Study 4 Flashcards
What is a common example of an accident where the at-fault driver is unidentified?
HIT-AND-RUN accidents—where the culprit vanishes faster than your motivation on a Monday morning.
What financial hardships might victims of uninsured or unidentified drivers face?
LOST INCOME, MEDICAL COSTS, REHAB EXPENSES, and VEHICLE REPAIRS—basically, a financial nightmare.
Who oversees automobile insurance in Canada?
PROVINCES and TERRITORIES—so the rules change depending on where you are!
Does every province and territory in Canada have a plan to cover accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified motorists?
YES! No matter where you are, there’s coverage in place.
What is another name for UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE?
UNINSURED AUTOMOBILE COVERAGE—because insurance loves having multiple names for the same thing!
How can LOSSES caused by uninsured or unidentified motorists be covered?
Through UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE, OWN DAMAGE COVERAGE, or ACCIDENT BENEFITS.
In provinces where the government provides basic auto insurance, where is uninsured motorist coverage found?
In LEGISLATION—like the Insurance (Vehicle) Act in British Columbia.
Does ICBC issue a policy for auto insurance?
NOPE! It’s covered in legislation instead of a standard policy.
What three types of coverage help protect against damages caused by uninsured, unidentified, or underinsured drivers?
UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE, UNDERINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION, and UNIDENTIFIED/UNINSURED MOTORIST FUNDS.
True or False: The same uninsured motorist coverage applies across all of Canada.
FALSE! Each PROVINCE and TERRITORY has its own rules.
In British Columbia, where is UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE described?
In the Insurance (Vehicle) Act—not in an issued policy.
What is the minimum amount of THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY insurance required to NOT be considered an uninsured motorist in BC?
$100,000—less than that, and you’re officially ‘uninsured’ by law!
True or False: An UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE is simply any vehicle without insurance.
True! If the owner or driver isn’t insured, the vehicle is considered uninsured too.
What types of damages are covered when an uninsured or unidentified motorist causes an accident in BC?
BODILY INJURY, VEHICLE DAMAGE, and NON-VEHICLE PROPERTY DAMAGE—all the expensive stuff.
What is NON-VEHICLE PROPERTY DAMAGE under BC law?
Damage to anything except a vehicle, its contents, or attached equipment.
If your fence is wrecked by an UNINSURED MOTORIST in BC, can you get compensation?
Yes! You can sue ICBC as a nominal defendant—they step in when the real driver can’t be found or insured.
True or False: You must own a vehicle to claim non-vehicle property damage coverage from ICBC.
False! This coverage is available to ALL BC residents, even non-vehicle owners.
What are the key requirements to claim NON-VEHICLE PROPERTY DAMAGE in BC?
- Vehicle must have been in use on a BC highway
ICBC must be notified within 6 months
The driver and owner must be unidentifiable
What is required for a person to claim under UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE in BC?
The uninsured or unidentified driver must be partially or fully at fault.
What type of coverage applies if you’re injured or killed by an uninsured driver in Canada or the U.S.?
ENHANCED ACCIDENT BENEFITS under Basic Autoplan.
How much does ICBC cover for VEHICLE DAMAGE caused by an UNINSURED MOTORIST in BC?
Up to $200,000, including legal costs and interest—no deductible!
If an UNIDENTIFIED DRIVER (hit-and-run) damages your vehicle, how do you get coverage?
Through OPTIONAL COLLISION COVERAGE—and yes, you pay a deductible.
True or False: Basic Autoplan covers hit-and-run vehicle damage in BC.
False! You need optional collision coverage for that.
What’s the difference between COLLISION COVERAGE and OPTIONAL HIT-AND-RUN COVERAGE?
Collision covers all crashes (including hit-and-runs), while optional hit-and-run coverage is cheaper but only covers hit-and-runs.
How much does OPTIONAL HIT-AND-RUN COVERAGE pay for damages?
Up to $200,000, but with a $750 deductible.
Can you claim losses through ICBC if another insurance plan or government agency already covered them?
Nope! No double-dipping allowed.
How soon must a HIT-AND-RUN CLAIM be reported to the police?
Within 48 hours—so don’t wait!
What happens if an at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all damages?
UNDERINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION (UMP) kicks in to cover the difference.
Where is UNDERINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION described in BC law?
In Part 10, Division 2 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation.
True or False: Underinsured motorist protection (UMP) only applies if the at-fault driver is completely uninsured.
False! It applies when their insurance is too low to cover all damages.
What is the MAXIMUM payout per person under BC’s Underinsured Motorist Protection?
$1 MILLION—because even accidents have limits.
Who is covered under UMP in BC?
- The owner or renter of the insured vehicle and household members
The principal assigned corporate driver and household members
Any valid BC driver’s licence holder (if not suspended)
Passengers in the insured vehicle
Legal representatives of a deceased insured person
If you steal a car and get injured, can you claim under UMP?
