The coverage you need to ride with confidence.

Some coverages are mandatory depending on the province, while others are optional. An Acera Insurance advisor can help you understand the unique requirements within your province. In general though, these are the main differences:

• Accident benefits coverage is mandatory in all provinces except Newfoundland.
• Direct Compensation Property Damage Coverage (DCPD) is in place in Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
• Collision coverage is optional in most provinces, but required in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
• Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. 
• In British Columbia, Third Party Legal Liability Coverage must be purchased from ICBC.

No, you cannot include your motorcycle under your auto insurance policy in British Columbia. Although auto insurance can cover various vehicle types, ICBC requires motorcycles to have their own separate insurance policy. This is because motorcycles have distinct features and risk factors compared to cars or trucks, so they must be insured individually.

With ICBC, you cannot technically “pause” your insurance, but you may be able to cancel your policy and then reinstate it when you’re ready to ride again. However, you must return your licence plates if you cancel your insurance.

During the off-season, you can also consider purchasing storage insurance through ICBC, which covers your motorcycle against risks such as fire, theft, and vandalism while it is not being used on the road. We recommend maintaining some level of coverage year-round, as your bike can still be exposed to theft and damage while in storage.

If you make any changes or customizations to your motorcycle, you must notify your insurance provider. Modifications that increase speed or are intended for racing may restrict or even void your coverage. Always disclose all alterations to ensure your insurance policy accurately reflects your motorcycle and maintains your protection. We recommend contacting your insurance broker before making any modifications. Your broker can advise you on how these changes will impact your coverage, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed.

If other drivers will be using your motorcycle, you must let your insurance provider know so your insurance accurately reflects all regular operators. In British Columbia, your motorcycle insurance policy should list any household members or other individuals who will operate the motorcycle regularly. If an unlisted driver uses your motorcycle and is involved in an at-fault crash causing property damage or injury, your coverage could be limited or denied, and you may face a financial penalty. It’s essential to keep your policy up to date with all regular drivers to ensure you remain properly protected.

Unfortunately, no. In British Columbia, motorcycle insurance is generally not cheaper than car insurance. Although motorcycles are smaller and often less expensive than cars, ICBC considers them to have a higher risk factor due to their increased vulnerability on the road. As a result, motorcycle insurance premiums tend to be higher than those for auto insurance.

The type of motorcycle you choose significantly affects your insurance costs. Generally, motorcycles with smaller engines and lower top speeds are considered less risky by insurers and therefore tend to have more affordable insurance premiums.

Definitely! Insurance providers find it riskier to insure motorcycles with bigger engine sizes and, therefore, higher speeds limits. That’s why you should expect your premium to go up as your engine size increases in cubic centimetres.

Owning and insuring a motorcycle doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips to save on your motorcycle insurance premium.

• Insure multiple motorcycles under one policy. Drivers with several motorcycles typically pay less by insuring all of their bikes under one motorcycle policy instead of individually.
• Install an anti-theft device. This lowers the chance of being stolen and reduces the insurance company’s risk of replacement costs. 
• Have adequate storage. If you can guarantee a safe, well-kept storage space for your motorcycle, you reduce the chances of damage during the winter, and mitigate theft.
• Take a motorcycle training course. Completing a motorcycle safety course can provide information on how to reduce risks and help drivers better react to dangerous situations.