It will soon be easier for British Columbians to renew their insurance through ICBC.
Ministry of Public Safety officials announced on Feb. 14 that eligible ICBC customers with policies expiring on May 1, 2022 or later will have the option to renew simply through their computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Customers can renew their policies up to 44 days in advance, meaning that beginning on March 17, the renewal process can be done online.
The new program will allow British Columbians to do everything online from renewing their auto coverage, changing their address, applying for discounts, updating the drivers listed on their policy, and modify how they use their vehicle.
“The online insurance renewal initiative offers British Columbians a more convenient way to renew their ICBC auto insurance,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Working through the RCMP, police agencies in B.C. will be enhancing and expanding the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program that exists today.”
Also announced, with a start date of May 1 as well, is the elimination of license plate validation decals to show that a customer has valid insurance. This will coincide with a one-time investment of $1-million by the provincial government to ensure that law enforcement are still able to detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers.
Ministry officials said that this cost will be offset by the funds saved related to manufacturing and distributing the decals.
British Columbia will follow suit with Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and the Northwest Territories, all of whom have already eliminated their decal programs.
“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,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO, ICBC. “Online insurance renewals add to the growing number of digital options available to customers, providing greater convenience, choice and flexibility for British Columbians.”
Not all ICBC tasks will be available online, and will still have to be completed traditionally, such as temporary operation permits, lapsed policies, new policies, cancellations, and multiple ownership.
