Everything you need to know about how car insurance in Vancouver works. Find out how to customize your policy and uncover the savings.
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How car insurance in Vancouver works
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance and MoneySense
Vancouver ranks as Canada’s most congested city for driving, according to surveys. While the scenic mountains and calming oceans may provide some respite from the daily commute, they won’t help you get to your destination any faster. The average annual car insurance premium in Vancouver, depending on fluctuations, is in the top 3 most expensive places in Canada.
Car insurance in Canada is required and each province has their own coverage mandates.
For drivers in Vancouver, BC, basic auto insurance is provided through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia(ICBC), a public insurance company.
Mandatory Vancouver auto insurance coverage includes:
- Third-party liability
- Accident Benefits
- Uninsured motorist protection
However, there also is optional, and highly recommended, coverage available through both ICBC and private insurance brokerages and directly from private insurance companies.
Optional Vancouver car insurance coverage:
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Extended Third-Party Liability
- Loss of Use
- Rental Vehicle Coverage
- New Vehicle Protection
Did you know you can extend the mandatory third-party liability coverage up to $5 million either through ICBC or a private insurer? Be sure to view the table below for more explicit details.
In May of 2021, British Columbia will introduce no-fault insurance meaning you'll only ever deal with your own insurance provider for claims, not that you can't be found at fault. It generally limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering beyond what is available in your coverage.
Mandatory coverage for auto insurance in Vancouver
Mandatory insurance is mostly about protecting you from damage you may cause to others and their property. Protecting you personal car is available with optional coverages.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist
Optional coverage for auto insurance in Vancouver
The below coverages are optional, unless you lease your car and your lessor requires them. Typically, new cars will get the optional coverages.
Collision insurance
Comprehensive
Emergency roadside assistance
Specified perils
All perils
Did you know?
Customers with multiple comprehensive claims have to pay higher deductibles in BC. Find out how to make the best use of your deductible to get the best car insurance rate.
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Factors that impact your Vancouver car insurance rates
To find cheap car insurance in Vancouver, you have to know how it works. Even though an insurance application is reasonably standard, you will find several factors beyond your control that impact a risk tolerance calculation, like if you live in an area with higher than average levels of insurance fraud. Here are seven factors ICBC considers before offering personal car insurance in Vancouver:
Driver demographics
Where you live
Vehicle type
Driving history
Driving activity
Type of insurance coverage
Applicable discounts
How to get cheap car insurance in Vancouver
Shop and compare
If you're buying a new car, research which cars have the best safety ratings and a low rate of collisions. Typically, minivans and trucks cost less than a sedan. Use IBC's CLEAR table to see how your car measures up.
Stay with your current insurer
Some Vancouver car insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years. Especially if they add family members or multiple vehicles to their policy.
Bundle your policies
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a dip in premiums.
Get a multi car discount
If you have multiple drivers and vehicles in the same household, by putting them all on one policy can save you money.
Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the portion you pay when settling a claim before your insurer will pay the rest. If you’re willing to double your deductible, it could save you money.
Ask about discounts
If you’re a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, it could help you get cheaper Vancouver car insurance.
Pay premiums annually, instead of monthly
Paying monthly adds administrative costs to your insurer, so if you’re able to pay in full annually you can lower your premiums.
Maintain a good driving record
If you’re a safe driver, obey the rules of the road and drive according to road conditions you can reduce your chances of an accident. Car crashes stay on your insurance record for up to ten years and can result in higher premiums.
Drive less
our auto insurance in Vancouver can be 10% cheaper if you drive less than 5,000 km in a year.
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Curious how much you could save on home insurance?
In less than 5 minutes, compare home insurance quotes from Vancouver’s top insurers to see how much you could save.
Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Vancouver
How much does car insurance cost in Vancouver?
The average cost of car insurance in BC is $1,832 or about $150 per month. Rates declined in May 2021 with the introduction of no-fault insurance. Check with ICBC to make sure you get a new reduced rate.
Why are insurance rates so high in Vancouver?
While traffic and congestion can lead to higher accident rates, it's more likely the lack of competition in BC’s government-run insurance market. However, that's all set to change this year. We'll see by the end of 2021 if BC car insurance can find its way out of the most expensive car insurance in Canada.
Do I need personal car insurance to drive a Zipcar, Modo, or other car sharing service?
No, you don’t need to have your own insurance policy to operate a rental car. Ridesharing services include their own commercial auto insurance with your fees. Remember it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without car insurance in Canada.
Is roadside assistance required in Vancouver?
No, it’s great for peace of mind in case of a battery failure, tire puncture, or you need a tow. BCAA, for instance, starts at $80/year.
How much is a red-light camera ticket in Vancouver?
Fines for speeding range from $140 to just under $500 depending on the speed of the vehicle and where the driver runs the red. All speeding tickets add 3 demerit points to your record. There are over 140 intersections equipped with red light cameras so there’s a good chance you’ll be caught. Take precaution.
Will a Vancouver parking ticket affect my insurance rates?
The simplest answer is no, but if you start to rack up a lot of unpaid parking tickets your insurer could see that behaviour as untrustworthy and reckless. So, this behaviour could impact the rate they are willing to offer you.
Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance
With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio
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