ICBC Insurance Renewal: Everything You Need to Know
For British Columbia residents, when it’s that time to renew car insurance, it’s time to reach out to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). But when can you expect to receive an insurance renewal notice, and can ICBC insurance renewal be done online to save time? How much does it cost to renew, and how early can you renew if you’re unable to wait until your policy expires to avoid any interruptions in coverage? We break it all down below.
If you’re new to car insurance in British Columbia, we highly recommend you read our guide – Car Insurance in British Columbia: Everything You Need to Know.
First, what exactly is ICBC and when can you expect your insurance renewal notice?
ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is a government-owned insurance company that provides basic auto insurance coverage to drivers in British Columbia. When your ICBC insurance policy is up for renewal, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail approximately one month before the expiry date.
As explained by BCAA about the 5 things you need to know about car insurance in BC, "ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance is mandatory for all drivers in BC. It helps ensure that you and all British Columbians who own and drive a motor vehicle here are protected with a basic level of coverage."
The renewal notice will outline the coverage and premium for the upcoming year, as well as any discounts or changes to your policy. To renew your ICBC insurance, you can either visit an ICBC Autoplan broker in person, renew online through the ICBC website (discussed more below), or call ICBC's Autoplan phone service.
It's important to renew your insurance before the expiry date to ensure that you are covered in the event of an accident or other incident.
Can you renew your ICBC insurance online?
Yes, you can renew your ICBC insurance online through the ICBC website (above photo: a look at the current ICBC renewal portal). At time of writing, here are the steps to renew your ICBC insurance online:
- Visit the ICBC website at www.icbc.com.
- Click on the "Renew Your Insurance" link on the homepage.
- Log in to your account. You will need to enter your driver's license number and your birth date to log in.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to renew your insurance. You will be asked to review your policy details and make any necessary changes or updates.
- Pay for your renewal. You can pay for your renewal online using a credit card or Interac debit.
- Receive your new insurance documents. Once you have completed your renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your new insurance documents attached. You can print these documents and keep them in your vehicle as proof of insurance.
As government processes and regulations can often change, we strongly recommend you review the above process ahead of time, to ensure nothing has changed in the online renewal system.
Note, not all ICBC insurance renewals can be completed online
It's important to note that not all ICBC insurance renewals can be completed online. If your policy requires additional underwriting or if you have had any recent claims or driving violations, you may need to renew in person at an ICBC Autoplan broker.
Additionally, some drivers may not be eligible to renew their insurance online, so it's a good idea to check with ICBC or an Autoplan broker if you have any questions or concerns.
How much money does it cost to renew ICBC insurance?
The cost to renew your ICBC insurance will depend on several factors, such as your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and the level of coverage you choose. The ICBC website has a tool that can give you an estimate of your insurance costs based on your specific circumstances, but the actual cost may vary.
Here are 8 factors that affect your car insurance rate.
Extra costs to add collision or comprehensive coverage
In British Columbia, basic auto insurance coverage is provided by ICBC, and all drivers must purchase this coverage to legally operate a vehicle. The basic coverage includes third-party liability, accident benefits, and underinsured motorist protection. You can also choose to add optional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive coverage, to your policy for an additional fee.
When you renew your ICBC insurance, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail that outlines the coverage and premium for the upcoming year. The premium will be based on the factors mentioned above and will include any applicable discounts or surcharges. To get a more accurate estimate of your renewal costs, you can contact an ICBC Autoplan broker or use the online quote tool on the ICBC website.
How early can you renew ICBC insurance?
In British Columbia, you can renew your ICBC auto insurance up to 55 days before your current policy expires. This means that you can start the renewal process well in advance of your policy expiry date to ensure that your coverage is not interrupted.
Early renewal has its benefits
To renew your insurance early, you can visit an ICBC Autoplan broker in person or renew online through the ICBC website. When you renew early, you will be given a new policy effective date, which will be the date that your current policy expires. This means that you will not lose any coverage by renewing early, and you will be protected from the moment your current policy expires.
Renewing your ICBC insurance early can have some benefits, such as avoiding any potential lapses in coverage, ensuring that you have enough time to make any necessary changes or updates to your policy, and potentially locking in a lower premium if there are any rate increases on the horizon.
However, it's important to note that your new premium will be based on your driving record and other factors at the time of renewal, so renewing early does not guarantee a lower premium.
Lower your annual car insurance rates
Looking for simple ways to reduce your premiums? Here are 14 ways to get cheaper car insurance – from bundling policies and paying premiums all at once, to taking a driving course and skipping the glossy new car for an affordable used one instead (get pre-approved online first, so you can shop with confidence knowing exactly what you can afford. Any credit accepted!)
