ICBC Auto Insurance in Abbotsford

Are you worried about getting into an accident while driving your car on the highway and having it cause extensive damage to your car? Are you worried about damage caused to your car by another driver backing into it while it's parked in a busy parking lot? The team of auto insurance brokers from Mountainview Insurance Services Ltd in Abbotsford understands the risks that a driver faces every day.

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That is why we are trained to help you select the ideal auto insurance coverage package that will provide protection for you, your passengers, and your car in the event of a car accident. Our team would love to give you a vehicle insurance coverage quote for your car that will help you save money. As an insurance agency, we pride ourselves on being able to provide each driver with the best private auto insurance coverage and protection in Canada. All of our vehicle insurance coverage policies for your car are designed to provide comprehensive ICBC auto insurance coverage and private auto insurance coverage at affordable rates to save you money in the long run. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive—car, van, truck, motorcycle, etc.—we will work closely with you to ensure that you are receiving the best vehicle insurance coverage for your particular auto. We even offer accident forgiveness to help you save money if you are a safe and reputable driver. Get in touch with the team of professional vehicle insurance brokers from Mountainview Insurance Services Ltd today to get your free quote on an auto insurance coverage policy or to learn how to save money on insurance for your car.

What is auto insurance?

An auto insurance policy is a contract between you and your vehicle insurance agency that is designed to provide your car with comprehensive coverage and a range of benefits that work to protect you against financial loss due to an accident—whether you are at fault or not— damage, or theft. In exchange for a driver paying monthly or yearly rates on vehicle insurance, their private auto insurance provider agrees to pay any losses as outlined by the perils and limits in your coverage policy.

Why auto insurance is as important as home insurance

With more and more vehicles on the road every year, driving from one location to the next can be quite dangerous. As a vehicle insurance provider in Abbotsford, BC, Canada we know that even if you have years of driving experience, obey all the traffic laws, and keep up with your car's regular maintenance, another driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or severe weather could cause damage or an accident that involves you and your passengers. While all drivers are required to have public auto insurance coverage, a private automobile insurance provider can offer additional vehicle insurance coverage and benefits for your car at affordable rates. Get in touch with us today to learn how you can save money on vehicle insurance.

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Types of insurance for your car in BC

Some of the different types of auto insurance coverage policies available for a driver in BC, Canada include but are not limited to:

Liability Vehicle Insurance

Liability vehicle insurance works to provide your vehicle with coverage in the event that you are in an accident that is caused as a result of your actions. This type of auto insurance coverage will cover the cost of medical bills and the cost of repairing damage to yours or someone else's property that was caused by the accident.

Car Accident/Collision Coverage Insurance

A vehicle collision coverage policy can help pay for damage to your car to be repaired or for the car to be replaced if it is involved in an accident with another car or if there is damage caused to the auto by an object, such as a falling fence or a lamp post, that lands on the car. It is important to note, however, that collision coverage will only cover up to the fair market value of the car and that you will be required to pay a deductible toward the coverage claim for the damage to the car.

Comprehensive Coverage Auto Insurance

Comprehensive coverage is a type of auto insurance coverage policy that is designed to help cover damage to a car from natural disasters, fire, theft, and vandalism by paying for necessary repairs or the replacement of the car, depending on its market value of the auto and the perils outlined in your coverage policy.

Personal Injury Car Protection Insurance

Personal injury protection provides vehicle insurance coverage for your medical bills and the medical bills of your passengers, no matter who is at fault for causing the car accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance

In the event that you are hit by a driver who does not have auto insurance or they do not have enough liability coverage to pay for your resulting medical bills and to fix the damage to your auto, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection coverage can help pay for your medical bills and repairs to your car.

ICBC Auto Insurance from Mountainview Insurance Services Ltd

Mountainview Insurance Services Ltd is a vehicle insurance broker that offers a selection of optional coverage options for your car. If you are looking to buy auto insurance coverage in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, get in touch with the professional team from Mountainview Insurance Services Ltd today to receive your free vehicle insurance quote. Our team of auto insurance experts can help you select the perfect policy and coverage options for your car and will help you save money wherever possible. We are open to the public and ready to help!

