Waypoint Insurance - Risk & Business Magazine Waypoint Insurance Summer 2019 Magazine | Page 28

STRATA CORPORATION INSURANCE Strata Corporation Insurance Programs Why What You Are Buying And Who You Are Buying It From Matters BY BARB DE RUITER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, WAYPOINT INSURANCE S trata properties are a popular choice for many Canadians, as they offer convenience, security, unique amenities, and value prices. In fact, in British Columbia alone, over 1.5 million people live in stratas. While the word strata is often used in reference to a condo, strata housing can include townhouses, duplexes, or even single-family homes in certain circumstances. This is important to keep in mind, as insurance needs for stratas (strata corporations in particular) are complex and governed by law in B.C. The insurance requirements laid out in the Strata Property Act are detailed, which can create an administrative burden for strata corporations and owners alike. As such, it’s important to work alongside a qualified insurance broker to understand the insurance needs of strata corporations, particularly to secure the right level of coverage and avoid costly litigation. Navigating the complex world of strata coverage can be a challenge. As an industry expert, Waypoint Insurance Services Inc. is your go-to resource for your strata corporation. Strata insurance is a unique topic, especially when you consider that it involves multiple parties—the strata corporation and strata unit owners. When it comes to strata insurance, there are effectively two policies to keep in mind: the Strata Corporation Policy and the Unit Owner Policy. One of the most difficult things to understand is the relationship between a strata corporation’s policy and a unit owner’s policy. Each individual policy covers very specific exposures. To avoid any gaps in coverage, it’s important to understand how the various types of strata insurance complement each other. The accompanying information provides a high-level overview of the types of exposures each policy covers: A STRATA CORPORATION’S POLICY COVERS: • The buildings shown on the strata plan • Common property such as hallways, stairs, roofs, pools, garages, and driveways