Reporting a claim with ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) begins when you file an official report after a motor vehicle accident involving injury, property damage, or death. This process triggers ICBC's assessment of fault, compensation eligibility, and medical or repair coverage under B.C.'s no-fault insurance system.
ICBC handles all auto insurance claims in British Columbia. If you're involved in an accident, you must report it within 28 days to preserve your right to seek benefits. Failure to report within this window may result in denial of claims for injuries or vehicle repairs. The claim process starts with completing a Report of Accident form (Form 60), which ICBC requires for all incidents involving vehicles.
After submitting the report, ICBC assigns a claim number and begins evaluating liability. If someone was injured, ICBC provides access to medical treatment through the Injury Benefits program. If your vehicle sustained damage, ICBC reviews repair estimates and issues payments based on the vehicle's market value at the time of the accident. Claims are processed through ICBC's internal systems, not through private insurers.
When you report a claim, ICBC collects details about the incident, including the date, time, location, weather conditions, and whether police were called. You must provide contact information for all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. ICBC uses this data to assess fault and determine benefit eligibility.
The system checks for prior claims history, driver records, and vehicle registration status. If fault is disputed, ICBC may refer the case to its Dispute Resolution team or initiate a formal investigation. In cases involving serious injury or death, ICBC may involve external agencies such as the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Once submitted, the claim enters a triage phase. Most claims take 10 to 14 business days to be reviewed. Complex cases involving multiple vehicles, disputes over fault, or extensive medical treatment may take longer. ICBC sends updates via email or mail, and you can track progress using your claim number on the ICBC website.
Each claim submission requires specific documentation. The core document is Form 60, the Report of Accident. This form includes:
For injury claims, ICBC requires medical reports from licensed healthcare providers. These reports must include diagnosis, treatment plan, prognosis, and estimated recovery time. For property damage, ICBC requests repair estimates from certified mechanics or appraisers. Estimates must list parts, labor, and total cost.
ICBC does not accept verbal reports. All submissions must be filed electronically via the ICBC website, in person at an ICBC office, or by mail. Filing online reduces processing time by up to 30%. Late filings beyond 28 days may still be accepted, but benefits are limited to what's covered under the statutory minimums.
| Claim Type | Required Documents | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Minor property damage | Form 60, photos, repair estimate | 5-7 business days |
| Injury claim (non-catastrophic) | Form 60, medical reports, doctor's notes | 10-14 business days |
| Catastrophic injury or fatality | Form 60, police report, autopsy report (if applicable), witness affidavits | 21+ business days |
Many people assume that reporting a claim automatically guarantees compensation. That's incorrect. ICBC evaluates each claim based on fault determination, policy limits, and statutory thresholds. Even if you're not at fault, benefits may be reduced if you failed to report within 28 days.
Another common error is confusing ICBC's claim process with private insurance. ICBC is a government-owned insurer, not a private company. Its claims are funded through premiums collected from all B.C. drivers, not individual policies. This means ICBC handles all claims regardless of who caused the accident.
A lesser-known fact: ICBC allows you to report a claim even if you weren't driving. If you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident, you can file a claim for injuries. This applies even if the driver was uninsured or unlicensed. ICBC covers eligible injuries under the Basic Insurance Plan, which is mandatory for all drivers in B.C.
On June 12, 2024, Sarah drove her 2020 Honda Civic into the rear of a stopped minivan at a red light in Vancouver. She reported the incident immediately using the ICBC online portal. She uploaded photos of both vehicles' damage and completed Form 60 with the following details:
Sarah submitted the report on June 13. On June 15, ICBC assigned claim number 987654321. By June 18, ICBC approved $1,850 for vehicle repairs based on a quote from a certified mechanic. Emily L. received $2,000 in injury benefits after submitting a doctor's note confirming a sprained knee requiring physiotherapy. The entire process took 10 business days.
I personally filed a claim after a fender-bender in 2022. I used the ICBC mobile app to upload photos and fill out Form 60 in under 15 minutes. The system flagged a discrepancy in the reported time, which I corrected. The claim was processed in nine days, and I received a repair payment without needing to visit an office.
If you've been in an accident, start by gathering evidence: photos, witness names, and a copy of the police report. Complete Form 60 online or at an ICBC office. Submit all supporting documents. Monitor your email for updates. If your claim is denied, you can appeal through ICBC's Internal Review process.
Reporting a claim with ICBC is a structured, time-bound process. Accuracy and timeliness are critical. Submitting within 28 days ensures full access to benefits. Always retain copies of forms, emails, and receipts related to your claim.