Public (ICBC), Enhanced Care no-fault
Auto insurance in British Columbia
What's required, what's optional, and how claims work — with every figure sourced and dated.
The system
British Columbia's auto insurance is public, through ICBC, under the Enhanced Care no-fault model. Most injury claims are handled as care and recovery benefits rather than lawsuits. Basic Autoplan includes third-party liability and Enhanced Care benefits — care, recovery, income replacement, and permanent-impairment benefits regardless of fault.
What's mandatory
The statutory minimum third-party liability in British Columbia is $200,000. Enhanced Care (no-fault) basic Autocare via ICBC: care, recovery, income replacement, and permanent impairment benefits. Optional coverage available via ICBC/private for higher liability.
Basic Autoplan includes $200,000 of third-party liability. Because BC is a no-fault system for injuries, the biggest reason to buy up to $1–2 million is out-of-province and US travel, where tort claims still apply and costs run far higher.
What's optional (and worth understanding)
Higher liability limits and additional coverages are available through ICBC or the private market.
How to save legally
Legal ways to lower an ICBC premium: use the experience/driver-based pricing to your advantage (a clean record matters a lot under Enhanced Care), raise your optional collision/comprehensive deductible, drop unnecessary optional coverage on an older car, and consider low-kilometre or seasonal options if you drive little.
What's specific to British Columbia
Enhanced Care replaced BC's old tort/lawsuit model in May 2021. You generally can no longer sue for injuries in a BC crash; instead you receive expanded, no-fault care and income benefits regardless of who was at fault. Lawsuits remain possible in narrow cases (for example, against a manufacturer or an impaired driver).
How claims and disputes work
ICBC has an internal fairness/complaint process; some injury-benefit matters go through the Civil Resolution Tribunal, and market conduct is overseen by BCFSA.
Out-of-country health
MSP pays very limited amounts for emergency care outside BC/Canada. Travel medical strongly recommended. See the Travel & Snowbird tool to size the gap.
British Columbia at a glance — sourced facts
Frequently asked questions
- Is BC auto insurance no-fault?
- Yes. Since May 2021, BC's Enhanced Care model is no-fault: your injury care and income benefits are paid regardless of who caused the crash, and you generally can't sue for injuries. Basic Autoplan is provided by the public insurer, ICBC.
- What is the minimum car insurance in BC?
- Basic Autoplan includes $200,000 of third-party liability plus Enhanced Care benefits. Many drivers add higher liability — especially if they drive in the US or other provinces, where tort claims still apply.
- Can I still sue after a car accident in BC?
- Only in narrow situations. Enhanced Care removed the general right to sue for injuries in exchange for expanded no-fault benefits. Lawsuits remain possible in limited cases, such as against a vehicle manufacturer or an impaired or criminal driver.
- Who handles BC auto insurance disputes?
- ICBC has an internal fairness and complaint process; some injury-benefit matters go to the Civil Resolution Tribunal, and market conduct is overseen by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA).
Figures verified July 2026 against the sources shown. Auto rules change — confirm current requirements with your regulator or broker before relying on them. Education, not advice; no coverage is sold here.