After several years of challenging insurance market conditions and record-breaking natural catastrophes, 2025 provided Canadian businesses with a measure of relief. As we look ahead through 2026, favourable conditions reward well-prepared stratas that remain disciplined about loss prevention, governance and how their risk profile is presented to insurers.
Our real estate team at Acera Insurance brings decades of experience navigating both hard and soft market cycles. That experience allows us to strategically position strata corporations in the current environment while preparing for shifts that may emerge in the years to come.
Market conditions at a glance
The Canadian insurance market in 2026 remains favourable, with ample capacity and multiple insurers actively seeking strata business. These conditions are creating opportunities for more competitive premiums, flexible deductible structures and broader coverage, particularly for proactively-managed properties.
However, better outcomes are not guaranteed. Insurers continue to evaluate risk quality, governance practices, loss history and overall preparedness in the underwriting process. How a strata presents itself, and the quality of information provided, continues to directly influence pricing, terms and insurer appetite.
British Columbia context
Severe weather and localized flooding events across southern British Columbia in late 2025 reinforced insurers’ continued scrutiny of water-related exposures.
While these events were not catastrophic at a provincial level, they highlighted the importance of understanding site-specific flood exposure, drainage performance and water risk preparedness at the building level.
Location, construction type, building design and documented mitigation measures remain relevant underwriting considerations for 2026, particularly for properties with a history of water losses.
Valuations and replacement cost
Accurate insurance values remain a foundational element of a strong strata insurance program.
For 2026, strata corporations are strongly encouraged to obtain annual insurance appraisals from firms with expertise in strata properties and the Strata Property Act. Annual appraisals support accurate declared values, reduce underinsurance risk and provide clarity at the time of a loss.
By leveraging favourable market conditions, we have been able to successfully reintroduce extended replacement cost coverage, increasing insured values to 130% of the appraised value for qualifying stratas. This enhancement provides additional certainty and strengthens protection against construction costs rising after a major loss.
Risk management and loss prevention
Water damage remains the most frequent and costly source of claims for strata corporations. Insurers continue to place significant weight on how water risk is understood, managed and mitigated.
Measures such as water leak detection, automatic shut-off systems and documented response protocols can materially improve a strata’s risk profile. When implemented and communicated in alignment with insurer expectations, these efforts can support more favourable pricing, improved deductible options and stronger insurer confidence over the long term.
Effective loss prevention is most successful when strata councils, property managers and Acera
Insurance advisors work collaboratively with a clear focus on practical and achievable improvements.
What we recommend for 2026
To take advantage of current market conditions while maintaining long-term stability, we recommend:
Obtaining an annual insurance appraisal from a firm with demonstrated strata experience.
Reviewing deductible structures with your Acera Insurance advisor to ensure the right balance for your property.
Work with your advisor and loss prevention partners on targeted insurance program improvements that strengthen underwriting outcomes.
Our commitment
We work with stratas of all sizes and building types, supporting both property managers and strata council members.
Our role at Acera Insurance is to deliver a proprietary insurance program designed for the unique needs of your strata, backed by resilient insurers that can pay claims and remain committed even if market conditions change. When executed effectively, this results in competitive pricing, optimal deductible structures, confidence in insured values and a stable insurance relationship that supports the long-term health of the corporation.
The 2026 market presents a meaningful opportunity. The next step is simple. Engage early, prepare
thoroughly and work with Acera Insurance to secure terms that protect your strata today while positioning it for the future.
Get a quote.
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