Alyssa Lane
If you're involved in a hit-and-run collision and the other driver leaves the scene, ICBC has a fund that allows you to be compensated for damages. ICBC's Hit and Run Coverage will cover your vehicle repair or replacement costs if the driver causing the accident is unknown and flees the scene. If you have non-vehicle property damaged in a hit and run, you do not need Hit and Run coverage to make a claim with ICBC. Under ICBC's no-fault insurance, victims lose their right to access the courts and a fair settlement, but the new model comes with an expansion of accident benefits, including medical, rehabilitation, dental, and prescription medication coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a hit-and-run? | A collision where the other vehicle flees the scene before you can get their details. |
| What to do if you witness a hit-and-run | Take down as much information as possible (time, location, license plates, car descriptions, driver descriptions, etc.) and call the police. |
| How to file a claim with ICBC | Notify ICBC as soon as possible and within 6 months of the incident. Send a written account of the accident no later than 6 months after the incident. |
| ICBC coverage | Up to a maximum of $200,000 for damages and injuries reported in a hit-and-run claim. Enhanced Accident Benefits provide access to all the medical and rehabilitation care needed, with no overall limit. |
| ICBC's no-fault insurance | ICBC will establish the level of impairment for each injury and provide claimants with a pre-determined amount based on the type of injury. |
| Hit-and-run insurance premiums | Hit-and-run coverage is moving from a statutory insurance coverage to an optional coverage, which will be at a lower rate than ICBC's Collision Coverage. |
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What You'll Learn
ICBC's Hit and Run Coverage
Previously, all ICBC policyholders paid for statutory hit and run coverage through their basic insurance premiums. However, under the new ICBC Enhanced Care, hit and run vehicle damage coverage has become optional. This change makes the premiums fairer, as only those who opt for the coverage will pay for it. The optional coverage is offered at a lower rate than ICBC's Collision Coverage, providing customers with a more affordable option to protect themselves from crashes involving unidentified drivers.
If you have ICBC's Hit and Run Coverage or its Collision Coverage, you can make a claim and seek compensation for vehicle damage caused by a hit and run driver. It's important to report the incident to ICBC as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and no later than six months after the accident. Additionally, you should contact the police and provide them with a description of the vehicle involved, including any details you can recall, such as the make, model, colour, or license plate number.
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Claiming for non-vehicle property damage
If you have non-vehicle property damaged in a hit-and-run, you do not need Hit and Run coverage to make a claim with ICBC. All B.C. residents are covered up to $200,000 for non-vehicle property damage caused by a hit and run. If you have no other source of coverage for damage to your non-vehicle property, such as a fence, bicycle, or contents carried in or on your vehicle, you may be able to make a claim. Non-B.C. residents injured in a hit-and-run crash in B.C. may also be eligible for Enhanced Accident Benefits to assist with their care and recovery needs if they have no other source of coverage.
If you are claiming vehicle damage and have ICBC Collision coverage, you will have to pay your chosen Collision deductible, which could be as low as $300. If you have ICBC optional Hit and Run coverage, you will have to pay a $750 deductible. Claims for non-vehicle property damage are also subject to a $750 deductible. There is no deductible on ICBC coverage for injuries resulting from a hit and run.
If you are not responsible for a crash in B.C., your own Basic Vehicle Damage coverage will cover your vehicle repair costs, up to $200,000, and the cost of alternate transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. Your claim will not impact your insurance premiums because you weren't responsible for the crash. Instead of recovering the cost of your vehicle repairs from the insurance policy of the driver responsible, your own insurance will cover you. If your crash happened somewhere else in Canada or the United States, you are still covered by Enhanced Accident Benefits in the case of injury. Your Basic Vehicle Damage coverage does not cover damage caused by crashes outside of B.C. You may want to consider optional Collision coverage to protect you when driving outside the province, regardless of fault. If you're driving in B.C. and you're involved in a crash, the insurance coverage on your own vehicle (or rental) will be required to pay for any vehicle damage, even if the crash wasn't your fault. You cannot make a vehicle damage claim against the responsible driver's insurance.
If you have coverage with another insurer, please contact that company regarding your coverage. If you do not have Optional Collision or Hit and Run coverage, you ’ll be responsible for all vehicle repair costs in a hit and run. Talk to an Autoplan broker to choose the optional products that provide the best level of protection for yourself, your family, and your vehicle.
