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Insurance Bureau of Canada/bc/Auto/Auto Insurance

British Columbia Auto Insurance

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), a government-owned monopoly insurer, provides mandatory auto insurance. Additional coverage can be purchased from private insurers or from ICBC. The province has a tort-based system with no-fault accident benefits. 

A basic Auto plan which provides accident benefits and third party coverage must be bought from ICBC​.  ICBC’s Basic Autoplan also in​​cludes underinsured motorist, uninsured motorist and unidentified motorist protection as well as inverse liability for BC residents.

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure provides specific guidelines​ for drivers and vehicles.

What Insurance Covers

Mandatory third-party liability coverage protects an insured British Columbia driver and/or car owner in the event that someone is killed, injured or suffers property damage as a result of the driver’s negligence. Medical benefits are limited to $150,000 per person in British Columbia.

Drivers can buy more coverage to suit their needs including:

  • ​Collision coverage
  • Fire insurance
  • Theft insurance
  • Excess third party liability
  • Excess underinsured motorist protection
You can purchase additional coverage from the private insurance companies that compete for business in BC.

Looking to Insure Your Car?

Insurance coverages are subject to change.  A change in government legislation or regulations would apply to mandatory coverages. When you buy or renew auto insurance, it’s important to understand what’s currently mandatory within the province of British Columbia. 

The government requires all vehicle owners to purchase a mandatory  third-party liability of $200,000. Mandatory underinsured auto insurance coverage provides insured drivers with up to $1 million in coverage for an injury or death caused by an underinsured driver. ​