ICBC's zero tolerance for fraud saves motorists $75 million — April 16

In 2006, 104 fraud-related convictions were laid against 69 defendants

B.C. motorists saved more than $75 million in 2006 thanks to ICBC anti-fraud programs. Savings are based on the estimated value of fraudulent claims which were denied, money recovered and savings generated through fraud prevention.

"The rising cost of claims is a concern for ICBC. Cracking down on fraud is one of ICBC's strategies to keep rates low and stable," said Steve Tripp, manager Fraud Prevention and Investigation. "We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

ICBC's anti-fraud efforts led to 104 convictions against 69 defendants, last year. More than $207,000 was paid back to ICBC in restitution and fines in 2006, up from $73,000 in 2005. And there was a significant increase in jail time. ICBC fraudsters were sentenced to a total 2,087 days behind bars in 2006.

Annually, ICBC invests approximately $8 million in fraud prevention and investigation programs, more than most property and casualty insurance companies in Canada. Last year, ICBC's team of close to 90 investigators and staff conducted approximately 3,000 investigations covering all types of suspected fraud including: staged collisions, exaggerated claims, premium fraud, licensing and identity fraud.

The general public is also a helpful resource in cracking down on potential fraudsters. ICBC's anonymous tip line recorded over 10,000 calls last year. Anyone with information on a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to phone 604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844. Information provided to the fraud tips line is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

Real life stories from ICBC's fraud files

The Moose Mistake

It doesn't pay to lie to ICBC. A Prince George resident was driving down a logging road north-west of Mackenzie, when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. At the time of the crash, the driver did not have a valid driver's licence and the vehicle he was driving belonged to his wife.

When interviewed by ICBC, the driver and his wife lied about who was driving at the time of the crash and claimed they collided with a moose. A joint investigation by ICBC, and RCMP from Prince George, Terrace and Prince Rupert uncovered the truth. The driver was sentenced to four months in jail, while his wife received a three month conditional sentence, one year probation, and was ordered to repay ICBC $26,360, the cost to repair the vehicle and to investigate the fraudulent claim.

Some Dreams Really Do Come True

Mr. R owned two vehicles. He carried full insurance coverage on his first vehicle, however only basic coverage on his second. Early one September morning, Mr. R awoke suddenly and began to vividly recall his dream. He had dreamt that his sister was going to be involved in a crash with this second vehicle. Mr. R jumped out of bed and drove off, in his first vehicle, to the local Autoplan agent where he promptly added full insurance coverage to his second vehicle.

While driving home Mr. R's sister called to report she had just been in a crash. Mr. R. was stunned, his dream had come true. ICBC investigated the claim and uncovered Mr. R couldn't read the future. A number of witnesses, some with cellphone cameras, had seen his sister crash the vehicle hours prior to Mr. R rushing out to buy additional insurance coverage. The claim was denied.

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia joins drive towards 2010 — April 11

2010 Winter Games Licence Plates Unveiled

Vancouver, BC (April 11, 2007) – Premier Gordon Campbell, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) announced today a new Official Supporter partnership that will offer BC residents the opportunity to directly support the Games with one-of-a-kind 2010 Winter Games Licence Plates available for BC motorists to purchase starting next week.

"British Columbians are excited and proud to be hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and these licence plates are one more way for all of us to show that pride," Campbell said. "I want to thank ICBC and VANOC for providing this innovative opportunity for British Columbians to get involved in supporting the 2010 Winter Games as we countdown the 1,038 days until the Opening Ceremony."

The six-year partnership designates ICBC as an Official Supporter in the "motor vehicle insurance" category of the 2010 Winter Games, including sponsorship rights for the Canadian teams participating at the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games. In addition to the introduction of the 2010 Winter Games licence plates, ICBC will also be the official supplier of motor vehicle insurance for VANOC's fleet of approximately 4,500 General Motors passenger vehicles.

"ICBC is extremely pleased to support the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and help make these the most successful Winter Games ever," said ICBC President and CEO, Paul Taylor. "ICBC's sponsorship provides British Columbians with a number of opportunities to directly support the 2010 Winter Games and promote BC."

