British Columbians will be able to renew their ICBC auto insurance policies online starting in May 2022.
In a statement, the BC Government says when the online insurance model launches, people will be able to renew personal insurance and get temporary operation permits, with some restrictions, though ‘more products’ and details on how the online model will work will be made available in the future.
“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 online insurance model is being developed with input from ICBC’s Online Broker Task Force – made up of representatives from ICBC and the province’s brokers.
The government says the regulatory and technical work required will take place over the coming year. That includes consultations to ensure that brokers are ready for the changes as well as the development of needed regulations related to the requirement of licence plate decals.
A decision on the future of decals is expected next year after consultation with brokers as well as police and other road safety partners.
“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 ICBC President and CEO, Nicolas Jimenez.
“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.”
Some ICBC services like claim reporting, status updates, test booking, abstracts, address changes and coverage estimates are already offered online.
“Brokers and their consumer-focused advocacy will play an important part in delivering a great customer experience as part of ICBC’s enhanced care coverage changes next year and for the new online insurance services,” Chuck Byrne, the Executive Director of the Insurance Brokers’ Association of B.C., said in a statement.
ICBC’s enhanced care model will see auto insurance move to a no-fault scheme in May 2021 – a system that almost completely takes lawyers and lawsuits out of the personal-injury equation in an effort to save money.
