September 2025

If you’re thinking about renting your Vancouver condo on Airbnb or that Whistler cabin that sits empty most of the year, you might consider short-term rentals (STRs) as an option.

Before you hand over the keys to your first guest, you need to know something critical: Your standard homeowner’s insurance almost certainly won't cover you.

Once you start accepting money from short-term guests, you're essentially running a small business from your property, which changes everything about your insurance needs.

Most BC homeowners learn this the hard way—after a guest floods the bathroom, throws a party that damages walls, or worse, gets injured on their property. By then, it's too late.

Learn more about what short-term rental insurance is, what it

Picture this: You're relaxing at your lakeside cabin in the Okanagan or your cozy mountain retreat in the Kootenays. The stress of everyday life melts away as you enjoy BC's natural beauty. However, you might wonder what happens when you’re not there.

Most vacation homeowners don't realize their property faces unique risks when they're away. The insurance that works for your main home won't cut it for your getaway spot. Getting this wrong could cost you thousands—or even your entire investment. Learn more about how to protect your vacation home with insurance.

Essential Vacation Home Insurance Tips

• Never assume your normal home insurance covers your vacation property—it probably doesn't.
• Standard policies don’t cover vacant properties