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ICBC Changes to Car Insurance in B.C.

ICBC is continually looking for ways to make car insurance better in B.C. In April 2019, it increased its Accident Benefits. Now, it’s making more changes to car insurance in B.C. Here’s a rundown of what’s changing on Sept. 1, 2019.

How Car Insurance Premiums are Calculated in B.C.

One of the biggest changes to car insurance in B.C. is how premiums are calculated. Starting Sept. 1, 2019, your crash history and driving experience will play a bigger role in your insurance premium. The more years you’ve been driving, the bigger discount you’ll get. But, the more crashes you cause, the higher your premiums will be. Moreover, the people who drive your car will now affect your insurance premium.

The red color crashed accident car on road at Abbotsford BC

Driver-Based Insurance Model

Did your teenager drive your car and cause a crash? Well, as of Sept. 1, 2019, your ICBC claim history will no longer be affected by this crash. With ICBC’s change to a driver-based insurance model, the person who’s driving your car when the crash happens will be held accountable – if they cause the crash. This change means you’ll need to give us a bit more info when you renew your insurance, including:

  • A list of everyone who will be driving your car, including yourself, household members, employees, and anyone else who will use your car more than 12 days a year
  • The driver’s license number and birthdate of each driver you want to put on your insurance policy
  • The principal driver – or the person who will be driving your car the most

Keep in mind that 75% of your insurance premium will be based on the principal driver. But the crash history and driving experience of the people listed on your policy will also affect your premium. And don’t worry if you want to lend your car to someone who’s not on your policy. Add Unlisted Driver Protection to your insurance policy to protect you if someone else crashes your car.

Discount If You Drive Less Than 5,000km a Year

Is your car parked in your garage more often than it’s on the road? If you drive less than 5,000km a year, you’ll get a 10% discount on your annual insurance premium in the next year. Just give us a recent photo of your odometer reading when you renew your insurance, so we can keep it on record for the next year.

Penalties for Distracted Driving

Greater Penalties for Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a serious problem on the road, so ICBC will be cracking down on it. Starting Sept. 1, 2019, ICBC is enforcing higher penalties for distracted driving. So, if you’re caught using your cellphone while driving, twice over a 3-year period, you could face as much as $2,400 in additional fines and premiums. This amount will go up again by 20% in November 2019.

Higher Standards for Car Repairs

When you’re in a crash and need to fix your car, ICBC wants you to get the best repair services possible. That’s why it’s working to modernize the vehicle repair industry in B.C. Repair shops that invest in certification programs, technician training, equipment, and customer service will get greater recognition – so you can reap the benefits.

The man installing the door for car in Abbotsford BC

Ready to renew your auto insurance in B.C.? Talk to our insurance specialists or drop by your nearest Johnston Meier Insurance office today.

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