B.C. drivers will soon be able to renew their ICBC auto insurance from their own homes, online.
ICBC is launching a new online insurance model, expected to be available by May 2022.
British Columbians will be able to renew personal insurance and get temporary operation permits, with some restrictions, all online. For now, just those two options, but more products are expected to be made available in the future.
Currently, there are already various ICBC services available online, including reporting claims, checking claim status, booking driver licensing knowledge and road tests, ordering driver abstracts, making driver licence address changes, and using the insurance premium estimation tool.
“We know British Columbians want more convenience when they purchase and renew their auto insurance,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“This is another important step to make ICBC work better for British Columbians. While we make progress toward online renewals, our main focus remains on delivering Enhanced Care coverage and an average 20% reduction in insurance rates for British Columbians.”
The province says it will be working on the regulations and technical work to get these online services up and running over the coming year.
One piece of the puzzle that still needs to be worked out, is how customers will receive and manage their licence plate decals.
Part of the process includes consultations to make sure B.C.’s broker community is ready for the upcoming changes and the development of regulations that are needed regarding the licence plate decal requirement.
The ministry says decal-related consultations are underway with stakeholders, including brokers, police agencies and road safety partners, and a decision on the future of the decal requirement is expected in 2021.
“Connecting with our customers in the ways they want and providing service options that make them feel supported continue to be an important part of our work,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC.
“COVID-19 has accelerated our expansion of digital services for customers, including a shift to email and phone-based insurance transactions. Offering insurance renewals online will make buying insurance even more convenient and flexible.”
The province says the online insurance model is being developed with input from ICBC’s Online Broker Task Force, made up of representatives from ICBC and B.C.’s broker community.
“B.C.’s insurance brokers are up to the challenge. We know there’s much to accomplish and we look forward to working together with ICBC to reach the May 2022 date for online services,” said Chuck Byrne, executive director and COO, Insurance Broker’s Association of B.C.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ICBC created email and phone insurance renewal options, and recently launched email sign-up to send various communications like renewal reminders to customers. It has also started direct deposit registration as the latest initiative in its shift to more online services.
Rebecca Lawrence
