After several years of challenging conditions, the Canadian commercial insurance market in 2026 is favourable for well-managed commercial strata properties. At Acera Insurance, our guidance is consistent across both residential and commercial sectors. Favourable market conditions reward preparation, clarity and disciplined risk management. They do not reward complacency.
Our real estate team brings decades of experience working through changing market cycles, complex occupancies and evolving underwriting expectations. That experience allows us to help commercial strata corporations secure positive outcomes today while remaining resilient if conditions tighten in the future.
Market conditions at a glance
The commercial insurance market in 2026 remains soft, with ample capacity and multiple insurers
actively seeking well-managed commercial strata risks. These conditions are allowing for competitive pricing, improved deductible structures and broader coverage, particularly where risks are clearly understood and presented to highlight strengths.
That said, insurers continue to underwrite commercial strata cautiously. Results remain closely tied to the quality of information provided, the clarity of occupancy disclosures and how effectively risk
characteristics are communicated to the market.
Understanding occupancy and use
For commercial strata corporations, a clear understanding of how strata lots are being used is a critical part of the insurance process. We recognize that this information can be challenging to obtain. Usage evolves over time, tenants change and activities within individual strata lots are not always visible at the council or property management level.
Despite these challenges, working collaboratively with owners to understand strata lot use is integral to presenting the risk accurately to insurers. This includes clarity around the general nature of tenant operations, the presence of higher-hazard activities and the use of equipment, processes or materials that can affect risk exposure.
Transparent and ongoing disclosure supports stability in the insurance program, reduces surprises at renewal or claim time and enables insurers to respond more favourably over the long term.
Vacancy considerations
Vacancy remains an important underwriting consideration for commercial strata properties. Insurers routinely assess the extent and duration of vacant units, the controls in place for vacant spaces and how vacancy is managed during tenant turnover.
Extended or unmanaged vacancy can impact pricing, deductibles and coverage terms.
Early awareness and proactive communication allow us to address vacancy concerns directly and position the strata more favourably with insurers.
British Columbia context
Severe weather and localized flooding events across southern British Columbia in late 2025 reinforced insurers’ continued scrutiny of water-related exposures. Flood-prone locations, drainage performance and below-grade construction continue to be relevant underwriting considerations for commercial strata properties in 2026.
Cyber and privacy risk
Commercial strata corporations increasingly rely on digital systems and third-party service providers to manage finances, records, access controls and communications. As a result, cyber and privacy exposures are important considerations in an overall risk management program for commercial stratas.
Common scenarios include email compromise and fraudulent payment instructions, unauthorized
access to financial or ownership records, breaches involving property management systems or service providers as well as ransomware or system outages that disrupt operations.
Cyber and privacy insurance can provide coverage for response costs, forensic investigation, notification obligations and third-party liability arising from a breach. For commercial stratas, this coverage is a valuable complement to the core property and liability program.
Valuations and replacement cost
Accurate insurance values remain a foundational element of a strong commercial strata insurance program.
For 2026, commercial strata corporations are encouraged to obtain annual insurance appraisals from firms with expertise in strata properties, commercial construction and the Strata Property Act. Annual appraisals support accurate declared values, reduce the risk of underinsurance and provide certainty and reassurance in the event of a major loss.
What we recommend for 2026
To promote strong and stable insurance outcomes, we recommend:
Working collaboratively with owners to confirm and document strata lot use, recognizing this is an ongoing process.
Advising your Acera Insurance team early of
changes in tenancy, use or vacancy.
Supporting risk inspections that help identify
occupancy-related exposures and allow us to
present the risk positively to insurers.
Obtaining an annual insurance appraisal from
a qualified firm with demonstrated strata
experience.
Starting the renewal process early to allow for
thoughtful underwriting review and proactive
market engagement.
Our commitment
We work with commercial stratas of all sizes and occupancies, including retail, office, industrial and mixed-use properties.
Our role at Acera Insurance is to translate complex occupancy and vacancy considerations into clear
underwriting narratives; deliver a competitive and resilient insurance placement; and support councils and property managers through change, tenant turnover and evolving risk.
The 2026 market presents a real opportunity. The next step is decisive. Engage early, communicate clearly and work with Acera Insurance to secure an insurance program that supports both today’s operations and tomorrow’s uncertainty.
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