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Auto Insurance  ·  Enhanced Care  ·  Family

Is Car Insurance Required in Vancouver?

By AP Insurance 

Are you in the market for your first or next car? Getting car insurance in Vancouver is required for all vehicles.
Here are some commonly asked questions about car insurance in Vancouver:

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What is the mandatory coverage?

In BC, you are legally required to have the ICBC Basic Autoplan coverage. This coverage ensures that you are protected with a basic level of insurance if you own or drive a vehicle in BC.

What is optional coverage?

ICBC and many private insurers offer additional, optional coverage. It provides greater peace of mind.

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Car insurance vancouver

How much does it cost?

Many variables determine your insurance premium. You can estimate your costs by using this free ICBC estimation tool. Your quote is often based on:

  • The maker/ model /year of the vehicle
  • Your driving history
  • Driving history of others driving your car
  • Anti-theft devices used
  • Where you live
  • Any discounts you qualify for
  • Your age

How can I save money on my insurance?

There are a few ways to lower your insurance premium:

  • Maintain a clean driving record
  • Choose a higher deductible
  • Drive less than 5,000 KM per year (this will save you 10%)
  • Pay for the entire year in advance (you pay a small premium for monthly payment plans)

Do I need to show an insurance decal on my car?

Until April 30, 2022, you must display a valid insurance sticker on your license plate. However, starting May 1st, ICBC is removing the requirement to show this expiration sticker on your license plate.

Is there a grace period of renewals?

No. Once your coverage expires, your vehicle is no longer covered. It is illegal to drive it unless you purchase and display a temporary insurance policy on your vehicle window.

What if I only need to drive a car for a few days?

If your vehicle is usually in a garage or storage and not being driven for most of the year, you don’t need regular vehicle insurance (although you may want to look for storage insurance). If you’re going to take the car out for short periods, you can get a Temporary Operation Permit (1-15 days) or a Short Term Autoplan Policy (3-11 months).

Where can I buy car insurance?

You can get car insurance in Vancouver through an Autoplan Broker. You may be eligible to review online for policies expiring after May 1, 2022. If you are in the Surrey area, we can get you a quote too.

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Renewing car insurance online

You can now renew your policy online for vehicle insurance renewals of May 1, 2022. Here’s what you need to know about online auto policy renewals:

When can I renew my car insurance?

You can renew online as early as 44 days prior to the expiration date of your policy.

Who can renew online?

There are some exceptions, but if you are the only owner of the vehicle and are not making any policy changes, you can renew online. 

Who can NOT renew online?

According to the ICBC website, you can not renew online if you have an expired policy, need to change optional coverages, or have outstanding debt to ICBC. You also can’t renew online if you have a:

  • jointly owned vehicle
  • leased vehicle
  • company-owned vehicle
  • motorcycle
  • collector vehicle
  • commercial policy
How do I renew online?

If eligible, you can renew online on the ICBC website.
Here’s what to expect in that process:

    1. Log in using the BC Services App (secondary login options are expected soon)
    2. Confirm your policy and coverage details
    3. Print your insurance documents and keep a copy in your vehicle.
How Can I pay online?

They accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express for full annual payment.
If you want a monthly payment plan, you’ll be given the option to enter your bank account information for preauthorized payments.

Vehicle accident and damage claims through insurance

If your vehicle is in an accident or is damaged, contact ICBC as soon as possible. The claim centre is open 24-7, and you may be eligible to file
a claim online.

Information to collect at the scene

Always collect the following information at the scene of the accident:

  • Name, phone, address, and driver’s license number of other drivers involved
  • Name of the vehicle owner(s) and plate number
  • Police file number (if applicable)
  • Name and contact information of any witnesses
  • Draw the scene to show the direction of travelling vehicles, signs, and any other relevant information 

If possible, take pictures of the scene and any damage to vehicles or property.

Car insurance vancouver

Paying or not paying a deductible

Depending on the amount of vehicle insurance you have, if you were at fault for
the damage, you will have to pay your deductible. This is usually $300-500 per
claim (your insurance premium will be higher if you want a lower deductible).
If you are not at fault, you do not need to pay any deductible. 

You can then book vehicle repairs at an approved ICBC repair shop. They will process the rest of your claim, and you pay your deductible directly to them.
Your insurance company will pay the remaining cost of the repairs directly to
the repair shop. 

If the damage to the vehicle is less than your deductible, you’re better off paying
for the repairs out of pocket. Any at-fault claims could affect your driving record
and increase your vehicle insurance premiums next year. 
 

At AP Insurance, we believe the best auto insurance program provides the right coverages, and is tailored for your specific needs and situations, without costing
you an arm and leg. Visit us one to two months before your policy expires, and
we can help you get the best possible rate.
Get a quote today.

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How Much is Car Insurance in BC?

February 10, 2023 No Comments

How much you can expect to pay for car insurance in BC Is it time to renew your car insurance? Some things have changed, and you may wonder how much you’ll need to pay this year. Thank you for reading this

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