ICBC policy change
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:47 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 90
ICBC policy change
Arrived in Canada on November 14th. We went through the process of getting insurance with ICBC in BC a couple of days ago having bought a car. The procedure is very different from UK. Once the car is purchased the documents are taken to an ICBC affiliated insurance centre where the driving record is inspected, the insurance is selected (personalised according to what coverage suits) and purchased and the licence plates issued. These are then attached to the car and you are good to go. The plates stay with the driver, not the car and should you sell that car and buy another the plates are transferred to the new car.
We had heard horror stories about how stringent the rules were about proving no claims, with 5% reduction being applied to the full annual rate of $3500 for every year of unsullied insurance coverage up to a maximum of 40% (8 years). The coverage had to be unbroken and a gap of even a day being the stopping point. Letters from every insurance company involved were required with a specific format. The amount of effort and time it took to get these letters was not inconsiderable, but we had them, with some wrinkles. The most recent coverage was still current so the insurers would not issue a letter until the policy expired. There was a gap of about 4 months in 2012 when a company car was being used, and we had letters older than the previous 8 years to add extra meat.
We found the staff at the ICBC insurance centre to be delightful and thoroughly helpful. They counted the current policy even though we didn't have the letter, they ignored the gap in 2012 and accepted letters older than 8 years. Our annual insurance came out at $1100. We were also told ICBC would likely be changing the rules next year and letters would no longer be required. That will be a relief for those who (like us) changed insurers every year in the UK to get the cashback.
£650 per year for car insurance when we were used to the £120 or so we usually paid (after cashbacks) is still painful, but with no road tax or MOT maybe not so much.
We had heard horror stories about how stringent the rules were about proving no claims, with 5% reduction being applied to the full annual rate of $3500 for every year of unsullied insurance coverage up to a maximum of 40% (8 years). The coverage had to be unbroken and a gap of even a day being the stopping point. Letters from every insurance company involved were required with a specific format. The amount of effort and time it took to get these letters was not inconsiderable, but we had them, with some wrinkles. The most recent coverage was still current so the insurers would not issue a letter until the policy expired. There was a gap of about 4 months in 2012 when a company car was being used, and we had letters older than the previous 8 years to add extra meat.
We found the staff at the ICBC insurance centre to be delightful and thoroughly helpful. They counted the current policy even though we didn't have the letter, they ignored the gap in 2012 and accepted letters older than 8 years. Our annual insurance came out at $1100. We were also told ICBC would likely be changing the rules next year and letters would no longer be required. That will be a relief for those who (like us) changed insurers every year in the UK to get the cashback.
£650 per year for car insurance when we were used to the £120 or so we usually paid (after cashbacks) is still painful, but with no road tax or MOT maybe not so much.
Nov 23rd 2018, 2:38 pm
#2
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: ICBC policy change
Arrived in Canada on November 14th. We went through the process of getting insurance with ICBC in BC a couple of days ago having bought a car. The procedure is very different from UK. Once the car is purchased the documents are taken to an ICBC affiliated insurance centre where the driving record is inspected, the insurance is selected (personalised according to what coverage suits) and purchased and the licence plates issued. These are then attached to the car and you are good to go. The plates stay with the driver, not the car and should you sell that car and buy another the plates are transferred to the new car.
We had heard horror stories about how stringent the rules were about proving no claims, with 5% reduction being applied to the full annual rate of $3500 for every year of unsullied insurance coverage up to a maximum of 40% (8 years). The coverage had to be unbroken and a gap of even a day being the stopping point. Letters from every insurance company involved were required with a specific format. The amount of effort and time it took to get these letters was not inconsiderable, but we had them, with some wrinkles. The most recent coverage was still current so the insurers would not issue a letter until the policy expired. There was a gap of about 4 months in 2012 when a company car was being used, and we had letters older than the previous 8 years to add extra meat.
We found the staff at the ICBC insurance centre to be delightful and thoroughly helpful. They counted the current policy even though we didn't have the letter, they ignored the gap in 2012 and accepted letters older than 8 years. Our annual insurance came out at $1100. We were also told ICBC would likely be changing the rules next year and letters would no longer be required. That will be a relief for those who (like us) changed insurers every year in the UK to get the cashback.
£650 per year for car insurance when we were used to the £120 or so we usually paid (after cashbacks) is still painful, but with no road tax or MOT maybe not so much.
We had heard horror stories about how stringent the rules were about proving no claims, with 5% reduction being applied to the full annual rate of $3500 for every year of unsullied insurance coverage up to a maximum of 40% (8 years). The coverage had to be unbroken and a gap of even a day being the stopping point. Letters from every insurance company involved were required with a specific format. The amount of effort and time it took to get these letters was not inconsiderable, but we had them, with some wrinkles. The most recent coverage was still current so the insurers would not issue a letter until the policy expired. There was a gap of about 4 months in 2012 when a company car was being used, and we had letters older than the previous 8 years to add extra meat.
