If you are at fault

If you are at fault for a crash, you could be entitled to medical and rehabilitation expenses under Accident Benefits, Collision (if you have it) and coverage for damages to the other party under your basic Autoplan for Third Party Liability.

Here is what happens when you are at fault:

Accident Benefits

Accident Benefits are available to almost everybody in British Columbia who is injured in a motor vehicle crash — no matter who is at fault. Find out more about Accident Benefits.

Damage to your vehicle

If you purchased own-damage Collision coverage, it will pay for damage to your vehicle even if you are at fault. It covers a crash with another vehicle, person, object or the surface of the road. It also covers the costs of towing, storage, and salvage disposal. If you do not have Collision coverage, you are not covered for these costs if you are found at fault for a crash. Speak to your Autoplan Broker about the coverage that is right for you.

Your collision deductible

You will have to pay a collision deductible. This is the amount you have to pay toward repairs or costs before your insurance kicks in to pay for the rest. Drivers with a history of at-fault crashes pay higher Collision deductibles. (In extreme cases, Collision coverage is not available at all.)

Your insurance premium may go up

If you are at fault for a crash, your Basic Autoplan premium may go up unless you have a long, claim-free record. The premium for any optional insurance you have (own damage Collision, for example) may go up as well.

Each time ICBC has to pay out a Collision or Third Party Liability claim on your behalf, the payment goes on your claim record. Your claim record directly affects how much you pay for auto insurance. Safe drivers enjoy premium discounts. Some drivers who cause crashes — and make claims — may lose their discounts. Others may pay surcharges. After an at-fault claim, each year of claim-free driving could help restore your previous, lower premium.

Protecting your premium

You may be in a crash that does not involve injuries or costly vehicle damage. If you are at fault, it might make financial sense to repay the cost of your claim to ICBC. That is, you can pay us back for what we had to pay out on your behalf. Repaying a claim protects your premium from increasing. There's a time limit on repaying a claim. It must be done before the annual renewal date of your Autoplan policy. Ask your adjuster if there is an option to repay your claim.

What if someone else was driving your car?

The registered owner of a vehicle is responsible — that is, legally liable — for the vehicle's operation, when you lend it to someone or when the driver is an employee or household member. If your vehicle is involved in an at-fault crash, even if someone else was driving your car at the time, the claim record may affect your policy.

In some circumstances, such as when the vehicle owner does not renew an expiring policy, the record of an at-fault claim may affect a new policy taken out by the person who was driving at the time of the crash.