I spent years working as a Korean interpreter for ICBC claims in BC. I’ve sat in on hundreds of claim calls — listening to confused drivers, frustrated claimants, and adjusters piecing together what happened at an intersection somewhere in Metro Vancouver.
What I witnessed over and over: people who didn’t know what to do in the critical minutes after a crash. This guide covers the 9 things that matter most.
At the Scene: What to Do Immediately After a Crash
1. Secure Witnesses — The Single Most Important Step
If you don’t have a dash cam, witnesses are everything. A third-party eyewitness can be the deciding factor in fault assignment. Look around immediately — if anyone stopped or saw the crash, get their contact info before they drive away.
I’ve seen countless claims fall apart because no one thought to ask a bystander. Don’t let that be you. If you don’t already have a dash cam, this is your sign to get one.
2. Get the Other Driver’s Information
- Licence plate number
- Driver’s licence (name and address)
- ICBC Autoplan policy number
If the other driver refuses to cooperate or tries to leave, call police immediately. Don’t let them go without a plate number — critical for hit-and-run situations.
3. Document the Location and Circumstances
One of the first things your ICBC rep will ask: “Where exactly did this happen?” Record:
- Nearest intersection (cross streets)
- Direction of travel at time of impact
- Traffic signal status
- Road and weather conditions
- Exact time of crash
Take as many photos as you can — damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and the overall scene. Your phone camera is one of your best tools here.
4. Reporting to ICBC — Korean Interpreter Available
When you call ICBC, you don’t need to struggle in English. Just say “Korean interpreter, please” — ICBC will connect you at no extra cost.
Before you call, jot down a quick summary: who, what, where, when. Clear and factual — no emotional language. It speeds up the entire process.
📞 ICBC Claims: 604-520-8222 (Metro Vancouver) / 1-800-910-4222 (Toll-free BC) — 24/7
What to Know About Your ICBC Coverage
5. Vehicle Use — Make Sure It Matches Reality
One of the most common issues I saw: a driver had their vehicle listed as Pleasure Use to save money, but was actually using it for work — and then had a crash.
ICBC won’t deny your claim for a mismatch, but you’ll receive a formal recommendation to update it, and it can influence future premiums. Main categories:
- Pleasure — Leisure, errands
- Drive to Work/School — Regular commuting
- Business — Driving as part of your job
- Artisan — Trades workers hauling tools or materials
If you work in construction and carry tools or equipment, Artisan is the right category. Set your coverage to match how you actually use your vehicle.
6. Roadside Plus — Do You Have Rental Car Coverage?
If your car is in the shop after a crash, rental coverage only applies if you have Loss of Use — standalone or as part of Roadside Plus or RoadStar packages.
- Covers you regardless of fault
- Limited to a vehicle of similar size to your own
- ICBC currently does not authorize EV rentals
- Coverage starts immediately if your vehicle is undriveable
Check with your Autoplan broker at next renewal — this is one of those coverages people wish they had after the fact.
7. The 20-Year Crash Forgiveness Program
If you have 20+ years of driving experience (at least 10 in BC) and have been crash-free for the last 10 years, ICBC will forgive your first at-fault crash — your premium won’t increase.
Once used, you need another 10 clean years to earn it back. Also: if a claim costs $2,000 or less, you can repay ICBC directly (claim repayment) to prevent any premium impact at all.
During the Claims Process
8. Complete Repairs Within 2 Years
Once a claim is opened, repairs must be completed within 2 years. Once your claims rep is assigned, schedule repairs promptly — delays complicate everything.
9. Hit & Run or Vandalism — Get a Police File Number First
Hit & Run: Report to police first and get a file number before calling ICBC. Having a police file number means ICBC doesn’t need to follow up twice — the process moves significantly faster.
Vandalism: Police report recommended. If you have Comprehensive Coverage, it may be claimable — but weigh the cost against your deductible and potential premium impact first.
Quick Reference Checklist
| # | Action | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secure witnesses | Essential without a dash cam |
| 2 | Get other driver’s info | Plate + licence + insurance |
| 3 | Document the scene | Photos + intersection + direction |
| 4 | File ICBC claim | Korean interpreter available |
| 5 | Check vehicle use category | Must match actual use |
| 6 | Confirm Loss of Use coverage | In Roadside Plus? |
| 7 | Check crash forgiveness | 20 yrs experience + 10 yrs clean |
| 8 | Schedule repairs promptly | Complete within 2 years |
| 9 | Hit & Run / Vandalism | Police file number first |
Final Thoughts
Navigating ICBC doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing what to do at the scene — and understanding your coverage before a crash happens — makes the whole process far more manageable.
Take 10 minutes before your next renewal to review your policy with your Autoplan broker: vehicle use category, Loss of Use coverage, and crash forgiveness eligibility. Small effort, big payoff when it matters.
Questions about navigating ICBC as a newcomer to BC? Reach out through the Contact page — happy to help. 🙂