We found the staff at the ICBC insurance centre to be delightful and thoroughly helpful. They counted the current policy even though we didn't have the letter, they ignored the gap in 2012 and accepted letters older than 8 years. Our annual insurance came out at $1100. We were also told ICBC would likely be changing the rules next year and letters would no longer be required. That will be a relief for those who (like us) changed insurers every year in the UK to get the cashback.
£650 per year for car insurance when we were used to the £120 or so we usually paid (after cashbacks) is still painful, but with no road tax or MOT maybe not so much.
Presume you read the Wiki articles?
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Car_Insurance_in_BC
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Categ...surance-Canada
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Car_Buying-Canada
and
https://www.icbc.com/autoplan/moving...residents.aspx
https://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registr...s/default.aspx
Last edited by Siouxie; Nov 23rd 2018 at 2:40 pm.
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:26 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 90
Re: ICBC policy change
Yes thanks. We are passing on our experience with what actually happened to us.
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:32 pm
#4
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: ICBC policy change
Presumably you went to an Autoplan agent, which is an insurance broker, not ICBC. All the information goes back to ICBC, who may or may not accept the documents, or a gap in insurance and ICBC are sticklers for the format of the letter, which is why they put it on their website. There are some who, subsequent to the issue of insurance had letters disallowing the discount and a bill for the higher premium. If this happens, the insured has 6 months I believe to come up with satisfactory documentation. For company cars they require a letter from the underwriter of the company vehicle stating that the driver had no at fault claims. Don't get the misguided impression ICBC are a push over!
Last edited by Aviator; Nov 23rd 2018 at 3:46 pm.
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:38 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 90
Re: ICBC policy change
Our Autoplan agent went through all our documents with ICBC over the phone while we were there and got approval so hopefully this will be OK. Our car was across the road from the agent, it made sense for us to present our documents in person.
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:47 pm
#6
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: ICBC policy change
Hopefully you will be OK. I would be extremely surprised if ICBC allowed a gap in insurance, but you never know.
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:49 pm
#7
Tea Drinker
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Posts: 5,387
Re: ICBC policy change
Don't count your chickens yet!
Presumably you went to an Autoplan agent, which is an insurance broker, not ICBC. All the information goes back to ICBC, who may or may not accept the documents, or a gap in insurance. There are some who, subsequent to the issue of insurance had letters disallowing the discount and a bill for the higher premium. If this happens, the insured has 6 months I believe to come up with satisfactory documentation. For company cars they require a letter from the underwriter of the company vehicle stating that the driver had no at fault claims.
Presumably you went to an Autoplan agent, which is an insurance broker, not ICBC. All the information goes back to ICBC, who may or may not accept the documents, or a gap in insurance. There are some who, subsequent to the issue of insurance had letters disallowing the discount and a bill for the higher premium. If this happens, the insured has 6 months I believe to come up with satisfactory documentation. For company cars they require a letter from the underwriter of the company vehicle stating that the driver had no at fault claims.
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:51 pm
#8
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: ICBC policy change
This is exactly what happened to us. We showed the autoplan agent our letters from UK insurance companies and they gave us both a 43% discount. Several weeks later we received a letter in the mail from ICBC asking for more proof and a very specifically worded letter from our ex UK insurance companies. This was like getting blood from a stone but eventually we got one and they reinstated our discount. Bastards.
I have found this useful on more than one occasion.
https://www.mussiogoodman.com/icbc-c...tting-started/
Nov 23rd 2018, 3:59 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 90
Re: ICBC policy change
Our Autoplan agent did say that ICBC was very likely going to change the requirements for next year as they realise getting these specifically-worded letters is difficult.
Nov 23rd 2018, 4:24 pm
#10
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: ICBC policy change
I don't see it changing, or at least getting any easier. ICBC is on a purge to save money, pay out less and collect more premiums. Lots has changed recently and more changes are coming,
This is the current penalty point premium rate
https://www.icbc.com/brochures/Pages...-premiums.aspx
It is about to get worse!
Last edited by Aviator; Nov 23rd 2018 at 4:29 pm.
Nov 23rd 2018, 7:54 pm
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 3,874
Re: ICBC policy change
Don't believe what your insurance agent said ICBC might do ........
..... until ICBC themselves actually announce it AND change the rules
As Aviator posted, ICBC is on a major cut to save money, under direction from the Government because they have been paying out so much in insurance costs that it became either cut back OR majorly increase the premiums.
Both might well be happening.
..... until ICBC themselves actually announce it AND change the rules
As Aviator posted, ICBC is on a major cut to save money, under direction from the Government because they have been paying out so much in insurance costs that it became either cut back OR majorly increase the premiums.
Both might well be happening.
