ICBC to introduce online policy renewals, remove need for decals

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“Customers will be insured immediately upon successful completion of their transaction, while behind the scenes, brokers will review each online renewal for any potential concerns and follow up with drivers if it’s required,” said Farnworth.

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The online model builds off an enhancement made during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed British Columbians to renew their policies over the phone or by email. In-person policy renewals will also remain an option for British Columbians.

ICBC President and CEO, Nicolas Jimenez, said moving to an online model will benefit British Columbians by allowing for easier renewals of auto-plan policies.

“A lot of work has gone into creating an online experience that is secure, seamless, and above all convenient for customers,” said Jimenez, adding that customers won’t be left on their own online as applications will be reviewed by a broker.

“Right now, every transaction completed online will be bound, so the policy will be bound as soon as customers complete [the transaction]. Brokers will do a review, and if there are any issues that they see based on their understanding of that customer and their circumstance and the policy coverages that they have selected, they will follow up within 48 hours.”

Jimenez added that brokers follow their clients for the duration of the policy term, allowing customers to contact the brokers to make amendments or adjustments to their policies, information, or allowed drivers.

The online renewal process will be available for customers with personal insurance, though will not be available to use for temporary operation permits; lapsed policies; new insurance policies; mid-term changes; cancellations; joint ownership or multiple owners; leased vehicles; motor homes and recreational vehicles; collector vehicles; and commercial or fleet policies. Changes to optional coverages will also not be available online and must be completed through a broker, in person or over the phone.

Additionally, the B.C. Government is discontinuing the need for license plate validation decals effective May 1.

Farnworth said this will help reduce incidents of theft and misuse and free up police resources currently used to investigate these crimes while still keeping uninsured drivers off the road.

He said police departments have added new technology to their fleets like license plate readers, which enable officers to obtain a vehicle’s insurance status while on the road.

“To expand and enhance the [Automated Licence Plate Recognition program] to effectively transition away from the need for validation decals, ICBC is providing police agencies in British Columbia with a one-time $1-million in grant funding towards these plate readers,” said Farnworth.

“Funding for this investment is offset by removing the manufacturing and distribution of the decals, and keeps money in the pockets of British Columbians.”

Jimenez noted that the decision to abolish the need for insurance decals came following extensive consultations with law enforcement across the province. He said investing in the program shows ICBC remains committed to ensuring uninsured drivers are not on B.C.’s roadways.