When another driver crashes into your garage, storefront, or building in BC, the first question is: will ICBC pay to fix it? The short answer is yes, but with a catch most property owners don’t discover until the settlement cheque arrives.
ICBC Is Responsible, But Not for Full Replacement Cost
Under BC’s Basic Autoplan, every driver carries third-party liability coverage. When an at-fault BC motorist causes property damage, ICBC is responsible for that motorist’s property damage liability, meaning ICBC will pay to restore your property. But the amount is based on actual cash value (ACV), not what it costs to buy and install new components today.
That gap matters more than most people expect. A 10-year-old sectional garage door may cost $4,500 to replace. ICBC’s adjuster may calculate its actual cash value at $1,800 after applying depreciation. The remaining $2,700 is your responsibility, unless you have detailed documentation and know how to present your claim.
What Actual Cash Value Means
Actual cash value is replacement cost minus depreciation. For a garage door or structural component, ICBC calculates depreciation based on:
- The age of the damaged component
- Its condition before the loss
- The expected useful life of that type of component
Older doors, worn springs, and dated operators depreciate faster. ICBC’s internal depreciation guidelines aren’t publicly posted, and different adjusters apply them with some discretion. A detailed, line-item written estimate from a licensed contractor makes a measurable difference to your settlement amount.
Strata and Multi-Unit Buildings
If your property is part of a strata corporation, there’s an additional layer. The at-fault driver’s Basic Autoplan covers third-party property damage, but how that interacts with your strata’s deductible depends on the deductible amount and the ACV ICBC assigns. In some cases, going through the strata insurer is cheaper. In others, the ICBC third-party route is better. See our strata decision guide for the key factors.
How CCGDS Helps You Close the Gap
We document everything and build the estimate so depreciation doesn’t leave you short. When we assess vehicle-impact damage, we produce a line-item written estimate that:
- Identifies every damaged component individually: door sections, springs, cables, header, framing, track, and operator
- Notes the condition of each component before the impact, based on visible evidence at the site
- Provides current replacement pricing for each item
- Is formatted to work with ICBC adjusters and strata councils
A vague single-line quote gives an adjuster room to apply maximum depreciation. A line-item estimate showing a well-maintained door that failed due to impact, not its age, puts you in a significantly stronger position.
We coordinate structural repairs and door reinstallation under a single estimate and point of contact, so your adjuster deals with one company, not three contractors with three invoices.
Call (604) 206-5727 — 24/7 across Metro Vancouver. Or learn more about our full vehicle-impact repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ICBC cover damage to a building or garage if another car hit it in BC?
Yes. Every BC driver’s Basic Autoplan includes third-party liability coverage. When an at-fault BC motorist damages your property, ICBC pays on their behalf. The settlement is based on actual cash value with depreciation applied, not full replacement cost.
How does ICBC calculate depreciation on a garage door?
ICBC adjusters look at the component’s age, pre-loss condition, and expected useful life. An older door that was in good shape before the crash will be depreciated less than a neglected one. The adjusters have discretion, which is why a detailed written estimate documenting pre-loss condition matters.
What if the ICBC settlement doesn’t cover the full cost of my garage door repair?
That’s the depreciation gap, and it’s common. A professionally prepared, line-item estimate that documents each component’s condition before the impact gives you the best chance of minimizing it. Call (604) 206-5727 and we can assess the damage and prepare that estimate.
Does ICBC cover strata building damage differently than residential or commercial?
The third-party liability process is the same, but strata properties have an extra decision: whether to go through ICBC or the strata corporation’s own insurer. Which is cheaper depends on the strata deductible, the component age, and the depreciated value ICBC assigns.
Do I need to report the claim to ICBC before getting repairs done?
Get a claim number from ICBC before authorizing permanent repairs. Emergency securing of the opening is fine and recoverable immediately. Report to ICBC at 604-520-8222 as soon as you can, and don’t let the property sit unsecured while you wait.