Tailgating might seem like a momentary lapse in patience, but for thousands of B.C. drivers every year, it ends in a collision—and higher insurance premiums.
According to a new ICBC survey conducted by Ipsos, 77% of British Columbians admit to tailgating, or following too closely, at least occasionally. Yet 86% say being tailgated makes them feel angry, scared, or intimidated. This disconnect between what we do and what we expect from others behind the wheel creates risk—not just on the road, but in your insurance profile as well.
As your local Autoplan broker, we want to help you stay protected, not just with the right coverage, but with knowledge and habits that can help you avoid claims altogether.
Here’s what the new data tells us, and what you can do about it.
Why Tailgating Matters to Your Insurance Premiums and Insurance Costs
It’s not just about bad driving etiquette. Tailgating is a leading contributor to rear-end collisions, which account for more than 57,000 crashes reported to ICBC last year.
If you’re found at fault in one of those crashes, it doesn’t just go on your driving record. It can impact:
- Your insurance premiums (fault-based crashes typically lead to increases)
- Your claims history, which may affect your eligibility for discounts
- Your stress level and time. Even minor fender-benders are costly and time-consuming to resolve
The bottom line: following too closely can increase your insurance costs and negatively impact your insurance policy.
Understanding Why Tailgating Happens: The Key Factors
The survey explored the reasons behind tailgating. They may sound familiar:
- 50% say they tailgate because the driver ahead is going below the speed limit
- 30% say it’s slower drivers in the fast lane
- 17% want to stop others from cutting in
- 16% are simply in a rush
As frustrating as slow drivers can be, tailgating doesn’t solve the problem. It creates a bigger one. A sudden brake from the vehicle in front can quickly become your next insurance claim and raise your insurance premiums.
Most drivers know tailgating is risky, but in the moment, impatience often wins out. Time pressure, traffic congestion, and poor lane discipline are all factors behind this common habit.
Don’t Overlook These Other Factors
According to the survey:
- 84% of drivers say it happens on city streets
- 82% experience it on highways
- 73% report it in construction zones
- 69% even see it in playground and school zones
This is especially troubling in zones where reduced speeds are enforced for safety—and where penalties can be higher.
From an insurance company’s perspective, where you get into a crash can matter too. Accidents in construction or school zones can lead to fines, driver penalty points, and further insurance premium impacts.
How You Can Use This Information
So what can you do with these insights? Here are some ways to take action—as a driver, a policyholder, and a King Insurance client.
1. Protect Your Driving Record
If you’ve ever tailgated or reacted poorly to being tailgated, consider this your reminder to keep your distance. A safe following distance is at least two seconds on city streets, and three seconds on highways. More if weather conditions are poor or visibility is reduced.
Tip: Use the “fixed object” method. When the vehicle in front passes a pole or sign, count how long it takes for you to reach that same spot. If it’s less than three seconds, you’re too close. Driving within the speed limit and maintaining distance isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a protective buffer that helps prevent costly mistakes.
2. Avoid Escalation
The survey found that 41% of B.C. drivers change lanes to let tailgaters pass. That’s a smart move. But others choose to retaliate—slowing down on purpose (9%) or speeding up (7%). Both increase your risk of a crash.
We always recommend defensive, not reactive, driving. If you’re being tailgated, stay calm, leave extra space in front, and move over safely when possible.
3. Talk to Us About Your Insurance Profile
Driving habits influence your insurance premiums over time. If you’ve had one or more crashes—especially at-fault—your premiums could rise. But there may be ways to manage that:
- You might qualify for ICBC’s forgiveness programs or discount tiers
- We can advise you on adjusting your coverage or deductible to suit your current risk level
- If you’re using your vehicle differently (e.g., less commuting), that may affect your rate as well
We do more than sell policies. We’re an insurance company that helps you optimize your plan.
4. Plan Your Drives to Reduce Stress
Tailgating often stems from feeling rushed. Give yourself extra time, especially during busy commute hours. Check road and traffic conditions in advance using DriveBC or a navigation app. The less rushed you feel, the less likely you are to engage in risky driving.
5. Teach Good Habits in Your Household
If you have a new driver in the family (or someone learning with an “N”) talk openly about following distance, safe lane changes, and how to handle tailgaters. Many crashes involving young drivers come down to inexperience with road dynamics like these.
And if you’re insuring multiple drivers on the same vehicle, their habits can affect your premiums too.
A Final Reminder from ICBC
Kathleen Nadalin of ICBC put it simply:
“Tailgating isn’t just aggressive, it’s dangerous. A safe following distance isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a critical part of keeping everyone safe.”
As your Autoplan broker, we’re here to help you stay informed, stay protected, and stay on the road with confidence.
If you have questions about your current auto insurance policy, need help navigating a claim, or just want to check if you’re getting the best rate possible based on your driving history, reach out to our team at King Insurance. We’re always happy to help.
Located at the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Main Street, King Insurance proudly serves not only the South Vancouver communities of Marpole, Sunset, Oakridge, Victoria–Fraserview, and nearby areas like Marine Gateway and Marine Landing, but also clients across Richmond and the entire Lower Mainland.
Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance company industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most. Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the right coverage at the best available rate, while making sure they understand their options clearly.