Auto Insurance – British Columbia
Looking for auto insurance in British Columbia? You’ve come to the right place – Westland is here to guide you in finding the right auto insurance policy. As your go-to Autoplan broker, we’ll help you get the coverage you need to hit the road with peace of mind.
Here’s what you need to know about ICBC renewals:
1-833-554-2886Auto insurance in British Columbia, explained
ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance is required to drive in B.C. It ensures residents who own and drive a motor vehicle in the province are protected by a basic level of coverage. It includes Accident Benefits to help recover medical costs and lost wages, coverage for Basic Vehicle Damage, Third-Party Liability, Inverse Liability coverage, as well as Underinsured Motorist Protection.
Drivers can enhance their basic protection by adding enhanced coverage to their policy through auto insurance companies in B.C. What you choose to add depends on your lifestyle and how you’ll be using your car. It’s best to speak to an advisor to review your options and for help choosing the coverage that’s right for you.
Basic coverage in B.C.
Accident Benefits coverage will kick in if you or someone else has been injured in a collision. This coverage can extend to any drivers, passengers, pedestrians or cyclists involved in the incident. Offering coverage for things like chiropractic treatments, counselling, dental care, home support and more, this is an important part of your basic auto insurance coverage.
Basic insurance plans offer up to $200,000 in coverage for vehicle damage. This covers damage to your vehicle in collisions where the other driver is responsible. Instead of recovering the cost of repairs from their insurance policy, your own policy will cover you.
This coverage protects you financially if you’re responsible for non-vehicle related property damages, such as damage to a building, business interruption, and even environmental clean-up for accidents that occur in British Columbia. It also provides you with protection if you are involved in an at-fault accident outside BC, and injure someone, or damage their vehicle. Your basic insurance plan will include $200,000 in coverage, but this limit can be increased if you opt for Extended Third Party Liability coverage.
This covers you and members of your household if you’re involved in an accident in an area that does not have a lawsuit ban if the responsible driver doesn’t have sufficient coverage. It could provide you with coverage for medical and rehabilitation costs, and lost wages in situations where you are not entitled to enhanced accident benefits.
Optional coverage in B.C.
Often mistaken as being part of your standard auto insurance in British Columbia, Collision is an optional coverage you can add for extra peace of mind. It will provide you with coverage if your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, and you’re at fault. It also provides you with coverage if your vehicle is damaged in a hit and run accident.
This coverage protects against damage or loss caused by events like fire, theft, and falling objects. For example, it’ll cover impact with animals and coverage for your windshield.
If you’re unable to use your car because of an insured loss or damage, this provides coverage for transportation replacement or a rental vehicle, up to the limit specified in your policy.
While your Basic Autoplan includes up to $200,000 in Third Party Liability coverage, but the costs of a crash could cost you more if you’re held responsible. Extended Third-Party Liability allows you to up your coverage to a limit of $5 million for added peace of mind.
Hit and Run coverage covers up to $200,000 in repairs if your car is hit by an unidentified driver. If you experience a hit and run and don’t have this coverage, you’ll be responsible for any repairs out-of-pocket.
Best suited for those with newer vehicles, this coverage will cover you for repairs with unlimited new parts from the original manufacturer. If your vehicle is irreparable, you’ll have the choice of replacing it with a new model, a different vehicle of equal value, or taking a cash payout. With this coverage you’ll also be protected from depreciation and inflation, ensuring your payout covers the full cost of a new vehicle.
Have peace of mind the next time you rent a vehicle – this optional coverage includes Third Party Liability, Enhanced Accident Benefits, Underinsured Motorist Protection, Collision, Comprehensive, and Loss of Use.
Covers your vehicle from risks like windstorms, hail, theft, fire, earthquakes, and more.
Under ICBC’s optional coverage there is a limit of $1,000 for permanently attached sound and communication equipment, for example car stereos, and $5,000 for other permanently attached equipment such as vehicle wraps, custom paint jobs, and truck canopies. If you have equipment that is valued at more than these amounts you may be able to top up your limits by purchasing extra equipment coverage.
Provide you with additional coverages that can be very beneficial. Both packages provide you with Loss of use, Rental vehicle insurance, Vehicle travel protection and Lock rekeying. The Roadside Plus package offers additional coverages including Destination assistance, theft deductible waiver, and emergency roadside expense repayment.
How much is auto insurance in British Columbia?
Premiums for auto insurance are determined by many factors including driving history, coverages selected and age and type of vehicle.
What factors determine the cost of auto insurance in British Columbia?
Your driving experience
With each year of driving experience under your belt, you’ll earn better discounts on your basic insurance.
Previous collisions
The more incidents you’ve been at fault for, the higher your insurance premium will be.
Drivers
You’ll need to list others who may drive your car. Their previous driving history will also impact the cost of your insurance in B.C.
Where you live
B.C. is divided into different territories when it comes to car insurance – how much you pay for insurance will depend on where you live and the common risks there.
Your car
Your car’s age, make, and model impacts how much you pay for optional coverages. The more costly repairs are, the more you’ll pay for insurance.
