You never plan for a car accident. But when it happens, the questions come fast: Who was at fault? How will this affect my insurance? And what does ICBC look at to decide? At King Insurance, we break down how responsibility works after a crash, helping B.C. drivers navigate claims with more confidence.
How ICBC Determines Responsibility for Car Insurance Claims
ICBC looks at several factors when deciding who is responsible for a car accident. They rely on:
- The rules of the road under the Motor Vehicle Act
- Previous court decisions about similar crashes
- The specific details of what happened in your case
Your ICBC claims representative will ask for your version of events and gather statements from the other driver(s), passengers, and any witnesses. They might also review police reports and car damage estimates to build a full picture.
Why Witnesses Matter in British Columbia Crash Assessments
Witnesses can play an important role in determining responsibility. Anyone who saw the crash can be a witness. Even pedestrians or nearby drivers who weren’t involved. If you have independent witnesses, be sure to provide their contact information early on. Witnesses can also submit a report online to ICBC to support your claim.
How Responsibility Affects Your Insurance
Many drivers worry that being found responsible will cause their premiums to skyrocket at renewal. Here’s how it works:
- If you’re 100% responsible, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase at renewal, unless you have a long, claim-free record.
- If you’re partially responsible (for example, 25%, 50%, or 75%), you’ll share the costs and may still see a premium increase.
- If you’re not responsible, your premiums won’t be affected.
Keep in mind that the more at-fault crashes you have on record, the higher your insurance costs may be at renewal.
What Insurance Covers if You’re Responsible
Even if you’re assigned liability, your Basic ICBC insurance provides important protections:
- Medical costs: Enhanced Accident Benefits cover medical and rehabilitation expenses like physiotherapy, massage, counselling, and home support — no matter who caused the accident or if you were injured.
- Income replacement: If you can’t work, you’re eligible for up to 90% of your net income (to a yearly maximum). If you earn over $119,000, you can buy additional coverage.
- Third Party Liability: ICBC covers up to $200,000 for damages or injuries you cause to others, including property damage or accidents outside B.C. where lawsuits are allowed.
- Rental vehicle coverage: If your vehicle is in the shop after an accident and you have Optional coverage, you may qualify for a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired.
If you purchased Optional coverage like Collision insurance, it will cover the cost of repairing your own vehicle, minus your deductible.
What Happens if You’re Not Responsible
If you’re not to blame, you still get access to Enhanced Accident Benefits and wage loss coverage. Your own Basic Vehicle Damage coverage will pay for your repairs, up to $200,000. And if you have Optional Collision insurance, you may also be covered for things like towing, storage, or damages from hit-and-run accidents.
For cyclists or pedestrians, ICBC can also cover damaged personal property like bikes, scooters, mobility devices, clothing, or helmets if you were injured.
When Responsibility is Shared
Sometimes, ICBC can’t assign full fault to one driver. This happens when:
- Statements from drivers or witnesses conflict
- There’s no clear evidence from police reports or vehicle damage
In these cases, ICBC may assign shared responsibility — for example, splitting it 50/50 or 75/25. If you’re partly responsible, your Basic insurance will cover the portion of damages you weren’t responsible for, while Collision coverage (if you have it) handles your share. This can make a big difference when filing a claim.
How Crashes Impact Premiums and Online Renewals
Your driving record is a key factor in your insurance rates. If you’re found more than 25% responsible, your premiums will likely rise at renewal. Optional insurance, like Collision coverage, may also cost more. To find out exactly how a crash affects your premium, you’ll need to wait until you’re within six weeks of your policy renewal and speak to your Autoplan broker.
Can You Repay a Claim?
For minor crashes without injuries or significant damage, some drivers choose to repay ICBC for the cost of repairs, so the incident doesn’t affect their future premiums. This is an option worth exploring with your Autoplan broker.
What if Someone Else Was Driving Your Vehicle?
If a friend or family member was driving your vehicle and caused a crash, the crash affects their driving record — not yours.
Disagreeing With ICBC’s Decision
If you don’t agree with ICBC’s assessment of responsibility, you have the right to dispute it. Talk to your claims representative to understand your options and next steps.
Protecting Yourself With the Right Car Insurance and Party Liability Coverage
At King Insurance, we recommend reviewing your coverage regularly. Optional products like Extended Third Party Liability and Collision coverage can offer extra protection and peace of mind, especially if you frequently drive outside B.C. or have a high-value vehicle.
Not sure what level of coverage is right for you? Our Autoplan brokers are here to help. We’ll explain your options, so you can choose the coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Final Tips:
- Always collect as much information as possible at the crash scene, including photos, witness details, and notes about what happened.
- Report the crash to ICBC promptly.
- Keep your Autoplan broker’s contact handy to get advice tailored to your situation.
If you have questions about ICBC claims or want to review your current insurance, contact King Insurance today. We’re here to help you navigate the road ahead with confidence.
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.