Close X
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
ADVT 
National

David Eby Says ICBC Shift Involves Rewarding Good Driving, Penalizing Poor Driving

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Mar, 2018 12:54 PM
    VICTORIA — Major shifts in direction are being considered to ensure good drivers in British Columbia receive lower insurance rates, says the minister responsible for the province's public auto insurer.
     
     
    David Eby said the government introduced an online survey Monday that poses questions about the public mood to realign coverage at the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia in order to offer major incentives for low-risk drivers by changing discount and penalty provisions.
     
     
    The proposed changes are part of the government's plan to modernize the Crown corporation and restore its dismal finances, which Eby has described as a "dumpster fire." The provincial budget forecasts a $1.3-billion deficit at ICBC this year.
     
     
    Eby said the government wants to hear from people in B.C. about the government's plans for change. The public consultation ends April 5.
     
     
    Last month, he said the government will introduce legislation to change ICBC, including a $5,500 cap on claim payouts for minor pain and suffering.
     
     
    "The question is, who is a bad driver and how much more should they pay," Eby said. "Is it someone who has two speeding tickets? It is someone who has at-fault accidents? Is it someone who has a single infraction with excessive speed?"
     
     
    The survey asks for input on changing policies for at-fault crashes, discounts and penalties.
     
     
    Under the proposed changes, one at-fault accident would be allowed without penalty after 20 years of safe driving, instead of the current 13 years. After an at-fault accident, it would also take drivers 10 years to return to their pre-accident discount rate status instead of the current three years.
     
     
    The proposal includes increased driver penalties and risk points for excessive speeding offences.
     
     
    "Car insurance rates in our province aren't fair," Eby says in a video on the government website. "Low-risk drivers with perfect records are paying more than they should. High-risk drivers who are driving up costs for everyone aren't paying enough. We want to fix this problem."
     
     
    The government says the auto insurance rating system is 30 years old and has not been updated in 10 years.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Homeowners, take note

    Homeowners, take note
    As of January 1, 2018, Canadians looking to get a mortgage will have to do so under tighter guidelines.

    Homeowners, take note

    Calgary Skydiver Killed In Southern California Roof Crash

    Calgary Skydiver Killed In Southern California Roof Crash
    PERRIS, Calif. — Authorities have identified a skydiver who died when he fell onto the roof of a home in Southern California.

    Calgary Skydiver Killed In Southern California Roof Crash

    Rush Hulk Can Attend Lacrosse Came In Calgary, But Can't Act Like A Mascot

    Rush Hulk Can Attend Lacrosse Came In Calgary, But Can't Act Like A Mascot
    CALGARY — The Calgary Roughnecks say a Saskatchewan Rush fan who dresses up as the Incredible Hulk can come to this weekend's lacrosse game, but he can't act as a team mascot.

    Rush Hulk Can Attend Lacrosse Came In Calgary, But Can't Act Like A Mascot

    Jagmeet Singh: New Democrats Are Ready To Fight Growing Gap Between Canada's Rich And Poor

    Jagmeet Singh: New Democrats Are Ready To Fight Growing Gap Between Canada's Rich And Poor
    OTTAWA — Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh kicked off two days of strategy sessions with members of his caucus on Wednesday with a message: New Democrats are ready to fight the growing gap between Canada's rich and poor.

    Jagmeet Singh: New Democrats Are Ready To Fight Growing Gap Between Canada's Rich And Poor

    'Don't Patronize Me': Tempers Flare As Old, New B.C. Liberal Leadership Candidates Debate

    'Don't Patronize Me': Tempers Flare As Old, New B.C. Liberal Leadership Candidates Debate
    VANCOUVER — Tempers flared at the B.C. Liberal leadership debate in Vancouver as veterans butted heads over the future of the party with newer faces calling for change.

    'Don't Patronize Me': Tempers Flare As Old, New B.C. Liberal Leadership Candidates Debate

    10 Safeway Stores To Be Shuttered In B.C. As Labour Negotiations Begin

    NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — A union representing Safeway employees in British Columbia says 10 stores in the province will be permanently closed as labour negotiations are set to begin.

    10 Safeway Stores To Be Shuttered In B.C. As Labour Negotiations Begin