British Columbia Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in British Columbia"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the province of British Columbia?

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in British Columbia?

British Columbia has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways.

To adhere to British Columbia's auto insurance rules, you must...

In British Columbia, your insurance is provided through a government run insurance company called the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). You must maintain the government’s “Basic” insurance coverage meeting the minimum insurance requirements or greater. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice, although in British Columbia the insurer is required to give thirty days notice of renewal, before a policy expires.

1. In British Columbia, the system is pure no fault insurance, which means there is no right to sue for injury, pain, suffering, medical or economic expenses, and property damages. This means you are entitled to a standard, pre-established set of benefits, so if you need additional financial support, after your settlement, you cannot sue for more.

In British Columbia, the government insurance (ICBC) will cover you for up to $200,000.00 in court for a legal settlement. If your settlement is more than $200,000.00 by the courts, your insurance company will pay no more than $20,000.00 towards the property damage portion.

2. In British Columbia, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. If you are in an accident and you are not wearing your seat belt, which is mandatory in British Columbia, your insurance could be void and you would be responsible for all damages that occur.

Used Cars in British Columbia

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: How do i get an online auto insurance quote in British Columbia??

Answer: http://www.icbc.com/ Try there first.

Question: What is better and cheaper for Auto Insurance in BC vs. Alberta?
I'm purchasing a new car, and i'm currently in British Columbia, i have two residences, one in BC and one in Alberta as i go to school in Alberta. I'm wondering what should i do with insurance would it be better to insure it under BC or Alberta?

Answer: British Columbia has better rates.

Question: Has anyone used Canadian Direct Insurance and experienced any issues or problems?
They offer great rates for auto insurance but before considering switching to them I'm curious as to whether other people in Alberta or British Columbia have had pleasant or unpleasant experiences with them.

Answer: I don't know anything about that particular company, but you could probably check their stability with A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's. Does your province have an Insurance Regulator? You may be able to check with them for consumer complaints against the company.

Get Insurance for another state/province