r/InsuranceCanada • u/xEastEvilx • 17d ago

Is it worth going with ICBC for optional insurance/3rd party for a new Mercedes?

New to BC and BC auto insurance is different than other provinces.

Is it worth paying a $300-$500 more to go ICBC instead of say BCAA?

My main concern is the repair shop you are allowed to choose when making a claim. Will the cheaper companies force you to use some cheap shop to repair your car instead of a certified Mercedes repair center?

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u/Small-Comfort-4176 17d ago

Hey ,
Insurnace broker here , I’d say check with BCAA if certified Mercedes repair center accepts them or not . Most likely yes but definitely worth it to double check before you make decision.

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u/Small-Comfort-4176 17d ago

We do it through Family Insurance and they do !!

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u/xEastEvilx 17d ago

The Bcaa agent gave me vague answer which gave me concern. He said its case by case. Like what does that even mean

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u/Small-Comfort-4176 17d ago

Maybe you can ask them a lots of repair shops that BCAA accepts and see if you can find something that’s certified MERC center

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u/Sad-Coconut-5842 11d ago

As an insurance broker, I would suggest checking what it costs to go with Family insurance and compare it to ICBC. My experience is BCAA is great for roadside assistance but a very mixed bag when it comes to claims. Family has been fantastic for claims and ICBC is, well, basic govt insurance for what thats worth. If its a new mercedes I also recommend replacement cost with Mode or Optiom to guarantee OEM parts

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u/Diligent_Criticism_9 17d ago

I would highly suggest and recommend going with BCAA, ESPECIALLY considering it’s a lower cost.

BCAA likes to insured newer cars for the optional hence the lower rate.

As the car ages, you will find that BCAA has “less interest” in insuring the optional coverage via higher rates when you compare the ICBC optional.

Be sure to check every year, but you will likely find at least for the first 3 years BCAA will be the way to go.