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Auto Insurance

We all need car insurance, with so many options you need a broker that will take the time and go through your needs and provide you with the choices, options and coverages available to you. Let our experienced and well trained staff at Nanaimo insurance take care of your ICBC and optional insurance needs.

ICBC - Enhanced Care

Enhanced Care

Auto InsuranceThe way basic insurance coverages work after a crash has changed.
Customers now have more first-party coverage and don’t need to rely on the responsible driver’s insurance coverage.

First-party coverage is important when it comes to injuries, because it ensures that all British Columbians have the same access to care regardless of who is responsible for the crash.

Basic Insurance

Under Enhanced Care, some basic coverages have changed, but Basic insurance still provides customers with the protection they need on the road.Here are the coverages included in ICBC’s Basic insurance policy:Enhanced Accident Benefits

Here are the coverages included in ICBC’s Basic insurance policy:

Enhanced Accident Benefits

British Columbians injured in a crash have access to significantly enhanced medical care and recovery benefits, regardless of whether or not they were responsible for the crash.

Under Enhanced Care, there is no overall limit to the care and recovery benefits available to any British Columbian injured in a crash.​

Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage

Under Enhanced Care, everyone’s Basic insurance includes Basic Vehicle Damage coverage to a limit of $200,000.

When B.C. insured drivers are involved in a crash with another vehicle in B.C. and it’s not their fault, their own Basic Vehicle Damage coverage will cover the cost of the repairs to, or replacement of, their vehicle up to the percentage that the insured driver is not-at-fault.

Third Party Liability

Enhanced Care provides all British Columbians with $200,000 in Third Party Liability coverage to protect them in the event they cause a crash.

While the new limitation on lawsuits greatly reduces liability claims, it does not eliminate them entirely – primarily when driving outside of British Columbia or when causing damage to non-vehicle property such as buildings, utility poles, fences, and bridges. Property damage claims can be extensive – for example – a crash that knocks out power to a shopping centre or a manufacturing plant could result in large business interruption claims.

For commercial vehicles, basic Third Party Liability coverage remains the same with basic limits at $1 million or $2 million.

Underinsured Motorist Protection

Underinsured Motorist Protection is included in Basic insurance, with a limit of $1 million. There is no change with this coverage, however, with the improved access to care and recovery benefits under Enhanced Care, there will be less need to access Underinsured Motorist Protection.

Inverse Liability

Inverse Liability covers vehicle damage in parts of Canada or the U.S. where local laws don’t let you claim against the person who caused your crash.

Uninsured/Unidentified Motorist Protection (outside of BC)

Uninsured/Unidentified Motorist Protection outside of BC covers injury and death if you’re in a crash outside of B.C. with an uninsured or unidentified motorist.

Optional Coverag​es

Optional insurance products give customers extra protection from the risks they face while driving. Under Enhanced Care, there are some ch​​anges to existing optional coverages as well as new coverages have been introduced.

New optional coverages

Coverages with changes

Collision

Under Enhanced Care, Collision continues to cover vehicle damages as today, and will also cover for losses above the Basic Vehicle Damage coverage limit of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00)

In the case of hit and run claims covered by Collision coverage, the Collision deductible will apply.

Loss of Use

Basic Vehicle Damage coverage covers loss of use up to the percentage a driver is not responsible.

Loss of Use continues to be provided in underlying optional coverages such as Collision or Roadside Plus.

Non-Owned Underinsured Motorist Protection Policy (APV244)

This coverage covers underinsured motorists, however, the limit available under this coverage will be reduced per injured person.

Discontinued coverages

Non-Basic Accident Benefits

In Enhanced Care, the new Enhanced Accident Benefits offers unlimited coverage for injury and death-related loss. This means Non-basic Accident Benefits coverage will no longer be required.

Extension Underinsured Motorist Protection

With the extensive first party benefits offered under Enhanced Care, customers do not need to depend on the responsible driver having sufficient coverage to compensate for their injury and death-related losses.  This coverage will be removed from all products including Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licenses (APV250) and others.

Family Worldwide Transportation

Enhanced Accident Benefits will reimburse travel and living expenses for family members who are in critical care.  This coverage will be discontinued from the Roadside Plus package.

