ICBC Autoplan renewal in BC: Basic coverage, optional insurance and what you can compare

In British Columbia, every vehicle needs ICBC Basic Autoplan, and only ICBC sells it. What you can compare at renewal is the optional coverage: extra third-party liability, collision, comprehensive and add-ons such as loss of use, which can come from ICBC or from a private insurer. Your renewal decision therefore has two parts: renew Basic (and check your driver details and discount position), then decide which optional coverage you need and who should sell it to you.

This guide explains both parts, the Enhanced Care injury model in force since 1 May 2021, and how to compare optional quotes. Prices in examples are illustrative.

What Basic Autoplan includes

Basic Autoplan is the compulsory package. It includes, among other things:

Third-party liability of $200,000, for damage you cause to other people's property and claims made against you, including outside BC;
Enhanced Care accident benefits for injuries, paid regardless of fault;
Underinsured motorist protection, uninsured motorist protection and hit-and-run coverage within ICBC's terms.

Basic does not pay to repair your own vehicle after a crash you caused, or for theft, vandalism or glass. That is optional collision and comprehensive coverage. Check ICBC's current description of Basic before relying on any limit.

Enhanced Care in plain terms

Since 1 May 2021, BC uses a care-based model. If you are injured in a crash, ICBC pays care and recovery benefits and income replacement directly, whoever caused the crash, and the right to sue for injuries is removed except in limited situations. Disputes over many accident benefit decisions can go to an internal review and to the Civil Resolution Tribunal. For a complex injury claim, ask a lawyer whether any exception applies to you.

Optional coverage: what to compare

Optional coverage	What it does	Questions to ask
Extended third-party liability	Raises liability above the $200,000 in Basic, commonly to $1 million, $2 million or more	Is $200,000 enough if you hit a luxury vehicle or cause damage outside BC?
Collision	Repairs your vehicle after a crash you cause or a single-vehicle crash	Deductible? Value of the vehicle?
Comprehensive	Theft, fire, vandalism, glass, hail, animals	Separate glass deductible?
Loss of use / rental	A replacement vehicle while yours is repaired	Daily limit and maximum days
Replacement cost for new vehicles	Pays for a new vehicle rather than depreciated value in the first years	Eligibility by vehicle age and kilometres
Roadside and travel extras	Varies by seller	Overlap with a roadside plan you already have

Most BC drivers buy extended liability well above $200,000. A collision with a newer vehicle or a multi-vehicle crash with injuries outside the province can produce claims far above that amount.

Driver-based discounts and listed drivers

Since 2019, ICBC prices coverage partly on the experience and claims of the drivers you list, not only the owner. The principal operator and all listed drivers count. An at-fault claim by any driver affects that driver's own position on ICBC's discount scale and the vehicle's premium. Check your renewal for:

every person who drives the vehicle, including household members;
the principal operator, who should be the person who drives it most;
each driver's years of driving experience and claims.

If someone drives the vehicle who is not listed and has a crash, ICBC may charge an additional amount. Listing a driver who drives rarely may add little or nothing; leaving off a regular driver can be costly. Ask your Autoplan broker or ICBC how the current rules work.

Worked example: comparing optional coverage (illustrative)

A Kelowna household renews a 2021 crossover worth about $28,000. Basic is the same whatever they choose for optional coverage. Optional quotes:

Option	Liability	Collision deductible	Comprehensive deductible	Annual optional premium
ICBC optional	$3 million	$500	$300	$1,040
Private insurer X	$2 million	$500	$500	$955
Private insurer Y	$3 million	$1,000	$500	$880

Step 1, match the limit: insurer X offers $2 million against $3 million elsewhere. Ask X for a $3 million price; suppose it is $975.

Step 2, test an at-fault collision with $6,000 of damage:

ICBC: $1,040 + $500 = $1,540
X: $975 + $500 = $1,475
Y: $880 + $1,000 = $1,880

Step 3, test a theft claim: comprehensive deductibles are $300, $500 and $500.

With no claim, Y is cheapest by $95 against X. With one at-fault collision, X is cheapest. The quote comparison tool runs these tests with your own figures. Also ask each seller how a claim on optional coverage affects your future price with them.

How renewal works in practice

ICBC sends a renewal reminder before your expiry date. Renew through an Autoplan broker or ICBC's online and phone channels where available.
Confirm vehicle use (pleasure, commute, business) and annual distance where asked.
If you buy optional coverage from a private insurer, make sure it starts on the same day as Basic so there is no gap.
Keep proof of insurance with the vehicle.

Common BC mistakes

Buying only Basic and assuming $200,000 is enough liability.
Not listing a teenager who drives regularly.
Choosing a private optional policy without checking it covers the same items (loss of use, glass, rental vehicle).
Letting Basic lapse while the vehicle is stored: if you drive it, you are uninsured. Ask about storage options instead.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy collision and comprehensive from a private insurer while keeping ICBC Basic?

Yes. Optional coverage can be bought from ICBC or from private insurers that sell in BC. Basic must come from ICBC.

Who regulates ICBC's rates?

ICBC's Basic rates are reviewed by the BC Utilities Commission. Private insurers selling optional coverage are supervised by the BC Financial Services Authority.

Does Enhanced Care mean I can never sue?

The right to sue for injuries is largely removed, with limited exceptions set in law. If you have a serious injury, ask a lawyer whether any exception applies.

What happens to my discount after an at-fault claim?

Your position on ICBC's discount scale usually drops, and it can take several claim-free years to recover. Ask ICBC to show you the effect before deciding whether to claim a small amount.

More guides

Sources

ICBC — Basic Autoplan, optional coverage, Enhanced Care
BC Utilities Commission — review of ICBC Basic rates
BC Financial Services Authority — supervision of private insurers in BC
Civil Resolution Tribunal — disputes about accident benefits and certain claims
Insurance Council of British Columbia — licensing of insurance agents and brokers