Your claim record’s impact on your costs

Your Autoplan premium is affected by your claim record. The longer you go without an at-fault crash, the cheaper your premium will be. As a driver, you may also pay a separate Multiple Crash Premium if you have had more than three crashes in three years.

The biggest factor in the cost of your insurance is your claim history, which is reflected in the “Claim-Rated Scale.” All new BC drivers start out on the scale at a base rate. However, your insurance history in another jurisdiction may qualify you for a discount. Contact your Autoplan broker for details.

Each time you cause a crash, you move up the Claim-Rated Scale and your costs increase. Likewise, each year that goes by without an at-fault claim, you move down the scale and your costs decrease. The maximum discount on the Claim-Rated Scale is 43 per cent and Optional coverage savings could be even greater. Contact your Autoplan broker for details »

Find out more about the Claim-Rated Scale »

How to avoid a high premium

Typically, crashes where you were at fault will move you up the Claim-Rated Scale. This is not a permanent increase. The longer you go claims-free after a crash, the cheaper your premium may become.

You can also choose to pay the cost of your crash yourself. If the cost of the crash is less than the additional premium, you may want to repay your at-fault claim to protect your discount.

If you are at fault in a claim that does not involve a lot of money, you may want to repay the claim so that it does not affect your position on the Claim-Rated Scale or your RoadStar status. Your adjuster can estimate how much difference an at-fault claim will make to your premiums. You can then decide whether you are better off to repay the claim or to pay increased premiums.

Caution: ICBC recommends that you not attempt to settle claims independently with another motorist. Doing so may breach your coverage and you could be personally responsible for any claims.

NOTE: If you decide to repay your claim, you must do so before your next insurance renewal. For more information on this option, call Customer Contact at 604-661-2800 or toll-free at 1-800-663-3051.

The Multiple Crash Premium

If you have more than three crashes in three years — and you were at fault — you will pay a Multiple Crash Premium. This premium is additional to your Autoplan premium.

If you have had a number of crashes, your Autoplan premium will be more expensive because you have moved up the Claim-Rated Scale. Paying the Multiple Crash Premium, plus this higher premium, will be costly.