Whether you’re renewing your ICBC insurance coverage or exploring your options, getting a quotation in auto insurance is a smart first step. And thanks to ICBC’s insurance calculator, it’s easier than ever to estimate your potential premium—right from your computer.
Using the insurance calculator is the first step in the course of obtaining or renewing auto insurance products, helping you understand the available insurance coverage options and requirements, including how comprehensive coverage might affect your rate and offer additional savings for eligible drivers. Whether you drive a car for commuting, business, or pleasure, this tool helps you get a sense of what to expect for your vehicle.
But how accurate is it? What does it include? And when should you talk to a real person instead? The calculator also helps you decide on the best insurance coverage options for your needs, including optional add-ons like comprehensive coverage, making the process of selecting car insurance products more straightforward.
It can help determine potential premiums based on the information you provide. Keep in mind that results can vary depending on individual driving history, coverage selections, and other personal factors.
The estimated insurance premium can also shift depending on your policy term and how you use your vehicle—whether for commuting or for business purposes. In some cases, discounts or eligibility may only apply under certain conditions. If you’re planning to move within Canada or change your primary use of the vehicle, your rates may be affected significantly.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Insurance Calculator?
The insurance calculator is a digital tool that helps you prepare an estimate for your car insurance policy in British Columbia. It’s available 24/7 and is designed to give you a rough idea of what your insurance premium might be vary based on your current information and potential changes to your car, driving habits, or business use.
To access it, you’ll need:
- A valid Autoplan insurance policy
- Your BC Services Card or online banking credentials to log in securely
How the Calculator Helps You Estimate Your Car Insurance Quote
Once you’re signed in, the tool allows you to:
Estimate changes from listing new drivers
If you share your vehicle, adding drivers with different experience levels or crash histories can impact your quote. This tool lets you see how much more (or less) you may have to pay for coverage.
See How Optional Features Like Comprehensive Coverage Affect Your Rate
Want to see how Collision or Comprehensive coverage might impact your premium? The calculator helps you price out different levels of protection, and identify where additional savings may apply if you maintain a clean record and show a pattern of safe driving.
Test out different usage scenarios
Planning to start commuting? Driving less than 5,000 km a year? These changes can impact your rate—and the calculator accounts for that.
If your vehicle is being used for business and commercial purposes, that can also impact your insurance estimate significantly, and should be discussed with a broker directly. To insure your car for business use, you may require different coverage limits or add-ons.
Set up email and direct deposit preferences
While you’re inside, you can also opt in to email updates or register for direct deposit for faster refunds—saving you both time and money.
Limitations: When the Calculator Can’t Finalize Your Insurance Policy
The insurance calculator is meant for planning—not finalizing. Here are some limitations to be aware of:
- It won’t update your actual policy. For that, you’ll need to contact an Autoplan broker.
- It doesn’t include all discounts. For example, vehicles with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) require confirmation at renewal, so that discount isn’t reflected.
- It only saves changes if you’re within 45 days of your renewal. Your broker can then access your saved estimate—but the changes won’t carry over to an online renewal.
Exclusions apply to some scenarios and discounts, and certain conditions must be met before offers or lower premiums apply. It’s important not to rely on the calculator alone when making major auto insurance decisions.
What Can Affect Your Car Insurance Estimate?
Your final premium might differ from the estimate based on a few factors:
- Changes made at the broker’s office (e.g. different coverage choices)
- Mid-term changes (the tool prorates based on the number of days left in your policy)
- Crash history or unpaid claims
- Moving to a new region within B.C.
- Switching usage from personal to business or commuting
These aren’t just fine print—they can make a meaningful difference in how much you pay. That’s why it helps to review your quote with someone who can walk you through your options, including whether comprehensive coverage is the right fit for your car, vehicle, and risk profile.
When You Need to Talk to a Broker
There are times when the calculator just won’t cut it. You’ll need to contact a broker directly if you:
- Need a quotation in auto insurance for a new policy
- Want fleet or commercial insurance
- Don’t have a B.C. driver’s licence or Autoplan policy
- Want to make actual changes to your current policy
- Are making changes after renewing
For personalized advice and further information, you can also refer to a licensed broker. They’ll help ensure that your vehicle is properly insured—especially if you’re moving to another province in Canada or changing how your car is used.
Bottom Line: Use the Calculator, Then Talk to Us
The insurance calculator is a helpful place to start. It lets you explore scenarios, test optional coverages, and prepare for the next time you renew your vehicle insurance. But it won’t give you the full picture—especially if discounts, mid-term changes, or crash history are involved.
To get a complete and 100% accurate quotation in insurance, there’s no substitute for working with a licensed broker. They can help you understand what you’ll actually need to pay, and whether that cost can be reduced with better coverage choices or bundling strategies.
Call us, email us, or stop by our offices at King Insurance. We’re here to make sure you get the coverage that fits you best—no guesswork required.
Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most in Canada and the Lower Mainland. 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.