If you’re renting a car in Vancouver and already have ICBC Autoplan insurance, you may be wondering whether you need to purchase insurance again from the rental company.
The answer is: not necessarily.
If your ICBC policy includes RoadStar or Roadside Plus, you may already have Rental Vehicle Coverage. ICBC also offers Rental Vehicle Coverage as a separate optional product for eligible rentals.
Before making a decision, review our Rental Car Insurance & Protection options to understand the protection available through the rental company.
However, the coverage has important limits and conditions, including the rental vehicle’s daily rate, the type of vehicle, and where and how long you rent it.
Does ICBC Cover Rental Cars?
Yes, but not every ICBC policy provides the same rental-car protection.
ICBC’s Rental Vehicle Coverage can protect you when you’re driving an eligible rental vehicle. It includes coverage such as:
- Third-party liability
- Enhanced Accident Benefits
- Underinsured Motorist Protection
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Loss of Use
ICBC says Rental Vehicle Coverage is included with both its RoadStar and Roadside Plus packages. If you don’t have either package, you can also ask an Autoplan broker about purchasing Rental Vehicle Coverage separately.
However, don’t assume that having basic Autoplan automatically gives you all of these protections for a rental car.
Before you decline the rental company’s insurance, check exactly what your ICBC policy covers and whether the rental company accepts your ICBC coverage.
Does Basic Autoplan Cover a Rental Car?
Basic Autoplan does not include ICBC’s optional Rental Vehicle Coverage.
If you only carry basic ICBC coverage, don’t assume that your policy provides the same protection as RoadStar, Roadside Plus or a standalone Rental Vehicle Policy.
If you’re renting a vehicle, ask your Autoplan broker whether you have rental vehicle coverage and what protection applies to the specific rental you’re planning.
This is especially important if you’re renting:
- An expensive or luxury vehicle
- An SUV or larger vehicle
- A vehicle in the United States
- A vehicle for an extended period
- A vehicle with a daily rental rate above ICBC’s eligibility limit
If you’re comparing your existing coverage with the insurance offered by a Vancouver rental company, it’s also useful to understand how car insurance covers rental cars in Canada.
Does ICBC RoadStar Cover Rental Cars?
Yes. RoadStar includes Rental Vehicle Coverage for eligible rentals.
ICBC currently lists RoadStar rental vehicle coverage with:
- Up to $1 million in third-party liability
- $300 collision deductible
- $300 comprehensive deductible
RoadStar also includes other optional protections, such as Loss of Use and Vehicle Travel Protection.
If you already have RoadStar, check your policy before buying additional rental-company insurance.
However, RoadStar coverage is subject to ICBC’s terms, conditions and rental-vehicle eligibility requirements.
Does ICBC Roadside Plus Cover Rental Cars?
Yes. Roadside Plus also includes Rental Vehicle Coverage.
ICBC currently lists Roadside Plus rental vehicle coverage with:
- Up to $2 million in third-party liability
- $300 collision deductible
- $300 comprehensive deductible
Roadside Plus also includes additional benefits such as emergency roadside expense repayment, Theft Deductible Waiver and Destination Assistance.
RoadStar vs. Roadside Plus for Rental Cars
Coverage | RoadStar | Roadside Plus |
Rental Vehicle Coverage | Yes | Yes |
Third-party liability | Up to $1 million | Up to $2 million |
Collision deductible | $300 | $300 |
Comprehensive deductible | $300 | $300 |
Other optional benefits | Included | More extensive |
The exact coverage that applies to your policy depends on your current Autoplan package and policy terms. If you’re unsure, confirm with your Autoplan broker before renting.
What Is ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage?
If you don’t have RoadStar or Roadside Plus, ICBC offers Rental Vehicle Coverage as a separate optional product.
ICBC says this coverage includes:
- Third-party liability
- Enhanced Accident Benefits
- Underinsured Motorist Protection
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Loss of Use
ICBC currently lists the standalone Rental Vehicle Coverage at $10 per day. Because insurance products and pricing can change, confirm the current cost and eligibility with an Autoplan broker before your rental.
This can be particularly useful for BC residents who only need rental-car protection for a short trip.
How Much Rental Car Coverage Does ICBC Provide?
ICBC’s Rental Vehicle Policy has limits on the rental vehicle’s daily rate.
For eligible vehicles, the rental rate must not exceed:
- $300 CAD per day when renting in Canada
- $250 USD per day when renting in the United States
The daily rental rate is assessed before taxes, mileage, gas and other charges. Certain vehicle types and uses are also excluded.
That means you shouldn’t assume that every rental vehicle is automatically covered.
Example
Suppose you’re renting a vehicle in Vancouver for $75 per day.
That rental rate is below ICBC’s $300-per-day Canadian limit, but you still need to make sure:
- Your ICBC policy provides the required rental coverage.
- The vehicle is eligible.
- Your rental agreement meets ICBC’s requirements.
- The rental company accepts your ICBC coverage.
- You understand your applicable deductibles and other policy limits.
For a luxury vehicle costing $350 per day, you should not assume the entire rental is covered under the standard ICBC Rental Vehicle Policy.
How Long Does ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage Last?
ICBC’s RoadStar and Roadside Plus Rental Vehicle Coverage applies to eligible vehicles rented under a written agreement from an established rental agency for 30 days or less.
This matters if you’re looking for a monthly car rental in Vancouver.