Your rate class
Your rate class is determined by how you use your car. Whether you use your vehicle for business or pleasure, it will affect how much you pay for car insurance in British Columbia.
How to save on auto insurance in British Columbia
Looking for cheap auto insurance in British Columbia? The best way to save on car insurance is to drive safely and keep a clean driving record. The more years of driving experience you have without incident will help you get a lower rate on car insurance.
If you won’t be driving all year, consider a short-term or temporary auto insurance policy in British Columbia. Short-term and temporary car insurance policies typically come with a small surcharge but save you more in the long run if you won’t be driving throughout the year.
Always be sure to ask your Autoplan broker about discounts you may be eligible for.
Discounts on British Columbia auto insurance
If you drive less than 10,000 km in a year, you can submit your odometer reading for a discount on your car insurance.
Eligible clients who drive their vehicle less than 5,000 km per year can save 10% on basic coverage.
Drivers that use their vehicle less than 10,000 km per year and have optional coverages (Extension Third Party Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, and Specified Perils) can save 10-15%.
Reduce the cost of auto insurance in British Columbia by using tech to protect your car. If you have a car with factory installed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), you could save 10% on your car insurance. This discount applies to your basic coverage, as well as some optional ones.
The more years of driving experience you have, the more you’ll save on car insurance.
Basic insurance is discounted for inexperienced drivers – but that discount can be reduced or eliminated with at-fault incidents.
If your vehicle has a factory installed or after-market passive immobilizer you may qualify for discounts on comprehensive or specified perils coverage. This discount does not apply for manual alarms or immobilizers.
Using an anti-theft device for your vehicle could also get you a $100 deductible rebate; if your properly installed and activated anti-theft device prevented your vehicle from being stolen and there’s evidence of intent to steal the vehicle, or if your vehicle is stolen and recovered, with evidence your anti-theft device was compromised.
If you’re approved for a refund under the B.C. government Fuel Tax Refund Program for Persons with Disabilities, you may be eligible for a 25% discount on your basic premium, even if you don’t drive the vehicle yourself.
Why choose Westland for your British Columbia auto insurance needs?
Expert advisors go above and beyond
Our advisors go the extra mile every step of the way and do the legwork to provide personalized auto insurance coverage in British Columbia to suit your lifestyle.
Our large network of insurers means more choice
We have a large network of auto insurance companies in British Columbia that we can tap into – guaranteeing great rates and options – so you know you’re not missing out.
Our advisors are part of your community
Westland advisors are local, so they understand the unique needs of your community. And, they’re easy to get hold of in person, over the phone, or by email.
Example of an auto insurance claim
You’re sitting at a stop light when you’re rear-ended. What now?
Parts of your car insurance policy will spring into action to help you recover:
Basic Vehicle Damage
Get your bumper repaired with coverage for Basic Vehicle Damage.
Accident Benefits
The jolt forward has left you with whiplash. Your Accident Benefits coverage can help you get the medical care you need to recover.
Loss of Use
If your car is undrivable after the incident. Coverage for Loss of Use can help you get transportation replacement or a rental vehicle while it’s being repaired.
Connect with us
Our expert advisors are waiting to help you find the perfect insurance policy.
Find a branch
Come in and speak to an advisor to get a customized policy made just for you.
Request a quote
Start an online quote at your convenience, and we’ll help you select a plan that works for you.
Areas we serve in British Columbia
FAQs about auto insurance in British Columbia
You can start a car insurance quote in B.C. online, contact us, or visit one of our branches to get started!
The best way to save on car insurance is B.C. is to maintain a clean driving record. The more years of driving experience you have without incident will help you get a lower rate on car insurance. In addition, remember to ask your broker about discounts you may be eligible for.
If you plan to lend your car to a driver that’s not listed on your car insurance policy, Unlisted Driver Protection can protect you in the event of a collision. Unlisted drivers must have a calid driver’s licence – otherwise you could face financial consequences.
ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance is required to drive in B.C. It includes Accident Benefits to help recover medical costs and lost wages, coverage for Basic Vehicle Damage, Third-Party Liability, Inverse Liability coverage, as well as Underinsured Motorist Protection.
Types of auto insurance in British Columbia
Motorcycle insurance
Offers coverage you need to drive a motorcycle, moped, or scooter on public roadways with peace of mind.
Off-road vehicle insurance
Get an off-road vehicle insurance policy for your snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, best suited for those with a taste for adventure.
Rental auto insurance
A more cost-effective alternative to getting insurance through the rental company, while still getting the protection you need.
RV insurance
With similar coverages to auto insurance, RV insurance policies also address the unique features of having a home on wheels.
Commercial auto insurance
Whether you have one commercial vehicle or a fleet, we have the commercial auto policy you need.
Optiom auto insurance
Optiom is a vehicle replacement program that helps your insurance on your new or used vehicle keep pace with the true cost of replacement.
Private car insurance
Exclusive to Westland clients, Family AutoCover provides BC drivers with extended coverage options to ensure the best overall policy and total peace of mind on the road.
Buy auto insurance in British Columbia with confidence
Shopping for auto insurance in British Columbia? Westland is your one-stop shop. Our advisors are ready and waiting to help you get coverage that goes further.
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