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Crashed your EV in BC? How to choose between repair, a claim and selling
EVs get written off more often than gas cars, mostly because of the battery. Here's how fault, coverage, write-offs and selling as is fit together in BC, in plain terms.
- Written for BC drivers and ICBC coverage
- Last checked November 2026
- General information, not insurance or legal advice
The short version
Not at fault: ICBC's Basic coverage pays for repairs. At fault: only Collision coverage pays for your own car. Written off: ICBC pays you and normally takes the car. Still yours and not worth fixing: that's when selling as is makes sense.
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Who pays depends on fault
Since May 2021, every ICBC Basic policy includes Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage. If another driver is responsible for the crash, that coverage pays to repair your car, up to its limit.
If you're found responsible, Basic doesn't cover your own car. Only optional Collision coverage, from ICBC or a private insurer, pays for your repairs. Without it, you pay the whole repair bill yourself and the car stays yours. If you're partly at fault, the costs are split. Damage from a hit and run needs optional coverage too.
Why EVs get written off
ICBC declares a car a total loss when the repair would cost more than the car is worth. With EVs, the battery tips that balance. Packs are expensive, hard to repair and sometimes only sold whole. Even a suspected hit to the underside can mean the pack has to be inspected or replaced, and insurers across Canada have been writing off EVs over battery damage that looks minor from outside.
A widely reported Vancouver example: a nearly new Ioniq 5 was written off after road debris damaged its battery, because the replacement quote was more than the car was worth.
If ICBC writes it off
You're offered a payment based on the car's value. If you don't agree with it, ICBC's process is to talk to your claims representative first, then ask for a review by a supervisor and then a manager. If that still doesn't settle it, the dispute goes to arbitration. Once a total loss is paid out, the car normally belongs to ICBC, so ask your adjuster before you make any other plans for it.
When selling as is makes sense
- You were at fault and don't carry Collision coverage, and the repair quote is more than the car is worth to you.
- The battery failed on its own, out of warranty. That isn't a crash, so insurance won't pay for it.
- The repair is possible but means months of waiting for parts or a specialist shop.
- You simply don't want the car back after what happened to it.
In any of these cases, a buyer who knows what damaged EVs are worth will usually pay more than a general scrap yard or a private buyer. See selling a damaged EV for how we handle it.
If you keep it and repair it
Use a body shop that's trained and equipped for EV repairs, and ask whether it's certified for your brand. Ask them to check the battery and its cooling system, not just the visible damage, and get that in writing.
Paperwork when you sell in BC
- The registration signed by every registered owner, with photo ID.
- ICBC's Transfer/Tax Form, signed after you've been paid.
- Your plates stay with you. They belong to ICBC, so move them to your next vehicle or hand them in at an Autoplan broker, and cancel or change your insurance.
- If there's a loan on the car, the lien has to be cleared. Anyone can check for liens with a VIN search at BC's Personal Property Registry.
Before you hand over the keys
Remove the car from your manufacturer app account, sign out of the screen and reset it if it works, delete phone keys, and take your charging network cards, garage remotes and personal items. A Tesla has a few extra steps.
Sources: ICBC, If you are responsible, Collision claims and Vehicle valuation disputes.
Questions about crashed EVs and ICBC
Can I keep my EV after ICBC writes it off?
Generally no. After a total loss is paid out, the car normally belongs to ICBC. Exceptions are rare, so ask your adjuster if it matters to you.
Will an at-fault claim raise my premium?
An at-fault crash can affect what you pay. ICBC or your Autoplan broker can tell you how it applies to your policy.
What if ICBC's total loss offer seems low?
Talk to your claims representative first, then ask for a supervisor review and then a manager review. If it still isn't resolved, it goes to arbitration.
Can I sell my EV while a claim is open?
Wait until the claim is settled or you've spoken with your adjuster. ICBC may still need to inspect the car.
Next steps
Want it gone this week?
Call with the year, model and what happened. We'll ask a few questions about the battery and where it's parked, then give you a number.