Should I Make an ICBC Claim?

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Accidents Do Happen – Fortunately
insurance can help.

An accident is an emotional and stressful time and you might ask, “Should I make an ICBC claim?”

Understandably, immediately after an accident there can be a million things running through your mind. No doubt, the question about making an insurance claim may be top of mind.

The short answer is…most likely, yes, you should make a claim. Here’s why!

Legal Requirement to Report An Accident

You are legally required to report auto accidents to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), BC’s public auto insurance provider, and provide a statement to them, if:

  1. You are a driver who was involved in an auto accident in British Columbia, or
  2. You were a passenger or other third party who was injured in a traffic collision in BC

In either case, you must submit a formal report to ICBC.

Note: Consider procuring legal guidance and representation first, before you give your statement to ICBC.

ICBC Claim Requirements

While you have a legal obligation to report a collision, you are NOT legally required to file a claim with ICBC after your accident. You do have a choice.

If you do have a collision and happen to need auto collision repairs, talk to our experts at Maximum Collision. Yes, we handle ICBC claims but we also can help you with an insurance claim other insurance companies not associated with ICBC.

Should I Make an ICBC Claim if the Accident Is Minor?

“Should I make an ICBC claim?” is usually the first question you might ask yourself.

If you’re involved in a minor car accident, with minimal vehicle damage and zero associated injuries for both parties, you may consider not claiming from your auto insurance company.

You have the option to just pay for the damage out of pocket. Why would you do that?

  1. Filing an insurance claim may trigger an increase in your car insurance rates.
  2. With minor damages, sometimes the deductible will put you out of pocket as much, if not more, than the actual cost of the damage.

It’s tempting to avoid either of the above consequences of filing a claim by just negotiating your own settlement with the other party.

That said, when you’re involved in an auto collision, especially a collision with another vehicle (as opposed to a single-vehicle accident), you’re probably better off contacting your insurance company (ICBC or any other insurance company) right away. Why?

  • They can help pay for property damage or injuries you may have caused while driving (up to your policy limits);
  • They can help pay for your legal defense costs if you’re sued;
  • If you try to reach a financial agreement with another driver on your own, you could run the risk of being sued later if damages to the other car prove to be more extensive than originally thought.
  • If you fail to report the accident to your insurer promptly and the other driver makes a claim for related injuries or damages at a later date, your insurer may be able to deny coverage.

When Not to File an ICBC Insurance Claim

There are times when it is okay, or even advisable, not to file an insurance claim with ICBC or your other insurance provider.

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How to Report a Claim

Whether it’s damage resulting from an accident, a hit-and-run, or a windshield that needs replacing, there are key steps you need to take.

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