Before the year wraps up, it’s a great idea to do a quick check-in on your auto and home insurance. Small changes can make a big differenc; especially with your ICBC Autoplan and home insurance policies.
Our Poco Insurance team has compiled a short checklist that covers the key things to look over on your policy before heading into the new year.
🚗 Auto Insurance (ICBC Autoplan)
👤 Drivers on Your Policy
- Any new drivers using your vehicle this year? (teen driver, partner, roommate, employee)
- Anyone who no longer drives your car?
👉 All regular drivers must be listed on your ICBC policy; esepcially, household members or employees.
🚦 Vehicle Use
- New job or work-from-home situation?
- Driving more or less than before?
- Using your vehicle for business or deliveries?
👉 Changes in use must be updated with us to avoid claim issues.
✅ Coverage & Deductibles
- Do you have Collision coverage (damage from a collision with another vehicle or object including sliding off an icy road)?
- Do you have Comprehensive coverage (fire, theft, vandalism, windshield damage including from falling ice)?
- Is your deductible an amount you’d be comfortable paying?
👉 Lower premiums aren’t helpful if you don't carry the proper coverage or if the deductible is too painful.
➕ Optional ICBC Coverages
If not already added, consider whether these still make sense for you:
- RoadStar or Roadside Assistance
- Loss of Use (rental vehicle)
- New vehicle replacement or extended coverage
- Income Top-Up (for incomes over $119,000)
👉 Worth reviewing before winter driving and holiday travel
🏠 Home Insurance (BC Homes & Condos)
🛠️ Home Value, Renovations, Bylaws
- Any renos or upgrades this year?
- Finished basement, kitchen updates, new flooring?
- Are there municipal bylaws or building code changes that could impact rebuilding your home?
👉 Your home should be insured for today’s rebuilding costs and account by bylaw changes
📦 Contents & High-Value Items
- New electronics, furniture, tools, or sports gear?
- Jewelry, bikes, or collectibles?
👉 Some items need extra coverage to be fully insured.
🛡️ Liability Coverage
- Do you have a home based business, rent part of your home, or have pets?
👉 Higher liability limits are usually inexpensive and offer strong protection.
❄️ Winter Travel & Vacancy Rules
- Leaving your home over the holidays or for an extended winter trip?
👉 Most BC policies require heat to be maintained and regular check-ins.
💧 Water Damage Coverage
- Do you have sewer backup coverage? Are there caps or limits?
- Do you have overland water or flooding coverage for heavy rainfall or overflowing rivers, lakes, or streams?
👉 Water claims are one of the most common and costly in Port Coquitlam and all of BC.
📌 Final Year-End Tips
- Let us know about any other changes if you're unsure if it impacts your policy
- Keep digital copies of policies and photos or videos of major belongings
- Ask questions before renewal, not after a claim
✔ Want a Quick Policy Review?
A short year-end review can help make sure your ICBC Autoplan and home insurance still fit your life. If anything has changed this year,or you’re not sure, reach out and we’ll take a look before the new year starts.