As of May 1, 2021, ICBC’s new Enhanced Care coverage comes into effect which introduces significant changes to BC’s auto insurance system. We’re here to help you understand the changes and how they affect you.
Under Enhanced Care, claims will be processed differently with the introduction of the new Basic Vehicle Damage coverage, to be automatically included in your ICBC basic insurance.
Regardless of who is at fault, if you are involved in an accident, your own policy will cover the costs of repairs to your vehicle.
IF YOU ARE NOT AT FAULT
Your vehicle repairs will be covered under your basic insurance up to $200,000 and your premiums will not be affected. ICBC will no longer seek to recover vehicle damage claims from the policy of the driver responsible.
If you have optional coverage with a private insurer, your vehicle repair costs will still be covered. The private insurer will seek to recover the claim from the ICBC basic insurance policy of the driver responsible for the crash. Talk to an Acera Insurance Advisor to learn more about your options through private insurers.
IF YOU ARE AT FAULT
Your optional collision coverage will pay the costs for repairs to your vehicle and your premiums may be affected. You will be responsible for paying the repair costs if you do not have optional collision coverage.
IF YOU ARE PARTIALLY AT FAULT
Your collision coverage will pay a portion of the repair costs based on the percentage at which you are found to be at fault and your Basic Vehicle Damage coverage will pay the remainder.
ICBC will still undergo the process of determining which driver is at fault following an accident. The at-fault crash will appear on the responsible driver’s record and crash history will continue to be a key factor in the calculation of premiums. Additionally, penalties under the Driver Penalty Points Premium and the Driver Risk Premium programs would still apply to those who repeatedly cause accidents and commit traffic offenses.
Hit and Run Claims
Drivers who already have optional collision coverage with ICBC will continue to be covered for hit and run claims. For policies effective May 1, 2021 and onwards, ICBC is introducing a new type of standalone optional insurance to cover vehicle damage from hit and runs (for those who do not purchase optional collision coverage).
Under Enhanced Care, all British Columbians are covered for injuries resulting from hit and run incidents, regardless if they have insurance under ICBC.
Next, in Part 4 of this blog series, we will discuss the circumstances in which drivers responsible for causing crashes can still be sued as well as the role of the Fairness Office and the Civil Resolution Tribunal. Follow us on social media to stay informed on the upcoming ICBC changes.