Insurance for Kelowna homes, condos and boats
Kelowna changed its short term rental rules in 2026, and that one change affects a lot of condo and second home owners. Add wildfire and a lake, and there's plenty worth getting right.
What's different about insuring here
- The 2026 rental change. Kelowna opted out of the provincial principal residence rule for short term rentals, effective June 1, 2026. It qualified after two straight years of rental vacancy above 3%. The City still controls where short term rentals are allowed, and you still need a business licence and provincial registration.
- McDougall Creek, 2023. The fire started north of West Kelowna and jumped Okanagan Lake, starting fires in north Kelowna and Lake Country. The central Okanagan fires that summer caused more than $480 million in insured damage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
- Lakefront and second homes. Homes that sit empty for stretches, or rent part of the year, need a policy written for that pattern.
- On the lake. Boats coming to the lake, including canoes and paddleboards, must stop at any open invasive mussel inspection station on the way.
- Rules. Kelowna is in the Speculation and Vacancy Tax area.
Coverage people here ask me about
- Condo and townhomeCondos you rent out, with the right policy.
- Home including high-value custom homesWildfire and evacuation coverage set up before summer, and lakefront homes rebuilt properly.
- MarineLake boats and trailers.
- ICBC AutoplanSecond vehicles and boat towing rigs rated properly.
- Free policy reviewA second look at your current policy.
Questions people ask me
Can I Airbnb my Kelowna condo now?
Possibly, if your building is in a zone the City allows, you hold a business licence and provincial registration, and your strata permits it. Your insurer must know too.
Will my home insurance cover wildfire?
Fire is a standard home coverage, but you can't usually buy or increase cover once a fire is nearby. Get it right before summer.
Does my policy cover my boat?
A home policy usually covers only small boats, if any. A lake boat needs its own marine policy.
My condo sits empty in winter. Is that a problem?
It can be. Tell me how long it's empty so the policy fits.
Working with me from Kelowna
I'm based in Squamish and work with Kelowna clients by phone, email and e-signature.