Rev up your ICBC coverage with Western Coast's motorcycle insurance that, frankly, can't be beat

July 31, 2025

Sabrina Langston is our Western Coast Insurance Services’ branch manager for our Clayton Crossing and Langley locations in British Columbia. She is a trusted, licensed expert with over two decades of experience helping customers find the right motorcycle insurance in B.C.

Could you explain the benefits and advantages of choosing Western Coast?

What makes it exciting at Western Coast is that our insurance advisors go above and beyond for all your insurance needs. We want customers to know we genuinely care about protecting them. The level of experience at Western Coast is rare in this industry — we have tenured staff members with 5 to 20+ years in insurance.

Having worked with other agencies, I can confidently say our Western Coast motorcycle product can’t be beat when it comes to coverage and pricing available in British Columbia. We’re also there when our clients need us most, with access to our in-house claims department and the championship service they provide.

Could you explain the basics of motorcycle insurance in British Columbia?

If you take a motorcycle on any road or highway in British Columbia, you are legally required to carry a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability through ICBC. Your standard ICBC Autoplan motorcycle policy includes this $200,000 liability.

However, there are strong advantages to increasing your liability coverage up to $5 million, particularly to protect yourself from non-vehicle damage or when travelling outside of British Columbia.

We also remind customers that ICBC moved to its Enhanced Care model, which significantly improved medical and care benefits regardless of fault. This applies to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

You can also purchase optional coverages such as collision, comprehensive, and emergency roadside coverage for your motorcycle through ICBC.

Your ICBC policy also provides coverage when travelling elsewhere in Canada or the United States (Mexico excluded). Under Enhanced Care, you may still sue for non-vehicle damage, though not for bodily injury within British Columbia. When travelling to “tort” provinces, the right to sue for bodily injury and vehicle damage still exists — another key reason to consider $5 million in liability coverage.

Under the basic Enhanced Care policy, if you’re not at fault in a collision and your vehicle is damaged, coverage may apply for repairs up to $200,000, with certain exclusions.

What are the benefits and enhancements with Western Coast’s motorcycle insurance?

The advantages of our Western Coast motorcycle product begin immediately with competitive rates and strong collision, comprehensive, and emergency roadside coverage. Our emergency roadside assistance covers up to $200 per policy year, compared to ICBC’s $50 limit under Roadside Plus.

We also offer replacement cost coverage for motorcycles that are two model years or newer.

To qualify, the bike must be insured to full replacement value, including taxes. For example, if you purchased a 2021 Harley-Davidson in 2021 and it was written off the following year, replacement coverage would provide a comparable 2022 model.

Motorcycles three model years or older are insured on a declared value basis — meaning the agreed replacement value is established when the policy is purchased.

Customer advantages of our Western Coast motorcycle insurance

• Coverage for riding gear and helmets up to $3,000
• Optional trailer coverage when towed by your motorcycle
• Deductible waived for losses caused by fire, lightning, or theft
• $1,000 for lock rekeying if your keys are stolen (no deductible)
• Up to $1,000 to transport a damaged motorcycle back home if you’re travelling

Additional travel-related benefits may include:

• $2,000 maximum for additional living expenses (based on number of people)
• $3,000 per person or $6,000 maximum for return travel costs
• $500 maximum toward a replacement motorcycle if damaged

These options are designed to support you if your motorcycle is vandalized, damaged, or stolen while travelling. Rather than ending your trip early, your insurance may help cover accommodations, replacement transportation, or travel home — providing real peace of mind.

Are there misconceptions about motorcycle insurance you’d like to clear up?

Many riders believe they don’t need collision or comprehensive coverage because their bike is stored in a garage. However, motorcycles are not covered under home insurance, even when stored on your property.

Without collision or comprehensive coverage, you could lose the full value of your motorcycle after a loss. Our Western Coast advisors take the time to explain what each coverage does and why it matters.

Why should riders consider $5 million in liability under Enhanced Care?

Increasing your liability from $200,000 to $5 million under ICBC provides broader protection against non-vehicle damage and exposure when travelling outside British Columbia.

Many riders travel across Canada, where tort-based systems still allow lawsuits for bodily injury. For this reason, I strongly recommend carrying $5 million in third-party liability on every ICBC motorcycle policy.

Why should I consider collision and comprehensive coverage?

Collision coverage protects your motorcycle if it’s damaged in an accident, even if you’re at fault. Without it, a total loss could leave you with no payout for your bike.

Comprehensive coverage protects against fire, theft, vandalism, water damage, animal collisions, hail damage, or incidents such as sinking during ferry transport.

Are there opportunities to save on motorcycle insurance?

Yes — discounts may be available if:

• You’re a member of a registered riding club
• You’re an experienced rider or have completed certified rider training
• You’re a motorcycle instructor