Car Insurance in British Columbia Starts with ICBC

If you drive in B.C., you already know that ICBC’s Autoplan is mandatory for every driver. What many people don’t realize, though, is that ICBC’s basic insurance only provides the minimum level of coverage required by law. That may not be enough to fully protect you, your vehicle, or your finances after an accident.

That’s where Western Financial Group comes in. As a licensed ICBC Autoplan broker across the B.C. mainland, we help you go beyond basic coverage by offering ICBC optional car insurance and a wide range of private auto insurance options. Our brokers work with leading insurance partners throughout B.C. to make sure you get the right coverage at the right value.

Whether you’re in Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Abbotsford, or anywhere across the mainland, Western’s local brokers make it simple to renew, compare, and customize your policy. From extended third-party liability and collision coverage to comprehensive protection and loss of use coverage, we’ll help you understand exactly what your ICBC Autoplan covers, and where additional protection can give you greater peace of mind.

What is ICBC Autoplan Insurance

In British Columbia, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the public insurer that provides basic car insurance, known as Autoplan. Every vehicle registered in B.C. must have an ICBC Autoplan policy, which includes:

• Third-party liability (up to $200,000)
• Accident benefits
• Uninsured motorist protection
• Hit-and-run protection
• Inverse liability coverage

However, basic Autoplan coverage is limited, and it may not fully cover vehicle repairs, replacement costs, or major third-party claims. That’s why many B.C. drivers choose to purchase ICBC optional coverage or additional protection from private insurers through a broker like Western Financial Group.

Beyond the mandatory ICBC policy, there are many optional and extended coverages that can give you greater protection for yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. At Western Financial Group, we recommend exploring these options to ensure your auto insurance fits your specific needs and lifestyle.

Whether you want to increase your liability limits, lower your deductible, or add income replacement and enhanced accident benefits, you can customize your policy based on how you use your vehicle, whether that’s for your daily commute, weekend road trips, or family transportation.

We also work with a variety of private insurance providers to offer extension coverages that go beyond what ICBC provides. While your basic Autoplan must be purchased through ICBC, optional coverages through Western’s trusted insurance partners can include features and add-ons not available from ICBC alone, giving you more choice, flexibility, and control over your coverage.

Across the B.C. mainland, from Kelowna and Kamloops to Prince George and Abbotsford, Western’s licensed brokers are here to help you compare options and find the right combination of ICBC and private auto insurance coverage that fits your lifestyle and budget.

What’s Included in ICBC Basic Autoplan Coverage?

Every driver in British Columbia must carry ICBC Basic Autoplan coverage — it’s the law. This mandatory policy provides essential protection for you and others on the road, but it only covers the basics. Here’s what’s included in ICBC’s Basic Autoplan:

Accident Benefits

If you’re injured in a crash — whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist — Accident Benefits coverage helps pay for medical and recovery expenses, such as:

• Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments
• Counseling and psychological support
• Dental care and rehabilitation
• Home support services if you can’t perform daily tasks
• Wage loss replacement and recovery benefits

Third-Party Liability (up to $200,000)

This coverage protects you if you’re found responsible for damage to another person’s property or vehicle. It can also help cover:

• Property damage, such as hitting a storefront or fence
• Business interruption losses caused by an accident
• Environmental cleanup costs resulting from a collision
• Legal liability if you’re at fault in a crash outside of B.C.

Note: The $200,000 limit is the legal minimum. Many B.C. drivers choose to increase this through Extended Third-Party Liability coverage for added peace of mind.

Underinsured Motorist Protection

If you’re seriously injured in a crash caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance, this protection helps cover:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages and income replacement
• Funeral expenses and survivor benefits

Hit-and-Run Protection

Provides coverage of up to $200,000 if your vehicle is damaged by an unidentified or uninsured driver within B.C. Without this coverage, you could be responsible for repair or replacement costs.

At Western Financial Group, our brokers can help you understand the details of your ICBC Basic Autoplan and explore optional and private insurance coverages to ensure you’re fully protected on the road.

Optional ICBC & Private Car Insurance Coverages in BC

Basic Autoplan does not cover damage to your own vehicle, even in at-fault accidents. That is why many B.C. drivers choose to enhance their protection with ICBC Optional insurance or extension policies through private insurers.

At Western Financial Group, our licensed brokers help you tailor your coverage with the following important add-ons:

Collision Coverage

Protects your vehicle if you are at fault in a crash or involved in a hit-and-run. This coverage pays for repair or replacement costs so you do not have to pay out of pocket after an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers damage from unexpected events other than a collision, including:

• Fire, theft, and vandalism
• Impact with animals such as deer
• Windshield damage
• Falling objects, floods, and natural disasters

Extended Third-Party Liability (up to $5 million)

Increases your liability coverage beyond the basic $200,000 limit. Serious accidents can lead to costly damage or legal claims, so higher limits offer greater peace of mind and financial protection.

Loss of Use

If your vehicle is being repaired after an insured claim, this optional coverage helps pay for:

• A rental car
• Taxi fares or public transportation
• Ride-sharing services

New Vehicle Replacement Protection

Ideal for newer vehicles. This option helps you maintain full value protection by covering:

• Replacement with a new model or a cash payout if your vehicle is written off
• Repairs with brand-new OEM parts
• Protection against depreciation and inflation

Special Equipment Coverage

If your vehicle has permanently installed upgrades such as sound systems, wraps, custom rims, canopies, or performance parts, additional coverage can protect their value. You can increase limits for:

• Custom paint, wraps, and decals
• Truck bed liners, lift kits, and winches
• High-value stereo or communication systems

Comprehensive Travel and Rental Packages

Planning to rent a car or drive outside the province? These optional packages bundle multiple protections into one convenient policy, including:

• Third-party liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
• Rental vehicle protection
• Emergency roadside assistance and lock rekeying
• Travel coverage for out-of-province trips

Your Western Financial Group broker can help you review your ICBC Autoplan and optional coverages to make sure you are fully protected for how you drive.

Not Sure What Coverage Is Right for You?

At Western Financial Group, we understand that auto insurance in B.C. can feel complicated, especially when you are trying to understand the difference between ICBC’s Basic Autoplan and optional coverages.

That is where we can help.

Our experienced brokers make it simple. Whether you are renewing your ICBC policy, purchasing your first vehicle, or looking to enhance your protection, we will guide you through every option clearly and confidently.

We will help you:

• Understand what your ICBC Basic Autoplan includes and where additional coverage can help
• Compare optional ICBC coverages and private insurance options for better protection
• Choose the right deductible, limits, and add-ons based on your vehicle, lifestyle, and budget
• Find opportunities to bundle and save with your car and home insurance
• Get personal advice and support from a local Western broker who lives and works in your community

With Western Financial Group, you are not just getting a policy. You are getting a trusted partner who is here to help you feel confident and protected every time you drive.