British Columbians will be able to renew their ICBC auto insurance online starting in May 2022, the provincial government announced Friday.
In a statement, the province said that when the online insurance option launches, customers will be able to renew personal insurance and get some temporary operation permits, with some restrictions, according to the province.
More products will be available online at a later date.
“We know British Columbians want more convenience when they purchase and renew their auto insurance,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a statement. “This is another important step to make ICBC work better for British Columbians.”
In the meantime, the province will work on setting up the online system and will be consulting with B.C.’s broker community about the changes.
Talks are also underway with stakeholders, including brokers, police agencies and road safety partners, around the future of the licence plate decal requirement.
A decision on decal requirements, and further details about how online insurance purchases will work, is expected in 2021.
“Connecting with our customers in the ways they want and providing service options that make them feel supported continue to be an important part of our work,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of ICBC, in a statement.
“COVID-19 has accelerated our expansion of digital services for customers, including a shift to email and phone-based insurance transactions. Offering insurance renewals online will make buying insurance even more convenient and flexible.”
Customers are able to renew their insurance over the phone or via email, due to the pandemic.
The insurance corporation has also started direct deposit registration as its shifts to more online services.
