By Goat Staff
People in British Columbian will soon be able to renew their personal ICBC insurance policies online.
The Province says eligible ICBC customers with policies expiring on or after May 1, 2022, will have the option to renew their policy using their computer, tablet or mobile device. Customers can renew their insurance up to 44 days earlier, meaning some people will be able to renew online as soon as March 17, 2022.
Currently customers can only renew in person, by email or over the phone. The Province says these other payment options will continue, giving customers the opportunity to renew without in-person interaction.
“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.
The Province says with support from ICBC’s broker network the online renewal site will enable customers to renew their coverage, change their address, apply for discounts, update the drivers listed on their policy and modify how they use their vehicle. ICBC expects even more online features to be available in the future.
Coinciding with the launch of online auto insurance renewals, May 1 also will mark the last day B.C. drivers will be required to display a licence plate validation decal to show they have valid insurance. ICBC is making a one-time investment up to $1 million to expand the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program, which helps law enforcement in B.C. detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers, the Province says.
The cost of this investment will be offset by savings related to manufacturing and distributing the decals. Decal elimination will align B.C. with other Canadian jurisdictions that have successfully removed the decal from circulation, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
“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.
Brokers will continue to offer their expert advice on insurance coverage, whether in person, on the telephone or for online renewals, and will continue to assist ICBC customers with their Autoplan insurance needs.
Restrictions to online renewals will include: temporary operation permits; lapsed policies; new insurance policies; mid-term changes; cancellations; joint ownership or multiple owners; leased vehicles; motorcycles; motorhomes (RVs); collector vehicles; and commercial or fleet policies.
Changes to optional coverages will not be available online and must be completed through a broker, in person or over the phone .
