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. For basic car insurance, though, you must buy minimum coverage from ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia).

For optional coverages like comprehensive and collision coverages, you can shop around and compare quotes from private B.C. insurers. Doing this should help you save money.

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

What does this include? This includes accidents where you hit another vehicle, hit a stationary object like a wall, pole, or building, or if your vehicle rolls over. Collision coverage can also apply in situations involving a hit-and-run if the other driver cannot be identified.

The costs covered include repairs to your vehicle, towing, and storage resulting from the accident once you pay your chosen deductible.

Without optional collision coverage, you would need to pay for these costs yourself if you are at fault or cannot find the responsible driver.

In British Columbia, collision coverage is separate from comprehensive coverage, which covers other perils like theft, vandalism, and fire.

Comprehensive insurance

In British Columbia, comprehensive car insurance is optional coverage that protects your car from damage caused by incidents other than collisions with another vehicle.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

• Theft or attempted theft of your vehicle
• Vandalism, including break-ins and property damage that isn't caused by a collision
• Weather-related damages, such as hail, windstorms, flooding, or wildfire
• Fire or explosion
• Falling objects, like tree branches or debris.
• Animal collisions: If you hit a deer or other wildlife​
• Windshield and glass damage, including repairs or replacements.​

What comprehensive insurance does not cover

• Damage from a collision with another vehicle (covered under collision insurance)
• Normal wear and tear or mechanical failure
• Items stolen from inside the vehicle; they are typically covered under home or tenant insurance

Extended third-party liability

You can increase your liability coverage above the $200,000 minimum provided by basic mandatory insurance, often up to $5 million or more.

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

Specified perils

Specified perils covers specific risks like fire, theft, lightning, earthquake, and certain types of weather, as named in the policy.

Replacement cost or limited depreciation coverage

It protects against the reduction in vehicle value over time, letting you replace a new vehicle with one of similar value if it's written off within a certain period.​

Hit-and-run coverage

Hit-and-run coverage pays for repair or replacement if your vehicle is damaged by a hit-and-run driver, separate from collision.​

Loss of use (rental vehicle coverage)

This type of coverage helps pay for a rental car or alternate transportation if your car is being repaired after a covered claim.​

Income top-up

This coverage enhances the income replacement benefit provided by the Enhanced Care system for those unable to work after a crash.​

Unlisted driver protection

It offers protection if an unlisted driver is using your vehicle and is involved in a crash.​

Roadside assistance

It’s not part of ICBC standard options, but some private insurers offer enhanced roadside assistance programs for towing, battery boosts, and more.​

New vehicle protection

It provides full replacement of a new vehicle with a similar one if it is written off within a defined 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 experts who understand ICBC.

Why choose a broker

Joint ownership renewals: If your vehicle is jointly owned, a broker must complete your renewal.

Tailored advice: Our Western Coast insurance experts can walk you through optional coverages like extended third-party liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance coverages.

Changed driving habits: If you’ve started using your vehicle for commuting or business, your broker will ensure your car insurance coverage reflects your new use.

Maximize your savings: An insurance broker at Western Coast can review discounts, coverage bundles, and deductible options to fit your budget.

Visit your nearest Western Coast B.C. branch, call your 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:

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.

To sum it all up

Western Coast makes it easy to buy optional car insurance or to renew your ICBC policy. Western’s knowledgeable car 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 at the right value for you.

5 FAQs

Do I still need to put a sticker on my B.C. license plate?

No, you don’t need a license plate sticker. You need to keep your printed B.C. insurance documents in your vehicle as proof of coverage.

Can I keep my ICBC insurance digitally?

No, you cannot use a digital copy of your ICBC insurance on your smartphone as legal proof while driving in British Columbia. In B.C., you must carry the original or an unaltered photocopy of the owner's certificate of insurance and vehicle license in your vehicle. While some provinces have moved to digital proof, B.C. law still requires a physical document.

Is renewing ICBC online easy?

For many standard policies with a single registered owner, renewing online is a quick and easy way to renew without visiting a branch. Most customers can complete their renewal in less than 10 minutes.

What do I need to do before renewing my ICBC insurance?

You will need:

• Your B.C. driver’s license and date of birth
• Your 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

What are my payment options for renewal?

You can pay your premium in one transaction using a credit card or debit card, or you can use the ICBC payment plan and spread payments across monthly or quarterly instalments with low interest and flexible withdrawal dates.