Auto Insurance

In British Columbia, all vehicle owners are required by law to purchase basic auto insurance from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Vehicle owners may also purchase additional coverage, such as extended liability, collision, and comprehensive plans. Fill out the Autoplan Quick Quote Form to receive a quote by email.

Auto Insurance FAQ's and Tips

• Question: How can I pay for my car insurance?
  Answer: We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Direct Payment/Interac, Cash & Personal cheques. Monthly Financing is also available for those who qualify.
• Question: What is the shortest term of Auto Insurance I can buy?
  Answer: You may purchase a policy from 3 months to a year. Temporary Operating Permits are also available from 1 to 15 days.
• Question: Can I buy coverage for a rented vehicle?
  Answer: Yes. We have three options available:
  • Stand alone rental vehicle coverage costs $10 per day with a $20 minimum premium covering you anywhere in Canada or the United States with a $300 deductible through ICBC.
  • If you have a vehicle in your name with an active plate and need rental vehicle coverage for a longer period of time, you can add roadstar package or roadside plus through ICBC which includes rental vehicle coverage. The cost for a year is similar to the cost of a few days of stand alone rental vehicle coverage. (Prices vary based on your history with ICBC.)
  • If coverage for a rented vehicle is needed for a vehicle that will be used outside of Canada and the United States we have a private company, named TUGO, that will provide such coverage.
• Question: Can I phone in my change of address for Autoplan?
  Answer: Yes. Certain transactions including a change of address can now be done by phone and email. To update the address on your driver's licence you can do this online, by phone or at a driver's licensing office.
• Question: Can I find out the Black Book value of a vehicle?
  Answer: Yes. Simply call or e-mail your request to us. Let us know the year, make, model, trim, and accessories of your vehicle.
• Question: What's included in the Roadstar Package?
  Answer:
  • Loss of Use - Up to $900 - Provides transportation if you can't use your vehicle after a claim.
  • Rental Vehicle Coverage - $1M liability, $300 deductible - Protects you when you're renting a vehicle or using a courtesy car.
  • Vehicle Travel Protection - Helps cover unexpected expenses due to a claim while travelling.
  • Lock Rekeying - Up to $500 less the deductible - If your keys are stolen.
• Question: What's included in Roadside Plus?
  Answer:
  • Loss of Use - Up to $1200 - Provides transportation if you can't use your vehicle after a claim.
  • Rental Vehicle Coverage - $2M liability, $300 deductible - Protects you when you're renting a vehicle or using a courtesy car.
  • Vehicle Travel Protection - Helps cover unexpected expenses due to a claim while travelling.
  • Lock Rekeying - Up to $1000, no deductible - If your keys are stolen.
  • Emergency Roadside Expense Repayment - Up to $50 twice in a policy term - For vehicle emergencies like breakdowns, locked-in keys, and flat tires.
  • Family Worldwide Transportation - Helps reimburse travel costs for your immediate family members if you're severely injured in a crash. Now included in the basic insurance
  • Theft Deductible Waiver - Eliminates the deductible if your vehicle is stolen or shows obvious signs of an attempted theft.
  • Destination Assistance - Reimburses up to $100 to help you get where you're going immediately after a collision, theft, or vandalism incident.
• Question: If I'm from out of province do I need proof of my claim free driving record to get a safe driving discount?
  Answer: No, you no longer need to bring proof of your claim free status to a broker. This is now handled by ICBC Service Centre when you get your driver's license. You'll need to bring two pieces of identification and to prove your driving history you'll need one of:
  • A current driver's licence (if the issue date shown is the date of your first licence)
  • an international driving permit (not expired more than five years) and its corresponding driver's licence (this permit is required if your current licence is not in English)
  • an original driver's abstract
  • a letter of experience from the licensing authority that issued your first licence (not a learner's licence).
  If you do not have a BC driver's licence you will be charged a much higher premium for your insurance.
• Question: Is my ICBC Autoplan valid world wide?
  Answer: No. ICBC Autoplan only covers you in Canada and the United States.
• Question: I just brought my vehicle into British Columbia. What inspections are required?
  Answer: You need a mechanical inspection at an authorized inspection facility. Map of inspection facilities.
  Exceptions:
  • new vehicles purchased from a B.C. dealer
  • new cars, light trucks, and vans purchased from a new car dealer in another Canadian jurisdiction
  • new vehicles purchased from a U.S. dealer or manufacturer
  • vehicles with a net weight of 3,501 kg or more
  • low speed (electric) vehicles
  • utility trailer and commercial trailer
  • motorcycle
  • implements of husbandry
  • B.C. registered vehicles sold in another jurisdiction, but not registered outside B.C.
  • eligible vehicles imported to B.C. from Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba via the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA)
    • the model year of the vehicle must be four years old or less, or
    • must have passed a provincial vehicle safety inspection in the previous jurisdiction within the last 90 days
  • various off road vehicle and industrial vehicles