5 Things to Know About ICBC Coverage for Occasional Drivers
Can friends and family borrow your car? Does your ICBC insurance cover them? What happens if there’s an accident?
Here are 5 common questions answered about how your ICBC insurance covers other drivers.
- Does my ICBC insurance cover someone else driving my car?
Yes, your ICBC auto insurance may cover someone else driving your car, but ICBC requires that you list all regular or occasional drivers on your policy. Once listed, those drivers are fully covered under your insurance.
There is limited coverage available for unlisted drivers, but this is typically subject to penalties or additional costs if a claim occurs.
- Whose ICBC insurance is affected if a secondary or occasional driver has a claim?
If a claim occurs, the driver who was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident is the one whose driving record is impacted — but only if they are listed on the policy. For example, if a friend borrows your car and is listed as a secondary driver, their insurance history may be affected.
If the driver is not listed, you may face a penalty or reduced coverage as a result.
- If someone borrows my car, what documents do they need?
No special permission documents are required. As long as the driver has a valid driver’s licence and the vehicle contains the registration and insurance documents, they are legally permitted to drive the car.
- Would adding a second driver affect my premium?
In British Columbia, ICBC calculates premiums using a blended model. Typically, 75% of the rate is based on the primary driver’s record, while 25% is based on the secondary driver with the lowest discount.
Additional secondary drivers may be listed on the policy without further impacting your premium, depending on their driving history.
- Do I need to keep my insurance advisor up to date on who drives my car?
Yes. If there are household drivers who regularly use your vehicle but are not listed on your policy, you could face significant penalties or even have a claim denied.
If you know a friend or family member will be driving your car during the policy term, make sure they are properly listed as a secondary driver on your ICBC policy.
