Posts Tagged ‘British Columbia auto insurance’

British Columbia Car Insurance and Making an Injury Claim

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

If you have been hurt in an accident and want to make a claim for  your injuries under your British Columbia car insurance coverage, you will need to follow a specific set of procedures. Your first step should be to contact ICBC’s claim number.

You will either be given an appointment to meet with an adjuster or speak to one over the phone. In either case, the adjuster will ask you to describe the crash and whether Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.

The adjuster will ask about the injuries you sustained in the crash, as well as if you had any pre-existing medical conditions. If you are unable to work following the incident, the adjuster will provide you with information about disability benefits that you may qualify for. You will also be asked to describe how your injuries have affected your lifestyle.

Before you will be paid any accident benefits, you will need to confirm your employment status and rate of pay by producing a recent pay stub. The adjuster will also need to know if you are covered by any other disability insurance plan, either through work or privately.

All of this information will  help the adjuster determine the level of benefits that you are entitled to under your plan. You will receive your benefits more quickly if the information you provide is complete and clear.

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Posted in Canada |

What British Columbia Basic Autoplan Does Not Cover

Friday, December 24th, 2010

British Columbia car insurance customers must buy mandatory coverage from the government-run insurance program. Consumers need to understand that they may not be covered in all circumstances when they get behind the wheel of their car.

  • If, after an accident, ICBC discovers that your vehicle was covered under the wrong rating class, your claim may be denied. Your policy will describe how your car is being used (Pleasure, Business, Commuting, Delivery) and you need to tell  your broker exactly what you are using it for. If you are insured in the wrong class, you run the risk of being personally responsible for damages caused in the accident.
  • Driving with an expired driver’s license is another situation where you may not be covered. Make sure that you get your license renewed before the expiry date so that it remains valid.
  • British Columbia residents who travel outside of Canada or the United States may not covered under the Basic Autoplan.
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also void your coverage.
  • Be careful about lending your car. If the person driving it does not have a valid license, you may be on the hook for damages personally.
  • Following a motor vehicle accident, the claims adjuster will compare the damage to your vehicle with your statement about the events. If the two don’t match, your claim could be denied.
  • Deliberately crashing your car is another situation where you would not be covered under the Basic Autoplan in British Columbia.

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Posted in Canada |

Discounts Available on British Columbia Auto Insurance

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

A number of discounts are available on British Columbia auto insurance coverage under the government-run Autoplan. Residents of this province are required to buy their mandatory coverage from a broker licensed to sell this insurance.

Policyholders who have not been involved in an at-fault accident receive a discount for their claim-free status. The longer they can maintain it, the higher the price break will be. Some policyholders choose to pay for an at-fault claim themselves rather than report it to their insurer and running the risk of being charged higher rates as a result of being placed in a different risk category on the Autoplan’s claim-rated scale.

Other available British Columbia auto insurance discounts are as follows:

  • Seniors can save 25 percent on the cost of their Basic Autoplan coverage if they use their car for pleasure only.
  • Experienced drivers who have been licensed for 10 years or more receive preferred pricing for their car insurance coverage.
  • Drivers can save on the cost of their comprehensive coverage if they install a passive electronic immobilizer in their vehicle.
  • Disabled drivers qualify for a 25 percent discount off the cost of their Basic Autoplan insurance coverage.
  • Discounts are also offered to owners of antique and collector cars. The owner would have to register the vehicle with the government to apply for the Collector Agreed Value Policy, as well as collision, comprehensive or specified perils coverage.
  • Fleet discounts are available for customers who insure five or more vehicles on the same policy.

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Posted in Canada |

Optional British Columbia Auto Insurance Coverage

Saturday, December 18th, 2010

British Columbia auto insurance buyers must purchase the Basic Autoplan offered under the government plan. They can also top up this coverage with optional car insurance protection, including the following:

Collision: This coverage pays for the cost of repairing your own vehicle following an accident, even if the owner was at fault.

Comprehensive: Pays for repairs when the damage to the vehicle is caused by an event other than a collision. It covers event like fire, damage from stones, or acts of vandalism. This coverage also pays out if your car is stolen.

Specified Perils: This coverage is similar to comprehensive insurance, but it covers only the types of loss that are listed on the policy. Since it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as comprehensive insurance, it is less expensive to buy.

Vehicle in Storage: Owners can buy separate coverage for times when their car is off the road. They can choose to keep the same coverage in place as when they are driving their vehicle or insure it for specified perils only.

Off-Road Vehicle: People who own dune buggies, snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles must buy separate coverage for them.

Agreed Value for Collector Cars: To get the right level of protection for an antique or classic car, it must be registered with the province with an agreed value.  Vehicles worth more than $40,000 must be inspected at an ICBC claim center to have their value confirmed.

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Posted in Canada |

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