Our expert discusses Western advantages and ICBC Autoplan FAQs (Part 2)

April 23, 2021

Jennifer Reeve is our Manager of BC Auto Sales at Western Financial Group. Putting customer care first has helped our team rank among the top 5 Autoplan brokers in British Columbia. From ongoing training to adapting to offer more digital service options, we’re the ICBC experts you need for life on the road.

As discussed in Part 1 of our ICBC series, it’s important for customers to know that all policies within British Columbia will switch to the new ICBC Enhanced Care insurance program as of May 1, 2021.

Enhanced Care aims to significantly improve care and medical benefits regardless who was at fault. The new allowance will be 24 times what was previously available — up to $7.5 million — and customers involved in collisions within BC can use this to pay for their medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I still need to buy collision coverage? I heard Basic will include this May 1

Basic Vehicle Damage coverage only comes into play if you aren’t at fault in the collision, and it’s not a hit and run. So yes, you should still look at protecting your own vehicle with Collision and Comprehensive. If you have a loan on your vehicle, the financial institutions will require you to have coverage. If you are at fault, you need your own collision coverage to have your car fixed.

Why do I need Liability after May 1?

Under the new Enhanced Care program, you will no longer be able to sue for bodily injury and vehicle damage in British Columbia. People can still sue for non-vehicle damage. For instance, you could hit a hydro pole and the resulting power surge could damage many homes and businesses. You could be sued for all these repairs/or resulting losses. Conversely, if you are forced into a building after a collision, the building repairs will come under your third-party liability. Protect yourself and your drivers, and ensure you purchase at least $5 million. Traveling outside of British Columbia is a huge financial exposure, as other provinces are still tort provinces where people can sue for bodily injury and vehicle damage. Your Western insurance experts can review all your options, including an umbrella policy, to provide you even further coverage at a reasonable cost outside of just your vehicle.

Did you know?

It’s considered a collision claim when you strike a pothole and damage your vehicle.

If you carry a $300 comprehensible deductible and your front windshield is damaged, you will only have to pay a $200 deductible.

Any equipment that is permanently attached, you are covered for up to $5,000 on a rate group vehicle (ie. car, light pickup truck). Plus, $1,000 for sound and communication equipment not supplied by the manufacturer. Any equipment attached to your vehicle to make it wheelchair accessible is covered.

ATV Coverage

ICBC will register your ATV and offer you liability for when you unload and load in a parking lot or highway. Avoid a potentially costly fine for having “no Insurance.” Forest Service Roads require a minimum $200,000. We can help you with our competitive private insurance policy.

Savings

Ask us about extra discounts on your insurance: