ICBC offers insurance for eligible rental vehicles, but having Basic Autoplan on your own car does not mean every rental is automatically fully covered. Rental Vehicle Coverage is included with RoadStar and Roadside Plus, and standalone coverage may also be available.
Key Takeaways
- RoadStar and Roadside Plus include Rental Vehicle Coverage for eligible rentals.
- Standalone ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage may also be available.
- Basic Autoplan alone should not be assumed to cover every rental-car cost.
- Loss of Use is different: It can help pay for transportation while your own vehicle is unavailable after an eligible claim.
- Always confirm your coverage, destination, drivers, vehicle type, and rental-company requirements before renting.
What ICBC Coverage Applies To Rental Cars?
Third-Party Liability Coverage
ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage includes Third Party Liability protection if you are legally responsible for injury or property damage. RoadStar currently provides up to $1 million in rental-vehicle liability coverage, while Roadside Plus provides up to $2 million.
Collision & Comprehensive Coverage
Rental Vehicle Coverage can also protect the rented vehicle against covered Collision and Comprehensive losses. RoadStar and Roadside Plus currently have $300 deductibles for both coverages.
Optional ICBC Coverage For Rental Vehicles
RoadStar and Roadside Plus include rental coverage. If you do not have either package, ask an Autoplan broker about standalone Rental Vehicle Coverage.
Conditions can apply to the rental company, rental agreement, rental period, vehicle type, use, cost, and destination.
When Does ICBC Pay For A Rental Car?
This is where the terminology can get confusing:
Rental Vehicle Coverage protects a vehicle you rent. Loss of Use helps pay for transportation because your own insured vehicle is unavailable.
If you purchased Loss of Use separately or through RoadStar or Roadside Plus, it may reimburse eligible rental, taxi, rideshare, or transit expenses after a covered claim, subject to policy limits.
If you are not responsible for a crash in B.C., Basic Vehicle Damage coverage may also include alternate transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
Does Your ICBC Policy Automatically Cover A Rental Car?
Not necessarily. Insuring your own vehicle with ICBC does not mean you can assume any rental car you drive has the same coverage.
RoadStar and Roadside Plus include Rental Vehicle Coverage. Separate rules may also apply when a vehicle is being used temporarily because your regular vehicle has broken down or is being repaired.
Before renting, check what is actually included on your policy rather than making the decision at the rental counter.
Do You Need Rental Car Insurance From The Rental Company?
Sometimes, it depends on your existing insurance and the rental itself. Typically, it’s less expensive to insure rental vehicles through ICBC (even if you do not have RoadStar or Roadside Plus) than through the rental car company’s own insurance, but that’s not always the case.
When Additional Rental Car Insurance May Be Useful
In rare circumstances, a rental company may not accept your ICBC rental insurance. You may also need additional insurance if you exceed ICBC’s rental car limits (at the time of writing, $300/day in Canada or $250 USD/day in the States), or if you’re renting a vehicle outside of Canada or the United States.
You can read ICBC’s Autoplan Insurance Brochure to learn more about coverage and limits.
When You May Already Have Coverage
You may already have suitable protection through RoadStar, Roadside Plus, standalone ICBC coverage, or certain credit card benefits. Credit card rental coverage varies significantly; ICBC’s own assessment is that credit card coverage rarely provides the same level of protection as its own. Read through your credit card coverage and compare it to ICBC coverage before making a decision.
What Happens If You Have An Accident In A Rental Car?
How ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage May Apply
ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage is designed to protect both you and the vehicle you rent. If the rental is damaged in a collision, for example, the policy can cover eligible repair costs under Collision coverage, subject to a $300 deductible. Comprehensive coverage, also with a $300 deductible, can apply to covered losses such as theft or certain non-collision damage.
The coverage also protects you if you are responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property while driving the rental. RoadStar includes up to $1 million in Third-Party Liability coverage, while Roadside Plus provides up to $2 million.
If a covered crash leaves the rental vehicle undriveable, the policy can also provide up to $25 per day, to a maximum of $250, for loss of use of the rental vehicle. It can also cover eligible claims from the rental company for lost rental income while the vehicle is unavailable.
These protections apply to ICBC’s Rental Vehicle Coverage whether it is included through an eligible RoadStar or Roadside Plus package or provided through a standalone Rental Vehicle Policy, subject to the terms and limits of the coverage.
What To Do After A Rental Car Accident In Surrey
Move somewhere safe if possible, call emergency services when needed, exchange information with the other driver, take photos, and collect witness details.
Once everyone is safe and evidence has been collected, call the rental company and report the claim to ICBC. Keep your rental agreement and any related documents.
Can You Drive A Rental Car In BC With Your Existing ICBC Insurance?
Yes, provided you are legally licensed, permitted under the rental agreement, and have insurance that applies to the rental.
ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage generally applies to eligible rentals in Canada and the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
What Should Surrey Drivers Check Before Renting A Car?
Review Your Existing ICBC Policy
Check whether you have RoadStar, Roadside Plus, standalone Rental Vehicle Coverage, or another applicable form of protection. Review your limits and deductibles as well.
Confirm The Rental Vehicle & Driver Requirements
Ensure the vehicle qualifies, the rental period fits your coverage, and everyone who will drive is properly listed on the rental agreement.
Understand The Rental Company’s Insurance Options
Ask what the rental company’s protection includes, what it costs, and whether it accepts your ICBC coverage. ICBC itself recommends confirming this with the rental company before travelling.
Talk To An ICBC Autoplan Broker In Surrey About Rental Car Coverage
A few minutes spent reviewing your insurance before a trip can save a lot of time and uncertainty at the rental counter; that goes double if the rental company employs high-pressure tactics.
Coughlin Insurance Brokers can explain RoadStar, Roadside Plus, standalone Rental Vehicle Coverage, and other ICBC Cover Rental Car Insurance options.
If you are unsure whether your ICBC coverage will protect your particular rental, speak with a Coughlin Autoplan broker in Surrey before you pick up the keys.
Common Questions About ICBC And Rental Car Insurance
Does ICBC cover rental cars in BC?
Yes. ICBC offers Rental Vehicle Coverage for eligible rentals through RoadStar, Roadside Plus, and standalone coverage.
Does ICBC cover damage to a rental car?
Eligible coverage can include Collision and Comprehensive protection for damage to the rental, subject to deductibles, exclusions, and policy conditions.
Does ICBC insurance cover rental cars in the United States?
Generally, yes, for eligible rentals. ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage applies in Canada and the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii
Do I need to buy insurance when renting a car?
Not always. If you already have applicable rental-vehicle coverage, you may not need duplicate protection from the rental company. Compare the actual terms before declining it.
Can an ICBC broker help me understand rental car coverage?
Yes. An Autoplan broker can review your current policy and explain which optional protections may apply to your rental.
