Vancouver is hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches at BC Place from June 13 to July 7, 2026. If you’re an international visitor planning to rent a car during your trip, you need to sort out insurance before you pick up the keys, and it works differently here than in most countries.

Here’s a guide that should help you understand how it works.

Why FIFA Visitors Renting Cars in Vancouver Need Insurance

BC has its own provincial insurance system run by ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). Your home country’s auto insurance almost certainly does not carry over to a rental vehicle here.

On top of that, Vancouver will be unusually busy from June 11 to July 19. Road closures, traffic surges on match days, and temporary restrictions near BC Place make driving more complicated than a normal visit. The right coverage matters more, not less.

Is Rental Car Insurance Mandatory in British Columbia?

Yes. Every vehicle on BC roads must be insured. The good news: rental vehicles already come with ICBC Basic Autoplan built into the rental cost. So you don’t need to arrange Basic coverage separately. It will be arranged through your rental car provider.

However, there is a catch. Basic coverage alone leaves real gaps. Most visitors will want to add to it.

Resource: ICBC – What’s Included in Basic Autoplan

What Coverage Is Already Included With Rental Vehicles in BC

When you rent from an established rental car agency in BC, ICBC Basic Autoplan comes with it.

Here’s what it covers:

Third-Party Liability (TPL): $200,000 in coverage if you injure someone or damage their property.
Enhanced Accident Benefits: Medical costs, rehab, and income replacement if you’re hurt in a crash, regardless of who’s at fault.
Underinsured Motorist Protection: Up to $1 million per person if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage.
Basic Vehicle Damage: Up to $200,000 if the other driver is at fault.

What Basic ICBC Insurance Does Not Cover for Rental Cars

Basic Autoplan does not cover damage to the rental vehicle if you’re at fault. If you cause a collision without optional coverage, you pay for repairs out of pocket.

It also leaves out:

Damage you cause to the rental car (collision or otherwise)
Theft, vandalism, or weather damage to the rental
Loss of Use fees are the rental agency charges while the car is being repaired
Liability beyond $200,000, which can run out fast in a serious accident
Travel medical costs unrelated to a vehicle crash

In short, basic coverage protects others. It doesn’t protect your wallet.

Optional Insurance Rental Visitors Should Consider

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

This removes or reduces your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged. You can get it through the rental agency at the counter, or through ICBC’s standalone Rental Vehicle Policy (~$10/day), which includes Collision, Comprehensive, Accident Benefits, and Loss of Use. Always confirm the rental agency accepts ICBC’s policy before declining theirs.

Resource: ICBC – Rental Vehicle Coverage

Liability Coverage Extensions

$200,000 in TPL can disappear quickly in a serious multi-vehicle accident. ICBC’s Extended TPL lets you increase your limit to $1 million or $2 million for a modest additional cost, which is worth considering during a high-traffic event like the World Cup.

Loss of Use Coverage

Rental agencies can charge you for every day their car is out of service for repairs. ICBC’s Rental Vehicle Policy covers this up to $25/day ($250 total). If you’re using a different CDW, check whether it includes Loss of Use.

Travel Medical Coverage

If you’re visiting from outside Canada, your home country’s health coverage doesn’t apply here. A medical emergency without travel insurance can mean major out-of-pocket costs. Goldleaf works with providers like TuGo and Manulife to help visitors find short-term travel medical coverage before they arrive.

Does Credit Card Insurance Cover Rental Vehicles in Canada?

Sometimes yes, but with important limits. Before relying on your card, check:

You must pay the full rental with that card (partial payments usually void coverage)
Coverage is typically secondary; it kicks in only after other insurance pays first
Liability protection is rarely included; most cards only cover damage to the vehicle itself
Luxury or specialty vehicles are often excluded
Not all card tiers include this benefit. Verify your specific card, not just the brand

Call your credit card provider before your trip, confirm the terms in writing, and fill any gaps before you rent.

Insurance Rules for International Drivers Visiting Vancouver

Visitors can legally drive in BC on a valid foreign license for up to six months. A few things to know:

If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai, etc.), most rental agencies require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license

Your IDP is a translation document; it’s not valid on its own; you must carry both
If your license is in a Latin-alphabet language (Spanish, German, French, etc.), an IDP is recommended but not always required. Confirm with your rental agency.
Always carry your original license (not a copy or phone photo) while driving
Some agencies require two years of licensed driving history
Non-Canadian and non-US residents may need to show a passport at pickup

Resource: Government of Canada – Driving in Canada

Resource: BC Government – Visitor Driving Rules

Driving Risks Visitors Should Know During FIFA Events

Temporary Parking Restrictions

Parking near BC Place is heavily restricted during the tournament. Street parking near the stadium will be unavailable on match days, enforcement will be active, and towing is a real risk. Plan to park away from the venue and walk or take transit the rest of the way.

Event Congestion Zones

Pacific Boulevard near BC Place is closed from May 23 through late July. Granville Street between Georgia and Davie is a pedestrian-only zone from June 11 to July 20. Additional “local traffic only” zones and match-day closures apply around BC Place and False Creek. Check the official map before driving downtown.

Resource: Vancouver FWC26 – Road Closures Map

Downtown Traffic Enforcement Changes

Vancouver Police have confirmed increased presence throughout the tournament, including CCTV cameras and drone monitoring. Bylaw fines range from $250 to $1,000 within two kilometres of BC Place and Hastings Park.

Event organizers are telling visitors plainly: don’t drive to the stadium on match days. SkyTrain’s Expo Line drops you two minutes from BC Place. A rental car is great for exploring the region, Whistler, the Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Valley, but leave it parked on game days.

Resource: TransLink – World Cup Transit Planning

How Visitors Can Arrange Short-Term Rental Car Insurance in Vancouver

You have four main options:

Through the rental agency: Convenient but usually the most expensive. May not include everything you need.
Through ICBC’s Rental Vehicle Policy (~$10/day): Available through any Autoplan broker, including Goldleaf. Includes TPL, Accident Benefits, UMP, Collision, Comprehensive, and Loss of Use. Confirm the rental agency accepts it before declining their own coverage.
Through your credit card: Partial coverage at best. Use it as a secondary layer, not your primary protection.
Through a local broker like Goldleaf: We review your full situation, spot any gaps, and arrange the right coverage before you arrive.

Speak With a Local Insurance Advisor Before Driving in Vancouver

Insurance in BC works differently from most places, and renting a car as an international visitor adds complexity that’s worth a quick conversation before you travel.

The team at Goldleaf Insurance in Surrey can help you understand what you have, what you’re missing, and how to fill the gaps quickly and without confusion.

Phone: (604) 591-6200

Email: info@goldleafinsurance.ca

Address: 13049 76 Avenue #102, Surrey, BC

Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–11 pm | Sat 9 am–10 pm | Sun 9 am–9 pm

App: SKIP A TRIP – Manage your insurance from your phone

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and ICBC products are subject to change. Speak with a licensed Goldleaf Insurance broker to confirm what’s right for your situation.