About ICBC

Language services

We can speak with you in your language about your claim, insurance or driver licensing needs.

If you're new to B.C. or if English isn't your first language, we're here to help. We offer free, over-the-phone interpretation services in 170 languages, and two language lines (Chinese and Punjabi).

Over-the-phone interpretation

Simply contact us by phone and within a few minutes we can connect you with an interpreter to help communicate with our customer service representatives in your language. Service is available in 170 languages.

For claims enquiries:

  • Available  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

​​For insurance and driver licensing enquiries:

  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chinese and Punjabi language lines

Speak immediately to an interpreter in your language.

  • Chinese line (Cantonese and Mandarin):
    1-855-813-2121

  • Punjabi line: 1-866-906-6163

​For claims enquiries:

  • Call toll-free from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

For insurance and driver licensing enquiries:

Call toll-free:

  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Interpreter services at driver licensing offices

If you have an upcoming appointment at a driver licensing office and English isn’t your first language, we have interpreter services available at select locations. We can connect you with an interpreter on the phone to help you speak with our customer service representatives.

Interpreter services are not available for road tests.

See our Interpreter service driver licensing locations.

Document translation

While we are unable to provide document translation, ICBC-approved translators pdf or Consulates located in B.C. can translate documents such as your licence or driving record if it is in another language.

ICBC-approved translators do not work for ICBC and there may be other translators not listed who are ICBC-approved. Fees and services vary for each translator; please contact them for more information.

All documents must be translated from original documents or from a copy of the original approved and stamped by a driver licensing office. The original or stamped and approved copy of the original must also be presented when submitting a translated document to a driver licensing office.

If you need to email the translator an electronic copy of your original document, please visit a driver licensing office to get an approved and stamped copy.

When requesting a translation of your documents, please specify that it is for ICBC. The translator may need to complete additional documents that you'll need to bring into the driver licensing office.

Tip: Choosing a translator

Not all translators are able to translate in both directions (for example, both English to Arabic, and Arabic to English). Please confirm the translator you choose is approved to translate in the direction required.