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Here are 10 things you wish you knew about B.C. auto insurance, answered!

Westland Insurance answers Vancouver’s most frequently asked questions regarding all things ICBC.
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Renew your auto insurance in an instant!

Ever had questions when it comes to your ICBC renewal or coverage? Of course, at some point we all have!

To help you out, Westland Insurance has put together their list of the top 10 questions they get asked when it comes to all things ICBC

Their team understands that there’s a lot to know when it comes to your ICBC insurance and driver's licence, from staying on top of your renewal dates to making sure the coverage you have in place is still the best for you and your lifestyle.

1. Can you renew car insurance over the phone?

Yes! An awesome feature that Westland Insurance provides is an online ICBC renewal request experience. 

Their auto insurance advisors can complete your ICBC renewal completely over the phone or email. Whether you’re relaxing on the couch or taking a break at work, they’re ready to help get your renewal off your to-do list. 

You’ll even receive an email to your inbox after with a copy of your documents. If any hard copy documents are required, you’ll receive them in the mail shortly after.

2. How do I renew my car insurance online? 

As a Westland client, you have options on how you’d like to renew your car insurance. 

Through their online ICBC renewal request, submit your info and an advisor will get in touch to get started on your renewal. 

Does it work better to schedule a phone call with an advisor? Great, they can do that too! With these options, you can renew your ICBC insurance online, on your time.  

3. Can I renew my driver's licence online in BC?

You bet! Renewing your licence can be done directly online with ICBC.


Photo provided by Westland Insurance.

4. What happens if you drive with an expired licence in BC?

It goes without saying that driving with an expired licence is never the best thing to do. If you’re out on the road with an expired licence, you run the risk of getting a ticket, fines, vehicle impoundment, or even jail time.

Luckily, Westland has made the ICBC online renewal request experience work on your time. 

5. How do I renew my car insurance after it expires?

Even if your insurance has already expired, Westland Insurance can look after it over the phone or in person. 

Of course, you’ll want to be mindful not to drive your vehicle until it’s renewed and to get your insurance renewed as soon as possible, but a plate can be renewed after your insurance has expired. 

6. What happens if I forget to renew my car insurance?

Expired insurance can leave you open to fines, as well as zero coverage. Imagine you’re out on the road and find yourself in an at-fault fender bender. 

Without insurance, you’ll be on the hook for the bill when it comes to damages. Or, let’s say an accident happens and you damage property. If you don’t plan to make out-of-pocket payments, renew that policy!

7. What is the fine for driving without insurance in BC? 

The fine is $598. With ICBC online renewal through Westland Insurance, it’s never been easier to renew your plates. Don’t risk being out on the road without insurance or having a pricey fine to pay!


Photo provided by Westland Insurance.

8. What happens if I don't pay for my insurance on time? 

Similar to the answer for question #6, it’s important to make your payment on time to avoid issues with your coverage or fines. 

Have you recently missed a payment? Connect with Westland today and their team will ensure you are properly covered for your next adventure. 

9. Am I still insured if I miss a payment?

For sure! If you miss a payment, you can rest easy knowing that your insurance is still protecting you on the road. 

The difference maker here is if you miss multiple payments. In that case, ICBC will contact you directly and you may run the risk of losing some insurance coverage. 

10. How far in advance can I renew my insurance?

You’ll receive an ICBC Autoplan renewal reminder about a month before the date your insurance is to expire. 

Once you get the reminder, you can schedule your online ICBC renewal request with Westland Insurance and get it off your to do list. 

If you receive your renewal earlier than expected or know you’ll be away during your renewal time, you can do so 44 days in advance.  

If you’re on monthly payments, you can renew early and not pay anything extra, so get that renewal off your list and rest easy knowing that you’re covered.

Have a question that didn’t get answered? No problem! You can connect with the folks over at Westland Insurance online or by calling 1-800-899-3093, and they’d be happy to answer all of your questions. Remember to check out their Online ICBC Renewal Request when your renewal rolls around next.

Westland Insurance has called B.C. home since 1980. Since then, Westland has grown to be involved in communities across Canada. With almost 100 locations across B.C., they’re here for not only your next ICBC renewal but all aspects of protecting what’s most important in your life.