How Do I Get Car Insurance in BC?
Whether you're buying your first vehicle, helping a family member get on the road, or moving to British Columbia from another province or country, understanding how ICBC auto insurance works can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on the insurance side of the process and answers some of the most common questions I hear as an Autoplan broker.
Information current as of July 2026. ICBC licensing requirements, insurance rules, and procedures may change over time. This article is intended as a general educational guide only. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official ICBC website or speak with your local Autoplan broker.
How Auto Insurance Works in British Columbia
One of the biggest differences for people moving to British Columbia is that vehicle registration, licence plates, and Basic ICBC insurance are all completed together through an Autoplan broker.
In many other provinces, states, or countries, vehicle registration and insurance are handled by separate organizations. In BC, they're combined into one process.
When you purchase a vehicle, your Autoplan broker can help you:
Register the vehicle.
Transfer ownership.
Issue licence plates (or transfer existing BC plates, when applicable).
Arrange your mandatory Basic ICBC insurance.
Review optional coverages available through ICBC or private insurance companies.
Before a vehicle can be legally driven on a public road in British Columbia, it must be registered, licensed, and insured.
Buying Your First Vehicle
Buying your first vehicle is exciting, but it's also a great time to ask questions before you drive away.
Your Autoplan broker can explain:
What coverage is legally required.
Which optional coverages may be appropriate.
What deductibles are available.
Whether replacement cost coverage is available.
How adding other drivers may affect your policy.
Taking a few extra minutes to understand your options can help prevent expensive surprises later.
Do I Need a Driver's Licence to Buy a Vehicle?
Surprisingly, no.
You can legally purchase and own a vehicle without holding a driver's licence.
However, insurance is based on who will actually be driving the vehicle, not simply who owns it. Depending on your situation, the registered owner, principal driver, and listed drivers may all be different people.
If you're purchasing a vehicle for your child, spouse, or another family member, it's important to discuss your situation with your Autoplan broker so the policy is set up correctly.
Moving to British Columbia
If you're relocating to BC, there are a few important timelines to keep in mind.
Generally:
New residents have 90 days to exchange their driver's licence for a BC driver's licence.
Most private passenger vehicles must be registered, licensed, and insured in BC within 30 days of arriving. (Commercial vehicles have different requirements.)
Requirements vary depending on whether you're moving from another Canadian province or another country, so it's always a good idea to review the current requirements on the ICBC website before making an appointment.
Can I Insure a Vehicle with an Out-of-Province or International Driver's Licence?
In many situations, yes.
If you've recently moved to British Columbia, you may still be able to insure your vehicle while using your existing valid driver's licence during the transition period.
Your eligibility depends on several factors, including:
Where your licence was issued.
Your residency status.
How long you've been living in BC.
Your plans to exchange your licence.
If you're unsure how your situation applies, your Autoplan broker can explain your options and help you prepare the documentation you'll need.
Why Your Driving Experience Matters
One of the biggest factors affecting your insurance premium is your driving experience.
If you're moving to British Columbia, eligible driving experience from another province or country may be recognized by ICBC, but only after you obtain your BC driver's licence through Driver Licensing.
When you exchange your licence, Driver Licensing reviews your driving history and, if you're eligible, updates your driving experience in ICBC's records. Until you've completed this process, your previous driving experience will not yet be reflected in your insurance rating.
Depending on where you're moving from, you may need to provide documentation such as:
A driver's abstract.
Driver licensing history.
A letter of experience from your previous licensing authority.
The documents required vary depending on your previous jurisdiction, so it's important to review ICBC's current requirements before your appointment.
Basic vs. Optional Insurance
Every vehicle driven on public roads in British Columbia must carry Basic ICBC insurance, which provides the mandatory coverage required by law.
Many drivers also choose additional optional coverages to better protect themselves and their vehicles.
Optional coverages can be purchased through:
ICBC, or
Private insurance companies.
Depending on your needs, these coverages may include:
Collision
Comprehensive
Specified Perils
Loss of Use
Roadside Assistance
Replacement Cost (for eligible newer vehicles)
An Autoplan broker can explain these options and help you choose the coverage that's appropriate for your needs.
Importing a Vehicle into British Columbia
If you're bringing a vehicle into British Columbia from another province or another country, additional requirements may apply before it can be registered and insured.
Depending on your situation, you may need:
Proof of ownership.
Previous registration documents.
Importation paperwork (if applicable).
A provincial vehicle safety inspection.
Federal import documentation for vehicles entering Canada from another country.
The exact requirements depend on where the vehicle is coming from and whether it has previously been registered in Canada.
Before importing a vehicle, it's a good idea to review the current ICBC requirements or speak with your Autoplan broker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you're buying your first vehicle or moving to BC, these are some of the most common mistakes I see:
Waiting until the last minute to arrange insurance.
Forgetting to exchange your driver's licence.
Not bringing proof of previous driving experience.
Assuming insurance automatically transfers from another province.
Purchasing a vehicle before understanding the total insurance cost.
Forgetting to update your address after moving.
Not asking about optional coverages that may better protect your vehicle.
Planning ahead can make the entire process much smoother.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're buying your first vehicle or starting fresh in British Columbia, understanding how registration, licensing, and insurance work can save you time, money, and frustration.
Every driver's situation is different, and requirements can vary depending on your previous driving history, where you're moving from, and the vehicle you're insuring.
If you're unsure where to start, an experienced Autoplan broker can help explain your options and make sure you have the right coverage from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a driver's licence to buy a car?
No. You can legally purchase and own a vehicle without holding a driver's licence. However, insurance is based on who will actually be driving the vehicle.
Can I insure a vehicle with an Alberta driver's licence?
In many situations, yes. If you've recently moved to BC, you may be able to insure your vehicle while using your Alberta licence during the transition period.
Can I insure a vehicle with an international driver's licence?
Often, yes. Your eligibility depends on your residency status and where your licence was issued.
Will my driving experience from another province or country reduce my insurance premium?
Potentially. Eligible driving experience may be recognized once you've exchanged your licence for a BC driver's licence and Driver Licensing has updated your records.
Can I buy optional insurance from a private insurance company?
Yes. While Basic insurance is provided through ICBC, many optional coverages are also available through participating private insurers.
Need Insurance Advice?
Insurance information is a great starting point, but every person, family, home, and business has unique insurance needs.
If you have questions about your current coverage, are approaching your renewal, or simply want a second opinion, I'd be happy to help you understand your options and determine whether your coverage still meets your needs.
I work with multiple insurance companies to help clients find coverage that fits their situation, not just the lowest price.
📍 Proudly serving Langley, the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and clients throughout British Columbia and Alberta.
About the Author
James Kramer is an independent insurance advisor with more than a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect what matters most.
He provides general insurance, including Home, Auto, ICBC Autoplan, Business, Travel, and Specialty Insurance, throughout British Columbia and Alberta, as well as independent life insurance solutions across British Columbia.
Through the Insurance Learning Centre, James shares practical insurance advice, explains common coverage questions, and helps Canadians better understand their insurance so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered insurance, legal, or financial advice.
Insurance products, policy wordings, coverage options, eligibility, and availability vary by insurer and province. Always review your own policy and consult a licensed insurance advisor regarding your specific circumstances before making insurance decisions.