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New Home Warranties for Buyers and Homeowners in British Columbia

Great homes are built on strong foundations

Buying a new home is a big decision and one of the biggest investments you'll make. Before signing the agreement of purchase and sale, be sure your new home is protected. Travelers Canada is a leader in warranty products for newly built homes. We work with approved builders who meet our rigorous criteria for quality and customer service.

*New Home Warranty policies are underwritten by The Travelers Insurance Company of Canada. We do not offer New Home Warranty coverage in Québec. Warranty coverage is currently only offered in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Is your new home covered under a warranty?

Travelers Canada New Home Warranty is only available for new homes built by a Travelers Canada approved builder. This includes homes ranging from custom-built single-family homes to a high-rise condo unit. It does not include partially renovated homes. Homes that are being substantially renovated (more than 75 percent of the home being new) also require warranty coverage under the Homeowners Protection Act and Regulations and may be covered.

For your home to be eligible for home warranty coverage, the builder must register with Travelers Canada. We select builders based on their track record, technical expertise, financial capacity and after-sales customer service. Only builders that meet our stringent underwriting criteria are approved.

The journey to buying your home

2-5-10 year warranty coverage

The Homeowners Protection Act requires builders of new homes to provide you with a 2-5-10 home warranty backed by a licensed insurer. The Act is designed to ensure that all new homes sold in British Columbia have a minimum level of insurance against certain prescribed construction defects. The warranty provides 2-year coverage of materials and labour, 5-year coverage of the building envelope, and 10-year coverage of structural defects. Warranty protection also requires that you protect your investment by properly maintaining your new home. See our Maintenance Manual for guidance.

Before closing on a home

Before taking possession of your new home, arrange a preoccupancy walkthrough with your builder. This is an opportunity to identify any construction deficiencies that need correcting before you move in. During this meeting, the builder will present you with a Warranty Commencement Date Certificate to sign. This certificate lets Travelers know the date to begin your new home warranty coverage.

After you purchase a home

Once you have moved into your new home, you'll want to ensure your home warranty coverage has taken effect. Your builder will send the signed Warranty Commencement Date Certificate to Travelers Canada. Once we receive the certificate from your builder, we will mail you the Home Warranty Certificate. Please be sure to read the Home Warranty Certificate carefully and keep in a safe place. The Home Warranty Certificate details your warranty coverage, defines exclusions, and outlines the process for reporting covered defects. The BC Residential Construction Performance Guide assists you in identifying and reporting defects to Travelers Canada. This certificate stays with the home and is transferred to future homeowners.

Still have questions?

Check out our home warranty FAQs