A rental lasting several weeks may still fall within the applicable limit, but a rental longer than 30 days should not automatically be treated as covered under the standard RoadStar or Roadside Plus rental vehicle benefit.
If you need a car for a month or longer, confirm the coverage with your Autoplan broker and the rental company before booking.
Does ICBC Cover Rental Cars in the U.S.?
ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage can apply to eligible rentals in the United States.
ICBC currently lists a maximum eligible rental rate of $250 USD per day for rentals in the U.S.
This can be particularly relevant for Vancouver residents driving to destinations such as:
- Seattle
- Bellingham
- Portland
- Washington State
- Oregon
If you’re planning a U.S. road trip, check your coverage before leaving BC.
You should also confirm that the rental company’s agreement permits the vehicle to be driven across the border.
Can You Decline the Rental Company's Insurance If You Have ICBC?
You may be able to, but don’t make the decision based solely on having an ICBC policy.
First, confirm that your ICBC coverage applies to the rental vehicle you’re booking.
Then contact the rental company and ask whether it accepts your ICBC Rental Vehicle Policy as proof of coverage.
ICBC specifically recommends contacting the rental company before travelling. Some rental companies may require proof of your Autoplan coverage or may request a larger deposit if you decline their insurance.
You should also compare:
- Liability limits
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Deductibles
- Loss of Use coverage
- Rental vehicle eligibility
- Daily rental-rate limits
- Geographic restrictions
- Deposit requirements
The cheapest option isn’t always the best option if it leaves an important coverage gap.
What Does ICBC Rental Vehicle Coverage Not Cover?
Having Rental Vehicle Coverage doesn’t mean every cost associated with renting a vehicle is covered.
For example, your ICBC coverage does not replace the rental company’s normal rental agreement terms relating to things such as:
- Fuel
- Mileage
- Late returns
- Cleaning charges
- Additional rental fees
- Optional extras
- Deposits
Your ICBC coverage also has eligibility requirements and limits.
For example, the standard Rental Vehicle Policy excludes certain rentals where the daily rate exceeds the applicable ICBC limit. Certain commercial uses and vehicle types are also excluded.
Always check the rental agreement and your ICBC policy together.
What About Loss of Use?
There’s an important distinction here because Loss of Use can refer to different situations.
ICBC Loss of Use coverage can help pay for transportation when your own insured vehicle cannot be used after a covered claim. Depending on your coverage, this can include a rental vehicle, taxi, rideshare or public transportation.
Rental Vehicle Coverage is different: it protects you while you’re using an eligible rental vehicle.
Don’t assume that having Loss of Use automatically means you have all the coverage you need for a rental car.
How to Check Your ICBC Coverage Before Renting
Before picking up your rental car in Vancouver, follow these steps:
1. Check your Autoplan policy
Find out whether you have RoadStar, Roadside Plus or separate Rental Vehicle Coverage.
2. Confirm the rental vehicle is eligible
Check the daily rental rate, vehicle type, rental period and location.
3. Contact your Autoplan broker if you’re unsure
Your broker can explain the coverage attached to your policy and whether you need additional protection.
4. Ask the rental company whether it accepts ICBC coverage
ICBC recommends confirming this before your trip. The rental company may require proof of insurance or a different deposit when you decline its coverage.
5. Check your deductible
RoadStar and Roadside Plus currently list a $300 collision deductible and $300 comprehensive deductible for rental vehicle coverage.
6. Keep your insurance documents with you
Having proof of your coverage can make the pickup process easier.
ICBC Rental Car Insurance: Which Option Is Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to think about your options:
Your situation | What to do |
You have RoadStar | Check that your rental is eligible |
You have Roadside Plus | Check that your rental is eligible |
You only have basic Autoplan | Ask an Autoplan broker about Rental Vehicle Coverage |
You’re renting in the U.S. | Check the $250 USD/day limit and geographic coverage |
You’re renting an expensive vehicle | Confirm the daily-rate and vehicle eligibility limits |
You’re renting for more than 30 days | Confirm coverage before booking |
You’re unsure what you have | Contact your Autoplan broker |
You’re declining rental-company insurance | Confirm the rental company accepts your ICBC coverage |
Do You Need Rental Car Insurance in Vancouver?
If you already have qualifying ICBC coverage, you may not need to buy the rental company’s insurance.
But don’t assume that simply having an ICBC policy means you’re fully covered.
The safest approach is to check your policy, confirm that your rental is eligible, and ask the rental company what documentation and deposit it requires.
For Vancouver renters, understanding this before arriving at the counter can save time, reduce confusion and help you avoid paying for coverage you may already have.
If you’re still comparing your options, our guide to how much rental car insurance costs in Vancouver explains the different costs you may encounter.
Renting a Car in Vancouver? Check Your Coverage Before Pickup
If you’re booking a rental car in Vancouver, it’s worth sorting out your insurance before you arrive at the rental counter.
At Independent Rent A Car, our team can explain the rental agreement, required documentation and available protection options so you know what you’re signing before you drive away.
You can browse our Vancouver rental cars or contact our team if you have questions about your rental.
Important: Insurance coverage, limits, eligibility and pricing can change. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from ICBC or an Autoplan broker. Confirm your specific coverage before renting.
Official ICBC Resources
For the most current information, check the official ICBC resources or speak with an Autoplan broker:
