You choose who insures your new car. Not the dealership.
When you buy a vehicle in BC, the law gives you the right to use the Autoplan broker of your choice — and the dealership cannot make you use the one at their desk. The one thing that matters: arrange it before you reach the insurance desk.
You're at the dealership. The deal is done, the keys are close, and someone walks you over to the insurance counter to "take care of the Autoplan." It feels like part of the package. It isn't.
In British Columbia, that vehicle can be insured by any Autoplan broker you choose. A dealership is allowed to have a broker on site — but ICBC's own rules are clear: they cannot tell you, or imply, that you have to use them. The choice is yours, by law.
The proof is in writing — and they hand it to you
Before the on-site broker can sell you insurance, they must hand you an ICBC Disclosure Statement (form APV356) confirming you may buy your Autoplan from the broker of your choice. The broker who stands to gain from the sale has to tell you you're free to take it elsewhere. Read it before you sign — then choose Prime Insurance, and get an advisor who works only for you.
Call us before you reach the insurance desk
This is the one thing to get right. The time to choose your broker is before you sit down at the dealership's insurance counter — not after the paperwork has started. Once everyone is rushing to close the sale, it's much harder to slow things down and do it on your terms.
A quick call to Prime first lets your advisor confirm what's needed, walk you through your coverage choices, and make sure you're not rushed into decisions while the dealership waits. Call as early as you can — ideally a day before your delivery appointment.
What to say at the dealership
You don't need to argue or explain. Just say:
I already have my own Autoplan broker — Prime Insurance is handling my insurance.
Please send the purchase paperwork to Prime Insurance. I want my own broker on my insurance.
The dealership can still sell you the vehicle. You're simply choosing who handles the ICBC Autoplan side of it.
An advisor at the dealership who answers to you
Independent & family-owned since 1994
We answer to you, not to a dealership's sales floor.
A named advisor who knows your file
Two years from now, you reach a real person who already knows you — not a counter you'll never see again.
Punjabi & Hindi, start to finish
From your first quote to a renewal to a disputed claim, we work with you in Punjabi or Hindi the whole way — not just at claim time.
One brokerage for all you own
Auto, home, condo, business — handled by the same team.
How it works
Before you reach the dealership's insurance desk, call us at 604-582-0557. Or tell the dealership your insurance is being handled by Prime Insurance.
We confirm your Basic Autoplan and the optional coverage that fits you — and complete the ICBC documentation required for your purchase.
You drive off insured, with your own advisor on your side for everything that comes after.
No dealership, no insurance desk — but two checks before money changes hands.
A private sale skips the dealership entirely — and the protections that come with it. The seller’s word is not a guarantee. Before you pay, two things are worth checking: a BC lien search (is money still owed against the vehicle?) and an ICBC Vehicle Claims History Report (has it been in recorded claims?). We run both at our office, usually while you wait.
Start with our vehicle lien search & ICBC damage report service — then bring the seller’s paperwork in and we’ll handle the transfer, plates, and your insurance in the same visit. Open late and Sundays, so the deal doesn’t have to wait for business hours.
Questions people ask us
Can I really choose my own ICBC broker at a dealership?
Yes. You choose the Autoplan broker who handles your insurance. The dealership may have a broker on site, but that doesn't mean you have to use them — and the ICBC Disclosure Statement (APV356) you're given confirms it in writing.
Do I have to be an existing Prime customer?
No. If you're buying a vehicle anywhere in the Lower Mainland and want Prime to handle the Autoplan, just call us before the insurance step and we'll guide you through it.
Will this delay my vehicle delivery?
Usually not. Choosing your own broker simply means your insurance is handled by Prime instead of the broker at the dealership. If they need paperwork from us, we coordinate with them — which is exactly why calling early matters.
When should I call?
Before you reach the insurance desk — ideally a day before your final delivery appointment. The earlier you call, the more your advisor can do for you and the less you'll be rushed at the end of the sale.
For the official details, see ICBC’s Autoplan Insurance brochure (PDF).
Buying a vehicle? Call before you reach the insurance desk.
Tell us the dealership, city, vehicle, and your delivery date — we'll tell you exactly what to do next.
Prime Insurance
150-8888 152A St, Surrey, BC V3R 0V7
Not buying today? We'll get ready for you.
Send us your details and a Prime advisor will reach out before your dealership appointment.