Vehicle insurance decals soon won't be necessary in B.C. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ICBC changes

Online ICBC insurance renewal option announced, license plate decals to be eliminated

Feb 14, 2022 | 2:29 PM

VICTORIA — A pair of notable changes are on the horizon for motorists in the province, including an online renewal option for personal ICBC auto insurance policies.

Public safety minister and solicitor general Mike Farnworth announced during a Monday, Feb. 14 news conference motorists with policies expiring on or after May 1, 2022 will have the option to renew using a computer or mobile device.

“As early as March 17 people will be able to renew ICBC personal insurance policies, update their address, find out if they are eligible for discounts, as well as change their listed drivers and how their vehicle is used, all of it online.”

Farnworth said brokers on the back end will review any concerns and follow up with customers if required, while the traditional in-person renewal option will remain.

In addition to introducing online auto insurance renewals, the province is also poised to dump the requirement to display license plate validation decals.

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Farnworth said advanced technology reduces the need for police to rely on decals. He said license plate readers allow police to be able to quickly obtain insurance status of vehicles in real-time while on the road.

“This change effective May 1 in conjunction with online renewals will reduce incidents of theft and misuse and free up police resources which are currently used to investigate these crimes,” Farnworth said.

ICBC will provide police departments across the province with a one-time $1 million grant to purchase plate-readers.

Farnworth said costs associated with the grant will be offset by costs linked to manufacturing and deploying the decals.

Evolving technology has led to several other provinces eliminating their respective license plate decals in recent years.

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