Insurance in Squamish, from someone who works here
My agency, InsureBC (Squamish), is right here, so Squamish is the one place I can honestly say I'm local. That helps when your questions are about the Cheekye fan, a new build in the north end, or how to rate a car that commutes to Vancouver every day.
What's different about insuring here
- The Cheekye fan. The Cheekye fan covers more than 25 square kilometres and reaches toward Brackendale. The District has restricted development on it since the 1990s. A 2022 District staff report described the potential for a very large debris flow reaching Brackendale and Garibaldi Estates. If you're buying, ask the District what hazard area your lot is in, and ask me how insurers treat that address.
- New neighbourhoods and the barrier. The Squamish Nation partnered Cheekeye River Development depends on a debris flow barrier. Construction started in 2024, and in May 2026 the barrier was still being built.
- Vacancy tax since 2023. Squamish was added to the Speculation and Vacancy Tax area for the 2023 tax year, so every owner declares each year.
- Short term rentals. The provincial principal residence rule applies in Squamish.
- The commute. Highway 99 is a winter tire route from October 1. Check DriveBC for the end date on your route.
- Howe Sound. If you keep a boat in Squamish harbour, you need proof of competency to operate it, and a policy that fits how and where you use it.
Coverage people here ask me about
- Home including high-value custom homesBrackendale and hillside homes reviewed address by address.
- Condo and townhomeNew strata buildings and their deductibles.
- Course of constructionOwner builders and new custom homes.
- ICBC AutoplanCommuters, second cars and trucks.
- MarineHowe Sound boats.
- Free policy reviewA second look at your current policy.
Questions people ask me
I'm buying in Brackendale. What should I check?
Ask the District for the hazard information on that lot, and send it to me before you remove subjects so I can confirm coverage is available.
I'm building my own house in Squamish. What do I need?
BC Housing's Owner Builder Authorization if you're managing it yourself, plus a course of construction policy that starts before work does.
I commute to Vancouver. Where is my car rated?
Where it's mainly kept when you're not driving it, which for most people is home here in Squamish. Tell me within 10 days if you move.
Working with me from Squamish
My agency is here in Squamish, and most of what I do happens by phone, email and e-signature, so you rarely need to come in. ICBC Autoplan is the exception: renewals can be done by phone, but new plates, and buying or selling a vehicle, are done in person at a broker office.