Nope! Crime doesn’t pay—especially in insurance.
Name one group that is NOT covered under underinsured motorist protection.
- People in unlicensed vehicles (unless they reasonably thought it was licensed)
People in stolen vehicles
People in Government of Canada vehicles (like Canada Post trucks)
People in non-standard or excluded vehicles on unauthorized highways
Anyone already entitled to enhanced accident benefits
True or False: UMP automatically applies to taxis, buses, and limousines in BC.
False! These vehicles need separate coverage.
Does UMP apply to rideshare vehicles (like Uber) at the time of an accident?
Nope! You’re out of luck if the accident happens while the car is in rideshare mode.
True or False: UMP covers hit-and-run accidents anywhere.
False! It only applies if the accident happens on a highway.
If a hit-and-run happens in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or the U.S., when does UMP apply?
Only if there is physical contact between the insured and the unidentified vehicle.
What is the MAXIMUM amount someone can receive under UMP?
The lesser of:
Total damages awarded
Arbitration-assessed amount
$1 MILLION
True or False: If you receive money from workers’ compensation or EI, your UMP payout stays the same.
False! Any amount received from other sources reduces the UMP payout.
What are some sources that can reduce the amount paid by UMP?
- ICBC accident benefits
What are UNINSURED and UNIDENTIFIED MOTORIST FUNDS often called?
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Funds (MVACFs), Uninsured Automobile Funds, or Unsatisfied Judgment Funds—a lot of fancy names for ‘last resort’ money.
True or False: Uninsured and unidentified motorist funds always cover both BODILY INJURY and PROPERTY DAMAGE.
False! Some only cover bodily injury, and for property damage, a deductible may apply.
Why are UNINSURED and UNIDENTIFIED MOTORIST FUNDS called ‘PAYERS OF LAST RESORT’?
Because they only pay out when no other insurance exists to cover the claim.
Name four provinces that have government-operated uninsured motorist funds.
Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan—the government steps in when insurance won’t.
Who operates the UNINSURED MOTORIST FUNDS in New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and PEI?
The Facility Association—a non-profit that helps high-risk drivers get coverage.
True or False: British Columbia has an uninsured motorist fund.
False! Instead, BC provides enhanced accident benefits and underinsured motorist protection in some cases.
How does QUEBEC handle claims for uninsured motorists?
Through the Fonds d’indemnisation des victimes d’accidents d’automobile (Fonds), managed by the SAAQ.
True or False: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have uninsured motorist funds.
False! If you get hit by an uninsured driver there… good luck.
How do UNINSURED MOTORIST FUNDS operate?
They act like an insurer, providing minimum third-party liability limits in the province.
In QUEBEC, do victims need a COURT JUDGMENT to access the fund?
Yes! The Fonds requires a court ruling before paying out.
What happens if an uninsured driver refuses liability?
The victim must sue and get a court judgment before the fund pays.
What happens if a claimant is partially at fault in an accident?
The fund only pays the percentage of damages the other driver is responsible for.
100% at fault? No money for you.
50% at fault? You get half your claim.
In some jurisdictions, what can happen to an uninsured driver who owes money to the fund?
Their driver’s licence can be suspended until they repay the judgment or make payments.
What must some drivers show before their licence is reinstated after repaying the fund?
Proof of financial responsibility—so they don’t drive uninsured again.
In BC, who can be sued as a nominal defendant for non-vehicle property damage caused by an uninsured driver?
ICBC, under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.
Name three types of coverage that protect BC residents from UNINSURED or UNIDENTIFIED motorists.
Basic Vehicle Damage Coverage (BVDC), Accident Benefits under Autoplan, and Optional Collision or Hit-and-Run Coverage.
True or False: In BC, insureds can recover losses from their own insurer for accidents caused by uninsured motorists.
True! That’s the whole point of these coverages.
When does Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP) apply?
When the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all damages.
What does UNDERINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION (UMP) cover?
The difference between the insured’s claim and the third party’s liability coverage—up to $1 MILLION per person.
Who funds UNINSURED and UNIDENTIFIED MOTORIST FUNDS?
Some are government-funded, some are funded by the insurance industry.
True or False: All uninsured and unidentified motorist funds cover both bodily injury and property damage.
False! Some only cover bodily injury, and property damage might have a deductible.
Why are UNINSURED MOTORIST FUNDS called ‘PAYERS OF LAST RESORT’?
Because they only pay when no other insurance is available.
Does BC have an uninsured motorist fund?
No! Instead, it has enhanced accident benefits and underinsured motorist protection for bodily injury and death.
What is an UNINSURED MOTORIST?
A driver who doesn’t have insurance or whose insurance doesn’t meet legal minimums.
