When you return to your parked car and discover it’s been damaged—or worse, if you’re injured by a driver who disappears before you can get their information—you’ve likely just been the victim of a hit and run. It’s an incredibly frustrating experience, made even more stressful if you’re unsure what your insurance provider covers.

At King Insurance, we often hear from clients who are unsure what to do in this situation, or whether ICBC’s hit and run coverage applies. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about hit and run coverage—how it works, what’s covered, what steps you need to take, and how to file a claim.

What Is a Hit and Run?

A hit and run occurs when a driver damages your vehicle or injures you but fails to stop and provide their information. Common examples include:

• A driver hits your parked car in a parking lot and leaves no note.
• A vehicle sideswipes yours on the road and speeds off.
• A driver hits you while you’re walking or cycling and disappears before you can get their licence plate number.

In any of these scenarios, ICBC classifies the incident as a hit and run—particularly if the driver or other party cannot be identified.

Does ICBC Cover Hit and Runs?

Yes—but only under certain conditions.

ICBC’s coverage for hit and run incidents is available through two optional coverage types:

1. Collision Coverage

If you’ve purchased ICBC’s optional collision coverage, you’re covered for vehicle damage resulting from a hit and run, no matter where it happens or who was at fault. You’ll need to pay your chosen deductible (often $300–$500), but ICBC will handle the repair or write-off process.

2. Hit and Run Coverage

This is a separate optional policy, ideal for drivers who want protection specifically against unidentified drivers. If you’re hit by an unknown driver on any roadway in B.C. designated as a “highway” under the Motor Vehicle Act, you may claim up to $200,000 in damages—after paying a $750 deductible.

Without one of these two coverages, you’ll be responsible for all repair costs.

Enhanced Accident Benefits for Injuries

If you’re injured in a hit and run incident, even if the at-fault driver is never found, you can still receive medical and rehabilitation support through ICBC’s Enhanced Accident Benefits program. This includes:

• Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment
• Counselling and psychological support
• Prescription medications
• Home support services
• Dental care
• Travel and rehabilitation costs

There is no deductible for injury claims, and coverage is unlimited in terms of medical and recovery expenses. Better still, your basic insurance premiums will not increase because of a hit and run claim for injuries.

What About Non-Vehicle Property Damage?

If a hit and run damages your non-vehicle property, such as a fence, bicycle, or items stored in or on your vehicle (like a roof rack or cargo box), ICBC may still cover the loss—even if you don’t have optional hit and run vehicle coverage. B.C. residents are eligible for up to $200,000 in non-vehicle property damage, subject to a $750 deductible.

Who’s Eligible for Hit and Run ICBC Coverage?

ICBC’s hit and run coverage is available to:

• B.C. residents: Coverage applies within B.C. and, for injury claims, may also apply in other provinces or the U.S.
• Non-B.C. residents: Visitors to B.C. who are injured in a hit and run may also qualify for Enhanced Accident Benefits if they have no other source of coverage.

For vehicle damage coverage under the hit and run add-on, however, the incident must occur on a “highway” in B.C., and the driver or vehicle owner must be unidentifiable.

The Fine Print: Terms and Conditions

To be eligible for reimbursement under hit and run coverage:

• The incident must take place on a “highway” in B.C., defined broadly to include most roads and public spaces.
• The driver and owner of the vehicle responsible must remain unknown, even after reasonable efforts to identify them.
• You must file your claim within six months, and submit any supporting documents or affidavits as requested by ICBC.
• Other insurance (if applicable) must be used first. ICBC’s hit and run policy acts as secondary coverage and kicks in only when other coverage is insufficient or unavailable.

How Much Will You Pay?

Here’s how your coverage may affect your out-of-pocket costs:

Your insurance premium will not be affected by a hit and run claim, whether for injuries or property.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Hit and Run Claim

If you’re involved in or discover a hit and run, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Try to Identify the Driver

If you witness the incident, get as much information as you can:

• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and colour
• Description of the driver
• Direction the vehicle was heading

Call the police immediately to report what happened.

Step 2: File a Police Report (if needed)

If there’s a known suspect, or if you’ve been injured, you must file a police report within 24 hours. This is a requirement for many claims to proceed.

Step 3: Report the Incident to ICBC

You must report the hit and run to ICBC as soon as possible and no later than six months after the incident. Use ICBC’s online claim portal, phone line, or visit an Autoplan broker.

Step 4: Get Medical Treatment (if injured)

If you were hurt, begin the treatment process right away. ICBC may ask you to keep records of all medical visits and receipts.

Step 5: Vehicle Damage Assessment

ICBC will tell you whether to:

• Visit a Repair Network Facility, or
• Meet with an ICBC estimator at a Claim Centre

Do not wash or repair your vehicle until it has been examined.

Step 6: Vehicle Repair

After the damage estimate is approved, you can proceed with repairs at the facility of your choice. If the repair shop is ICBC-accredited, the repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own the vehicle.

If the vehicle is deemed a total loss, ICBC will pay you the market value of the own vehicle at the time of the crash (or the comprehensive coverage value, if you have that protection in place).

What If the Hit and Run Happened Outside B.C.?

If you’re injured in a hit and run outside B.C., Enhanced Accident Benefits may still apply, as long as you’re a B.C. resident. Call ICBC at 1-800-910-4222 from wherever the incident occurred to learn how to proceed.

If your vehicle is damaged outside of B.C. and the driver isn’t identified, hit and run vehicle coverage does not apply—even if you’ve purchased it. However, collision coverage (if you have it) can still help with repair or replacement costs.

What If You’re a Witness?

Even if you weren’t involved, you can still help ICBC and the victim by:

1. Recording as many details as possible (plate number, vehicle description, location, time).
2. Calling the police immediately.
3. Submitting a Witness Form on ICBC’s website.

Towing and Storage After a Hit and Run

If your vehicle is towed from the scene:

• ICBC may cover towing and storage costs if the towing company is an ICBC vendor.
• If not, you’ll need to pay upfront and submit receipts to ICBC for reimbursement.

To avoid delays, sign up for direct deposit when you submit your claim.

Final Thoughts: Is Hit and Run Coverage Worth It?

Adding optional hit and run coverage to your ICBC policy might seem like an extra cost—but it can save you thousands in out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an incident involving an unidentified driver or other vehicle, especially in high-risk areas like the Lower Mainland.

Ask yourself:

• Do you regularly park in public lots or on the street?
• Have you experienced or witnessed a hit and run before?
• Is your deductible for collision higher than $750?

If the answer is yes to any of these, talk to your Autoplan broker—or better yet, speak with a trusted advisor at King Insurance. We’ll help you understand your options and build a policy that protects what matters most.

In the end, hit and run incidents are unpredictable, and the risk is real. With hit and run coverage, you can protect yourself, your vehicle, and your finances from the unexpected.

About King Insurance

King Insurance is your trusted ICBC Autoplan broker, proudly serving British Columbians with expert guidance, personalized coverage, and friendly service. Whether you’re navigating a hit and run claim, looking for the right optional coverage, or just want peace of mind on the road, we’re here to help. Visit kinginsurance.ca or drop by one of our locations to speak with a licensed advisor today.