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Insurance and emergency preparedness

Last updated on August 28, 2025

Insurance protects you and your family in an emergency. Whether you rent or own your home, or have a business or a farm, it’s important to understand the hazard risks in your area so you can get the insurance coverage that’s right for you.

Insurance and emergency supports

The following financial support may be available after an emergency:

All three can help people recover, but they work very differently. Knowing the difference between them can help ensure there are no surprises when you need support.

Insurance is a private contract you buy in advance to protect yourself from specific risks like wildfire or overland water damage. It only covers the risks you are insured for and must be in place before an emergency happens. Insurance can provide the most complete coverage and the most extensive protection.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a provincial program, delivered by First Nations and local governments, that provides short-term assistance to people who are forced to leave their homes due to emergencies. ESS is for people who do not have other supports such as insurance. If eligible, ESS provides short-term support for up to 72-hours to cover basic needs such as food, lodging, clothing and incidentals. Supports longer than 72-hours may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is a government-funded program provided after some emergencies to help people, small businesses, farms, non-profit organizations, local governments and First Nations recover uninsurable and essential losses. DFA is not a replacement for insurance and typically only covers a portion of the damages up to a maximum of $400,000 for eligible applicants. DFA supports community recovery following some emergencies and is not designed to provide immediate support during an evacuation.

DFA is only available for large-scale unforeseen events that meet specific requirements. DFA only covers eligible damages that are not insurable. Proof is required from your broker that insurance was not available for purchase.

Insurance coverage in B.C.

Insurance in B.C. can cover the costs of repairing your home and replacing your belongings if you’re affected by a natural disaster, such as wildfire or flood. Insurance may also cover accommodation and other additional living expenses if you are placed under an Evacuation Order.

Knowing which hazards may occur in your area is the first step to understanding your risk. Use our hazard map to see what could occur near you, and reach out to your First Nation or local government for more information. Things to consider:

  • Insurance for fire, including wildfire, is a standard component in home insurance policies in B.C. During major wildfires, insurance companies may initiate temporary restrictions on the sale of new policies and coverage add-ons in areas of imminent threat. 
  • Coverage for earthquakes, flooding and overland water damage is usually optional, so be sure to speak with your insurance representative to understand what your policy includes and details of any deductibles or coverage limits.
  • If you live in a strata, your personal belongings are not covered by the strata building’s insurance policy. Condominium unit owner’s insurance policy can protect your personal property and provide additional living expenses coverage.
  • If you rent a property, your personal belongings and additional living expenses are not covered by the landlord’s insurance policy. A tenant’s insurance policy can protect your personal property and provide additional living expenses coverage in case of evacuation or if your home is no longer habitable.

Find a local insurance broker to discuss your coverage options or contact Insurance Bureau of Canada with your general insurance questions:

Questions to ask your insurance broker

An important question to ask is: Does my insurance cover the specific risks to my property that could happen in my community? Make sure your coverage matches the hazards in your area, you understand what you are covered for, and if there are any coverage limits, deductibles or exclusions on your policy.

Here are some questions to start the conversation:

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Wildfire coverage

  • Does my policy cover wildfire damage to my home and belongings, including rebuilding costs if my property is destroyed by wildfire?
  • If I’m evacuated, does my policy cover additional living expenses like accommodation and food?
  • How do I make a claim on my policy if I have suffered damage or costs due to an evacuation order?
  • What are the benefits of getting a FireSmart assessment to protect my property? 
 

Flood and overland water damage coverage

  • Am I covered for overland flooding from torrential rains or surface water from a river getting into my home?
  • Am I covered for rapid snow melt causing water to enter my home?
  • Does my coverage include damage from sewer back up or ground water from an overland water event?
  • Are there any limits or exclusions specific to water damage I should be aware of?
  • Is this separate coverage or is it included in my policy and what is the limit and deductible?
  • Are there any incentives or discounts if I install and maintain a backwater valve or sump pump with battery backup or a water leak detection alarm system?
 

Earthquake coverage

  • How do I know if I should purchase earthquake coverage insurance? What does it cover?
  • Does it cover damage to the structure, contents and cost of living elsewhere if my home is damaged and uninhabitable?
  • Am I covered for damage from a fire or explosion following an earthquake?
  • What is my limit of coverage and the deductible?
  • If I have a high deductible because I live in an earthquake zone, do I have an option to lower it?
 

Windstorm and hail coverage

  • Am I covered for damage from windstorms?
  • Am I covered for hail damage?
  • What if the power goes out and I have no heat – are frozen pipes bursting covered?
  • What if the neighbour’s tree falls on my home because of a windstorm – am I covered?
  • Is there anything I need to do during the winter months to protect my property if I travel?

 

Resources

Learn about insurance and emergency supports in this emergency preparedness webinar:

Insurance and Emergency Supports

An emergency preparedness week webinar about insurance.