By Chris Beach

Northern View

Northern View: ICBC needs reform

Nov 22, 2023 | 2:32 PM

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There’s been a lot of talk lately in the political world about fixing things that are broken as we get closer to the next provincial election.

One thing that hasn’t been discussed much of late is ICBC. While there have been some smaller positive changes like renewing your car insurance over the phone, and no longer needing licence plate stickers, there are still major issues that remain with our provincially mandated auto insurance program.

Under the new no-fault scheme, for people who have been catastrophically injured and are unable to work and support their families, and have lost their future income, there is no longer any legal redress to get what many would call fair and just financial compensation… even if the other party is completely at fault for causing a serious and life-altering accident.

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The no-fault scheme could be maintained for minor accidents to keep costs down, but for major accidents, this is horribly unjust and should be rectified.

Many younger people who drive to work or school and have never caused or been in an accident, have to pay as much as $3000 a year for car insurance… This is also incredibly unfair.

These younger British Columbians, who are already facing the daunting task of paying for their education and rent and saving for their first homes, are the ones who can least afford to pay double or triple what the rest of us pay for car insurance.

And finally, another thing that simply has to change at ICBC is the archaic manner in which there is still a three-month minimum on licensing vehicles.

Why can’t we insure a summer camping trailer or motorhome for 2 months, or maybe 6 weeks if that’s all you need? How about an old truck for hauling wood or a fall hunting vehicle that you only need for a month?

Yes, you can cancel your policy before the three months are up, but then you are changed extra cancellation fees and you must hand over your plates, only to have to pay for new licence plates all over again when you insure the next time.

With all the technological advances and the shift towards efficiency and fairness in our society in the last 50 years, why is ICBC still stuck in the dark ages?

I’m hoping, if not the current government, then one of the opposition parties, can come up with some sensible and logical ideas to bring ICBC into the 21^st century.

I’m Chris Beach and this is the Northern View.

Editors note: The views expressed in this column do not necessarily represent the views of Pattison Media.