ICBC gives some wiggle room to customers affected by Covid-19

ICBC, in partnership with the Government of B.C., is making further changes to help ease the financial hardship customers are experiencing during the pandemic.

For customers needing more relief than the 90-day payment deferral, ICBC will be waiving the $30 cancellation fee and $18 re-plating fee for people cancelling insurance.

The cancellation fee change is subject to the approval of the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC).

Customers will be required to remove the plate from their vehicle while it is not insured and the vehicle must be kept off the road.

Customers who reinsure May 30th or thereafter will be able to re-use their plate.

Those reinsuring before that date will be issued a new plate at no charge and at that time are expected to surrender their plate.

ICBC will also allow fleet vehicle customers to suspend their insurance to help them save money.

People whose learner driver’s licences (class 5-8) expire during the pandemic will not have to pay a fee for their first knowledge test after their learner driver’s licence expires, once testing resumes.

As part of the changes, ICBC is also confirming that customers will be able to use their vehicles for the delivery of food or medical products and services, without changing their insurance (vehicle use) or paying a higher premium.

This includes people volunteering to help deliver groceries or other essential supplies to seniors and other people in need.

“We know many British Columbians are facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC.

“Businesses are also having to adapt to the situation, with many companies changing their business model to offer delivery services so people can access the food and medical products they need while physical distancing. ICBC is responding to these needs and taking action to ease the burden for everyone during this difficult time.”

Personal and commercial customers are encouraged to call their broker about changing their coverage and lowering their premium to reflect changes in how much they drive and the related risk – it can be done over the phone at no charge.

“These changes will provide some relief to customers during this challenging time, and brokers are there to assist British Columbians in adapting their insurance to meet their changing needs,” said Chuck Byrne, Insurance Brokers Association of B.C.

Changes to cancellation fees, suspension of fleet vehicle insurance and the allowance of deliveries by drivers in non-delivery rate classes are in effect upon interim approval by the BC Utilities Commission.