Sometimes, you just need car insurance for a single day.
Maybe you’ve bought a used car and need to drive it home, you’re taking a vehicle out of storage for repairs, or your regular insurance has expired.
Whatever the reason, you probably don’t want to purchase a full-year insurance policy just to drive for a few hours.
The good news is that you can get one-day car insurance in BC through ICBC’s Temporary Operation Permit (TOP) program. These permits, for unregistered or uninsured vehicles that need legal road coverage, provide temporary insurance for as little as one day, with options for longer periods. Note that TOP cannot be issued for visibly unroadworthy vehicles, and covers the vehicle rather than the individual driver.
Here’s how ICBC one-day insurance works, what it costs, and how to get it.
How Does ICBC One-Day Car Insurance Work in BC?
The most common way to get one-day car insurance in BC is through an ICBC Temporary Operation Permit.
A TOP provides temporary insurance and permission to drive on public roads for one to 15 days. Instead of purchasing a regular Autoplan policy, you pay for the number of days you need.
For example, if you’ve purchased a used car from a private seller and need to drive it home, a one-day permit may be appropriate.
You can also purchase permits lasting several days if you need additional time for repairs or inspections.
Depending on the permit type and circumstances, restrictions may apply to where and why the vehicle can be driven. Valid government-issued photo ID is required to purchase a one-day permit.
One-day permits should not be confused with insurance for peer-to-peer vehicle rentals, such as Turo. A rental vehicle may be subject to different insurance requirements, and not all rental platforms carry ICBC blanket insurance.
If you rent out your vehicle through a peer-to-peer platform such as Turo, you must ensure your insurance reflects that use. ICBC requires vehicle owners to consult an Autoplan broker, even when the rental platform carries blanket insurance.
When Would You Need One-Day Car Insurance?
There are several situations where purchasing one-day car insurance makes sense:
- Buying a used vehicle: You’ve purchased a car privately and need to drive it home or take it for an inspection.
- Moving a vehicle out of storage: Your car has been sitting uninsured, and you need to move it to another location.
- Getting repairs: You need to take an uninsured vehicle to a mechanic.
- Dealing with expired insurance: Your regular policy has expired, and you need temporary coverage while arranging a replacement.
One-day insurance is particularly useful when you know exactly when you’ll need the vehicle and don’t expect to drive it regularly. You may also be eligible for a permit if your regular insurance has expired. Keep in mind that a TOP does not exempt a vehicle from road safety requirements. The vehicle must still be safe to operate.
How Much Does One-Day Car Insurance Cost in BC?
There isn’t a single price for one-day car insurance in BC.
ICBC sets the rates for Temporary Operation Permits, and the total cost depends on several factors:
- Vehicle type: Different vehicle categories may have different rates.
- Length of coverage: A one-day permit generally costs less overall than a permit lasting several days.
- Optional insurance: Adding collision, comprehensive, or additional liability coverage increases the cost.
Unlike regular insurance policies, which may reflect long-term discounts, TOPs are priced according to ICBC’s applicable temporary permit rates.
If you’re looking to save money, it’s worth comparing a temporary permit with other short-term insurance options.
At King Insurance, we can calculate the cost and explain your coverage options before you purchase the permit.
What Does This Type of ICBC Insurance Cover?
A standard ICBC Temporary Operation Permit includes Basic Autoplan insurance, which provides the mandatory protection required to operate a vehicle legally in BC.
Basic Autoplan includes $200,000 in Third Party Liability coverage and Enhanced Accident Benefits, which help cover medical expenses and income loss following a crash.
However, basic insurance does not necessarily cover damage to your own vehicle after every type of accident.
Depending on your needs, you may be able to add:
- Collision coverage: Helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a covered collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Protects against certain non-collision losses, such as theft, vandalism, or fire.
- Extended Third Party Liability: Provides additional liability protection beyond basic coverage.
If you need to make a claim, the coverage available will depend on the terms of your permit and any optional insurance you’ve purchased.
Can You Buy This ICBC Policy Online?
You cannot purchase a Temporary Operation Permit directly through ICBC’s standard online insurance renewal service.
Instead, you’ll need to arrange the permit through an authorized Autoplan broker, such as King Insurance.
Before contacting your broker, it’s helpful to have:
- Government-issued identification
- Vehicle registration or ownership documents
- A completed transfer form if you’ve recently purchased the vehicle
- Your intended coverage dates
- The vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model
- A valid driver’s licence
Bring valid government-issued photo identification to help your broker verify your identity.
If you’re buying a used vehicle, the broker may also need authorization from the registered owner.
It’s best to speak with us beforehand to confirm the required documents and whether you need to visit our office in person.
Is One-Day Insurance Cheaper Than Short-Term Car Insurance?
That depends on how long you need coverage.
ICBC offers several options for drivers who don’t need insurance for an entire year:
| Insurance option | Coverage period | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Operation Permit | 1 to 15 days | Moving a vehicle or making occasional short trips |
| Short-term Autoplan policy | 3 to 11 months | Seasonal vehicles or drivers needing coverage for several months |
| Regular Autoplan policy | Typically 12 months | Vehicles driven throughout the year |
A one-day TOP may be the most economical choice if you only need to drive once.
However, purchasing several temporary permits can become expensive. If you’re planning to drive regularly over several months, a short-term Autoplan policy may offer better value.
At King Insurance, we can help you compare the options, whether you’re buying insurance for the first time or preparing to renew an existing policy.
How to Get One-Day Car Insurance in BC
Getting one-day insurance is relatively straightforward once you have the necessary documents.
Contact an authorized ICBC Autoplan broker and explain why you need temporary coverage.
The broker will confirm the vehicle’s ownership information, review your coverage options, and calculate the cost.
Once your permit is issued, check when coverage begins and ends, and follow the instructions for displaying the permit while driving.
Remember that a TOP only provides coverage for its stated period. If you need to continue driving after it expires, you’ll need additional insurance to remain insured.
If you only need car insurance for a day, King Insurance can help you arrange an ICBC Temporary Operation Permit. Our team can explain the costs, review your coverage options, and help you determine whether a one-day permit or longer policy makes more sense. You can reach us through our website or contact our office to talk about your needs with a live Autoplan broker.
About King Insurance
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 Canada’s insurance 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.