ICBC Insurance Denied? What a Breach of Insurance Means for Drivers in BC
Breach of Insurance: What Drivers in British Columbia Need to Know
In British Columbia, it's the law: you must have car insurance before driving on public roads. When you buy insurance—usually from ICBC—you expect protection if something goes wrong. But if you don’t follow the rules in your insurance policy, ICBC can refuse to cover you. This is commonly called a breach of insurance.
What Is a Breach of Insurance?
A breach of insurance happens when a driver breaks the terms of their insurance policy. This can happen in several ways—like driving while impaired, letting an unlisted driver use your car, or giving false information to the insurer.
When this happens, ICBC may refuse to:
Pay for property damage;
Provide the insured with their ‘write-off value’ of a vehicle; or
Provide any of the protections outlined in your policy.
They likely will move to recover money they’ve already spent on your behalf.
How to Avoid a Breach of Insurance
To stay protected, here are some key tips:
Read your policy carefully. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.
Ask questions. If anything in your policy is unclear, speak to your insurance broker or ICBC.
Be honest. Always provide truthful and accurate information when applying for or renewing insurance.
Act responsibly. Avoid risky actions like driving impaired or without insurance.
Keep records. Save your insurance documents and review them now and then to make sure they’re up to date.
If you're in an accident or need to file a claim, I recommend speaking to a lawyer before engaging with ICBC; but do so as soon as possible, there are timelines set by your policy. Overall, when speaking with the insurer be clear, honest, and prompt with the information you provide to ICBC. This helps reduce confusion and protects your coverage.
Need Help With an Insurance Breach?
If ICBC says you've breached your policy—or if you believe they’ve wrongly denied your coverage—get legal advice. A lawyer can help protect your rights and potentially challenge ICBC’s decision.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No legal relationship is formed by reading or relying on this content.
If you’d like to learn more about a breach of insurance or need guidance on any legal issue, reach out to Zachary Dallman for a free consultation. Book or contact Zachary directly at zachary@zacharydallmanlaw.ca or 778.653.6163.