The licence plates allow motorists to showcase both the 2010 Winter Games and their province as they travel inside and outside British Columbia. They will be available for an initial fee of $35 starting the week of Monday, April 16 through Autoplan Insurance brokers across the province with the net proceeds going towards the successful staging of the 2010 Winter Games and as a result, the future success of Canadian athletes.

"With the addition of ICBC to our family, we're driving the Games onto every highway and into every driveway with a top BC company synonymous with safety and community building," said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is for all BC residents and Canadians to feel ownership of the Games and ICBC's reach to all British Columbians will offer everyone the chance to demonstrate their pride and excitement. Following the leadership of ICBC, we'll now look to develop additional licence plate programs in provinces and territories across Canada."

ICBC's contribution to VANOC will include net proceeds from the sale of 2010 Winter Games licence plates and the provision of auto insurance services. Costs for the insurance services will be funded by ICBC's Optional Insurance business, which competes with other auto insurers in the BC marketplace. ICBC is the largest provider of Optional auto insurance in BC with $ 1.4 billion in net premiums written and 2.2 million customers.

The 2010 Winter Games joins five recent Winter Games that have introduced licence plate programs, including Montreal 1976 and Calgary 1988. The BC licence plates will feature the 2010 Winter Games emblem, and the province's slogan, "The Best Place on Earth." The mountain-scene on the 2010 Winter Games plate is that of Mount Garibaldi in Garibaldi Park, located 13 km north of Squamish, 97 km north of Vancouver along Hwy 99 on the road to Whistler. The chosen plate design captures the spirit of the Games while showcasing one of the most scenic and breathtaking areas between Vancouver and Whistler. The image was also used in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Bid proposal.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport. VANOC's Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald's, Omega and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada, Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.

VANOC's Official Supporters include Air Canada, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, the Royal Canadian Mint, Ricoh Canada Inc. and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC's Official Suppliers are Birks, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Vincor Canada and Workopolis.

For more information contact:
Chris Brumwell
Vancouver 2010
778-328-6269

Doug Henderson
ICBC
604-982-1332

Backgrounder: 2010 Winter Games licence plates — April 11

• 2010 Winter Games plates will be available at any Autoplan broker or government agent starting the week of April 16.
• 2010 Winter Games plates are available in B.C. for most vehicles (owned or leased) including:
  • private passenger vehicles
  • motor homes
  • commercial trucks
  • motorcycles
  • utility trailers
  • commercial trailers
  • farm trucks
• 2010 Winter Games plates have an initial fee of $35 and an annual renewal fee of $25. Net proceeds from the 2010 Winter Games plate program go directly to supporting the Games
• Passenger vehicles - Autoplan brokers will keep 2010 Winter Games plates in stock for private passenger vehicles.
• Special orders - For some vehicles, such as utility trailers and farm trucks, 2010 Winter Games plates may need to be specially ordered. Special orders will take approximately seven business days.
• 2010 Winter Games plates can be obtained for each eligible vehicle that a person owns or leases
• Based on the limited duration of the program, anticipated demand, additional costs and administration, personalized slogans are not available for 2010 Winter Games plates.
• Current licence plates must be returned to your Autoplan broker when customers switch to 2010 Winter Games licence plates
• 2010 Winter Games plates will be on sale until December 31, 2010.

More information on 2010 Winter Games licence plates is available at www.icbc.com.

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia prend la route vers 2010 — Avril 11

Dévoilement des plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010

Vancouver, C.-B. (le 11 avril 2007) – Le premier ministre Gordon Campbell, le Comité d'organisation des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d'hiver de 2010 à Vancouver (COVAN) et la Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) ont annoncé aujourd'hui un nouveau partenariat à titre de supporteur officiel qui offrira aux résidents de la Colombie-Britannique la chance d'appuyer directement les Jeux, et ce grâce à des plaques d'immatriculation des Jeux d'hiver de 2010 uniques que pourront se procurer les automobilistes dès la semaine prochaine.