Coverages with no change

  • Comprehensive
  • Specified Perils
  • Extra Equipment
  • Extension Third Party Liability
  • Limited Depreciation
  • New Vehicle Replacement Plus
  • Replacement Cost
  • Unlisted Driver Protection​

Enhanced Care Guide

Unlisted Driver Protection (UDP)

Auto InsuranceUnlisted Driver Protection is available to the registered owner (RO) or lessee of a vehicle initially at no additional cost until there is an unlisted driver at-fault crash. Unlisted Driver Protection helps protect against the Unlisted Driver Accident Premium, which is assessed when an unlisted driver has a chargeable at-fault crash. After an unlisted driver crash has occurred, customers may choose to purchase Unlisted Driver Protection.

With Extended Third Party Liability, you can purchase extra coverage for damages from $200,000 up to as much as $5 million. How much you pay for extended coverage depends on the dollar limit you choose.

Unlisted Driver Accident Premium is a premium assessed against the Registered Owner of a vehicle or the lessee of a leased vehicle when

  • an unlisted driver is responsible for an at-fault claim while operating the registered owner’s or lessee’s vehicle
  • a chargeable claim payment is made on the claim, and
  • the policy does not have Unlisted Driver Protection or it is not applicable.
    .

Loss of Use coverage

Auto InsuranceIf you’re unable to use your vehicle because of a claim, you could face extra costs to get from A to B. Loss of Use can cover the cost of substitute transportation while we process the claim.

During your claim settlement, Loss of Use covers the expenses incurred to:

  • hire a taxi
  • rent a substitute vehicle
  • take public transit,
  • or use any combination of the above.

Loss of Use coverage applies from the time of the claim until

  • your vehicle is repaired
  • you’re offered a total loss settlement, or
  • you reach the limit of your coverage—whichever happens first.

 

Rental vehicles

Note: The amount paid for rental vehicles is limited to vehicle makes and models specified by ICBC that are similar in size to your own vehicle.

ICBC reimburses up to the daily limit purchased. (If the daily limit isn’t enough, you must pay the remaining charges to the rental company.)

Drivers under 21 may not be eligible for a rental vehicle.

How to buy Loss of Use

To be eligible for Loss of Use coverage, you also must have Collision,Comprehensive or Specified Perilsinsurance.

Loss of Use is also available as part of RoadStar or RoadsidePlus packages.

Stolen vehicles

If your vehicle is stolen and you have Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage, you automatically get Loss of Use coverage.

Coverage begins 72 hours after the theft is reported to police. Coverage ends on the earlier of

  • the completion of repairs to the recovered vehicle
  • ICBC settling or offering to settle the claim, or
  • reaching the limit of your coverage (up to $40 per day to a maximum of $800).

Income Top-Up

Auto Insurance

The income top-up (APV435) policy is a stand-alone personal product that addresses the needs of high income earners in B.C. who don’t have another source of income replacement (e.g. through their employer) and who wish to increase the income replacement benefits offered under Enhanced Accident Benefits.

Under Enhanced Care, the income replacement benefit is available to all British Columbians who are unable to continue working as a result of an injury from a crash. The income replacement benefit will cover 90% of the customer’s net income up to $100,000 in gross income.

Coverage options

There are ten tiers available for purchase and the tier purchased increases the maximum Gross Yearly Employment Income cap used to calculate Income Replacement Benefits.

Tier Increase to maximum gross yearly employment income
1 $10,000
2 $20,000
3 $30,000
4 $40,000
5 $50,000
6 $60,000
7 $70,000
8 $80,000
9 $90,000
10 $100,000

 

Eligibility

The income top-up policy is an individual policy and customers don’t need to have an auto insurance policy to purchase.
To be eligible to purchase income top-up:

The customer must be an individual person (not multiple named insureds, not an organization), and

  • Be either aB.C. resident
  • orNon-B.C. resident with an active ICBC auto insurance policy.
  • The named insured must not have debt with ICBC.

Who is covered

The income top-up policy provides coverage to the named insured in a motor vehicle accident while:

  • In any vehicle, including their own
  • A cyclist or
  • A pedestrian.

Off-Highway Third Party Liability

Auto Insurance

Under Enhanced Care, licensed non-standard vehicles like golf carts in rate class 030, farm tractors in rate class 100 and industrial vehicles in rate class 170 do not have access to ICBC’s Basic and Extension Third Party Liability coverage when used or operated off-highway, except those insured under a Garage Certificate (APV4).

