ICBC to eliminate licence plate decals, offer online insurance renewal

Two significant changes are being made to Insurance Corporation of B.C. operations in the coming months.

As of March 17, people will be able to renew their auto insurance online. That will be for people whose insurance expires on or after May 1 but, since they can renew up to 44 days early, the online option can be accessed on March 17.

“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,” Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC, said in a news release. “Online insurance renewals add to the growing number of digital options available to customers, providing greater convenience, choice and flexibility for British Columbians.”

Policies can be renewed on computers, tables to mobile devices.

READ MORE: ICBC tool provides drivers with estimate on car insurance savings

Not all transactions will be available online.

Temporary operation permits, lapsed policies, new insurance policies, mid-term change, cancellations, joint ownership or multiple owners, leased vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes, collector vehicles, and commercial or fleet policies will still have to be done through an agent.

Optional coverages will also have to go through an agent.

As of May 1, decals on licence plates will no longer be used, putting B.C. in line with other provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec.

ICBC will spend $1 million to upgrade the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program used by police forces to detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers. That money will be recouped from the cost savings from not printing the decals.

The phone and email renewal options that were developed during the COVID pandemic will continue.

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