Who needs Autoplan?

To ensure that all British Columbians are protected, anyone who owns and drives a motor vehicle on the highway must have ICBC Basic Autoplan coverage.

Tourists, visitors, visiting students and armed forces personnel are exempt from buying Autoplan insurance. If you are exempt, make sure you are covered by an existing policy from elsewhere.

Tourists and visitors

If you are just visiting B.C. as a tourist and brought your vehicle with you, you can drive with your existing insurance for up to six months for touring purposes only.

Students and armed forces personnel

Students from outside B.C. who are enrolled full-time at a recognized B.C. educational institution and armed forces personnel on temporary assignment in B.C.

• don't need a B.C. driver's licence, and
• may apply to be exempted from B.C. vehicle registration and licensing rules.

If you are exempt, carry these documents at all times when you drive here:

• your student card/proof of registration,
• combined certificate of registration of a non-resident motor vehicle, and
• an insurance certificate and decal.

How to apply for a non-resident permit

Within 30 days of arriving in B.C., you must apply to ICBC for a non-resident permit.

This permit lets you continue using your vehicle registration, licence, and insurance coverage from your home jurisdiction.

To apply, call

• B.C. Lower Mainland: 604-443-4624 
• Toll free: 1-800-665-4336