In 2020, British Columbia’s provincial government announced a new ICBC plan for drivers in B.C. The time has now arrived, and ICBC’s Enhanced Care coverage was coming into effect on May 1st, 2021.
So what does this mean for drivers and their auto insurance? Some policyholders will have insurance savings, lower premiums, improved recovery benefits, and better care offered. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about the new rates.
Why are we getting refunds with enhanced care?
Enhanced care removes most of the costs for legal fees and provides up to $7.5 million in maintenance and recovery benefits. You can only sue another party in criminal code cases such as impaired driving.
$2.59 billion is how much our current system pays for legal costs, pain, and injury, while only $560 million is in care and recovery.
Under enhanced care, $1.5 billion will be allocated for care and recovery. While $150 million will be for legal costs, pain, suffering, and injury claims associated with criminal code violations. The remaining $1.5 billion will provide lower premiums.
Should I cancel my insurance or take out a 3-month policy to get in on the new rates?
No! ICBC is issuing one-time prorated refunds to every policyholder who has a policy in effect after May 1st until their renewal date. The best part? This is automatic; you do not have to do anything to receive it.
How will I get my refund?
ICBC will mail a letter with your refund amount and information on how it was calculated beginning in May.
There are a few ways to receive your reimbursement, depending on how you originally paid:
- Yearly Payments: A cheque will be issued.
- Monthly Payments: Payments will automatically start to decrease.
- Vehicle Registration to Multiple Parties: A cheque will be issued.
- Any Payments Using a Credit Card: The refund amount will be reimbursed to the credit card. If the card is expired, they will issue a cheque.
You can ESTIMATE YOUR REFUND HERE.
With refunds beginning to be issued between May 21st and the end of July, ensure your mailing address is updated.
How will it affect my insurance?
On average, policyholders will see their premiums decrease on renewal. Additionally, policyholders will have more personal injury care benefits. They won’t have to worry about the other driver having enough coverage before they can get your vehicle fixed or go to physiotherapy.
Drivers will still need to carry third-party liability to provide coverage for the following:
- Accidents with an out-of-province vehicle within B.C.
- If you get into an accident outside of B.C.
- To cover any property damage.
The rates for additional liability will be less than in previous years. This is “no-fault.” If you are responsible for an accident, your premiums will increase.
Want More Info? Contact Us Today!
Have more questions about ICBC enhanced care? Get more info here, or contact us now for information on renewing your ICBC policy; we’d be happy to help you!
