Can I Buy Optional Car Coverage from Private Insurers in B.C.?
Yes, you can buy optional car insurance that supplements your mandatory ICBC Basic Autoplan from private insurers in British Columbia.
Buying from a private B.C. insurer allows you to shop around and compare quotes for optional collision and comprehensive coverages, among others. Doing this should help you save money.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate business, car, and home insurance during this period of economic uncertainty. You can buy your optional B.C. car insurance coverages from Western.
What are optional car insurance coverages in British Columbia?
Did you know? You can buy optional car insurance coverages from Western Financial Group in B.C. Western is an authorized ICBC broker and we can also help you renew your ICBC insurance.
Collision insurance
Optional collision auto coverage in B.C. pays for repairing or replacing your own vehicle after a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
What does this include? This includes accidents where you hit another vehicle, hit a stationary object like a wall, pole, or building, or if your vehicle rolls over. Collision coverage can also apply in situations involving a hit-and-run if the other driver cannot be identified.
The costs covered include repairs to your vehicle, towing, and storage resulting from the accident once you pay your chosen deductible.
Without optional collision coverage, you would need to pay for these costs yourself if you are at fault or cannot find the responsible driver.
In British Columbia, collision coverage is separate from comprehensive coverage, which covers other perils like theft, vandalism, and fire.
Comprehensive insurance
In British Columbia, comprehensive car insurance is optional coverage that protects your car from damage caused by incidents other than collisions with another vehicle.
What does comprehensive insurance cover?
- Theft or attempted theft of your vehicle
- Vandalism, including break-ins and property damage that isn't caused by a collision
- Weather-related damages, such as hail, windstorms, flooding, or wildfire
- Fire or explosion
- Falling objects, like tree branches or debris.
- Animal collisions: If you hit a deer or other wildlife
- Windshield and glass damage, including repairs or replacements.
What comprehensive insurance does not cover
- Damage from a collision with another vehicle (covered under collision insurance)
- Normal wear and tear or mechanical failure
- Items stolen from inside the vehicle; they are typically covered under home or tenant insurance
Extended third-party liability
You can increase your liability coverage above the $200,000 minimum provided by basic mandatory insurance, often up to $5 million or more.
Did you know that you can save up to $600 on car and home insurance with Western?
What are other optional coverages for my B.C. vehicle from a private insurer?
Specified perils
Specified perils covers specific risks like fire, theft, lightning, earthquake, and certain types of weather, as named in the policy.
Replacement cost or limited depreciation coverage
It protects against the reduction in vehicle value over time, letting you replace a new vehicle with one of similar value if it's written off within a certain period.
Hit-and-run coverage
Hit-and-run coverage pays for repair or replacement if your vehicle is damaged by a hit-and-run driver, separate from collision.
Loss of use (rental vehicle coverage)
This type of coverage helps pay for a rental car or alternate transportation if your car is being repaired after a covered claim.
Income top-up
This coverage enhances the income replacement benefit provided by the Enhanced Care system for those unable to work after a crash.
Unlisted driver protection
It offers protection if an unlisted driver is using your vehicle and is involved in a crash.
Roadside assistance
It’s not part of ICBC standard options, but some private insurers offer enhanced roadside assistance programs for towing, battery boosts, and more.
New vehicle protection
It provides full replacement of a new vehicle with a similar one if it is written off within a defined period.
A Western Financial Group insurance expert will help you complete your ICBC renewal
When you renew through a Western Financial Group broker, you’ll receive local, personalized advice from car insurance experts who understand ICBC.
Why choose a broker
Joint ownership renewals: If your vehicle is jointly owned, a broker must complete your renewal.
Tailored advice: Our Western Financial Group insurance experts can walk you through optional coverages like extended third-party liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance coverages.
Changed driving habits: If you’ve started using your vehicle for commuting or business, your broker will ensure your car insurance coverage reflects your new use.
Maximize your savings: An insurance broker at Western can review discounts, coverage bundles, and deductible options to fit your budget.
Visit your nearest Western Financial Group B.C. branch, call your local advisor, or complete our quick online form to begin your ICBC renewal today.
What does basic mandatory ICBC coverage include?
Basic Autoplan is required for all drivers B.C. drivers:
Third-party liability: Covers injury or property damage to others if you’re at fault in a crash (minimum $200,000).
Accident benefits: Provides coverage for medical treatment, recovery, and lost income after an accident.
Underinsured motorist Protection: Protects you and your household if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Uninsured or hit-and-run coverage: Covers accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers.
Final thoughts
Western Financial Group makes it easy for you to buy optional car insurance in B.C. or to renew your ICBC policy. Western’s knowledgeable car insurance experts across British Columbia, from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island to the Okanagan and the North, will review your options, apply eligible discounts, and ensure your coverage meets your lifestyle at the right value for you.
5 FAQs
What happens if I renew my ICBC insurance after its expiry date?
If you wait to renew your ICBC insurance past your expiry date it could result in a coverage gap. Basic mandatory Autoplan insurance does not automatically renew. Could you afford to take that kind of risk with your B.C. car insurance?
Do I still need to put a sticker on my B.C. license plate?
No, license plate stickers are a thing of the past. You will need to keep your printed B.C. insurance documents in your vehicle as proof of coverage.
Can I keep my ICBC insurance on my phone?
No, you cannot use a digital copy of your ICBC insurance on your phone as legal proof while driving in British Columbia. In B.C., you must carry the original or an unaltered photocopy of the owner's certificate of insurance and vehicle license in your vehicle. While some provinces have moved to digital proof, B.C. law still requires a physical document.
Is renewing ICBC online easy?
For many standard policies with a single registered owner, renewing online is a quick and easy way to renew without visiting a branch. Most customers can complete their renewal in less than 10 minutes.
What do I need to do before renewing my ICBC insurance?
You will need:
- Your B.C. driver’s license and date of birth
- Your plate number or VIN
- Your odometer reading (and, if possible, your previous one for comparison)
- Your chosen payment method (credit card, debit, or pre-authorized payment)
- Any policy updates, such as adding drivers, adjusting deductibles, or changing vehicle use
