Optional Auto Insurance
Optional Auto Insurance in BC is the portion of your car insurance that is over and above the Basic Insurance provided by ICBC. While all drivers in British Columbia must obtain their Basic Auto Insurance through ICBC, you have a choice when it comes to finding the best optional auto insurance coverage. Our offices can offer you a quote from a number of Private Auto carriers who cater to your needs and can save you money in the process.
Why Private Optional Auto Insurance?
All of our InsureBC offices offer affordable private car insurance coverage for your car, truck or motorhome through either Family Insurance or Intact Insurance; both significant Canadian insurance companies.
There may be some definite benefits to selecting a Private Optional Auto insurance carrier. While these benefits will not apply to everyone, they could include:
- Lower Premiums
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance Coverage
- Better Deductible Options
- First Accident Forgiveness
- Assistance from your Broker during the claims settlement process
Auto Insurance is Changing in BC
Starting May 1, 2021, ICBC has launched Enhanced Care Coverage. On average, drivers will save 20% on their full ICBC car insurance annual premiums and all British Columbians will have access to better care and recovery benefits if they’re hurt in an accident – regardless of who was responsible for the crash.
To find out how much you can save and to learn more about Enhanced Care and changes to your Auto Insurance visit the ICBC website.
What are Optional Auto Insurance Coverages available in BC?
| Collision | Coverage that helps pay for vehicle repairs, towing, and storage as a result of costs associated with an at-fault accident such as hitting another vehicle, object or the surface of the road. |
| Comprehensive | Pays for damage not related to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling or flying objects hitting your windshield or even impact with a domestic or wild animal, lightning, windstorm, and hail. |
| Loss of Use | Coverage that helps you stay mobile after a claim. While your vehicle’s being fixed, this covers your expenses to rent a vehicle, use taxis and take public transit. It applies from the time of your claim until such a time as your vehicle is repaired, you’re offered a settlement or you reach your limit – whichever comes first. |
| Specified Perils | Similar to Comprehensive coverage, but at a lower price, specified perils protect you from loss or damage to your vehicle from theft, fire, earthquake or explosion as well as lightning, windstorm, hail, and rising water. |
| Extended Third-Party Liability | This coverage ensures you are protected against paying for bodily injury and damage costs up to the limit of your insurance policy, should you be found responsible for a crash. This would also assist if you were held liable for damages, lost income, care expenses and more for both the other driver and their passengers. |
| Extension Underinsured Motorist Protection | If you’re in an accident where the driver at fault did not have enough insurance, this coverage will help pay for items such as medical costs, rehabilitation, and lost wages. |
| Rental Vehicle Coverage | Rental Vehicle coverage gives you and your rental car great protection at affordable rates. It typically includes third-party liability coverage, accident benefits, underinsured motorist protection, collision, comprehensive and loss of use coverage. |
| New Vehicle Protection | Three product options to help protect your new vehicle include new vehicle replacement Plus (NVR+), replacement cost coverage, or limited depreciation endorsement. |
| Specialized Coverage | Unique coverage for occasionally used and/or special vehicles, such as off-road vehicles, luxury vehicles, and vehicles in storage. |
| Additional Optional Insurance Packages | RoadStar and Roadside Plus packages combine a number of popular optional products at a great price. They give you valuable coverage at home and while you’re traveling. |
Does being in a car accident affect my car insurance premium?
For an estimate, the impact of an at-fault claim will have on future Autoplan premiums, visit the premium impact estimator.
How much does Optional Auto Insurance cost in BC?
Similar to your Basic ICBC Auto Insurance, the cost for Optional Car Insurance depends on a number of factors, including your age, driving experience, the type and use of your vehicle, the limit of coverage you purchase and the size of the deductible you select. The higher your deductible, the lower your annual premium and vice-versa. Let one of our Autoplan agents assist you with getting an accurate quote for the most suitable insurance coverage.
Need to renew your license, or book a road test?
Visit the nearest ICBC Service location to you.
How do I know if Private Auto Insurance is for me?
Get in touch with one of our 80 Autoplan locations who can assess your individual situation and help you determine whether a Private Auto Insurance carrier is for you. We’ll give you a number of car insurance quotes so that you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal. Our offices can also assist you in obtaining a quote for your home insurance, travel insurance, business insurance and a number of other insurance products. Regardless of the insurance company, we will get you the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest possible price.