This change applies to all new and renew policies effective May 1, 2021. This will leave the owners of certain non-standard vehicles vulnerable to being sued, with no Third Party Liability coverage. 

Off-highway Third Party Liability, on the APV250 will help address this vulnerability. 

Coverage Details

Off-highway Third Party Liability offers protection for customers with licensed golf carts, utility vehicles, farm tractors and industrial vehicles (rate classes 030, 100 and 170), who operate off-highway (e.g. on logging roads or private land). 

This coverage will protect customers in the event of an off-highway crash they are responsible for. 

Off Highway Third Party Liability coverage is available in limits of

  • $200,000.00 (two hundred thousand dollars)
  • $1,000,000.00 (one million dollars)
  • $2,000,000.00 (two million dollars)
  • $3,000,000.00 (three million dollars)
  • $5,000,000.00 (five million dollars)

Transition Period

There will be a transition period as the change in Basic Third Party liability exclusion does not apply to all certificates effective May 1, 2021. Any policy effective prior to May 1, 2021 that includes Basic Third Party Liability will retain the off-highway coverage until the expiry date of the policy.

Optional Hit & Run Protection

Auto Insurance

Under Enhanced Care, hit and run is an optional coverage available on the Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence (APV250).

This new option covers vehicle damage or loss caused by an unidentified driver on a highway in B.C.

Coverage Details

Hit and run coverage provides up to $200,000 (two hundred thousand dollars) to repair or replace

vehicle damage. A $750 deductible will apply.

Hit and run coverage does not cover:

  • hit and run off-highway in B.C.
  • hit and run outside of B.C.
  • injury or death
  • non-vehicle property damage

Injury and/or death will be covered by Enhanced Accident Benefits and non-vehicle property damage will continue to be covered by the statutory provision.

This coverage is second payer to any hit and run coverage that a customer purchases from another insurance provider.

ICBC Collision Coverage

Customers who buy collision coverage are protected from a hit and run and do not need to purchase this optional hit and run coverage.

Optional new vehicle coverage

Auto InsuranceThree types of optional coverage are available for your new vehicle: New Vehicle Replacement Plus, Replacement Cost, and Limited Depreciation.

What’s included—compare coverage

Learn the features of the three coverages and what protection you get with each one:

Vehicle typesis yours eligible? New Vehicle Replacement Plus Replacement Cost coverage Limited Depreciation coverage
Brand new Yes Yes Yes
Used Yes Yes
Model years 1 1, 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3
What you get if your vehicle is a write-off
Deductible refunded Yes
Compensation for inflation Yes Yes
Compensation for depreciation Yes Yes Yes. Does not apply to tires, batteries, convertible tops and vehicle paint.
We’ll pay to replace your vehicle if repair costs exceed 50% of its market value 75-90% of its market value 75-90% of its market value

Different settlements. Choose what you’d prefer:

  • replace your vehicle with the most current make and model
  • choose another model that costs the same amount
  • opt for a cash payout
Yes Yes
What you get if your vehicle can be repaired
Unlimited parts from your vehicle manufacturer (when available) Yes Yes
Choose the body shop you want Yes Yes Yes
ICBC c.a.r. shop repairs, with full guarantee Yes Yes Yes

RoadSide Plus package

Auto InsuranceRoadSide Plus is an affordable way to get peace of mind on the road. It gives you eight great coverage options in one convenient, cost-effective package.

This is what you get with Roadside Plus:

Loss of Use coverage. Get a rental vehicle or reimbursement for replacement transportation when your vehicle is getting repaired or is a write-off in a claim.

Vehicle Travel Protection—provides reimbursement for some of the expenses you may face if you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash or if your vehicle is stolen while on a trip away from home.

Rental Vehicle coverage. Unsure about the value of a rental company’s insurance? Now you can be confident you’re covered.

Lock Re-Keying. Don’t fret over stolen keys. Replace them and change the locks to stay secure.

Theft Deductible Waiver—no need to pay a deductible if your vehicle is stolen or shows signs of an attempted theft.

Destination Assistance—provides reimbursement for costs incurred to start or complete a journey when your RoadSide Plus-insured vehicle is unavailable due to collision, theft or vandalism.

Emergency Roadside Expense Repayment—coverage for expenses if your vehicle is disabled after a breakdown or other emergency.

