British Columbia's public auto insurance system has been in the news many times over the past few years, thanks to B, C. The province's Autoplan insurance scheme is administered by the British Columbia Insurance Corporation (ICBC), a provincial Crown corporation created in 1973 to sell insurance policies through its own network of brokers. You must purchase a basic insurance package from ICBC, which includes third-party liability coverage, accident benefits, vehicle damage, protection against underinsured motorists, and reverse liability coverage. For now, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about vehicle insurance in British Columbia.
As in other Canadian provinces and territories, your insurance premiums will decrease over time as you build up driving experience and maintain a clean driving record, free from fault claims and traffic tickets. If you're thinking of buying a new vehicle, you can get an insurance estimate using the ICBC online tool, but only if you already have an Autoplan insurance policy. First, you should think about what type of optional coverage you want or need. Here are some questions from the B, C Insurance Council.
The regulatory body that oversees the province's insurance industry suggests asking when buying optional auto insurance. According to InsureBC, ca, other optional coverages include extended liability against third parties, extended protection for underinsured motorists, loss of use, rental vehicle coverage, and new vehicle protection. While you can request quotes for the coverage you want from individual insurance companies, it may be easier to work with an insurance broker who can get quotes from several insurers, which you can compare to help you choose the policy that best fits your needs and budget. According to the B, C Insurance Council.
If you have questions about someone pretending to be an agent, seller or broker, check if they are listed in the council's licensee directory here. The first step in renewing your ICBC policy online is to visit the corporation's renewals page. You'll be asked to sign in with a B, C. Service card or the Verified, Me app.
In general, you should be able to renew a personal policy online if it must be renewed in 44 days or less and you don't need to make any changes to your coverage. There is no grace period to renew your car insurance before the expiration date; if you miss the deadline and your policy expires, you won't have coverage. During the online renewal process, you can also make changes, such as adding drivers to your policy or updating your address. If you have optional insurance coverage with a private insurer, you'll need to renew that policy separately.
However, if you work with an insurance broker, they can renew your ICBC and private insurance policies at the same time. According to the ICBC, you can buy insurance without a driver's license if you rely on other people to drive. Car insurance is not exempt from B, C. In general, a vehicle must be at least 25 years old to qualify for the ICBC Collectors Motor Vehicle Program.
However, a car or truck between 15 and 25 years old may be eligible if fewer than 1500 copies were produced worldwide during the same model year, or if the vehicle brand has been out of use for at least five years. Whatever age-related requirement your vehicle meets, it must also be in “very good condition” and meet the original manufacturer's specifications. Single-day car insurance is available through the ICBC's temporary operating permit (TOP) program, which allows you to purchase coverage for up to 15 days if you need to move a car from one place to another or if you're testing a vehicle you want to buy. Get free, simple, and expert-backed advice on everything you need to know to buy your next vehicle (or make your current one last longer).
ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance is the mandatory coverage you need for a vehicle in BC, C. It helps ensure that all British Columbians who own and drive a motor vehicle here are protected with a basic level of coverage. Find out what your Basic Autoplan insurance includes. Your improved accident benefits help you, your passengers and your household members cover medical expenses, lost wages and more if you are injured in a car accident, whether you are a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, even if you are found responsible (at fault) for the accident.
Learn more about how to get medical care and treatment after an accident. If you're responsible for an accident, your optional collision coverage will cover repairs to your vehicle. If you don't have collision coverage, you're responsible for repairs. You can also add protection for unlisted drivers (UDP) to your basic automatic plan policy, which protects you from a one-time financial consequence if an unlisted driver causes an accident in your car.
As long as no driver not on the list has caused an accident in their car, UDP is free. If you file a liability claim against the person responsible for an accident and they don't have enough insurance to pay your claim, Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP) covers you. Reverse liability protection covers you in parts of Canada or the U.S. UU.
Where local laws don't allow you to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident. Your vehicle repair costs are covered by up to 100 percent (less if you were partially responsible for the accident). For example, if you were 25 percent responsible, you'll receive 75 percent of the cost of repairing your car. Remember that your Basic Autoplan insurance only covers you in Canada and the US.
Learn how to obtain or renew driver's licenses and insurance, how to train for a license, and find tips on buying or leasing a vehicle. The ICBC collects traffic tickets on behalf of the provincial government. If you have tickets, you must pay for them before renewing your driver's license or car insurance, unless they are in dispute. Make a claim if you've been in a car accident and have ICBC insurance.
The information in this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26 (c) and 27 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us evaluate and respond to your inquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Corporate Website Manager of the Government's Digital Experience Division. As an option to increase your coverage through your ICBC car insurance policy, Westland's Family Autocover offers private car coverage that may better fit your life. The RoadStar package reinforces your current car insurance policy and ensures that you're fully covered while traveling.
As an option to increase your coverage through your ICBC auto insurance policy, the ICBC RoadStar program offers expanded coverages that may be more appropriate. Family Autocover is exclusive to Westland Insurance and, as a Westland customer, you can benefit from this private car insurance package. From reducing your deductible, increasing liability and getting better wage protection coverage, you can create an auto insurance policy that reflects your identity and the use of your vehicle. .