Whether you鈥檙e talking fuel, routine maintenance or the replacement of worn-out equipment, the costs of operating a motor vehicle continue to rise.

But when it comes to one of the largest annual expenses you鈥檒l incur 鈥� vehicle insurance 鈥� did you know there鈥檚 options that can reduce the cost? While every driver must purchase basic coverage through ICBC, optional coverages can sometimes be cheaper through private insurers, says Sandeep Sharma, an insurance advisor with in 性视界传媒.

鈥淢ost of the time for experienced drivers, the optional coverages come with a lower premium,鈥� he says. 鈥淲henever you鈥檙e coming to get auto insurance, you should always ask your Autoplan broker how much it will cost with ICBC and how much for private coverage.鈥�

Learn what optional coverage fits your needs

A number of areas of coverage have you can inquire about, including:

1. Collision 鈥� To pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle damaged in any kind of collision, with another vehicle, a person, an object, the ground or a roadway.
2. Comprehensive 鈥� Pays for loss or damage to your vehicle by causes other than those covered by collision. That can include damage caused by such things as fire, theft (except by an employee or member of your household), vandalism, malicious mischief, weather and nature-related events, impact with an animal and other happenings outside the operator鈥檚 control.
3. Specified Perils 鈥� Covers the same as comprehensive, but not vandalism, mischief, windshield damage and hitting an animal. You don鈥檛 need both, so ask your agent which one applies to your situation.
4. Collector & Vintage Vehicles 鈥� You can purchase special insurance that takes into account seasonal driving of an older vehicle.
5. Loss of Use 鈥� Covers you in the event that you need a vehicle to use while yours is being repaired. Ask about how that works.

Other areas of coverage are available, with rates dependent on the make and model of vehicle, the driver鈥檚 age and driving experience. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always better to weigh both options, especially for optional coverages,鈥� says Sharma.

Protecting your vehicle investment made easier

Are you concerned about how increasing insurance premiums or depreciation of your vehicle might affect you in the event of a future write-off or need for repairs? AMC can show you ways to in a new or nearly new vehicle that can limit your potential loss, for a longer period of time than by buying public insurance.

You can save more by bundling up

Did you know you can save even more money by bundling your home and auto insurance together? Ask your AMC broker about the options. You can find more information about coverages online at , in person at their office on or by visiting or calling any of around the mainland. You can also follow them .