Do You Need Insurance To Register a Vehicle In British Columbia
Yes, insurance is mandatory to register a vehicle in British Columbia. Under B.C. law, all vehicles must have valid insurance coverage through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) before registration can be completed. The province operates under a compulsory insurance system that requires vehicle owners to obtain both registration and insurance coverage simultaneously.
Legal Requirements Under British Columbia Law
The requirement for vehicle insurance before registration is established under the Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 318 and the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 231. Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act specifically states that the owner of a motor vehicle or trailer must, before it is used or operated on a highway, register the motor vehicle or trailer with ICBC, obtain a licence for its operation, and obtain an owner's certificate under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.
British Columbia has a unique insurance system where registration is handled through ICBC, combining vehicle registration with insurance coverage into a single integrated process. This compulsory automobile insurance framework ensures that all vehicles registered in the province carry appropriate insurance coverage before they can legally operate on public roadways.
The Motor Vehicle Act and Insurance (Vehicle) Act work together to establish comprehensive requirements for both vehicle registration and insurance coverage, making it impossible to complete one without the other.
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
In British Columbia, all vehicle owners are required to have Basic Autoplan insurance through ICBC, which includes several mandatory coverage components:
- Third Party Liability Coverage: Minimum $200,000 in coverage for injury, death, and property damage to others
- Enhanced Accident Benefits: Comprehensive coverage for medical costs, wage loss, and recovery benefits for all B.C. residents injured in a crash, regardless of who is responsible (at fault)
- Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage: Up to $200,000 of coverage for vehicle repairs when another driver is responsible for the crash
- Underinsured Motorist Protection: Coverage up to $1 million per insured person in situations where the responsible driver lacks sufficient coverage
- Inverse Liability Protection: Coverage for situations in parts of Canada or the U.S. where local laws don't permit claims against the person who caused the crash
Enhanced Accident Benefits provide care and recovery benefits with no overall limit, including costs for chiropractic treatments, medication, physiotherapy, counselling, dental care, and home support. Income replacement benefits are provided at 90 per cent of net income, up to a maximum based on $119,000 gross annual income.
Optional coverages such as Extended Third Party Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive insurance are available but not required by law. However, these optional coverages may be mandated by lenders if the vehicle is financed or leased.
Registration Without Insurance is Prohibited
British Columbia law explicitly prohibits vehicle registration without valid insurance coverage. Before you can get licence plates and insurance for a vehicle in B.C., the vehicle must be registered with ICBC, and registration cannot be completed without purchasing Basic Autoplan insurance.
The application process requires vehicle owners to:
- Register the motor vehicle or trailer with ICBC
- Apply for a licence in the form required by ICBC
- Apply for a motor vehicle liability policy (Basic Autoplan insurance)
- Pay prescribed fees, insurance premiums, and applicable taxes
The insurance documentation must meet specific requirements:
- Be issued by ICBC, the sole provider of Basic Autoplan insurance in British Columbia
- Include the full legal name(s) of the person(s) requesting registration
- Provide coverage that meets or exceeds minimum provincial requirements
- Be valid and current at the time of registration
ICBC Autoplan brokers cannot complete registration applications for vehicles lacking proper insurance coverage. This integrated system ensures compliance with provincial insurance laws and protects all road users from potential financial liability in the event of accidents. Operating a vehicle without valid insurance can result in significant penalties, including fines, licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment.