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.

• do not need a B.C. driver's licence, and
• may apply to be exempted from B.C. vehicle registration and licensing requirements.

If you are exempt, carry these documents when you drive:

• your student card/proof of registration,
• combined certificate of registration of a Non-resident Motor Vehicle, and
• insurance certificate along with the decal.

You must carry these documents at all times. Law enforcement may need proof of why you do not have B.C. insurance or a B.C. driver's licence.

Applying for an exemption

Within 30 days of arrival in B.C., you must apply to the ICBC Financial Responsibility Department for a Non-Resident Permit. This permit allows you to continue using your out of province registration, licence, and insurance coverage from your home jurisdiction. Only ICBC Head Office issues these permits.

To apply, call us:

ICBC Financial Responsibility Department

• Lower Mainland: 604-443-4626 
• Toll free: 1-800-665-4336