If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and you meet the definition of an “insured” set out in Part 7 of the Regulations, you can apply for benefits. The definition is very broad, and meant to encompass almost anyone involved in an accident, including individuals who do not have an insurance contract with ICBC. Individuals meeting the definition of “insured” generally include:
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The owner of a vehicle registered in B.C.
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A member of the household of the owner of a vehicle registered in B.C.
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The holder of a valid B.C. Driver’s License
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A member of the household of the holder of a valid B.C. Driver’s License
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The occupant of a vehicle registered in B.C.
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The occupant of a vehicle operated by a B.C. licensed driver
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A cyclist or pedestrian who is involved in a collision with a B.C. licensed vehicle
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Any B.C. resident injured by an uninsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver
The benefits also apply to accidents occurring outside B.C. and if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident anywhere within the United States and Canada and meet the definition of insured above you are also entitled to these benefits, regardless whether ICBC is the insurer or not. Part 7 Benefits are also available to the surviving family members of a person who is killed under these circumstances. By law, when an out-of-province vehicle is at fault for an accident that happens in British Columbia, out-of-province insurers are required to provide no-fault coverage similar to what would be provided by ICBC.