Basic auto insurance in British Columbia is provided by a public insurer, ICBC, and sold through Autoplan brokers. Home, life, business and travel insurance come from private companies.
Basic Autoplan from ICBC is mandatory. It includes third-party liability of $200,000, basic vehicle damage coverage of up to $200,000 when the other driver is responsible, underinsured motorist protection of up to $1 million, and Enhanced Care injury benefits, which are paid whatever the fault. Optional coverages such as collision, comprehensive and extended liability can be added, and some are available from private insurers.
Home insurance usually excludes earthquake damage unless you add it, and British Columbia has a high earthquake risk. Earthquake deductibles are often a percentage of the coverage limit (commonly 5% to 20%), so ask what yours would be. Flood is usually a separate add-on too.
The Insurance Council of British Columbia (insurancecouncilofbc.com) licenses insurance agents, salespersons and adjusters, and handles complaints about them. The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) regulates insurance companies.
British Columbia's public plan is the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It generally pays only part of emergency medical costs outside the province, and often much less outside Canada, which is why many travellers look at travel insurance. Read your plan's rules before you go.
General information, not advice. Rules change, so confirm with your province or territory, your insurer or a licensed advisor. Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026.
Yes. Basic Autoplan from ICBC is mandatory. It includes third-party liability of $200,000, basic vehicle damage coverage, underinsured motorist protection and Enhanced Care injury benefits. Optional coverages, such as collision, comprehensive and extended liability, can be added.
ICBC is the public insurer that provides basic auto insurance. Optional coverage and all other kinds of insurance are sold by private companies, through brokers and agents.
Contact the Insurance Council of British Columbia, or look someone up on its website if it has a lookup tool. An advisor should be glad to tell you which licence they hold.
It usually pays only part of emergency medical costs outside British Columbia, and often much less outside Canada. Many travellers add travel insurance. Read your plan's rules before you go.
Yes. Tell us what you need and where you live, and we'll pass your request to a licensed insurance advisor who can help in British Columbia. It's free, and talking to an advisor carries no obligation.