All licensed drivers in BC must have car insurance. When your teen is ready to drive solo, make sure your insurance policy is ready too.
Things to Consider
Finances:
- Can you and your teen afford the cost of insurance?
- Who will pay for the insurance?
Readiness:
- Has your teen demonstrated safe, responsible driving behaviour?
- Has your teen violated Novice (N) restrictions or received any tickets or prohibitions?
Involvement:
- Is your teen ready to own, operate and maintain a vehicle responsibly?
- Involve your teen in the insurance process.
Insurance Requirements in BC
All licensed drivers in BC must have ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance coverage. Basic Autoplan includes up to:
- $150,000 for medical and rehabilitation costs for each injured person
- $200,000 for damages claimed by other drivers
- $1 million per person if the at-fault motorist is under-insured
Saving Money on Insurance
Your teen’s insurance rate will likely be higher than your own. Here are a few tips to help you reduce insurance costs:
- Raise deductibles to lower premiums
- Share vehicles - how you classify your teen driver (main or occasional driver) will affect insurance premiums
- Practice driving - have your teen drive in varied conditions so they gain more experience and reduce the risk of crashing
- Stay involved - teens with more involved parents get fewer tickets and engage in less risky driving
- Consider vehicle type - the kind of car your teen drives can impact their safety and insurance rates. Experts agree that mid-sized cars are the best choice for teens
Learn more about BCAA Auto Insurance.
Additional Resources:
- Driving Costs Brochure
- What You Can Do to Conserve Fuel and Reduce Emissions
- Busting Myths About Fuel Efficiency and Driving