Important Fact: To purchase RoadSide Plus, you must have Collision coverage with a deductible of $1,000 or less.

Rental vehicle coverage

Auto InsuranceRental Vehicle coverage provides Third-Party Liability, Accident Benefits and more for rented and borrowed vehicles—all at an affordable rate.

Many rental vehicle companies offer insurance to their customers, but often at a cost much higher than ICBC’s optional coverage so plan ahead to get insured at the best possible rate.

Get all of this:

  • Up to $1 million Third-Party Liability coverage—if you are at fault in a crash. If you’ve purchased the RoadStar package it includes $1 million Third-Party Liability and $2 million if you’ve purchased Roadside Plus.
  • Up to $150,000 Accident Benefits—medical, rehabilitation, disability, funeral and death benefits.
  • Up to $1 million Underinsured Motorist Protection—you are covered even if they are not.
  • Collision—crash coverage with a $300 deductible.
  • Comprehensive—Coverage with $300 deductible or $200 for windshield.
  • Loss of Use—Up to $250 to get a rental vehicle or reimbursement for replacement transportation if you can’t drive the rental vehicle because of a crash.
  • Coverage if the rental company makes a claim against you for loss of rental income.

Also, claims on your rental vehicle policy will not affect your claim-rated scale discount.

What should you know about your rental coverage?

What’s covered What’s not covered
  • With this coverage you can name as many other drivers on the rental contract as you like.
  • Each named driver and you are covered for rented or borrowed vehicles, anywhere in Canada or the U.S.

Please note that this policy will not provide coverage if:

  • The rental vehicle will only be used by non-B.C. residents.
  • You want a vehicle that costs more than CA$125 or US$100 per day. (These daily limits do not apply to motor homes, a truck or camper rented as one unit, or wheelchair-accessible vehicles.)
  • Any vehicle is used for carrying passengers or goods for compensation
  • The vehicle can carry 16 or more passengers.
  • It is a commercial motor vehicle of more than 5,000 kg GVW.
  • It is a snow mobile, snow vehicle, golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, industrial machine or road-building machine.

What should I remember when renting a vehicle?

Renting a vehicle ahead of time Renting a vehicle when you arrive
  • Buy your Rental Vehicle policy and book your vehicle ahead of time to ensure that your rental company accepts your ICBC Rental Vehicle coverage.
  • Sometimes you will be asked to pay a larger deposit because you are not buying the rental company’s own coverage. Be aware of this when you make a choice of rental company.
Automatically get Third-Party Liability coverage for a rental vehicle when you have Basic Autoplan.If you decide not to or forget to purchase the Rental Vehicle coverage, and then have a claim, the level you carry on the Claim-Rated Scale can be affected.

What else should I know about Third party Liability coverage?

If Then
you own and license a vehicle in B.C. your own Third Party Liability coverage can also be used as excess coverage on a rental vehicle.
rental company asks you to sign an agreement accepting responsibility for providing your own Third Party Liability insurance. in this case, the Rental Vehicle policy will provide you with primary coverage.
you do not buy a Rental Vehicle policy. the Third Party Liability coverage from your own vehicle may be used as excess coverage on a rental vehicle.Note: There are some conditions that apply to your coverage, and you should discuss them with your Autoplan broker before you rent a vehicle.
you have a valid B.C. driver’s licence and drive any vehicle that you do not own. you automatically have $200,000 worth of Third Party Liability coverage.Note: For the coverage to be valid, your driver’s licence must not have driver penalty point premiums or multiple-crash premiums owing against it.

RoadStar Package

Auto InsuranceThe RoadStar Package offers four popular optional insurance coverages at one low price:

Who’s eligible?

You may qualify if you’ve been driving nine or more years without an at-fault claim and earned a discount of 43 per cent or more on your insurance.

Kinds of vehicles

The RoadStar package is available for

  • private passenger vehicles
  • motorhomes
  • light commercial vehicles (5,000 kg GVW or less) in certain vehicle rate classes
  • company-owned vehicles, if the company has identified a qualified officer or employee of the company as an assigned
  • corporate driver. (This person must declare the use of the vehicle as a taxable benefit.)

Resources

Auto InsuranceClaims & Emergencies:

Claims settlement is what insurance is all about – to put you back in the same value position you were prior to the claim.

If you have a claim or loss, you must take the necessary steps to reduce further loss. For example, if your hot water tank bursts, shut off the plumbing system and move personal belongings to avoid further damage.

Automobile Claims:

All ICBC automobile claims should be reported directly to ICBC. Claim staff are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Dial-a-Claim numbers are:

B.C. lower mainland: 604-520-8222

Anywhere in Canada or the USA: 1-800-910-4222

General Insurance Claims:

During regular business hours, call one of our two offices to report your claim:

Country Club: 250-758-1751
Brooks Landing: 250-756-0178
Accidents and emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours:

After-hour emergencies: Call 250-756-0178 and ask the answering service to summon help for you via the Insurance Pager OR if you know the name of your insurance company, contact the 24-hour assist line of that company:

Aviva Insurance Company: 1-866-692-8482 email: bcclaims@avivacanada.com
Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company: 1-888-267-6766
Economical Mutual Insurance Company: 1-800-607-2424
Gore Mutual Insurance Company: 1-844-974-GORE (4673) email: claimsreporting@goremutual.ca
Intact Insurance Company: 1-866-464-2424 email: intact2424west@intact.net
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company: 1-877-204-0536 email: wawavanclaims@wawanesa.com

You may also contact service companies such as plumbers, glass repair shops, electricians, contractors, etc. of your choice. (Please keep in mind that you may be responsible for charges of these services in the event a claim is not covered or if emergency services were not necessary).

For emergency water damage, fire or other repairs and clean-ups, contact any one of these restoration companies – 24-hours/day:

Acclaim Restorations: 1-250-751-1752
Belfor Restorations: (Formerly Cromwell): 1-888-432-1123
ProPacific Restorations: 1-877-755-9966
Whole Show Restorations: 1-877-248-0444

Once we are notified of your claim, an adjuster will contact you by phone, usually within 24 hours. During heavy volume such as windstorms, it may take longer for the adjuster to contact you so please do what is necessary to avoid further loss.

Depending on the type and severity of the claim, the adjuster may or may not meet with you in person. Claims such as burglaries may be settled by an adjuster by phone. Water damage, fire losses and liability claims will require a visit from an adjuster.

The adjuster will arrange repair or replacement of the damage once coverage is determined. In theft claims you may be asked to provide written estimates for replacement of the stolen items. In all cases you will be asked to complete and sign a Proof of Loss form. We will assist you in the claims process and will act as your advocate. We will help explain coverages and work with you and your adjuster to arrive at a fair and equitable settlement of your loss.

If you have difficulty contacting your adjuster or questions about the procedures, please contact any one of our insurance representatives for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Auto InsuranceThe size and complexity of your loss will dictate how long it takes. Here are some examples of time frames.

  • Most cases of minor vandalism and stolen bicycles: a few days
  • An uncomplicated vehicle write off claim: One to two weeks
  • Major house fires: Approximately three months to a year
  • Injury claims: Three months to two years, depending on the seriousness of the injury. If there is a lawsuit, it could take as long as five years.
  • Multi vehicle collision: this is based on investigation & liability discussions with other parties, 3 weeks to 3 months.

What can I do to make sure things move along quickly and smoothly?

  • Report losses to immediately.
  • Provide detailed and accurate information.
  • Discuss with the adjuster the claims process and what will be required for your particular loss.
  • Quickly provide police reports, witness names and all other documentation for claim assessment.
  • Complete all forms accurately, and in full. This is particularly important on medical forms, content lists and proof of loss forms.
  • Be honest, forthright and cooperative with your adjuster

Will a claim affect my premium?

There are many factors to consider, particularly in today’s competitive market place. Our advisors will help you decide if it is worthwhile putting in a claim.

How does replacement cost work?

Replacement cost coverage requires that you actually replace the damaged or destroyed item with a product of like kind and quality. If you choose to cash out on any or all items, the replacement cost clause does not apply and you will get paid based on the depreciated value. Depreciation is calculated using the pre-loss condition, age and life expectancy of the item.

A deductible is the portion of the loss you have agreed to pay, regardless of fault. After a loss, you would pay the amount of the deductible to the service provider. Examples: body shop, contractor or the store replacing your goods.

Download one of these free forms to keep with you in your vehicle.

ICBC Crash Record CardICBC Autoplan Guide to Insuring, Registering and LicensingEnhanced Care Guide

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