It has been two months since COVID-19 has significantly impacted us here in British Columbia. This has caused businesses to adjust to ensure the well-being of their company, staff, and customers. This situation has also resulted in changes to the way ICBC services are provided. This blog post provides information on the ICBC services that have been affected and the changes that have been made.
Autoplan Insurance:
-While many brokerages have suspended in-person insurance services are no longer available, most insurance transactions can now be done through phone and email. These include:
- Renewal
- Cancellation
- Mid-term policy changes
- Vehicle storage policies
- Temporary Operation Permit (TOP)
- Transfer of ownership
- New vehicle registration
- New plates
– The regular $30 cancellation charge will be waived for customers who cancel their auto insurance
– The $18 plating fee will be waived when you choose to reinstate the policy on your vehicle on or after May 31, 2020.
– Insurance on fleet vehicles not being driven can be suspended
– If you have a personal vehicle you would now like to use for the delivery of food and medical products an insurance exemption is now available (this does not apply to commercial delivery companies and drivers who provide delivery services in normal times)
If you are interested in any of these transactions, please contact us or your Autoplan provider for more information.
Autoplan Payment Plans:
Customers on a monthly ICBC Autoplan payment plan, who are facing financial hardships due to COVID-19 can now defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty.
British Columbia Driver License (BCDL):
ICBC drivers licensing offices will ask COVID-19 screening questions and will be limiting access to waiting areas to ensure social distancing.
Starting Thursday June 11, customers may call DLCCV to book commercial Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 road tests for appointments. The first commercial tests will start next Wednesday June 17. Knowledge tests and motorcycle skills testes are available by appointment for select customers (not including first-time learners).
Service available over the phone – call 1-800-950-1498 or 250-978-8300 to:
- Renew a BCDL within 6 weeks of expiry
- Reinstate a cancelled BCDL
- Issue a replacement BCDL
Out-Of-Province-Drivers
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the timeframe to exchange a valid out-of-province driver’s license has changed.
– If you are new to B.C. and the 90-day requirement to obtain a B.C. driver’s licence (BCDL) expired on or after March 17, you may continue to drive legally in BC under the terms and conditions of the license you hold
– If you are a visitor whose 6-month exemption expired on or after March 17, you may continue driving with your valid out-of- province driver’s license
– If you are a student who was exempt from getting a BCDL on or after March 17, you may continue driving here providing you’re still registered and attending school, or the reason you are not is due to COVID-19
– Temporary foreign workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program, are exempt from getting a BCDL while participating in the program, so may continue driving here under the terms of the program
British Columbia Services Card:
If you are unable to obtain or renew a BC Services Card and require a temporary Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage extension or MSP coverage confirmation qualified residents can now call Health Insurance BC at (1 800 663-7100) toll-free or (604 683-7151).
Claims:
Only urgent transactions are allowed at Claim Centers. If you have an ongoing injury claim your initial pre-authorized treatment period will extend until at least July 31, 2020, or 12 weeks from the date of the crash, whichever is later.
What Is To Come:
This blog post is not an exhaustive list of changes made by ICBC but is meant to provide insightful information to our customers & readers. Much has changed since the start of COVID-19, and it is uncertain what the future holds. The services available are subject to change considering the on-going situations/events/etc. If you would like to learn more, please visit the ICBC COVID-19 Update on their website or our ICBC During COVID-19 FAQ.
