ICBC | Determining fault for crashes

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If you are involved in a crash, we’ll investigate to determine who is at fault.

Once the facts are gathered, we’ll consider the “rules of the road” and past court decisions in similar crashes to determine who is fully or partially at fault.

Find out what happens if you’re:

Find examples of crashes and fault based on the “rules of the road” and related B.C. Supreme Court decisions.

If you disagree with your adjuster’s assessment, you have several options for disputing fault.

At-fault crash

A crash you caused but asked ICBC to pay costs for. Such claims affect your Claim-Rated Scale discount. When costs are relatively low, covering them yourself instead of making a claim may save you money. Ask your ICBC adjuster what would work best for you.
Liability

Legal responsibility. If you are at fault for a crash, you (or your insurance) may be held legally liable or responsible for the costs incurred. These may include bodily injury or property damage, or both, suffered by the other party.

Being fully or partially at fault may affect:

your future premiums
the money you can claim from another motorist's insurance policy, or
whether you are responsible for damages to others.