Does ICBC cover vehicle damage to strata common property?

Yes, if an identified BC motorist caused the damage. The strata corporation files a third-party property damage claim against the at-fault driver's ICBC coverage. The settlement is at actual cash value with depreciation. No deductible is payable by the strata on an ICBC third-party claim.

What is the difference between ICBC third-party and strata property insurance?

An ICBC third-party claim runs against the at-fault driver's coverage with no strata deductible. A strata property insurance claim runs through the strata's own insurer and the strata's deductible applies — often $5,000 to $50,000 or more in BC. The right route depends on whether the driver is identified and what the deductible is relative to the damage.

Who pays the strata deductible if the at-fault driver is found?

If the strata has already paid the deductible and the at-fault party is later identified, the strata can pursue recovery through legal action or through ICBC. Your strata lawyer or insurance broker can advise on the recovery process.

Can you prepare an estimate for both ICBC and our strata insurer?

Yes. We prepare a single itemized estimate covering the full scope of damage. You can submit it to whichever insurer you choose, and we can adjust the format if your adjuster has specific requirements.

What happens if the vehicle that hit our parkade drove off?

A hit-and-run that damages strata property typically becomes a strata property insurance claim. Report the incident to police and ICBC immediately. Photograph all damage before anything is disturbed.

Do you handle individual suite owners' garage doors or only strata common property?

We handle both. Common-property doors go on a strata or ICBC claim. A door belonging to an individual suite owner's limited common property may be that owner's responsibility depending on your strata bylaws — your property manager can confirm.

Vehicle Hit Strata Building BC | ICBC vs Strata Insurance

General information only. CCGDS is a garage door and structural repair contractor — not an insurance broker, adjuster, or legal advisor. Content on this page is educational and reflects general industry experience. Your specific coverage, entitlements, and claim options depend on your policy, the facts of your incident, and current ICBC guidelines. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed insurance professional or legal counsel.

Call (604) 206-5727 — 24/7. Vehicle impacts at strata and townhouse complexes create a specific set of problems: shared ownership, two potential insurance routes, and property that belongs to the corporation, not the individual suite owner. Custom Commercial Garage Doors Ltd acts as the single point of contact for strata councils and property managers — from emergency securing through to the ICBC or strata insurance claim and full repair. Licensed and insured, based in Richmond. See: full vehicle impact repair service.

Immediate Steps for Strata Managers

Secure the opening immediately. If common property is accessible through the damaged area, station someone there or board it up until a crew arrives.
Call (604) 206-5727. We dispatch 24/7 and can be on site the same day.
Document thoroughly. Photographs of the vehicle, licence plate, driver, all damage, and surrounding structure. Obtain a police file number if the driver is unknown or the damage is significant.
Determine the insurance route before authorizing permanent repairs. ICBC third-party or strata property insurance — the decision affects who pays the deductible and how the estimate should be structured.
Notify your strata insurance broker. Even if the claim goes through ICBC, your broker should be informed.

What We Handle at Strata Properties

Parkade entry and exit doors — rolling steel, sectional, and grille-type doors at strata parkade entrances
Underground parkade bollards and columns — vehicle-impact damage to steel bollards, concrete pillars, and structural posts
Common-area garage doors — doors that belong to the strata corporation rather than individual suite owners
Structural framing and header repair — coordinated with licensed contractors
Emergency board-up — same-day temporary closure
ICBC and strata-insurance estimate documentation — written to support whichever claim route the strata council selects

Also: bollard and parkade column repair · structural header repair.

ICBC vs Strata Insurance — Which Route Costs Less?

This decision costs strata councils the most money when they get it wrong.

ICBC third-party claim (at-fault driver is identified)

If a BC motorist with an active ICBC policy caused the damage, the strata corporation can file a third-party property damage claim. ICBC is liable to restore the property to pre-loss condition. The settlement is at actual cash value with depreciation — not replacement cost. There is no deductible payable by the strata on an ICBC third-party claim. A well-documented, itemized estimate is essential to maximize the settlement.

Strata property insurance

If the driver is unidentified or uninsured, the claim goes through the strata’s own insurer. BC strata corporations commonly carry deductibles for structural damage ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. That deductible is recoverable from the at-fault party — but only if they can be identified and the strata pursues it.

Which route is right?

It depends on the strata’s deductible and the actual cash value ICBC assigns to the damaged property. We can prepare an estimate that helps your council and broker make an informed decision before committing to a route. Read more: strata deductible vs ICBC — which costs less.

Why Strata Councils Choose a Single Coordinator

Managing a vehicle-impact claim normally means coordinating an emergency board-up contractor, a structural contractor, and a door company — three separate quotes, three invoices, and a timeline your council does not control. We handle the full scope under one estimate, with one point of contact for your adjuster and one schedule managed from start to finish.

Where We Work

We serve strata corporations and property managers across Metro Vancouver: Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Coquitlam, Langley, New Westminster, North Vancouver, and the surrounding Lower Mainland.

Vehicle Hit a Strata or Townhouse Complex — Who Pays & How We Handle It