What does ICBC cover after an accident?
AI Overview
After an accident in British Columbia, ICBC, under its Enhanced Care and Basic insurance system, covers a wide range of expenses for those injured, including medical and rehabilitation costs, income replacement, and other related benefits. This coverage applies regardless of fault, with benefits available to drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Medical and Rehabilitation Costs:
  • Care and Recovery Benefits:
    ICBC covers a wide range of treatments, including chiropractic, physiotherapy, counselling, and other necessary healthcare expenses. 
  • No Overall Limit:
    The amount of care and recovery benefits has no overall limit, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries. 
  • Within the first 12 weeks:
    ICBC generally approves treatments within the first 12 weeks after the accident, with the possibility of benefit extensions if your recovery takes longer. 
  • Travel Reimbursement:
    Enhanced Accident Benefits also cover the cost of travel to and from medical appointments. 
2. Income Replacement:
  • Wage Loss Benefits:
    If you're unable to work due to your injuries, ICBC will provide income replacement benefits, which can cover a significant portion of your lost wages, up to a maximum of $119,000 gross annual income.
  • Income Top-Up:
    If your gross annual income exceeds $119,000, Income Top-Up coverage may be available. 
3. Other Financial Benefits:
  • Personal Care Assistance:
    ICBC may also provide benefits for personal care assistance if you require help with daily activities. 
  • Travel Reimbursement:
    Travel costs associated with accessing medical care and other services related to your recovery may be reimbursed. 
  • Funeral Expenses:
    If the crash resulted in a death, ICBC provides coverage for funeral expenses and other related costs. 
  • Specialized Support:
    For individuals with severe, permanent, or catastrophic injuries, ICBC offers specialized support, including benefits for travel, accommodation, and home and vehicle modifications, as well as higher coverage for personal care assistance. 
4. Vehicle Damage and Property Damage:
  • Collision Coverage:
    If you have collision coverage, it will help pay for your vehicle repairs, towing, and storage, even if you were responsible for the crash. 
  • Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage (BVDC):
    If you are not at fault, your own Basic Vehicle Damage coverage will pay for your vehicle repairs, up to $200,000. 
  • Third-Party Liability:
    If you are found responsible for causing damage to another vehicle or property, your Basic insurance will cover those costs up to $200,000. 
  • Non-Vehicle Property Damage:
    Your Basic insurance may also cover damage to the contents inside the other driver's vehicle. 
Important Note:
  • No-Fault System:
    ICBC operates under a no-fault system, meaning that regardless of who is at fault, the insured individuals will receive the necessary benefits for medical and rehabilitation costs and income replacement. 
  • Enhanced Care:
    Enhanced Care provides care and recovery benefits with no overall limit, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries. 
  • No Lawsuits:
    With Enhanced Care, lawsuits are not necessary or permitted, except in specific circumstance
Jennifer Vauthrin

Jennifer Vauthrin

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