Example: Joe causes an accident but only has $50,000 in liability coverage when BC law requires $100,000—he’s an uninsured motorist.
What is an UNIDENTIFIED MOTORIST?
A driver who causes an accident but can’t be found—like in a hit-and-run.
Example: Mai gets hit while biking, but the driver flees the scene—the driver is an unidentified motorist.
What is UNDERINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION (UMP)?
Coverage that pays the difference when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all damages.
Example: A drunk driver totals Lisa’s car and only has $200,000 in coverage. Her total damages are $500,000—her UMP covers the extra $300,000.
What is BASIC VEHICLE DAMAGE COVERAGE (BVDC)?
BC’s standard auto insurance for damage caused by an uninsured motorist—pays up to $200,000.
Example: A driver with no insurance smashes into Paul’s parked car. His BVDC pays for the repairs.
What is a NOMINAL DEFENDANT?
A stand-in defendant when the real one is missing—like ICBC stepping in for an uninsured or unidentified driver.
Example: A stolen car crashes into Jake’s fence. Since the driver is unknown, Jake sues ICBC as the nominal defendant.
What is a MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIMS FUND (MVACF)?
A government or industry-run fund that pays for damages when no insurance is available.
Example: Mark gets hit by a stolen car, and the driver runs away. Since no insurance exists, an MVACF steps in to cover his hospital bills.
What is ENHANCED ACCIDENT BENEFITS?
BC’s government-provided benefits that cover medical treatment, rehab, and lost wages after an accident.
Example: Tina gets whiplash in a crash. She claims Enhanced Accident Benefits to cover her physio and time off work.
What is a PAYOR OF LAST RESORT?
A fund or insurer that only pays if no other insurance is available.
Example: Bob has no auto insurance and gets hit by an uninsured driver. The MVACF, as a payor of last resort, pays for his medical bills.
What is a FACILITY ASSOCIATION?
A non-profit insurance pool that provides coverage for high-risk drivers who can’t get regular insurance.
Example: Steve has too many speeding tickets. No insurer wants him, so he gets coverage from the Facility Association.
What is OPTIONAL HIT-AND-RUN COVERAGE?
Insurance that specifically covers hit-and-run accidents, but for a lower premium than full collision coverage.
Example: Lisa’s car is sideswiped overnight. Since she has optional hit-and-run coverage, her insurer helps pay for repairs.
What is THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Insurance that pays for damage or injuries you cause to others in an accident.
Example: Ryan rear-ends another car, causing $50,000 in damages. His third-party liability insurance covers the costs.
What is ACCIDENT BENEFITS?
Coverage that helps pay for medical care, lost income, and rehab after an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
Example: Emily breaks her leg in a crash. Her accident benefits cover her physio and some lost wages while she recovers.
What is a HIT-AND-RUN CLAIM?
A claim filed when an unidentified driver causes damage.
What is ACCIDENT BENEFITS?
Coverage that helps pay for medical care, lost income, and rehab after an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
Example: Emily breaks her leg in a crash. Her accident benefits cover her physio and some lost wages while she recovers.
What is a HIT-AND-RUN CLAIM?
A claim filed when an unidentified driver causes damage or injury and flees the scene.
Example: John’s parked car gets smashed overnight. He files a hit-and-run claim with his insurer to cover the repairs.
What is a DAMAGE DEDUCTIBLE?
The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers the rest of the claim.
Example: Sara’s optional hit-and-run coverage has a $750 deductible, so she pays that amount before her insurer covers the rest.
What is a STAND-IN INSURER?
An organization (like ICBC or a motorist fund) that pays a claim when no other insurance is available.
Example: A stolen truck crashes into a store. Since the driver isn’t insured, ICBC acts as a stand-in insurer and covers the damages.
What is a FUND FOR UNSATISFIED JUDGMENTS?
A special fund that pays damages when an at-fault driver can’t or won’t pay after losing a lawsuit.
Example: Mike sues an uninsured driver, wins, but the driver has no money—so a fund for unsatisfied judgments steps in to pay.
What is FACILITY INSURANCE?
Insurance for high-risk drivers who can’t get regular coverage from standard insurers.
Example: Dave has multiple DUIs. No company will insure him, so he gets Facility Insurance to stay on the road.
What is COLLISION COVERAGE?
Optional insurance that pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
Example: Megan backs into a pole. Since she has collision coverage, her insurer helps cover the repair costs.
What is PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY?
A requirement to prove you can pay for damages before getting your driver’s licence reinstated.
Example: After an uninsured driver causes a crash, they must show proof of financial responsibility before they can drive again.
What is an EXCLUDED VEHICLE?
A vehicle that doesn’t qualify for certain insurance coverage, like government-owned cars or non-standard vehicles.
Example: A Canada Post truck crashes into a car, but the excluded vehicle rule means it’s not covered under Autoplan.