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Enhanced Accident Benefits
On May 1, 2021, ICBC launched Enhanced Care, a new auto insurance model in British Columbia. This model provides improved care and recovery benefits to anyone injured in a crash, including drivers, motorcycle riders, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Enhanced Care is a collaborative, care-based model that removes legal costs from the system, resulting in more affordable rates for customers.
- Pre-approved treatments for the first 12 weeks after the crash, including acupuncture, chiropractic, kinesiology, massage therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, and psychology.
- Income replacement if unable to work during recovery, providing up to 90% of net income based on a maximum yearly insurable income amount.
- Personal care assistance for those unable to perform basic household tasks.
- Benefits for permanent impairment, catastrophic injury, and ongoing rehabilitation for the most seriously injured customers.
- Coverage for medical and personal expenses, including medication, treatment, and mileage to/from treatment.
- Lump-sum payments and additional benefits for family members fatally injured in a car accident, including funeral expenses and grief counselling.
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Collision coverage
If you've been in a crash with another vehicle, experienced a hit-and-run, or hit an object causing damage to your vehicle, ICBC offers collision coverage to help with repairs and other related expenses. Collision coverage is particularly useful if you're at fault for the accident, as it can help cover the costs of repairing your vehicle as well as any other property damage that may have occurred. It's important to note that collision coverage is typically optional, and you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance covers the rest of the expenses.
The cost of collision coverage can vary, and some people may find it expensive, especially if they have a high deductible. The cost of collision coverage will depend on various factors, including your driving history, the age and value of your vehicle, and the likelihood of making a claim. It's worth considering the likelihood of being involved in an accident and the potential repair costs when deciding whether to purchase collision coverage.
While collision coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision. For older vehicles, the cost of collision coverage may outweigh the potential benefits, especially if the vehicle is not worth much. On the other hand, for newer or more expensive vehicles, collision coverage can be a worthwhile investment to protect against potentially high repair costs.
In summary, collision coverage is an optional type of insurance that can help cover the costs of repairing your vehicle and other related expenses in the event of a collision or accident. While it may be expensive for some, it can provide valuable protection, especially if you're at fault for the accident or have a newer vehicle. When deciding whether to purchase collision coverage, it's important to consider your individual circumstances, the value of your vehicle, and the potential costs and benefits of this additional coverage.
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No-fault insurance
In May 2021, ICBC introduced a new auto insurance model called "Enhanced Care" for all British Columbians. This new model includes a “no-fault insurance" system, which means that if you are the victim of a car accident, you cannot sue the driver at fault. Regardless of how individuals are uniquely affected by their injuries, claimants will receive a pre-determined amount based on their injury type.
Under the no-fault system, ICBC will establish the level of impairment for each injury. The no-fault system assigns a fixed compensatory amount that claimants will be entitled to, regardless of how individuals are uniquely affected by their injuries. This means that, with very limited exceptions, nobody is considered to be at fault for the accident.
The previous ICBC model was litigation-based, which meant that victims could make claims and receive compensation for pain and suffering. However, under the new no-fault system, British Columbians have lost the right to sue for personalized compensation. No-fault insurance also does not consider previous injuries. To qualify for coverage under no-fault, you must be injured during the accident. Pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by an accident may not be eligible for compensation.
Despite these limitations, the new model comes with an expansion of accident benefits. For example, Enhanced Accident Benefits provide access to all the medical and rehabilitation care needed if injured in a crash, with no overall limit to the coverage available. Treatments can include physiotherapy, chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, clinical counselling, and kinesiology. Enhanced Accident Benefits also cover dental care, alternative therapy, and home support after an injury if needed.
If you are not responsible for the crash, your Enhanced Accident Benefits will cover medical care and recovery costs or wage loss due to injury, whether you are in B.C. or anywhere else in Canada or the United States. If the crash occurred in B.C., your Basic Vehicle Damage coverage will pay for vehicle repairs up to $200,000, and the cost of alternate transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
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Frequently asked questions
A hit and run is when a vehicle leaves the collision scene before you can get their name, license number, or vehicle's plate number.
Call the police and ICBC as soon as possible. ICBC must be notified within 6 months of the incident. You will need to provide information such as the date, time, location, and vehicle description.
If you do not have hit and run coverage, you will be responsible for all vehicle repair costs. However, if you are not at fault for the crash, ICBC will cover your vehicle repair costs up to $200,000, and your insurance premiums will not be affected.
ICBC's hit and run coverage includes vehicle repair or replacement costs when the driver causing the accident is unknown and flees the scene. It also covers medical and rehabilitation care for injuries sustained in the crash.