" Les Britanno-Colombiens sont emballés et fiers d'accueillir les Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d'hiver de 2010 et ces plaques d'immatriculation représentent une façon pour nous tous de montrer cette fierté " a déclaré le premier ministre Campbell. " J'aimerais remercier ICBC et le COVAN qui offrent cette occasion innovatrice aux résidents de la Colombie-Britannique de montrer leur appui envers les Jeux d'hiver de 2010, tandis que nous comptons les 1 083 jours qui restent avant la cérémonie d'ouverture. "

Le partenariat de six ans désigne ICBC comme supporteur officiel, dans la catégorie " assurance automobile " des Jeux d'hiver de 2010 et comprend des droits de commandite pour les équipes canadiennes qui participeront aux Jeux olympiques de 2008 à Beijing, de 2010 à Vancouver et de 2012 à Londres. En plus du lancement des plaques d'immatriculation des Jeux d'hiver de 2010, ICBC sera également le fournisseur officiel d'assurance automobile pour le parc automobile du COVAN qui comptera environ 4 500 véhicules General Motors.

" ICBC est extrêmement fière d'appuyer les Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d'hiver de 2010 et d'aider à en faire les Jeux d'hiver les plus réussis jusqu'à maintenant " a déclaré Paul Taylor, président-directeur général d'ICBC. " La commandite d'ICBC offre aux Britanno-Colombiens plusieurs occasions d'appuyer directement les Jeux d'hiver de 2010 et de faire valoir la Colombie-Britannique. "

Les plaques d'immatriculation permettront aux automobilistes de faire valoir les Jeux d'hiver de 2010 et leur province pendant tous leurs déplacements à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur de la Colombie-Britannique. Les plaques seront offertes moyennant des frais initiaux de 35 $, dès la semaine du 16 avril, par les courtiers d'assurance Autoplan de toute la province. Les produits nets de la vente de ces plaques seront versés en vue de présenter des Jeux d'hiver de 2010 à succès et donc, serviront à la réussite prochaine des athlètes canadiens.

" Avec l'ajout d'ICBC à notre famille de partenaires, nous déplacerons les Jeux sur toutes les autoroutes et dans toutes les voies d'accès grâce à une entreprise britanno-colombienne dont le nom est synonyme de sécurité et de développement communautaire ", a déclaré John Furlong, directeur général du COVAN. " Notre objectif est que tous les résidents de la Colombie-Britannique et tous les Canadiens sentent qu'il s'agit de leurs Jeux et la main que tend ICBC a tous les Britanno-Colombiens permettra à tous d'avoir la chance de faire preuve de leur fierté et de leur emballement. Pour emboîter le pas à ICBC, nous envisagerons maintenant d'élaborer des programmes de plaques d'immatriculation dans toutes les provinces et tous les territoires du Canada. "

La contribution d'ICBC au COVAN comprendra les produits nets de la vente des plaques d'immatriculation des Jeux d'hiver de 2010, ainsi que les services d'assurance automobile. Le coût des services d'assurance sera financé par l'entreprise d'assurance facultative d'ICBC qui fait concurrence à d'autres assureurs automobile en Colombie-Britannique. ICBC est le plus grand prestataire d'assurance facultative en Colombie-Britannique, avec 1,4 milliard de dollars en primes d'assurance nettes et 2,2 millions de clients.

Les Jeux d'hiver de 2010 se joignent à cinq Jeux d'hiver récents qui ont présenté des programmes de plaques d'immatriculation, y compris Montréal 1976 et Calgary 1988. Les plaques d'immatriculation de la Colombie-Britannique seront dotées de l'emblème des Jeux d'hiver de 2010, et du slogan de la province " The Best Place on Earth " (le meilleur endroit au monde). Le décor montagneux illustré sur la plaque d'immatriculation des Jeux d'hiver de 2010 est celui de Mount Garibaldi dans le Garibaldi Park, situé à 13 km au nord de Squamish, à 97 km au nord de Vancouver, le long de l'autoroute 99, sur la route vers Whistler. La représentation choisie pour la plaque capte l'esprit des Jeux tout en présentant une des régions les plus pittoresques et épatantes que l'on retrouve entre Vancouver et Whistler. L'image a également été utilisée dans le dossier de candidature en vue des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d'hiver de 2010 à Vancouver.

Le COVAN est responsable de la planification, de l'organisation, du financement et de la tenue des XXI^es Jeux olympiques d'hiver et des X^es Jeux paralympiques d'hiver en 2010. Les Jeux olympiques d'hiver de 2010 auront lieu à Vancouver et à Whistler du 12 au 28 février 2010. Vancouver et Whistler accueilleront les Jeux paralympiques d'hiver du 12 au 21 mars 2010.

