If a vehicle hit your garage, building, or fence in BC, you have the right to make an ICBC third-party property damage claim against the at-fault driver’s Basic Autoplan policy. Here is exactly how the process works, from impact to completed repair.
Step 1: Secure the Property Immediately
Before anything else, make sure the damaged opening is secured. A broken garage door or storefront is a security and safety risk. Call (604) 206-5727 — CCGDS provides same-day emergency board-up and temporary securing across Metro Vancouver. Don’t wait for ICBC approval; reasonable emergency securing measures are recoverable costs under the claim.
Step 2: Document Before Anything Is Moved
Take photos and video of:
- Every angle of the damaged door, framing, and surrounding structure
- The vehicle that caused the damage, while it’s still at or near the scene
- The licence plate of the at-fault vehicle
- Skid marks, debris, and the point of impact
- Any security camera footage, save it before it’s overwritten
Note the time, date, and any witnesses. If the driver is present, get their name, driver’s licence number, and ICBC policy number.
Step 3: Report to ICBC
Call ICBC’s Lower Mainland claims line: 604-520-8222. As the property owner, you can file the third-party property damage claim directly. You don’t need the at-fault driver to initiate it. ICBC will assign a claim number and an adjuster.
If you don’t have the at-fault driver’s information, such as in a hit-and-run, you can still report it. ICBC has processes for unidentified drivers under BC’s Motor Vehicle Act.
Step 4: Get a Line-Item Written Estimate
This step has the biggest impact on your settlement amount. A vague single-line quote gives ICBC’s adjuster room to apply heavy depreciation to the entire job. A detailed, line-item written estimate showing each component, its condition before the loss, and current replacement pricing leaves far less room for over-depreciation.
CCGDS produces adjuster-ready written estimates for vehicle-impact repairs, covering the door, operator, structural framing, header, track, and all related components. See how we work with ICBC adjusters.
Step 5: Work With the Adjuster
ICBC will assign an adjuster who reviews your claim, may conduct their own assessment, and will make a settlement offer based on actual cash value. You can:
- Accept the offer
- Negotiate with supporting documentation — your line-item estimate is your strongest tool
- Request a second assessment
- Escalate through ICBC’s formal dispute resolution process if you can’t reach agreement
Step 6: Authorize the Repair
Once the settlement is agreed, authorize the work. CCGDS handles the full scope: structural repair coordination, door supply and installation, operator reinstallation, and final operational testing. One call, one point of contact from start to finish.
How CCGDS Supports You Throughout
We’ve worked with ICBC adjusters on commercial, strata, and residential vehicle-impact claims across Metro Vancouver. We know what documentation adjusters need and how to present it. From emergency securing on day one to final sign-off, we coordinate everything so you can focus on your business or home, not three separate contractors.
Call any time: (604) 206-5727. Or learn more about our vehicle-impact repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an ICBC claim if another car damaged my building in BC?
Call ICBC’s Lower Mainland claims line at 604-520-8222. As the property owner, you file the third-party property damage claim directly — you don’t need the at-fault driver to do it. ICBC assigns a claim number and an adjuster. Get the opening secured first, then make the call.
Can I do emergency board-up before getting ICBC approval?
Yes. Reasonable emergency securing costs are recoverable under a third-party property damage claim. Call (604) 206-5727 to get the opening secured, document the work, and then include it in your claim. Don’t leave the property exposed while waiting for an adjuster.
What if I don’t have the licence plate of the vehicle that hit my garage?
Report it to ICBC anyway. BC’s Motor Vehicle Act has provisions for unidentified drivers. Security camera footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence at the scene can all help establish the claim.
How long does an ICBC property damage claim take in BC?
Adjuster assignment typically happens within a few business days. Settlement negotiation can take one to three weeks depending on how well-documented the claim is. A detailed line-item estimate prepared by a professional contractor tends to shorten that timeline significantly.
What happens if I disagree with the ICBC settlement offer?
You can negotiate using your written estimate as supporting documentation, request a second assessment, or escalate through ICBC’s formal dispute resolution process. In most cases, a professionally prepared estimate resolves the disagreement without needing formal dispute procedures.