fire protection area. I check both early.
Questions people ask me
Does being outside a fire protection area affect my home insurance?
Often a lot, and sometimes it limits which insurers will offer coverage.
Is ice jam flooding covered?
Only with overland water coverage.
Do I need a WETT inspection?
Most insurers ask for one if you heat with wood.
How should my work fleet be rated?
By use and where the vehicles operate. I'll check each one.
Communities
Prince George, communities across Northern BC.
Working with me from Northern BC
I'm based in Squamish and work with Northern BC clients by phone, email and e-signature.