What is ICBC Comprehensive Insurance? (A Simple Guide)

Note: This article explains the definition of insurance coverage. If your vehicle has been damaged and you are looking for an ICBC Body Shop to perform repairs, visit our ICBC Collision Repair to book an estimate.

If you own a vehicle in British Columbia, having the right insurance policy is essential to protect your wallet from unexpected costs. One of the most important types of optional coverage offered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is ICBC comprehensive insurance. This policy provides financial protection against non-collision-related incidents, ensuring peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

As industry experts handling daily claims, we have penned down this detailed guide to help you understand exactly what ICBC comprehensive insurance covers and why it matters.

What is ICBC Comprehensive Insurance in BC?

ICBC comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage plan that financially protects your vehicle from damages caused by events other than a crash with another car. This type of insurance is particularly valuable in British Columbia due to unpredictable weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and risks of theft or vandalism.

While basic ICBC Autoplan insurance provides third-party liability coverage, it does not pay for damage to your own vehicle unless you add optional coverage like comprehensive or collision policies.

Comprehensive coverage ensures that if your vehicle suffers loss due to natural disasters, theft, or other unforeseen incidents, the insurance provider helps cover the replacement or restoration costs so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

What Does ICBC Comprehensive Insurance Cover?

The key difference with comprehensive insurance is that it protects your vehicle from stationary or environmental damages, rather than traffic accidents. This includes:

• Theft & Vandalism – If your car is stolen or vandalized while parked, comprehensive coverage helps cover the financial loss or restoration.
• Weather-Related Damage – Damage resulting from hail, windstorms, floods, or wildfires is typically covered under this policy.
• Falling Objects – If a tree branch, rock, or debris falls on your car, the resulting damage is covered.
• Fire & Explosions – Any fire-related damage to your vehicle is included.
• Animal Impacts – If you hit a deer or another animal on the highway, comprehensive insurance (not collision) usually handles the claim cost.
• Glass Damage – This coverage also includes protection against windshield chips, cracks, or shattered glass.

This type of coverage is particularly useful in B.C., where unpredictable weather and wildlife encounters can lead to costly vehicle damage.

Comprehensive ICBC Cost: What to Expect?

The premium for ICBC comprehensive insurance depends on several factors, including:

• The make, model, and year of your vehicle.
• Your driving history and claims record.
• Where you live and park your vehicle (territory rating).
• Your deductible choice (choosing a higher deductible usually lowers your monthly premium).

Since insurance rates vary, it’s best to get a personalized quote from a broker to determine the exact cost of your policy.

[Read Also: Everything you need to know about ICBC Claims]

Where to Get Comprehensive Insurance in Surrey and Nearby Areas

If you are looking to purchase ICBC comprehensive insurance in Surrey, Langley, or Delta, you must visit an ICBC Autoplan broker. While auto body shops like ours handle the repairs after an incident, only licensed brokers can sell you the policy.

Here are a few ways to find an ICBC Autoplan broker:

1. Visit the ICBC Website – Use ICBC’s broker locator tool to find an authorized seller.
2. Check Local Insurance Providers – Many private insurance agencies in Surrey offer ICBC Autoplan services.

Note: While we do not sell insurance, Cerna Collision can guide you through the claims process once you have coverage and need repairs.

Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

Many drivers confuse these two optional coverages. Here is the breakdown:

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Read Also: What does Collision Insurance cover?

Common Questions Asked about ICBC Comprehensive Insurance

1. Is ICBC comprehensive insurance mandatory?
No, comprehensive insurance is optional, but it is highly recommended to protect your asset against non-traffic-related damages like hail or theft.

2. Does ICBC comprehensive insurance cover rental cars?
Generally, no. Comprehensive insurance covers your registered vehicle. You may need to purchase specific rental vehicle coverage or a RoadStar package.

3. How much does ICBC comprehensive insurance cost?
The cost varies based on your vehicle value and risk factors. Getting a quote from an Autoplan broker is the only way to get an exact price.

4. Can I have comprehensive insurance without collision coverage?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive coverage without collision insurance (often done for stored vehicles), but having both offers complete protection for daily driving.

5. What’s the deductible for ICBC comprehensive insurance?
Deductibles typically range from $300 to $2,500. A higher deductible lowers your annual premium but increases what you must pay upfront if you file a claim.

Need Repairs for a Comprehensive Claim?

Navigating the aftermath of vehicle damage can be stressful. Once you have filed your comprehensive claim with ICBC, you need a reliable shop to handle the restoration.

At Cerna Collision, we specialize in the repair side of the process. We provide expert guidance on managing your claim paperwork and deliver top-quality restoration for vehicles damaged by vandalism, weather, or accidents.

Has your vehicle suffered damage?
Contact Cerna Collision today or book an appointment to get your vehicle back on the road.