Auto Insurance Renewal Made Easy

Did you know you can renew your car insurance online using your smartphones and laptops? At Mountainview Insurance Services Ltd, our team is available at your service to help you with your specific insurance coverage needs. Call us for assistance today!

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Tips for Lowering ICBC Auto Insurance Premiums

Bundle Your Insurance: Consider bundling your ICBC auto insurance with other insurance policies you may have, such as home or life insurance. Insurance companies often offer discounts for bundling multiple policies.

Maintain a Good Driving Record: Safe driving habits can help you qualify for lower insurance rates. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to maintain a clean driving record.

Increase Your Deductible: A higher deductible means you'll pay more out of pocket in case of a claim, but it can lower your insurance premium. Assess your financial situation and choose a deductible that works for you.

Take Advantage of Discounts: ICBC and other insurers offer various discounts. These may include discounts for safe driving courses, anti-theft devices in your car, or being a loyal customer.

Consider Usage-Based Insurance (UBI): UBI programs use telematics technology to track your driving habits. If you're a safe driver, you may receive discounts based on your driving behaviour.

Shop Around: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers to find the best deal for your coverage needs.

Review Your Coverage Needs: Assess your coverage requirements and adjust them accordingly. If you have an older car, you might not need comprehensive coverage, which can reduce your premium.

Garage Your Car: Parking your car in a secure garage or using anti-theft devices can lower the risk of theft or vandalism, leading to potential premium reductions.

Choose a Less Expensive Vehicle: Insurance premiums can vary based on the make and model of your car. Opting for a less expensive vehicle with good safety features can help reduce your insurance costs.

Maintain Good Credit: In some cases, your credit score may impact your insurance rates. Maintain a good credit score to potentially qualify for better premiums.

Remember, while lowering your premiums is essential, ensure you maintain adequate coverage for your needs. Speak to a knowledgeable insurance broker from Mountainview Insurance to find the right balance between coverage and affordability for your ICBC auto insurance.

Understanding Optional Coverages for ICBC Auto Insurance

While ICBC provides basic autoplan insurance that is mandatory for all drivers in British Columbia, there are also several optional coverages that you can consider to enhance your protection and tailor your insurance policy to better suit your needs. Understanding these optional coverages can help you make informed decisions when choosing the right insurance plan. Here are some of the key optional coverages offered by ICBC:

Collision Coverage: This coverage protects you against the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it's involved in a collision, regardless of fault. It covers damages resulting from accidents with other vehicles or objects, such as poles or guardrails.

Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage provides protection for damages to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions. This includes damages from theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and natural disasters like storms or floods.

RoadStar Package: ICBC offers the RoadStar package, which is an optional coverage designed for safe and experienced drivers. It includes benefits like increased vehicle damage coverage, rental vehicle coverage, and roadside assistance.

Loss of Use Coverage: This coverage helps you with expenses for alternative transportation (e.g., rental car) if your vehicle is damaged and requires repairs after an accident.

Underinsured Motorist Protection: If you're involved in an accident with a driver with insufficient insurance to cover your damages, this coverage can provide additional compensation for your losses.

Extended Third-Party Liability: While basic autoplan insurance includes $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, you can opt for higher limits to increase your protection in case you're at fault in a severe accident.

New Vehicle Replacement Plus: If your new vehicle is written off within its first few years, this coverage helps you replace it with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model.

Limited Depreciation Coverage: With this coverage, your new or nearly new vehicle's parts are replaced with new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts in the event of an accident, helping maintain its value.

Vehicle Travel Protection: This coverage offers extended protection for your vehicle when you travel outside of British Columbia, providing peace of mind during your road trips.

Excess Underinsured Motorist Protection: This optional coverage can provide additional protection in case you're in an accident with an underinsured motorist, covering the difference between their insurance limit and your damages.

