What does your Autoplan Insurance Cover?

In British Columbia, all vehicles must be insured for basic insurance from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia  ((“ICBC”), known as Autoplan Insurance.  A basic Autoplan policy provides for:

1. $200,000 in third party legal liability insurance;
2. $1,000,000 in underinsured motorist protection  ( “UMP”); and
3. accident  rehabilitation benefits.

It is possible to obtain additional insurance either from ICBC or from private insurers.  If a driver has a good driving record, it may be that the private insurers are able to offer a better rate for additional insurance.  I always recommend that additional insurance be purchased for both third party legal liability and UMP coverage. 

Third party legal liability coverage is intended for situations where you or someone driving your vehicle with consent, causes a motor vehicle accident which involves other persons and those other persons make claims for personal injuries and/or physical damage.

UMP insurance  is designed to protect you and your household members when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with another person who does not have enough  or any insurance to pay your claims.

Accident Rehabilitation benefits, often referred to as No Fault Benefits include medical rehabilitation and equipment expenses, wage replacement, funeral and other expenses and are payable to an ICBC insured involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who is at fault for the collision.

If you are in a motor vehicle accident you have an obligation at law, as an ICBC insured, to:

1. tell ICBC about the accident as soon as possible;
2. provide a statement to ICBC regarding the accident, including your name, what happened, and a description of your injuries, but does not have to be signed; and
3. provide an application form for accident or rehabilitation benefits.

An ICBC adjuster will be assigned to your case.  If your collision involved another ICBC insured, ICBC will represent both insureds.  ICBC adjusters are employed to seek a determination of who is responsible for the accident, and to minimize payouts to any claimants for personal injuries.  The ICBC adjuster is not employed to tell a claimant about their legal rights.  If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, I suggest seeking legal advice prior to speaking with ICBC.