Home warranty insurance protects new homes in British Columbia against construction defects such as materials and labour, building envelope and structural defects. B.C’s Homeowner Protection Act and its Regulations (Act) require that all new homes constructed under building permits applied for on or after July 1, 1999 (or where construction started on or after July 1, 1999, in areas not requiring building permits) must be covered by home warranty insurance unless they are specifically excluded.
Owners of homes protected by home warranty insurance are expected to be familiar with their home warranty insurance policy and carry out maintenance in accordance with maintenance information from your warranty provider or builder. If a suspected defect arises, they are to address it immediately and take steps to minimize further damage. Owners of strata-titled homes have coverage for both their unit and common property, and should make themselves aware of the coverage in both policies.