How to Renew Your ICBC Auto Insurance in 2025
In British Columbia, all drivers must carry Basic Autoplan insurance through ICBC. Renewing your insurance on time ensures you stay protected and legally covered. Whether you renew online, by phone, or with a Western broker, taking a few extra minutes to review your coverage could save you money and ensure you’re getting the protection you actually need.
What’s New for ICBC in 2025
Each year, ICBC makes small changes that can affect how you renew your policy and how much you pay. Here’s what’s new for 2025:
- Rebates for eligible policyholders: Many British Columbians received an ICBC rebate in 2025, helping offset insurance costs.
- Distance-based discounts continue: If you drive less, you may qualify for lower premiums on both Basic and Optional coverages. Keep your odometer photos ready at renewal.
- Expanded online renewal options: More drivers can now renew online, including those with simple policy structures or single-owner vehicles.
- No more decals: Vehicle insurance decals have been discontinued — just keep your printed insurance documents in your car.
When and How to Renew
You can renew your ICBC insurance up to 44 days before your policy expires. Renewing early doesn’t shorten your coverage; your new policy automatically starts the day after your old one ends. ICBC will send you a renewal reminder by mail or email, but it’s always best to plan ahead so you don’t experience a lapse in coverage.
What to Have Ready Before You Renew
- Your driver’s licence and date of birth
- Your vehicle’s licence plate or VIN
- Your current odometer reading (and, if applicable, your previous one)
- Your preferred payment method (credit card, debit, or pre-authorized payments)
- Details about any changes you want to make — such as new drivers, different coverage limits, or updated vehicle use
Renewing Online: Quick and Convenient
ICBC’s online renewal system allows you to renew your insurance quickly from the comfort of home. It’s ideal for standard policies where the vehicle has only one owner and no major changes are needed. The process typically takes less than 10 minutes.
Who Can Renew Online
- Single-owner private passenger vehicles
- Personal-use cars and light trucks (not used for delivery or ridesharing)
- Policies that don’t require changes to ownership or vehicle type
How It Works
- Log in to ICBC’s renewal page using your BC Services Card.
- Review your current coverage and make any small adjustments.
- Upload or enter your odometer reading for distance-based discounts.
- Select your payment method — one-time payment or instalments.
- Print your insurance documents and keep a paper copy in your vehicle.
Even when you renew online, your renewal is reviewed by a licensed Western broker who will contact you if anything needs attention.
Renewing with a Broker: Personalized Expertise
Working directly with a Western insurance expert ensures your renewal is accurate and tailored to your needs. Your broker can help find discounts, explain coverage options, and confirm that you’re protected from every angle.
Why Renew with a Broker
- Joint ownership: If your vehicle has more than one owner, you’ll need a broker to process the renewal.
- Custom coverage: Brokers can recommend optional coverages such as Extended Third Party Liability, Collision, or Comprehensive protection.
- Changes in use: If your driving habits have changed — for example, if you now use your car for business — your broker will make sure your policy reflects that.
- Personalized advice: Brokers can explain how to lower your deductible, adjust your coverage, or combine discounts to save money.
You can renew by visiting your nearest Western branch, calling your local advisor, or filling out Western’s online ICBC form to start the process.
Understanding Your Coverage
Basic Autoplan Coverage
Basic Autoplan is the mandatory insurance every driver in B.C. must have. It includes:
- Third-Party Liability: Covers injury or property damage you cause to others (minimum $200,000).
- Accident Benefits: Helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation if you’re injured in a crash.
- Underinsured Motorist Protection: Protects you if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
- Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Offers protection if you’re hit by an uninsured or unidentified driver.
Optional ICBC Coverages
Optional coverages allow you to enhance your protection and reduce out-of-pocket costs after an accident or loss:
- Extended Third-Party Liability: Increases your protection above the $200,000 basic limit — often up to $5 million or more.
- Collision: Covers damage to your vehicle from crashes, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive: Covers damage from fire, theft, vandalism, or weather events.
- Specified Perils: Covers specific risks like fire or theft, often at a lower premium.
- Loss of Use: Covers rental vehicle costs while your car is being repaired.
Ways to Pay for Your ICBC Renewal
- Full payment: Pay the entire premium at once by credit card or debit.
- ICBC Autoplan Payment Plan: Spread payments monthly or quarterly. The plan has low interest and lets you choose your payment date. Staying current avoids interruptions to optional coverages.
Discounts and Ways to Save
- Distance-Based Discounts: If you drive fewer than 5,000 kilometres per year, you may qualify for up to 10% off Basic Autoplan. Optional coverages may offer similar savings if you drive under 15,000 kilometres annually.
- Experienced Driver Discounts: Safe drivers with a good record may qualify for lower premiums over time.
- Advanced Safety Technology: Vehicles equipped with features like automatic emergency braking may receive additional discounts.
- Senior and Disability Discounts: Drivers 65+ or with qualifying disabilities can ask about reduced rates.
Your Western broker can confirm which discounts apply to you and ensure they’re added before your renewal is processed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing
- Waiting too long: Always renew early to avoid a lapse in coverage.
- Forgetting odometer readings: Without proof of mileage, you may miss valuable low-kilometre discounts.
- Wrong vehicle use: If you use your car for business or delivery, make sure your policy reflects that.
- Not listing all drivers: All household drivers should be correctly added to your policy.
- Skipping optional coverage: Removing too much coverage can leave you exposed to costly repairs or lawsuits.
- Late payments: Missing instalments can suspend optional protection.
- No printed documents: Keep a paper copy of your renewed insurance in your vehicle at all times.
FAQs About ICBC Renewals
How early can I renew my ICBC insurance?
You can renew up to 44 days before your current policy expires.
Can I renew my ICBC insurance online?
Yes. Most single-owner vehicles qualify for online renewal. If you have a jointly owned vehicle or more complex changes, a broker can help complete your renewal.
Do I still need a decal for my licence plate?
No. Decals have been discontinued. Just keep your printed insurance documents in your car.
What payment options do I have?
You can pay in full or choose the Autoplan payment plan for monthly or quarterly instalments.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you’re on a payment plan, contact your broker immediately. Late payments can lead to cancelled optional coverages or restrictions on future payment plans.
How do I qualify for the distance-based discount?
Provide a clear photo of your odometer at renewal and again at the end of the term. ICBC will calculate your total annual kilometres to determine eligibility.
Can I change my coverages at renewal?
Yes. You can adjust your deductible, increase your liability limit, or add optional protection at renewal time.
Renew with Confidence
Whether you prefer to renew online or through your local broker, Western makes renewing your ICBC insurance simple and stress-free. Our licensed insurance experts will confirm your discounts, review your coverage, and make sure you’re fully protected for the year ahead.
