How to Renew Your ICBC Auto Insurance in 2025
In British Columbia, every driver is required to carry Basic Autoplan insurance through ICBC. Renewing your policy on time is essential to keep your vehicle legally insured and yourself protected on the road. Whether you choose to renew online, by phone, or with a Western Coast Insurance advisor, taking a few moments to review your options can help you save and ensure your coverage fits your needs. From Vancouver and Victoria to Nanaimo, Kelowna, and Kamloops, our local teams are here to make the renewal process simple and stress-free.
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What’s New for ICBC in 2025
ICBC has introduced several updates and continued benefits that affect how you renew your coverage this year. Here’s what to know for 2025:
- Rebates for policyholders: Many B.C. drivers received rebates in 2025 to help offset the cost of their insurance.
- Distance-based savings: Low-mileage drivers continue to benefit from ICBC’s distance-based discount program. Be ready to provide your odometer reading when you renew.
- More online eligibility: ICBC has expanded online renewal access for single-owner vehicles and straightforward renewals.
- No more decals: Licence plate stickers are a thing of the past — simply keep your printed insurance documents in your vehicle as proof of coverage.
When and How to Renew
You can renew your ICBC insurance up to 44 days before your policy’s expiry date. Early renewal doesn’t affect your term — your next policy begins as soon as your previous one ends. ICBC will notify you by mail or email, but it’s always wise to plan ahead to avoid any lapse in coverage.
What to Prepare Before Renewal
- Your B.C. driver’s licence and date of birth
- Your licence plate number or VIN
- Your odometer reading (and, if possible, your previous one for comparison)
- Your chosen payment method (credit card, debit, or pre-authorized payment)
- Any policy updates, such as adding drivers, adjusting deductibles, or changing vehicle use
Renewing Online: Simple and Fast
ICBC’s online renewal platform is designed for convenience. For many standard policies with a single registered owner, it’s a quick and easy way to renew without visiting a branch. Most customers can complete their renewal in less than 10 minutes.
Who Can Renew Online
- Single-owner private passenger vehicles
- Cars and light trucks used for personal driving (not for commercial, delivery, or ride-hailing use)
- Policies without ownership or vehicle-type changes
How the Online Process Works
- Sign in using your BC Services Card login.
- Review your existing coverage and make any small updates needed.
- Provide your odometer reading to confirm any distance-based discount eligibility.
- Choose your payment method — one-time payment or an ICBC payment plan.
- Print and store your new insurance documents in your vehicle.
Even when you renew online, a licensed Western Coast Insurance broker will review your policy and follow up if anything needs clarification or adjustment.
Renew your ICBC with Western Coast
Renewing with a Broker: Local Help You Can Trust
When you renew through a Western Coast Insurance broker, you’ll receive local, personalized advice from experts who know ICBC inside and out. Our branches across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Interior B.C. are ready to help you make informed choices and apply every discount available.
Why Choose a Broker
- Joint ownership renewals: If your vehicle is jointly owned, a broker must complete your renewal.
- Tailored advice: Our advisors can walk you through optional coverages like Extended Third Party Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive insurance.
- Changed driving habits: If you’ve started using your vehicle for commuting or business, your broker will ensure your coverage reflects your new use.
- Maximize your savings: Brokers can review discounts, coverage bundles, and deductible options to fit your budget.
Visit your nearest Western Coast Insurance branch, call your local advisor, or complete our quick online form to begin your ICBC renewal today.
Understanding Your Coverage
Basic Autoplan Coverage
Basic Autoplan is required for all B.C. drivers. It provides the foundation of your protection and includes:
- Third-Party Liability: Covers injury or property damage to others if you’re at fault in a crash (minimum $200,000).
- Accident Benefits: Provides coverage for medical treatment, recovery, and lost income after an accident.
- Underinsured Motorist Protection: Protects you and your household if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
- Uninsured or Hit-and-Run Coverage: Covers accidents involving uninsured or unidentified drivers.
Optional ICBC Coverage
Enhance your protection by adding optional coverages that reduce your financial risk after an accident:
- Extended Third-Party Liability: Increase your protection above the basic limit, often up to $5 million or more.
- Collision: Covers damage to your own vehicle caused by impact or collision, even if you’re at fault.
- Comprehensive: Protects against fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, or weather-related damage.
- Specified Perils: A lower-cost option that protects against named risks like fire or theft.
- Loss of Use: Pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim.
Payment Options for Your Renewal
- Full Payment: Pay your premium in one transaction using a credit card or debit card.
- ICBC Payment Plan: Spread payments across monthly or quarterly instalments with low interest and flexible withdrawal dates. Staying current helps maintain your optional coverage without interruption.
Discounts and Ways to Save
- Distance-Based Discount: Drive less, pay less. If you travel fewer than 5,000 kilometres a year, you may receive up to 10% off Basic Autoplan and additional savings on Optional coverage below 15,000 kilometres.
- Experienced Driver Discount: A clean driving record can lead to lower premiums over time.
- Vehicle Safety Discount: Modern vehicles equipped with automatic braking or collision prevention technology may qualify for reduced premiums.
- Senior and Accessibility Discounts: Drivers aged 65 and older or with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for special savings.
Your Western Coast Insurance advisor will help identify every discount available and ensure they’re correctly applied to your renewal.
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Common Renewal Mistakes to Avoid
- Renewing too late: Waiting past your expiry date could result in a coverage gap.
- Skipping the odometer photo: Without mileage verification, you might lose eligibility for distance-based savings.
- Incorrect vehicle use: Make sure your policy reflects your current driving habits, such as commuting or business use.
- Leaving out drivers: All regular drivers in your household should be listed on your policy.
- Reducing coverage too much: Don’t remove essential optional protection just to save a few dollars.
- Missing a payment: Late payments can interrupt optional coverages or restrict your future payment options.
- No printed copy: Keep your physical insurance documents in your glove box — decals are no longer required.
FAQs About ICBC Renewals
How early can I renew my ICBC insurance?
You can renew your policy up to 44 days before it expires.
Can I renew my ICBC insurance online?
Yes. Most single-owner vehicles qualify for online renewal. For jointly owned vehicles or complex changes, a Western Coast Insurance advisor can complete your renewal for you.
Do I still need a licence plate decal?
No. Decals have been phased out. Just carry a printed copy of your insurance in your vehicle.
What payment methods can I use?
You can pay in full or sign up for the ICBC payment plan to spread costs monthly or quarterly.
What if I miss a payment?
Contact your Western Coast Insurance broker right away. Missing payments can cancel optional coverage or limit future payment plan eligibility.
How do I qualify for the distance-based discount?
Submit your odometer reading at renewal and again at the end of the policy term. ICBC uses this data to calculate your annual kilometres.
Can I adjust my coverages during renewal?
Yes. You can change your deductible, adjust your liability limit, or add optional coverage as your needs change.
Renew with Confidence
Whether you choose to renew online or in person, Western Coast Insurance makes it easy to renew your ICBC policy with confidence. Our knowledgeable insurance experts across British Columbia—from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island to the Okanagan and the North—will review your options, apply eligible discounts, and ensure your coverage meets your lifestyle.
Renew your ICBC with Western Coast
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Western Coast Insurance Services Ltd. is a wholly owned division of Western Financial Group Ltd. Insurance products are underwritten by certain licensed insurance companies and are only available throughout British Columbia, Canada.