By Ka Hing Cheung

Let’s say you arrive at your parked car in Vancouver. Someone careless tries to parallel park behind you. Their bumper hits yours, and leaves a dent and a gouge. They say it didn’t happen. You know it did. What can you do under ICBC’s rules? What are your rights in this situation?

Step 1: Promptly Report the Claim Online or by Phone

First, you report the damage as a collision claim to ICBC. You can do this online at icbc.com/claims or by phone at 1-800-910-4222 (toll-free in North America) or 604-520-8222 (Lower Mainland). It’s important to report sooner rather than later so the claim can follow its normal process. The sooner damage is documented, the better.

First, you report the damage as a collision claim to ICBC. You can do this online at icbc.com/claims or by phone at 1-800-910-4222 (toll-free in North America) or 604-520-8222 (Lower Mainland). It’s important to report sooner rather than later so the claim can follow its normal process. The sooner damage is documented, the better.

When you file, you may also identify the other driver if you have their information, along with the date and time of the incident. Reporting quickly can also help your insurance coverage move forward without delays, and if you ever have a complaint about the claim, starting early gives you more ability to resolve it.

Step 2: Take Useful Photos & Collect Evidence

Even if the other driver denies it, ICBC allows and encourages you to submit photos and video footage of your vehicle, the damage, and the scene. These aren’t always required, but submitting them can lead to a more accurate estimate and may shorten how long the claim process takes.

Some of the kinds of photos ICBC asks for (or you should take) are:

• The VIN (on the dash or door tag).
• The odometer reading after the incident.
• Overall views of the damaged area, plus close-ups.
• All four corners of the vehicle (helps establish extent of damage vs what’s unrelated).
• If safe, photos of the scene (how the vehicles were positioned, line of travel, and location).

Also try to get witness names/contact info, and note anything that might confirm your version: time, lighting, nearby cameras etc. If significant damage occurs, filing a police report in BC may strengthen your insurance claim. If you suspect the other driver will later deny involvement, evidence becomes critical.

Step 3: ICBC’s Review & Your Claims Representative

After your claim is filed, ICBC assigns a claims representative who reviews:

• Your statement
• The other driver’s statement (if they report)
• Statements from any witnesses
• Photos and any video submitted
• Physical evidence of damage

They use all of that plus the rules of the road under BC’s Motor Vehicle Act to decide who is responsible. This review process is not about favouring one person over another, but about weighing evidence fairly. You can always speak with your representative if you need clarification.

If the other driver denies the incident or refuses to provide photos or measurements, ICBC will still make a decision based on whatever evidence is available. Lack of cooperation by the other party does not automatically mean you lose. But it may make your case more reliant on your evidence.

Step 4: Manage Your Claim & Upload Documents

Once your claim is reported, you can sign in to ICBC’s online tools to:

• Upload your photos, video, and other supporting documents.
• Check the status of your claim, see what responsibility has been assigned, see what the deductible will be.

Make sure you follow any requests from your claim representative. If ICBC asks for more documentation, it’s usually to fill gaps so a fair decision can be made. Staying on top of this process helps protect your insurance coverage and speeds up potential repairs. You may also receive updates online and can return to your portal anytime to check progress. All contents you upload are kept in a secure system to protect your information.

Step 5: Deductible & What Happens If Someone Is Found Responsible

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Whether you pay it depends on how crash responsibility is assigned.

• If you are found not responsible (or in some cases majority not responsible), then you may not have to make a payment for the deductible.
• If you are found partially responsible, you may have to pay part (or all, depending on your share of fault).
• If you are found fully responsible, then you are responsible for the deductible and associated costs.

ICBC’s website makes it clear that uploading good evidence helps make the estimate accurate, which can affect how fault is assessed and thus whether or how much deductible you owe. Fault also influences how your coverage applies and whether repairs will be fully or partially covered by your insurance. If your vehicle cannot be repaired safely, ICBC may replace it instead.

What If the Other Driver Denies It / Refuses to Provide Evidence?

This is often one of the hardest parts. Under ICBC rules:

• You still report and provide what you have (your photos, your statement, possible witnesses).
• ICBC will use all available evidence. If the other driver does not cooperate, their denial is one item of evidence—but it doesn’t override what can be verified by you or by witnesses or by physical damage.
• ICBC doesn’t guarantee that no-fault will be assigned just because the other driver refuses to provide evidence. But your evidence becomes more critical in the decision process.

If you feel the outcome is unfair, you can file a complaint and ask ICBC to review the process. This gives you the ability to challenge or clarify decisions.

Final Tips: Protect Yourself

• Take as many photos as possible at the scene (if safe). Use good lighting. Capture details.
• Keep records: time, place, what you saw/heard.
• Report to ICBC immediately. Don’t wait.
• Use the online tools to upload and manage your claim.
• Be honest and thorough in your descriptions.

ICBC’s system is not always perfect. Denials can be frustrating. But with good evidence, you increase your chance of a favourable outcome, possibly having your deductible waived if responsibility lies elsewhere. At King Insurance, we support clients through this process in British Columbia, helping them manage claims, repairs, and ongoing coverage needs.

Serving Communities Across British Columbia

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 of British Columbia. With our head office in Vancouver, we’re positioned to support drivers with local knowledge of ICBC’s process and strong expertise in navigating auto insurance claims.

Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the British Columbia insurance company industry, helping people manage risk, guide them through the claims process, and ensure they have the right coverage. From deductibles to repairs, Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the best possible options, while making sure every person understands them clearly. If you ever need to stop confusion and speak directly with an advisor, Ka Hing and the King Insurance team are ready to help.