Introduction to ICBC Automobile Insurance (12:I)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 1, 2023.



As of May 1, 2021, ICBC switched to a primarily no-fault system, known as Enhanced Care. This represents one of the biggest changes to the ICBC insurance system since its inception.

Under the former ICBC system, claims were handled through a mix of litigation and no-fault benefits. Although certain benefits were awarded regardless of the fault of the parties, in other situations one party could negotiate for compensation related to various claims, like non-pecuniary damages and loss of future income. These claims were awarded based on fault for the Accident, and often a party would need to hire a lawyer and commence litigation in order to receive them.

Under the new system, the vast majority of claims are handled on a no-fault basis, with some limited exceptions. The no-fault system means that insured parties will file a claim directly with ICBC and will be compensated for specific damages (like medical treatment and wage loss) directly by the insurer, regardless of whether or not they were at fault for the accident. They will no longer be compensated for more speculative damages like loss of future income or non-pecuniary damages. ICBC still internally assigns fault to the parties when assessing claims to determine changes to premiums, but fault does not need to be shown to access injury compensation.

All claims for accidents occurring on or after May 1, 2021 are subject to the Enhanced Care system. Parts III - VII of this chapter outlines benefits under this new system. Please be aware that ICBC may make changes and clarifications to the system as it is implemented that are not reflected in this manual.

The new Enhanced Care system does not apply to claims for accidents that occurred on or before April 30, 2021. For claims that occurred before this date, please see Parts VIII onwards of this chapter, which outlines the former system as it existed prior to the introduction of Enhanced Care.


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