BC Auto Insurance

[digitalsky]

Hi all,

I'm just wondering, do we have to get complete insurance coverage from ICBC, or can we just get basic from ICBC and the rest from another company? If so, what are some of the good ones?

Coast Capital?
Beacon?

Thanks.

[kplange]

I use Canadian Direct for anything other than the mandatory ICBC insurance. They were almost 50% less than a quote I got from another private BC insurer. They also offer a 10% discount for online applications. I had them recommended by another friend of mine and he had done all the research.

[oldsnail]

Basic insurance you have to get from ICBC

Comprehensive/ Collision can be purchased from a third party.

I myself just go with ICBC for all.. sometimes, it is just not worth it.

If you have it fully under icbc and get into an accident, you usually just call ICBC.

But if you have a 3rd party insurance, you have to call ICBC, 3rd party insurance, and possible police report and bank.

the difference is not significant for me to change to a third party.

insurance also differs by region tooo.. in the GVR, you need aircare.. and insurance rates are higher than other regions in BC.

for example, i have a 03 Civic SIR and i pay less than 900 a year annually fully cover with ICBC with a -9 rating

[digitalsky]

< $900?? Wow how come there is such a big difference.

I drive a '05 RSX, > 10 years license, no tickets (= 40% discount). When I get the full insurance (including Roadside plus) it's almost 2000 a year!

[kplange]

As a new BC resident this year, with one previous accident four years ago, my approximate quotes for a 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line roadster were:
ICBC $2200
A private insurer (can't remember the name, but was on ICBC's list) $2900
Canadian Direct Insurance $1600 and change. Needless to say I went with Canadian Direct.

In my previous residence of MB wth government run insurance, the same car would have been $1400.

[kplange]

Just to clarify my previous post so there's no misunderstanding. The figures quoted represent the total cost of insurance (basic through ICBC and upgrades through a private insurer). For example, my basic through ICBC is around $800 and my add ons with Canadian Direct are a further $850.