Le programme de marketing du COVAN se concentre sur la négociation de partenariats mutuellement avantageux, avec valeurs partagées, pour générer suffisamment de revenus pour tenir des Jeux d'hiver à succès en 2010 et pour laisser un héritage financier au monde du sport. Parmi les partenaires TOP internationaux du COVAN, on retrouve Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald's, Omega et Visa. Les partenaires nationaux du COVAN sont Bell Canada, Hbc, Groupe financier RBC, GM Canada, Petro-Canada et RONA.

Parmi les supporteurs officiels du COVAN, on retrouve Air Canada, la British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadien Pacifique, la Insurance Corporation of British-Columbia, Jet Set Sports, la Monnaie royale canadienne, Ricoh Canada Inc. et Teck Cominco Limited. Les fournisseurs officiels du COVAN sont Birks, Dow Canada, EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Vincor Canada et Workopolis.

l'information de contact:
Chris Brumwell
Vancouver 2010
778-328-6269

Doug Henderson
ICBC
604-982-1332

Document D'Information: Plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 — Avril 11

• Les plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 seront offertes par tous les courtiers Autoplan et les agents gouvernementaux au cours de la semaine du 16 avril.
• Les plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 sont offertes pour la plupart des véhicules (qu’ils soient achetés ou loués), y compris :
  • les voitures de tourisme
  • les autocaravanes
  • les poids-lourds civils
  • les motocyclettes
  • les remorques d’utilité générale
  • les remorques commerciales
  • les remorques agraire
• Pour se procurer une plaque d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010, il faudra payer des frais initiaux de 35 $ et des frais de renouvellement annuels de 25 $. Les produits nets du programme de plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 appuieront directement les Jeux.
• Voitures de tourisme – Les courtiers Autoplan disposeront de plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 en stock pour les voitures de tourisme.
• Commandes spéciales - Pour certains véhicules, comme les remorques d’utilité générale et les remorques agraires, il faudra passer une commande spéciale pour se procurer une plaque d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010. Les commandes spéciales seront en général livrées dans les sept jours ouvrables.
• Une personne peut se procurer une plaque d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 pour chaque véhicule admissible qu’elle possède ou qu’elle loue.
• En raison de la durée limitée du programme, de la demande anticipée, des frais supplémentaires et des besoins administratifs, on ne pourra pas se procurer de plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 personnalisées.
• Lorsque l’on souhaite se procurer une plaque d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010, il faut retourner sa plaque d’immatriculation actuelle à son courtier Autoplan.
• Les plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010 seront en vente jusqu’au 31 décembre 2010.

Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements au sujet des plaques d’immatriculation des Jeux d’hiver de 2010, consulter le site Web www.icbc.com.

ICBC Rates Rear Crash Protection in 2007 Cars — April 5

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) today released rear-crash protection ratings of 2007 model passenger cars. Only 40 per cent of current car models provide adequate protection from neck injury or whiplash. Seat/head restraint designs in 22 cars are rated good, but 59 other cars are rated marginal or poor.

"Whiplash is the most common type of injury in motor vehicle collisions," said ICBC Vehicle Safety and Research Manager John Gane. "Studies show that vehicles with well designed head restraints can reduce injuries in rear-impact crashes by 24 - 44 per cent. Drivers can help protect themselves from whiplash by buying safer vehicles, which also helps to minimize insurance claims costs".

"Increases in catastrophic injuries are driving up claims costs in B.C. but less severe injuries are decreasing -- partly due to auto manufacturers improving seat designs in response to insurer testing," said Gane.

The best-rated 2007 vehicles include all Volvos, Audi A4, and A6, Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego, Nissan Sentra and Versa, Saab 9-3, and Subaru Impreza and Legacy Outback. Car buyers however should not equate price with safety, as many lower priced vehicles get good ratings in these tests.

More vehicle manufacturers are designing safer seats, with seven designs earning better ratings compared with tests in 2004. Seat/head restraints improved from poor to good in the 2007 Audi A4, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Nissan Sentra. Seat/head restraints improved from acceptable to good in the 2007 Mercedes E Class, and Subaru Legacy/Outback.

