It only took 16 years for ICBC to get it right

KAMLOOPS — In 2001, ICBC abandoned the idea of fixing windshield chips before they got too big and the entire windshield had to be replaced. 16 years later, Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced this past week that — surprise — if you have comprehensive insurance, you can get your chips fixed starting this spring with no deductible. It could save ICBC $8 million a year.

RELATED NEWS: Free windshield repairs coming for many ICBC drivers

I am surprised it took this long. I could never understand why ICBC made the determination in a previous lifetime to do away with chip repair. You used to go in, they put some kind of magical compound on the chip, and lo and behold, away it went. Surely that was less expensive than replacing the entire windshield. Making it worse was the fact that motorists then had to pay the deductible to replace the whole windshield, not a small amount for most vehicles.

Kudos to ICBC and the government for realizing the error of their ways, and realizing the right move was to return to the old way. With the type of material being put on roads these days, another story in itself, windshield chips are a hazard of winter driving. Obviously if the chip turns into a crack, the windshield needs to be replaced. That’s a given. But for a lot of these dings, simply repairing the chip makes far more sense. It’s usually quick and convenient, and it’s a plus for both the owner and ICBC.

Sometimes you just have to say “we made a mistake, we’re fixing it.” Thanks for seeing the error of your ways, admitting it, and doing the right thing. My pocketbook will benefit, and so will the Insurance Corporation’s. Oh, wait a minute — that’s my pocketbook too. So my pocketbook thanks you twice. 

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