February 2005 News Releases
ICBC responds to the Ombudsman's report on Low Velocity Impact Guidelines — February 22
The B.C. Provincial Ombudsman has released a report reviewing the guidelines ICBC uses to investigate whiplash injury claims involving minor collisions where there is little or no damage to the vehicle.
ICBC is pleased that the Ombudsman agrees that the current guidelines address his fairness concerns.
“The input and guidance provided by the Ombudsman has been useful,” said ICBC president and CEO Paul Taylor. “His contributions are reflected in the current guidelines and the updated training that we provide to our staff.”
Over the years, ICBC has refined the low velocity impact (LVI) guidelines. The individual circumstances of each case and claimant are considered when dealing with any claim, and appeal options are outlined, ensuring claimants are treated in a fair and reasonable manner.
In the early 1990's, ICBC, like many motor vehicle insurers across North America, faced significant increases in the number of whiplash injury claims being presented by the public. Surprisingly, this was occurring even though vehicle design was improving and crash rates were decreasing.
ICBC's response was to develop guidelines for handling whiplash injury claims arising from low velocity impacts, defined as collisions occurring between zero and eight km/h. The guidelines have assisted ICBC and policyholders in avoiding the significant increase in auto insurance rates experienced in most other provinces in recent years. The LVI guidelines have helped keep auto insurance rates low and stable for B.C. motorists.
The corporation will continue to review its file handling practices to ensure customers are treated fairly and consistently.
Customers who have new or additional information that would help ICBC better understand their LVI claim should contact the ICBC Fair Practices Review Department. For more information go to ICBC's Fair Practices Review Department.
For more information contact:
Doug Henderson 604-982-1332