Choosing the right optional coverage depends on factors like your driving habits, the age and value of your vehicle, and your overall insurance needs. An experienced insurance broker can guide you through these options, help you assess your risks, and recommend the most suitable coverages for your unique situation.

At Mountainview Insurance, we take the time to understand your requirements and offer personalized advice on building a comprehensive insurance package that fits your budget and provides optimal protection. Contact us today to explore your options for ICBC auto insurance and optional coverages in Abbotsford, and let us help you find the right balance between coverage and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions regarding ICBC auto insurance renewal.

Q. What Can (and Can't) Be Renewed Online?

A. Can All ICBC Policies Be Renewed Online?

Broadly speaking, an ICBC policy may be eligible for online renewal if it’s a personal policy that’s due for renewal in 44 days or less, and there’s only one vehicle owner who doesn’t plan on making changes to their coverage.

However, there may be circumstances where a policy that meets the above criteria still isn’t eligible for online renewal, for example, if the customer has outstanding debt owed to ICBC.

What Kinds of Policies Cannot Be Renewed Online?

You cannot renew your policy online if:

It’s for a jointly owned vehicle.
It’s for a leased vehicle.
It’s for a company-owned vehicle.
It’s for a motorcycle.
It's for a trailer.

It’s for a collector vehicle.
It’s a commercial policy.
It’s expired.
You want to add, remove or change your ICBC optional coverages during the renewal.
You have outstanding debt owed to ICBC.

The list above describes some of the most common scenarios where a policy would be ineligible for online renewal. It does not reflect all ineligibility scenarios and doesn’t intend to provide specific information or advice about individual policies.

If My Policy Is Eligible, Can I Change My Coverage While Renewing Online?

No, you’ll need to contact a broker if you want to make coverage changes during your renewal.

However, you’ll be able to update your vehicle use, vehicle location, mailing address and listed drivers, if needed, during your online renewal.

Can I Change My Vehicle Use Online?

During your online renewal, you’ll be shown a list of vehicle uses: your current vehicle use will be pre-selected.

If your vehicle use has changed, you’ll be able to select a new one from the list. You must choose the right use for your vehicle, or you may not have coverage in the event of a crash.

Q. What to Know Before You Renew?

A. When Can I Renew Online?

You can renew your policy as early as 44 days before its expiry date. If you choose to renew online, we recommend starting it well before its expiry date.

You will not have coverage if you don’t renew your policy before its expiry date. There is no grace period for late renewals.

Can I Renew Online 24/7?

Not quite— the system is offline 12 a.m.–5 a.m. for daily maintenance and processing. Customers cannot log in or complete a renewal during this time.

Can I Renew Online If I Have Optional Coverage from Another Insurance Provider?

Yes, but only your ICBC coverage will be renewed if you proceed with an online renewal.

You’ll still need to renew your non-ICBC optional coverage with your broker or the insurance provider—it may make more sense for you to renew all at once with your broker, but it’s up to you.

What Happens If I Forget to Renew or I Don’t Complete My Renewal Before My Policy Expires?

You will not have coverage. Contact your broker as soon as possible.

What Else Can I Do Online Once I Log In?

In addition to renewing your policy (if it’s eligible), you can:

Add drivers with B.C. driver’s licences to your policy, during the renewal
Select a broker office to review your online renewal after you’ve purchased your policy
Update your address

Separate from your renewal, you can:

Prepare an estimate of changes to your coverage or your listed drivers (or both)
View and print your insurance documents
See when your policy expires

Q. Insurance Documents and Decals

A. Do I Still Need a Decal?

No, you no longer need a decal on your licence plate.

However, you’ll still need to carry a printed copy of your insurance documents in your vehicle at all times.

What If I Don’t Have a Printer?

If you don’t have access to a printer, you have two options for obtaining a printed copy of your insurance documents:

Request a copy by mail via Canada Post (please allow up to 10 days for delivery)
Visit any broker office and request a printed copy

You can print them any time before your policy’s effective date.

Don’t forget! You'll need to keep your printed insurance documents in your vehicle at all times.