AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
Basic Requirements Basic insurance is the minimum liability insurance coverage that a vehicle owner must purchase from the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) before a motor vehicle can be operated on a BC highway. Although the minimums required by law varies in different jurisdictions, in British Columbia the minimum limit for Third Party Legal Liability coverage is $200,000 for each vehicle. (Taxis and limousines require $300,000; buses $500,000).
Coverages include:
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Third Party Legal Liability
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"No-Fault" Accident Benefits
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Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP)
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Protection Against Uninsured and Unidentified Motorists
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Inverse Liability coverage
Optional Automobile Coverages Optional Autoplan insurance includes a variety of additional coverages that a vehicle owner may purchase. The most common Optional Autoplan coverages are:
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Extended Third-Party Legal Liability
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Collision
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Comprehensive
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Loss of Use
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Replacement Cost/Limited depreciation
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Roadstar Package
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Roadside Plus Package
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Increased Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP)
If you have more than 10 years driving experience and a good driving record, a private carrier may provide better value for your optional coverages. Contact us to see if private auto insurance is right for you.
ICBC bases your premium on a variety of factors:
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principal operator's driving experience
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territory of operation
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location of the vehicle when not in use
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use of the vehicle (pleasure only, business, artisan, etc.)
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applicable discounts
Current answers to these factors must be declared and true when purchasing a new plate or renewing an existing plate. Failure to do so could result in denial of a claim.
A full line of commercial automobile rating is also available through ICBC (e.g. fleet rating, prorate plates, etc.)
For further information or expert advice for your automobile insurance needs, please contact us using the link above. We look forward to serving you. |