BC Insurance System
ICBC Structure
| Component |
Provider |
| Basic Autoplan |
ICBC only (mandatory) |
| Optional coverage |
ICBC or private insurers |
Basic Autoplan Includes
| Coverage |
Amount |
| Third-party liability |
$200,000 minimum |
| Accident benefits |
Included |
| Underinsured motorist |
$1,000,000 |
| Hit-and-run injury |
Included |
| Inverse liability |
Included |
Average Costs
ICBC Basic Rates
| Driver Profile |
Annual Basic |
| Clean record, 40+ years old |
$1,200-$1,500 |
| Clean record, 25-39 |
$1,400-$1,700 |
| New driver (0-2 years) |
$2,000-$2,800 |
| Young driver (<25) |
$2,500-$3,500 |
By Region
| Area |
Relative Cost |
| Vancouver/Lower Mainland |
Highest |
| Victoria |
High |
| Interior BC |
Moderate |
| Northern BC |
Lower |
ICBC Discount System
Claims-Rated Scale (CRS)
| Years Claim-Free |
Discount |
| 1 year |
5% |
| 5 years |
25% |
| 10 years |
43% |
| 15+ years |
52% |
Driver Factor
| Experience |
Factor |
| New driver |
1.0+ (surcharge) |
| 3 years claim-free |
Lower factor |
| 10+ years claim-free |
Lowest factor |
At-Fault Claims Impact
| Situation |
Effect |
| First at-fault claim |
Lose ~20% discount |
| Second claim |
Significant increase |
| Multiple claims |
Facility coverage |
Optional Coverage
From ICBC
| Coverage |
What It Covers |
| Collision |
Damage to your vehicle |
| Comprehensive |
Theft, vandalism, weather |
| Extended third-party |
Above $200,000 liability |
| Specified perils |
Named risks only |
Recommended Liability Limits
| Amount |
For Whom |
| $200,000 |
Legal minimum (not recommended) |
| $1,000,000 |
Standard recommendation |
| $2,000,000 |
If significant assets |
| $3,000,000 |
High net worth |
Private Insurance in BC
Why Consider Private
| Reason |
Details |
| Lower optional rates |
Often 20-40% cheaper |
| Better coverage |
More options |
| Bundle discounts |
With home insurance |
| Service |
May be better |
Private Insurers
| Company |
Notes |
| BCAA |
Member benefits |
| Family Insurance |
BC-based |
| Westland Insurance |
Many locations |
| Park Insurance |
Lower Mainland |
| Capri Insurance |
BC broker |
What They Offer
| Private Coverage |
Details |
| Collision |
Your vehicle damage |
| Comprehensive |
Theft, etc. |
| Liability top-up |
Beyond ICBC basic |
| Loss of use |
Rental car |
How to Save Money
ICBC Discounts
| Discount |
Savings |
| Claim-free years |
Up to 52% |
| Anti-theft device |
5% |
| Senior discount |
Available |
| Low mileage |
Ask about it |
Other Strategies
| Strategy |
Savings |
| Shop optional coverage |
20-40% |
| Higher deductible |
10-20% |
| Bundle with home |
10-15% |
| Driver training |
Discount varies |
| Pay annually |
Avoid fees |
New Driver Graduated Licensing
Learning Stage (L)
| Requirement |
Details |
| Supervisor |
Fully licensed driver |
| Restrictions |
No alcohol, limited passengers |
| Insurance |
Often on parent’s policy |
Novice Stage (N)
| Requirement |
Details |
| Duration |
24 months minimum |
| Restrictions |
1 passenger limit |
| Insurance |
Full coverage needed |
Insurance for New Drivers
| Options |
Details |
| Parent’s policy |
Usually cheaper |
| Own policy |
Very expensive |
| Usage-based |
May help |
Enhanced Care Coverage
What Changed (2021)
| Before |
After (Enhanced Care) |
| Tort-based system |
Care-based system |
| Could sue at-fault |
Limited right to sue |
| Lower benefits |
Higher accident benefits |
Current Benefits
| Benefit |
Amount |
| Medical/rehab |
Unlimited lifetime |
| Income replacement |
90% up to $100K/year |
| Death benefit |
$300,000+ |
| Funeral |
$7,500 |
Filing a Claim
Steps
| Step |
Action |
| 1 |
Ensure safety |
| 2 |
Call police if needed |
| 3 |
Exchange information |
| 4 |
Document with photos |
| 5 |
Report to ICBC |
Reporting to ICBC
| Method |
Details |
| Online |
icbc.com |
| Phone |
1-800-910-4222 |
| In person |
ICBC claim centre |
| Timeline |
Report promptly |
Typical Insurance Package
Recommended Coverage
| Coverage |
Amount |
| ICBC Basic |
Required ($200K liability) |
| Extended liability |
$2,000,000 total |
| Collision |
$500 deductible |
| Comprehensive |
$300 deductible |
| Loss of use |
$50/day rental |
Sample Annual Cost
| Component |
Cost |
| ICBC Basic |
$1,400 |
| Optional (private) |
$600 |
| Total |
$2,000 |
BC-Specific Considerations
Winter Tires
| Requirement |
Details |
| October 1 - April 30 |
Required on many highways |
| M+S or snowflake |
Symbol required |
| Insurance |
May affect claims |
Vehicle Inspection
| When Required |
Details |
| Out-of-province |
Must inspect |
| Salvage rebuild |
Required |
| Age/condition |
May be required |