You Can Shop Around for Optional Car Insurance in B.C.

October 21, 2025

Yes, you can buy optional car insurance from private insurers in British Columbia. However, for basic car insurance, all drivers must purchase minimum mandatory coverage through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia).

While ICBC insurance provides the required Basic Autoplan coverage, optional coverages such as comprehensive and collision insurance can be purchased from private insurers in B.C. Shopping around for optional coverage can help you compare options and potentially save money.

Get a Car Insurance Quote

What car insurance can I get from a private insurer in British Columbia?

Did you know? You can buy optional car insurance coverages from Western Coast Insurance Services in B.C. Western Coast is an authorized ICBC broker, and we can also help you renew your ICBC insurance.

Collision insurance

In British Columbia, optional collision coverage pays for repairing or replacing your own vehicle after a collision, regardless of who is at fault.

Collision coverage applies if you hit another vehicle, strike a stationary object such as a pole or building, or if your vehicle rolls over. It may also apply in hit-and-run situations where the responsible driver cannot be identified.

Covered costs typically include vehicle repairs, towing, and storage after you pay your selected deductible.

Without optional collision coverage, you would be responsible for these costs yourself if you are at fault or if the other driver cannot be identified.

In British Columbia, collision coverage is separate from comprehensive coverage, which protects against non-collision-related damage.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive car insurance is optional coverage that protects your vehicle from damage caused by incidents other than a collision with another vehicle.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

• Theft or attempted theft
• Vandalism or break-ins
• Weather-related damage, including hail, wind, flooding, or wildfire
• Fire or explosion
• Falling objects such as tree branches or debris
• Animal collisions, including hitting deer or wildlife
• Windshield and glass damage

What comprehensive insurance does not cover

• Collision-related damage (covered under collision insurance)
• Normal wear and tear or mechanical failure
• Personal items stolen from inside the vehicle, which are typically covered under home or tenant insurance

Extended third-party liability

Drivers can increase their liability coverage beyond the $200,000 minimum included with basic ICBC coverage, often choosing limits of $1 million, $2 million, or even $5 million or more.

What are other optional coverages for my B.C. vehicle from a private insurer?

Specified perils

Specified perils coverage protects against specific risks listed in your policy, such as fire, theft, lightning, earthquake, and certain weather events.

Replacement cost or limited depreciation coverage

This coverage helps protect against depreciation, allowing you to replace a newer vehicle with one of similar value if it is written off within a defined time period.

Hit-and-run coverage

Hit-and-run coverage pays for repairs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged by an unidentified driver, separate from collision coverage.

Loss of use (rental vehicle coverage)

Loss of use coverage helps pay for a rental vehicle or alternative transportation while your car is being repaired following a covered claim.

Income top-up

Income top-up coverage enhances the income replacement benefits provided under B.C.’s Enhanced Care system if you are unable to work after a crash.

Unlisted driver protection

This coverage offers protection if an unlisted driver operates your vehicle and is involved in an accident.

Roadside assistance

Roadside assistance is not included with standard ICBC insurance, but some private insurers offer enhanced programs covering towing, battery boosts, lockouts, and more.

New vehicle protection

New vehicle protection provides full replacement of a new vehicle with a similar model if it is written off within a specified period.

A Western Coast insurance expert can help you complete your ICBC renewal

When you renew through a Western Coast broker, you’ll receive local, personalized advice from car insurance professionals who understand ICBC insurance requirements in British Columbia.

Why choose a broker

Joint ownership renewals: Vehicles with joint ownership must be renewed through a broker.

Tailored advice: Our Western Coast experts can guide you through optional coverages such as extended liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.

Changed driving habits: If your vehicle use has changed, a broker can ensure your ICBC policy reflects your current needs.

Maximize savings: Brokers review discounts, deductibles, and coverage combinations to help you get the best value.

Visit your nearest Western Coast branch, call a local advisor, or complete our quick online form to begin your ICBC renewal today.

What does basic mandatory ICBC coverage include?

Basic Autoplan is required for all drivers in British Columbia and includes:

Third-party liability: Covers injury or property damage to others if you are at fault (minimum $200,000).

Accident benefits: Covers medical care, recovery, and income replacement after an accident.

Underinsured motorist protection: Protects you if another driver lacks sufficient coverage.

Uninsured or hit-and-run coverage: Covers accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers.

To sum it all up

Western Coast makes it easy to purchase optional car insurance and renew your ICBC policy. Our knowledgeable insurance experts across British Columbia help you review coverage options, apply eligible discounts, and ensure your protection matches your lifestyle and budget.