Elders Home Insurance Program

The Sul-hween (Elders) Home Insurance Program 

 

Our Elders Home Insurance Program is available to all on-reserve and off-reserve Cowichan Tribes Citizens aged 60 and over, including homeowners and renters. 

Coverage under the previous Elders Home Group Insurance Plan ended on May 24, 2025. To ensure insurance coverage, Elders need an individual home and/or contents insurance policy. Cowichan Tribes is assisting Elders in securing insurance from a provider of their choice and provide re-imbursement of up to $1,200 per year.

 

Save on Up Front Costs

As of January 2026, Acera Insurance and Hub Insurance are working with Cowichan Tribes' Elders to have the cost of their individual insurance policy billed on account directly to Cowichan Tribes up to $1,200 per year. Any additional costs will be the responsibility of the Elder. Elders will be asked to provide their Status Card showing they are a Cowichan Tribes Band member and verify that they are 60 years of age and over.

 

Insurance Contacts:

 ACERA INSURANCE  HUB INSURANCE
 Kiera Kowatski  Tracey Lassam

 Phone: 

 (250) 824-2453

 Email: 

 kiera.kowatski@acera.ca

 Phone:

 (250) 740-8435

 Email: 

 Tracey.Lassam@hubinternational.com

 

We’re here to support our Sul-hween.

Cowichan Tribes has a dedicated team to support Elders with obtaining and maintaining home insurance. Areas where our teams can support include:

  • Application Support – In-person or phone guidance for insurance related questions
  • Inspections and Minor Deficiency Repairs – Assistance with required inspections or minor fixes (e.g. hot water tank repairs), if funding is available
  • Financial Support – Up to $1,200 per year (up from $750 per year prior to May 2025)

 

Contact Us:

If you would like printed copies of any of the forms below, or to request help at any stage of the process, please

  • Visit us at the Cowichan Tribes Administration Office (5760 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC) during office hours: Monday to Friday between: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Copies are also available at Sustainable Housing and the Elders Building.
  • Phone: (250) 748-3196
  • Email: insurance@cowichantribes.com.

 

What's Better now?

By switching to individual policies, the new program offers:

  • Customized coverage direct from the insurance broker
  • Annual check-ins to review and renew coverage
  • Increased coverage from $750 to $1,200 per year
  • Continued financial support is ensured for Elders programming ​​​​

Why do I need home or contents insurance?

Home insurance helps by providing financial protection during unexpected events such as:  fire, flooding, theft, or other damage, reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Coverage is also available for renters who want to insure their personal belongings.

  

Elders Home Insurance Program Intake Form (Optional)

The Cowichan Tribes Elders Insurance Program Intake Form is a resource to help Elders gather the information needed by most insurance brokers to apply for home or contents insurance.

Whether Elders complete the form on their own or with support from Cowichan Tribes, this step makes the insurance process faster and easier—saving time and reducing the need for multiple trips to the insurance office.

The intake form is available for pick up at Cowichan Tribes Administration, and for download here.

Elders Insurance Program Intake Form p1_Page_1.png Elders Insurance Program Intake Form (Fillable).pdf

How to Apply for Elders Home Insurance in 5 Steps

All Cowichan Tribes citizens aged 60 and over are eligible for the Elders Home Insurance Program.

To support our Sul-hween through the process, we’ve created a simple “How to Apply for Elders Insurance in 5 Steps” document that explains each stage and what to expect.

The How to Apply for Elders Insurance in 5 Steps document is available for pick up at Cowichan Tribes Administration, and for download or review here.

Elders Insurance - How to Apply (842025) (1).png Elders Insurance - How to Apply 5 Steps.pdf

Questions About the Program?

If you want to better understand what has changed, or need more information about the new Sul-hween (Elders) Home Insurance Program, you are encouraged to review the General Questions and Program Questions sections below, or download the Changes and Enhancements to the Sul-hween Insurance Program: Questions & Answers document here.

It covers common concerns and explains the improvements to coverage, communication, and cost.

For additional questions, please email insurance@cowichantribes.com or visit Cowichan Tribes Administration from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, to connect with a member of Cowichan Tribes’ Finance Department.

Sul-hween Insurance - Q&A2_Page_1.png Sul-hween Insurance - Q&A.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Why was the program changed from a group policy to individual policies?

