Which Documents Do You Need to Buy Car Insurance in BC?

When it comes to owning a car in British Columbia (BC), having the right car insurance is not just important—it’s REQUIRED BY LAW. Without insurance, you cannot legally drive your car on the roads. But before you can buy insurance, you need to gather certain documents. Don’t worry, the process is straightforward! In this blog, we’ll explain exactly which documents you’ll need to buy car insurance in Burnaby BC and why they are important.

Why Is Car Insurance Important in BC?

Before we look into the details of what documents are required, let’s quickly review why car insurance is so important.

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In BC, car insurance is mandatory and helps PROTECT YOU FINANCIALLY if you’re involved in an accident. It covers damages to your car, any injuries you or others might suffer, and damages to other people’s property. When it comes to types of insurance, there’s basic insurance provided by 

ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia), which is mandatory in BC for all vehicles, and optional coverages such as:

  1. Liability Insurance:
    • Must-have in Canada (rules vary by province).
    • Covers costs if you hurt someone or damage their stuff in an accident.
    • Also helps with legal fees if you’re blamed for the accident.
  2. Collision Coverage:
    • Pays for car repairs after a crash, no matter who caused it.
    • Doesn’t cover medical bills (those need separate insurance).
    • Also works for hit-and-run damage.
  3. Comprehensive Coverage:
    • Protects your car from non-crash issues like theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.
    • Gives peace of mind for unexpected events.
  4. Accident Forgiveness:
    • Keeps your insurance rates from going up after an accident.
    • Helps you keep a clean driving record and lower premiums.
    • Makes driving less stressful, knowing you’re covered even if something goes wrong.

Documents Required for Car Insurance

Now that you know why car insurance is necessary and coverages, let’s go through the documents you’ll need to have in hand when you’re ready to buy your car insurance.

1. Driver’s License

One of the most important documents you need to buy car insurance is your driver’s license. Insurance companies use this document to confirm your identity and your driving record. The type of license you hold can affect your insurance rates.

  • Valid BC Driver’s License: If you’re a resident of BC, you must have a valid BC driver’s license to buy insurance from ICBC or any private insurance provider.
  • Out-of-Province License: If you’re new to BC or are moving from another province, you will need to exchange your out-of-province license for a BC license within 90 days of arriving. This will allow you to purchase car insurance.

When you bring your driver’s license, insurance companies will check your driving history, including accidents, violations, and the number of years you’ve been driving. Having a clean driving record can help you secure better rates.

2. Vehicle Registration or Proof of Ownership

Next, you’ll need your vehicle registration or proof of ownership. This shows that you legally own the car and have the right to insure it. If you’re purchasing a new car, the dealership will provide you with the vehicle registration documents.

  • Vehicle Registration: This is the document that proves your vehicle is legally registered with ICBC. If you bought the car from a dealership, they would handle the registration for you.
  • Proof of Ownership: If you bought the car from a private seller, you would need the proof of ownership document, which is often a bill of sale. This document verifies that you are the rightful owner of the car.

Having this document is essential because it provides information about your vehicle, including its make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which insurance companies will need to accurately assess the value of your car.

3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is essentially the car’s fingerprint. It’s a 17-character code that can be found on your vehicle’s dashboard (near the windshield) or inside the driver’s side door, on the door frame, or doorpost. The VIN is used by insurance companies to track the car’s history and ensure the information matches their records.

You’ll need the VIN when you’re buying car insurance because it helps the insurance company identify your specific car model and year. This helps them determine the proper coverage and pricing for your car.

4. Proof of Previous Insurance (If Applicable)

If you’ve had car insurance in the past, especially in BC, it’s helpful to provide proof of previous insurance. This is a document that shows you were insured, either with ICBC or a private insurance company. It’s important because it shows your insurance history, which can impact your rates.

  • No Claims Discount: If you haven’t made any claims in the past few years, some insurance companies may offer you a No Claims Discount, which can lower your premiums.
  • Previous Insurance Policy Number: Having your previous policy number will make it easier for the insurance company to verify your driving history.

If you’ve never had insurance before or are new to the province, don’t worry! You can still buy car insurance, but you may be subject to higher rates since insurance companies will consider you a higher risk.

5. Driver’s Abstract (Optional)

A driver’s abstract is an optional document that can be helpful when buying car insurance, especially if you have a less-than-perfect driving record. It’s a document that provides a detailed history of your driving behaviour, including any accidents or traffic violations. It’s available through ICBC or online services.

Insurance companies use this document to evaluate your driving history. If you’ve had accidents or violations, it can affect your insurance rates. However, by providing an abstract upfront, you show that you’re being honest about your history, which could improve your relationship with the insurance company.

If you don’t have a clean driving record, this document may raise your premiums. But, by sharing it, you can be transparent and start building trust with your insurer.

6. Payment Information

Once you’ve chosen your coverage and finalized your car insurance quote, you’ll need to provide payment information. Insurance policies are usually paid in monthly or annual installments, and the payment method can vary.

  • Credit Card or Bank Account: You’ll need valid credit card or bank account details to pay for your policy. Insurance companies often accept debit, credit, and sometimes cheques.
  • Payment Plan: Some insurance providers offer flexible payment plans, so you can choose whether to pay your premium monthly, semi-annually, or annually. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about the payment options available to you.

7. Additional Documents (If Applicable)

There may be additional documents you need, depending on your situation. Here are some examples:

  • Safety Certificate: If your car is older, the insurance company may require a safety certificate to verify that the car is in good condition and safe to drive.
  • Proof of Car Alarm or Anti-Theft Devices: If your car is equipped with special security features like an alarm or tracking device, you may get a discount on your insurance premiums.
  • Special Driving License: If you have a special driver’s license (for example, a commercial driver’s license), you may need to provide additional documentation.

How to Get Insurance Quotes

Now that you know what documents you need, it’s time to get your insurance quotes! There are a few ways to get a quote:

  • Online: You can visit ICBC’s website or any private insurance company’s website to get an online quote. You’ll need to enter the information from your documents, such as your driver’s license, vehicle details, and previous insurance history.
  • Insurance Brokers: If you’re unsure about which policy to choose, you can speak to an insurance broker in Burnaby, BC. They’ll help you find the best terms by comparing different insurance companies.
  • In-Person: You can visit an ICBC branch or come directly to our office, Hyde Park Insurance Agencies Ltd, in Burnbay, BC, to get insurance. 

Conclusion

Buying car insurance in BC is an essential step to legally drive and stay protected on the road. With the right documents, the process can be quick and easy. Make sure to gather your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of ownership, previous insurance history, and payment details before you start. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can consult our insurance broker at HydePark. 

Remember, car insurance is there to protect you and others. It’s not just a mandatory legal compliance—it’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind while on the road.

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