Seat/head restraints in the Chrysler 300, Kia Amanti and Nissan Altima went from marginal to acceptable ratings compared with earlier versions tested in 2004.

Tests were conducted by members of the International Insurance Whiplash Protection Group (IIWPG) at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety facilities in Virginia. Using the ICBC-developed Head Restraint Measuring Device, car seats are first measured for head restraint geometry. Seats with good or acceptable geometry are then subjected to a dynamic crash test that simulates a stopped vehicle being rear-impacted by another vehicle of the same weight going 32 km per hour. The results of these two tests are vehicle ratings of good, acceptable, marginal and poor.

ICBC is a world leader in car safety research and along with insurers in the U.K., U.S., Australia, Germany, Sweden and Spain, is a member of the IIWPG. ICBC has been promoting better seat and head restraint design since 1993 to help reduce injuries and claims costs. ICBC has sold 175 of its B.C. designed and manufactured Head Restraint Measuring Devices to auto manufacturers world-wide to help them to develop safer seats. All cars sold in the U.S. will be required by regulation to use this technology starting in 2008.

Full results of these tests are at http://www.icbc.com/library/pdf/2007_popular_passenger_cars.pdf

Lower Mainland media outlets: ICBC's Vehicle Safety and Research Manager John Gane will be available on Thursday, April 5, 2007, at the ICBC Material Damage Research and Training facility in Burnaby for interviews and demonstrations on good head rest design.

For more information contact:
John Gane
604-341-4127 or 604-661-6504

Kate Pasieka
604-240-7404

ICBC calls for changes to bad driving habits — April 04

Safe driving tips for the Easter long weekend

Every day a least one person dies as a result of a motor vehicle crash on B.C. roads. And every day more than 215 people are injured - many of these injuries are life altering. This means since January, 98 people have died in car crashes in B.C. and 18,345 people have been injured, according to the five year average (2002 - 2006).

"Almost 100 individuals have died so far this year on our roads," said John Les, minister responsible for ICBC. "That's simply unacceptable. As we head into the Easter long weekend we should all keep in mind that the chances of being involved in a crash are highest on Friday and the weekends. We all need to do our part to make our roads safer."

Over the past five years (2002 - 2006), there has been an average of 2,063 crashes on B.C. roads over the four days of the Easter long weekend, resulting in an average of 647 injuries and 5 fatalities.

"Every day of the year, police across the province are targeting dangerous driving. Expect to see police out in full force this Easter long weekend," said Inspector Norm Gaumont, "E" Division Traffic Services. "Motorists who speed, drink and drive, or refuse to wear their seatbelts will be ticketed. They are endangering the lives of all British Columbians," said Gaumont.

There is a strong link between certain types of driving behaviour and crashes. High-risk driving includes excessive speed, following too close, failing to yield, improper passing, and running red lights and stop signs. These behaviours caused 45 per cent of automobile-related deaths in 2005.

"ICBC is committed to making roads safer to reduce crashes and save lives. Fewer crashes and less severe crashes also help to keep rates low and stable. Bad driving affects everyone's insurance rates. Motorists need to use their RoadSense," said Paul Taylor, president and CEO of ICBC.

Tips to keep in mind while you drive:

• Plan ahead and be realistic about travel times. Allow extra time for possible delays that may occur due to increased traffic volume over the long weekend.
• Make staying focused on the road a priority when travelling and keep distractions to a minimum. Pull over to eat or drink, plan your route before you leave, and dial before you drive.
• Warmer weather throughout the province can encourage motorcyclists and bicyclists to get out on the road. Remember to use extra caution, share the road, and keep a look out for these other road users.
• Set an example to your children and other drivers by practicing courtesy on the road.
• Drivers and passengers need to remember to wear their seatbelts at all times.

For more road safety tips, visit www.icbc.com.

Additional Media Contacts:
Kate Best
604-982-2480

Constable Dave Babineau, "E" Division Traffic Services
(604) 539-2718

Eric Green, ICBC Fraser Valley Region
(604) 507-3629

Kim The, ICBC Greater Vancouver Region
(604) 296-1539

Ryan Detwiller, ICBC Southern Interior Region and North Central Region
(250) 979-4612

Tamara McLean, ICBC Vancouver Island Region
(250) 414-7883

Copyright © 2008 ICBC - Insurance Corporation of British Columbia