Auto theft claims

If you purchased ICBC Autoplan Comprehensive or Specified Perils insurance, you are covered by ICBC for your auto theft claim. You will need to report to your local police and ICBC Dial-a-Claim. With a stolen-auto claim, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle subject to limits, even if you have not purchased Loss of Use, RoadStar or RoadsidePlus. The deductible applies, but is waived if you also purchased RoadsidePlus.

What's the process?

Here is the process you can expect to go through for an auto theft claim:

Stage 1: Report to your local police

Auto thefts must be reported to the police. Be sure to note the police file number, if available, before calling Dial-a-Claim.

Stage 2: Customer Calls ICBC's Dial-a-Claim

After taking your report, Dial-a-Claim staff will arrange an appointment at an ICBC claim centre for you to see an estimator and an adjuster. You will be required to provide a statement and all the keys for the car. You will also be required to complete a vehicle report and sign an authorization that allows ICBC to tow the vehicle when it is recovered.

Learn how to make a claim.

Stage 3: Adjuster processes stolen auto claim

Your adjuster will take your statement, including details of the police investigation.

Stage 4: Customer rents a vehicle or is reimbursed for stolen claim

After confirming your reporting requirements to the police and ICBC, if you have purchased Loss of Use, RoadStar or Roadside Plus, there is no waiting for a replacement vehicle. You can rent a vehicle as soon as required after the theft of your vehicle. Find out more about rentals or reimbursements.

If you do not have Loss of Use, RoadStar or RoadsidePlus, you must wait 72 hours after your theft has been reported to the police before you can get a replacement vehicle. If you have ICBC Comprehensive or Special Perils coverage — and your claim for theft is accepted — the maximum ICBC pays is $40 per day up to a total reimbursement of $800.

Stage 5: Wait to see if your vehicle is recovered

The police recover many stolen vehicles. The police may only notify the owner of the vehicle, not ICBC, if it is recovered. Therefore, contact your ICBC adjuster as soon as possible if the police recover your vehicle so that damage to your vehicle can now be estimated.

If you do not hear from the police, wait to determine if your vehicle is recovered within 22 days. If your vehicle is not recovered, you will be paid out for your vehicle. The settlement amount is based on the Actual Cash Value (ACV). Find out more about writeoffs.

Stage 6: Customer provides a shop of choice

From the start of your claim, you will need to provide the name of the nearest shop of your choice. If you do not know of a shop, the estimator will provide a list of shops for you to choose from.

Stage 7: Estimator estimates recovered vehicle at ICBC claim centre

If your vehicle is recovered by the police within 22 days, a damage estimate will be completed at the claim centre.

If your vehicle is not repairable and deemed a writeoff, you will receive a total loss settlement and you will need to sign a salvage release. Your vehicle would then be sent to our Salvage Department where it would be properly disposed of. Find out more about writeoffs.

Stage 8: Police notify customer if thief is caught

If the thief is caught, the police may notify you to let your adjuster request a follow-up police report on the investigation. Your claim file will be forwarded to our collections department.   

Stage 9: Customer pays Comprehensive or Specified Perils deductible

The Collision or Specified Perils deductible is the amount you have to pay toward repairs or costs before your insurance kicks in to pay for the rest. The deductible is waived if you also purchased RoadsidePlus.