British Columbians who have vehicle insurance policies that are expiring on or after May 1 will soon be able to renew it online.
Given that people are able to renew their insurance policies up to 44 days before it expires, they’ll be able to use a computer, a tablet, or a mobile phone to do so online as soon as March 17.
For now, you’ll be able to renew your policy, change your address, apply for discounts, update any drivers on your policy, and modify how you use your vehicle online, though other features are expected to be available in the future.
“We know online insurance renewals are something our customers have been waiting for, and we’re pleased to announce that we’re on track to have this option go live next month,” ICBC president and CEO, Nicolas Jimenez, said, in a statement.
“Online insurance renewals add to the growing number of digital options available to customers, providing greater convenience, choice and flexibility for British Columbians.”
May 1 will also be the last day when B.C. drivers will have to display a decal to show they have valid insurance as B.C. will be joining other Canadian provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories in doing away with the use of the decals.
To support the transition, ICBC is giving police agencies a one-time million dollar grant to enhance and expand the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program, which helps police detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers.
ICBC says the cost of this investment will be offset by savings related to manufacturing and distributing the decals.
“These readers recognize the lettering and numbers on a plate allowing officers to obtain status of insurance while on the road,” Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth said. “This change will reduce incidents of theft, misuse and will free up police resources with advance of technology need for decals has been reduced.”
The government says people will still be able to head to an ICBC broker if they need help with their insurance policies.
