If you only need to drive a vehicle for a short time, committing to a full year of insurance may not make much sense. ICBC offers a few shorter-term options, including:
- Temporary Operation Permits (TOPs) lasting from 1 to 15 days
- Short-term Autoplan policies lasting from 3 to 11 months
The one that makes sense for you will depend on the vehicle being insured, how long you need to drive it, and why you need coverage in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- ICBC Temporary Operation Permits can provide insurance and licensing for 1 to 15 days.
- Short-term Autoplan policies are available for periods of 3 to 11 months.
- A TOP can be useful for temporarily driving an otherwise uninsured or unlicensed vehicle.
- If you expect to need several temporary permits, a longer short-term policy may cost less overall.
- An Autoplan broker can help determine which option fits your situation.
What Is Temporary Car Insurance In BC?
For very short periods, temporary ICBC car insurance usually means a Temporary Operation Permit (TOP). A TOP temporarily licenses and insures a specific vehicle so it can legally be driven for the period shown on the permit.
For longer periods, ICBC also offers short-term Autoplan policies from 3 to 11 months. These work more like ordinary vehicle insurance, but for less than a full year.
When Might You Need Temporary Car Insurance In Surrey?
Borrowing Or Using A Vehicle For A Short Period
If the vehicle is already properly licensed and insured, its existing insurance may apply. An occasional driver generally does not need to be listed, but household members, employees, and anyone who regularly drives the vehicle should be added to the policy to help ensure adequate protection.
A TOP becomes more relevant when the vehicle itself is currently uninsured or unlicensed and needs to be driven temporarily; these circumstances are somewhat rare, but they do come up!
Driving A Newly Purchased Vehicle
Buying a vehicle can create a short window where you need to move it before arranging your longer-term insurance.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use the valid B.C. plates and insurance from your previous vehicle on a newly purchased vehicle for up to 10 days. To qualify, you must:
- Have already sold or disposed of the old vehicle
- Both vehicles must be the same type
- The plates must be compatible
- Neither vehicle can be leased
- The new vehicle must meet ICBC’s B.C. registration requirements.
If those conditions aren’t met, you’ll need to arrange proper licensing and insurance before driving; that’s where TOP insurance may come into play.
Using A Vehicle While Between Insurance Policies
Maybe a vehicle has been sitting uninsured, and you suddenly need it for a few days. A TOP can provide short-term licensing and Basic insurance without requiring you to buy a full annual policy.
If you plan to keep driving the vehicle, however, repeatedly purchasing permits may not be the most economical choice.
Temporary Vehicle Use For Travel Or Other Situations
TOPs can also be useful when an uninsured vehicle needs to be driven for a specific purpose. One great example: Giving a prospective buyer the chance to test-drive a vehicle that is otherwise uninsured and unlicensed.
Your reason for using the vehicle matters, so describe the situation to your Autoplan broker before purchasing coverage. The team at Coughlin can help!
How Long Can Temporary Car Insurance Last?
A Temporary Operation Permit can last from 1 to 15 days.
If you need insurance for longer, ICBC offers short-term Autoplan policies for 3 to 11 months. ICBC notes that if you expect to purchase several TOPs, a three-month policy may ultimately be more economical.
What Does Temporary ICBC Insurance Cover?
A TOP includes the Basic Autoplan coverage required to drive the vehicle, but you can also add optional coverage for the temporary period. Depending on your needs and eligibility, that can include Collision, Comprehensive, and higher Third Party Liability limits. This can be particularly important if you want protection for damage to your own vehicle while the TOP is in effect.
How Much Does Temporary Car Insurance Cost In Surrey?
There is no single flat price for a Temporary Operation Permit.
ICBC calculates TOP premiums using several factors, including:
- The type of vehicle
- The number of days the permit is for
- How much Third Party Liability was selected
- The level of insurance (Basic, Collision, Comprehensive)
ICBC uses different temporary rate classes for private passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, motorhomes, commercial vehicles, and several other vehicle types.
The team at Coughlin can calculate the cost for the exact vehicle and period you need.
How To Get Temporary ICBC Car Insurance In Surrey
Temporary Operation Permits are available through Autoplan brokers. Explain what vehicle you need to drive, why you need temporary coverage, and for how long.
The brokers at Coughlin can help you determine whether a TOP, short-term Autoplan policy, or regular policy is the best fit and explain the coverage available with it.
When Temporary Insurance May Not Be The Best Option
Temporary coverage makes the most sense when the need really is temporary.
If you will drive the vehicle regularly, need coverage for several months, or expect to purchase TOP after TOP, a longer policy may be simpler and less expensive. ICBC specifically recommends comparing the cost of repeated permits with a three-month policy.
Talk To A Surrey Insurance Broker About Your Options
You do not need to figure out which ICBC permit or policy applies before walking into the brokerage; that’s why our brokers are here for you.
We can discuss how long you need to use the vehicle for, how it will be used, and the coverage you want. From there, we’ll help you compare temporary car insurance options, including comparing the price between TOP and ICBC’s 3-11 month insurance plans.
For temporary or longer-lasting car insurance in Surrey, choose Coughlin!
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary ICBC Insurance
What type of vehicle can get temporary car insurance in BC?
ICBC has Temporary Operation Permit rate classes covering many vehicle types, including:
- Private passenger vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Trailers
- Motorhomes
- ATVs
- Snowmobiles
- Certain commercial vehicles
Eligibility and requirements vary by vehicle and use; contact Coughlin Insurance Brokers to learn more.
Can I get temporary insurance for a vehicle I just bought?
Potentially. The right option depends on how the vehicle was purchased, whether you have existing plates and insurance that can legally transfer, and how you intend to use the vehicle.
Can I drive someone else's car with temporary insurance?
A TOP applies to the vehicle for which it is issued. If someone else’s vehicle is already licensed and insured, separate temporary insurance may not be necessary. Ask one of Coughlin’s insurance brokers if you are unsure how the vehicle’s existing policy applies to you.
How long can I have temporary ICBC insurance?
A Temporary Operation Permit can provide coverage for up to 15 days. If you need the vehicle longer, ICBC also offers short-term Autoplan policies lasting from 3 to 11 months.
