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:
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.
ICBC and many private insurers offer additional, optional coverage. It provides greater peace of mind.
Many variables determine your insurance premium. You can estimate your costs by using this free ICBC estimation tool. Your quote is often based on:
There are a few ways to lower your insurance premium:
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.
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.
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).
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.
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:
You can renew online as early as 44 days prior to the expiration date of your policy.
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.
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:
If eligible, you can renew online on the ICBC website.
Here’s what to expect in that process:
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.
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.
Always collect the following information at the scene of the accident:
If possible, take pictures of the scene and any damage to vehicles or property.
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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