The group policy had several issues:

  • Underinsurance: Homes weren’t fully covered for replacement.
  • Inflexibility: Accessing information and making changes was difficult.
  • Lack of Transparency: Many Elders didn’t receive updates or insurance status information.
  • Rising Costs: The program’s cost was starting to affect other Elder care services.  

Switching to individual policies solves these problems and increases support funding from $750 to $1,200 per year—helping on-reserve and off-reserve Elders who are homeowners and renters. Other Elder care programs can also continue to without budget impacts. 

2. What are the benefits of the new model?

Individual policies offer:

  • In-Home Support for On-Reserve Elders: Cowichan Tribes can help address minor repairs or inspections needed for coverage.
  • Flexibility: Choose the coverage that works for you.
  • Adequate Protection: Customize your policy to ensure full replacement value.
  • Expanded Eligibility: All Cowichan citizens aged 60+ (on or off-reserve) can now access both home and contents insurance through the same reimbursement model.

3. Can I customize my coverage?

 

Yes! You can choose the type and level of coverage that fits your needs.

4. Will this protect my home better?

 

Absolutely. Individual policies provide more thorough and specific protection, especially for unique risks not covered under the old group plan.

5. Can I keep my insurance if I move?

 

Yes. Unlike the old group policy, individual policies move with you. Just contact your broker to update your address.

6. Will I get better customer service?

 

Yes. You’ll have direct access to your broker, more control over your policy, and clearer communication.

Program Questions

1. Who is eligible for the program?

 

Any Cowichan Tribes citizen aged 60 or older—whether on or off-reserve—is eligible. The program is meant to cover the primary residence for Elders who are homeowners or renters.

2. How much of my insurance cost is covered?

Cowichan Tribes will cover up to $1,200 per year per Elder.

Additional support may be available (case-by-case) for Elders under 65 who are registered with Social Development.

3. How do I apply?

  • Pick up an Elders Insurance Intake Form at:
    • Cowichan Tribes Administration
    • Sustainable Housing
    • The Elders Building
  • Or request one via email: insurance@cowichantribes.com
  • Or download it here.

4. I already have home insurance. Can I still get support?

Yes. Just submit the following:

  • A copy of your receipt and policy
  • In person to the Finance Department or by email to Insurance@cowichantribes.com

If approved, you’ll be reimbursed up to the annual limit.

5. What if I need help filling out the form?

Support is available! Staff can help you in person, or you can use resources on www.CowichanTribes.com.

For on-reserve Elders, Cowichan Tribes (with your consent) can schedule a home visit to gather any missing information.

6. Where do I submit my completed form?

Submit it either:

  • In person to the Finance Department, or
  • By email to Insurance@cowichantribes.com

7. I’ve been approved—what’s next?

You’ll receive a signed approval form. Bring this to the insurance broker of your choice. The form will answer most of the insurance broker’s questions so you can get coverage the same day.

8. Where can I get home insurance?

You can go to any insurance broker you trust—local or out of town.

Cowichan Tribes is also working to set up agreements with local providers for easier processing and payment depending on the provider.

9. What does the process look like at the broker?

  • Bring your completed intake form
  • Choose your type of coverage, deductible, and amount
  • Answer any additional questions
  • Make payment directly to the broker
  • Submit your payment receipt to Cowichan Tribes for reimbursement

10. What if I’m denied coverage?

If you are denied coverage:

  • Ask the broker to provide a written explanation
  • Share this with Cowichan Tribes (in person or by email)

For on-reserve Elders, Cowichan Tribes can help fix minor issues (e.g., replacing an old water tank) at no cost to help you become eligible.

11. How do I receive financial support from Cowichan Tribes?

If your broker accepts Cowichan Tribes purchase orders:

  • You only pay any amount above the $1,200 coverage.

If the broker requires direct payment:

  • Pay the full amount
  • Submit your receipt and policy to the Cowichan Tribes Finance Department (in person or by email)
  • You’ll be reimbursed (by cheque or direct deposit) within 7–10 business days.

12. How do I renew my policy?

Your broker will contact you directly to renew.

If you're insuring the same home, you don’t need to fill out a new intake form—just submit a copy of your updated policy and receipt.

If you’ve moved, a new intake form will be required.

13. I still have questions. Where can I go?

You can reach out to our team:

  • In person at the Finance Department (Administration Building) during office hours. No appointment is needed.
  • Or by email: Insurance@cowichantribes.com