Does ICBC Car Insurance Automatically Renew? What B.C. Drivers Need to Know

January 2, 2026

If you drive anywhere in British Columbia—whether you’re in Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, or elsewhere on the Island—your mandatory car insurance is provided through ICBC Basic Autoplan. That often leads to an important question:

Does ICBC car insurance renew automatically, or do you need to take action?

The short answer: ICBC Basic Autoplan does not automatically renew. Unlike many private insurance policies, ICBC requires drivers to actively renew their coverage before it expires.

Understanding how ICBC renewals work can help you avoid coverage gaps, fines, and unnecessary stress—especially if your renewal date sneaks up on you.

Renew Your ICBC Insurance

What does “renewing car insurance” mean?

Car insurance renewal is the process of extending your current policy for another term—usually 12 months. In British Columbia, renewing your ICBC policy is required to legally drive, register your vehicle, and maintain licence plates.

If you miss your renewal date, your coverage ends immediately. There is no automatic grace period, which means you cannot legally drive until your policy is renewed.

Does ICBC automatically renew car insurance?

No. ICBC Basic Autoplan requires manual renewal every year.

ICBC typically sends a renewal reminder about 45 days before your policy expires. You can renew your policy as early as 44 days before the expiry date.

If you do nothing, your insurance simply expires—and driving uninsured in B.C. can lead to serious consequences.

How to renew your ICBC insurance

Drivers in B.C. have several ways to renew their ICBC policy:

• Online through a broker: Many drivers choose to renew online with a licensed Autoplan broker for speed and convenience.
• In person: Visit an Autoplan broker office to renew and review coverage options.
• By phone: Some brokers offer phone renewals, depending on your situation.

Renewing through a broker also gives you the chance to review optional coverages—such as extended liability, collision, or comprehensive insurance—that go beyond ICBC’s Basic Autoplan.

What about optional auto insurance?

While ICBC provides mandatory Basic Autoplan coverage, many drivers also purchase optional auto insurance through private insurers.

Optional policies may renew automatically, depending on the insurer and your payment setup—but this is separate from ICBC Basic Autoplan. Even if your optional coverage renews automatically, your ICBC policy still requires manual renewal.

Why ICBC doesn’t offer automatic renewal

ICBC requires manual renewal to ensure drivers actively confirm:

• Vehicle and driver information is still accurate
• Coverage levels meet current needs
• Payment details are up to date
• Any changes in vehicle use or ownership are disclosed

This process helps reduce errors and ensures your policy reflects your current situation.

What happens if you miss your ICBC renewal?

Missing your ICBC renewal date can cause immediate problems:

• No insurance coverage: You are uninsured as soon as your policy expires.
• Illegal to drive: Driving without insurance in B.C. can result in fines, penalties, and vehicle impoundment.
• Registration issues: You cannot legally operate or renew vehicle registration without active insurance.

To avoid this, mark your renewal date on your calendar and set reminders well in advance.

Tips before renewing your ICBC policy

• Review your coverage: Consider whether your liability limits and optional coverages still make sense.
• Check discounts: Ask about savings such as low-kilometre use, driver history, or bundled insurance.
• Update details: Ensure your address, vehicle use, and driver information are accurate.
• Ask questions: Renewal is a great time to clarify coverage and explore better protection options.

Key takeaways for B.C. drivers

• ICBC insurance does not renew automatically.
• Drivers must actively renew Basic Autoplan every year.
• You can renew up to 44 days before expiry.
• Missing your renewal means no insurance and no legal driving.

Staying on top of your ICBC renewal ensures continuous coverage and peace of mind on the road. Whether you’re renewing early or reviewing your options, working with a licensed broker makes the process faster and easier.