Cost of Registering/Owning a Vehicle in Canada

[The Moose]

I am considering buying a car to keep in Canada. Probably at a family member's place in BC. I'd like to get an understanding of what it generally costs to do this. I am looking at buying a used car from a dealer.

[Rich_]

I believe it will need to be in your family members name as you need to have a BC licence to buy and insure it. ICBC is the only insurance provider in BC as well. Possible you also need to be a resident in BC to get said insurance. Best bet would be to call ICBC and ask, since they handle vehicle registrations as well as insurance and licensing.

ICBC allow up to 12 days coverage a year for a person who does not live at the property where the vehicle is kept to drive the car as well.

Insurance can be bought for certain periods as well, like 6, 9, 12 months. If you also cancel, then they refund you the prorated amount without any penalty. Storage insurance is pretty cheap. I paid like $70 for fire & theft storage insurance on my 911 recently for 6 months coverage (basically winter storage time).

12-15% tax on vehicle purchase (or more if over $125k - lux tax).

Often things like 'doc fees' etc are also charged ($495-$995) by a dealer. I always negotiated out of door price rather than trying to get them to exclude it. Also shop around dealers and compare and get them try beat each other on price if its a popular car/model.

No annual registration costs or road tax etc, thats all wrapped into the insurance (which isn't that cheap in BC). No annual inspections however.

Edited by Rich_ on Tuesday 27th May 19:54