Nov 25th 2018, 1:53 am
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Location: Kelowna
Posts: 2,514
Re: ICBC policy change
This proposed policy change popped up on Global news in September and i quote:
British Columbians who let a friend or family member occasionally drive their car will be on the hook for a new fee next year.
The measure, which is being labelled as a “cash grab” by critics, was included in an ICBC rate overhaul approved by the BC Utilities Commission on Friday.
The new $50 fee is called “unlisted driver protection,” and the public insurer is recommending that anyone who hands the keys over to a driver not listed on their policy to buy it.
ICBC says it’s meant to apply to people who lend their vehicle out fewer than 12 times a year. And not picking it up could be expensive. Should a driver not on the policy crash an unprotected vehicle, the owner could be left liable for thousands of dollars.
The Crown corporation says there will be exemptions for extraordinary situations such as medical emergencies.
British Columbians who let a friend or family member occasionally drive their car will be on the hook for a new fee next year.
The measure, which is being labelled as a “cash grab” by critics, was included in an ICBC rate overhaul approved by the BC Utilities Commission on Friday.
The new $50 fee is called “unlisted driver protection,” and the public insurer is recommending that anyone who hands the keys over to a driver not listed on their policy to buy it.
ICBC says it’s meant to apply to people who lend their vehicle out fewer than 12 times a year. And not picking it up could be expensive. Should a driver not on the policy crash an unprotected vehicle, the owner could be left liable for thousands of dollars.
The Crown corporation says there will be exemptions for extraordinary situations such as medical emergencies.
Nov 27th 2018, 5:31 pm
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, Super Natural British Columbia
Posts: 2,071
Re: ICBC policy change
Your 'proof of no claims' will be reviewed in a few months time by actual ICBC pedantic staff and will be rejected before 2012 because of the gap. You will be billed for the extra premium.
Feb 13th 2019, 7:08 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 57
Re: ICBC policy change
Arrived in Canada on November 14th. We went through the process of getting insurance with ICBC in BC a couple of days ago having bought a car. The procedure is very different from UK. Once the car is purchased the documents are taken to an ICBC affiliated insurance centre where the driving record is inspected, the insurance is selected (personalised according to what coverage suits) and purchased and the licence plates issued. These are then attached to the car and you are good to go. The plates stay with the driver, not the car and should you sell that car and buy another the plates are transferred to the new car.
We had heard horror stories about how stringent the rules were about proving no claims, with 5% reduction being applied to the full annual rate of $3500 for every year of unsullied insurance coverage up to a maximum of 40% (8 years). The coverage had to be unbroken and a gap of even a day being the stopping point. Letters from every insurance company involved were required with a specific format. The amount of effort and time it took to get these letters was not inconsiderable, but we had them, with some wrinkles. The most recent coverage was still current so the insurers would not issue a letter until the policy expired. There was a gap of about 4 months in 2012 when a company car was being used, and we had letters older than the previous 8 years to add extra meat.
We found the staff at the ICBC insurance centre to be delightful and thoroughly helpful. They counted the current policy even though we didn't have the letter, they ignored the gap in 2012 and accepted letters older than 8 years. Our annual insurance came out at $1100. We were also told ICBC would likely be changing the rules next year and letters would no longer be required. That will be a relief for those who (like us) changed insurers every year in the UK to get the cashback.
£650 per year for car insurance when we were used to the £120 or so we usually paid (after cashbacks) is still painful, but with no road tax or MOT maybe not so much.
We had heard horror stories about how stringent the rules were about proving no claims, with 5% reduction being applied to the full annual rate of $3500 for every year of unsullied insurance coverage up to a maximum of 40% (8 years). The coverage had to be unbroken and a gap of even a day being the stopping point. Letters from every insurance company involved were required with a specific format. The amount of effort and time it took to get these letters was not inconsiderable, but we had them, with some wrinkles. The most recent coverage was still current so the insurers would not issue a letter until the policy expired. There was a gap of about 4 months in 2012 when a company car was being used, and we had letters older than the previous 8 years to add extra meat.
We found the staff at the ICBC insurance centre to be delightful and thoroughly helpful. They counted the current policy even though we didn't have the letter, they ignored the gap in 2012 and accepted letters older than 8 years. Our annual insurance came out at $1100. We were also told ICBC would likely be changing the rules next year and letters would no longer be required. That will be a relief for those who (like us) changed insurers every year in the UK to get the cashback.
£650 per year for car insurance when we were used to the £120 or so we usually paid (after cashbacks) is still painful, but with no road tax or MOT maybe not so much.
We're just starting to get our documents together now before we move in July. Did you use the templates on the Wiki or something else? The templates on the Wiki seem a bit outdated, they are from 2008 and are letter format and request faxes etc.
Feb 13th 2019, 7:13 pm
#15
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: ICBC policy change
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Car_Insurance_in_BCThis is what is required: https://www.icbc.com/autoplan/moving...residents.aspx
Last edited by Siouxie; Feb 13th 2019 at 7:18 pm.