Every vehicle in British Columbia must carry ICBC Basic Autoplan, but Basic alone leaves real gaps. ICBC optional insurance adds coverage such as extra liability, collision and comprehensive, which protect your own car and your savings. You can buy it from ICBC or, in many cases, from a private insurer.
Basic rates are frozen through 2027, according to the Government of British Columbia. That makes optional coverage the part of your premium where choices and shopping matter most.
What does ICBC Basic cover, and what doesn't it?
ICBC Basic is the mandatory foundation. Since May 2021, BC has used the Enhanced Care model for injuries. Under Enhanced Care, people injured in a crash get benefits from ICBC regardless of fault, and the right to sue for injuries is largely removed.
| Coverage | Included in Basic? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party liability up to $200,000 | Yes. | Many drivers add more through optional coverage. |
| Enhanced Accident Benefits | Yes. | Injury benefits regardless of fault. |
| Underinsured motorist protection | Yes. | Helps if an at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover your claim. |
| Hit-and-run and uninsured motorist protection | Yes. | Applies when the other driver is unknown or uninsured. |
| Extra third-party liability | No, optional. | Raises your limit above $200,000. |
| Collision | No, optional. | Repairs your vehicle when you are at fault. |
| Comprehensive | No, optional. | Theft, vandalism, fire, hail, glass and other non-collision damage. |
In short, Basic doesn't pay to repair your own vehicle after a crash you caused. It also doesn't cover theft, vandalism or hail. Those are the gaps optional coverage fills.
The main ICBC optional insurance coverages
Extra third-party liability
Basic includes $200,000 of liability. Because most BC injury lawsuits were replaced by Enhanced Care, extra liability matters most in two situations. The first is property damage you cause, such as hitting an expensive vehicle or a building. The second is a crash outside BC, especially in the United States, where lawsuits can be large. Consider $1 million or more, particularly if you drive across the border.
Collision
Collision pays to repair or replace your vehicle when you are responsible for a crash. You choose a deductible. A higher deductible lowers your premium but raises what you pay per claim.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive covers damage that isn't a collision. That includes theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, hail and many glass claims. Some insurers also offer specified perils coverage, a narrower and usually cheaper option that names the risks covered.
Other add-ons
Depending on the insurer, you may be able to add rental or loss-of-use coverage, which helps pay for transportation while your car is repaired. Some insurers offer new-vehicle or replacement-cost options for recent models. Ask what each option pays and for how long.
Tip: If your vehicle is financed or leased, check your contract before changing optional coverage. Lenders usually require collision and comprehensive.
Should you buy optional coverage from ICBC or a private insurer?
ICBC is the only source of Basic coverage. Optional coverage is different. Private insurers also sell optional auto coverage in BC, usually through brokers. That competition gives you a reason to compare.
When you compare, look beyond price:
- Deductible choices. Check what deductibles are available for collision and comprehensive.
- Claims handling. Ask how a claim works when ICBC provides Basic and a private insurer provides optional coverage.
- Bundling. A private insurer may discount optional auto if you also buy home insurance in BC from them.
- Extras. Compare rental coverage, glass terms and any new-vehicle options.
- Discounts. Ask about multi-vehicle, low-distance and other discounts.
A licensed broker can quote ICBC optional coverage and, in many cases, private options too. Ask them to show the quotes side by side.
How does the ICBC low-kilometre discount work?
Driving less can lower your optional premium. The BC government's 2025 announcement and related news coverage reported a discount of about 10% to 15% on select optional coverage. It was reported for drivers who travel under 15,000 km a year. Thresholds and eligible coverages can change, so confirm current rules with ICBC or your broker.
To make the most of it:
- Estimate your annual kilometres honestly, using past odometer readings.
- Update your policy if you start working from home or stop commuting.
- Keep a record of odometer readings in case you are asked.
Report your distance accurately. Understating it to get a discount can create problems if you make a claim.
How much optional coverage do you need?
There is no single answer, but your situation points the way.
| Your situation | Coverage to consider |
|---|---|
| New, financed or leased vehicle | Collision and comprehensive, plus extra liability. |
| Mid-value vehicle you rely on daily | Collision and comprehensive, with deductibles you can afford. |
| Older, low-value vehicle | Comprehensive or specified perils, and compare the cost of collision with the car's value. |
| Frequent trips to the United States | Higher liability limits. |
| Driving for a ride-hailing or delivery app | Tell your broker; your use may need a different rate class or coverage. |
ICBC prices optional coverage by driver, so your driving record and listed drivers matter. Make sure everyone who regularly drives the vehicle is listed. An unlisted driver can cause problems at claim time.
A quick renewal checklist
Before you renew, run through these points with your broker:
- Confirm the principal operator and every regular driver on the policy.
- Check that your vehicle use is right, such as pleasure, commuting or business.
- Compare quotes at two or three deductible levels.
- Ask for ICBC and private optional quotes side by side.
- Confirm your annual distance estimate.
Tip: Review your optional coverage every year. As your car ages, the right mix of collision, comprehensive and deductibles can change.
If you are wondering why your total premium changed despite the freeze, see our guide on why car insurance is going up in 2026.
Next steps
Optional coverage is where BC drivers have real choices. Get an instant car insurance estimate to see a realistic price range for your profile. Then talk to a licensed advisor who can compare ICBC and private optional coverage for you.
You can also read about car insurance in British Columbia, see other BC insurance topics or look up terms in our glossary. For official details on Basic coverage, visit ICBC.
This guide is general information. Your policy wording and a licensed advisor's advice apply to your own situation.