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The information here is an AI summary of the advice people in our Discord have shared. Their experiences may not always reflect the accurate process. None of this should be considered financial, immigration, or real estate advice.

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Car q’s answered below:

• How do I insure my car in BC?
• Can I import my US car into Canada?
• What happens at the border with my car?
• Do I need a vehicle inspection?
• Where do I register my car and get a driver’s licence in BC? </aside>

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Transportation q’s answered below:

• What if I don’t want to bring a car at all?
  • Car shares on the Island
  • Cycling
  • Transit </aside>

About Cars

How do I insure my car in BC?

BC has a unique insurance system. ICBC (Insurance Corporation of BC) is a crown corporation — government-owned but operating at arm's length — and is the only provider of basic mandatory car insurance in the province.

• You don't buy insurance at a bank or directly from ICBC's offices; you buy it through Autoplan brokers, which are private insurance offices licensed to sell ICBC coverage
• You can Google "Autoplan broker" to find one near you
• Most brokers can process everything online — no need to leave your house
• Optional top-up coverage (like rental car replacement) is available through private insurers, but members found ICBC's bundled coverage was often competitive in price
• If you have AAA membership in the U.S., you can likely convert it to BCAA (a division of CAA), which also offers vehicle and property insurance

Can I import my U.S. car into Canada?

Yes, but the rules are layered and depend on your immigration status. Here is what members pieced together.

If you are on a temporary work permit (CUSMA):

• You can do a temporary import — no import fees, no duties, no inspections required at the border
• You will need to properly import the car later when you become a permanent resident
• If your car is financed, you need a notarised letter from your lender permitting you to take the vehicle out of the U.S. long-term (not every lender will do this, but many do — especially lenders who work with military families)

If you are importing as a permanent resident (settler's effects):

• You must complete the U.S. export process at least 72 hours before crossing the border (this is done on U.S. soil, though members noted Canada doesn't verify it happened)