ICBC recognizes 22 collision repair shops for outstanding customer service — March 27
ICBC is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and drive safely — March 20
ICBC takes action as a result of investigation into research and training facility — March 19
ICBC charges for high-risk drivers to be phased in — March 18
Lower ICBC rates in 2008 — March 12
Vancouver resident attempts to bribe an ICBC driver examiner — March 3
Volunteers educating motorists on auto crime prevention — March 30
Local Speedwatch program hits milestone — March 28
Local cabbies collaborate in drive to keep youth safe — March 23
What's all the hoop-la? — March 13
In 2007, 22 of ICBC's accredited express repair shops won AutocheX Premier Achiever Awards for excellence in customer satisfaction. The winners were recognized, out of 9,000 entries across North America, for achieving customer satisfaction ratings of 98.8 per cent or higher.
AutocheX and ICBC work together to measure customer satisfaction levels for the 379 accredited express repair shops that participate in ICBC's c.a.r. shop VALET program. ICBC's c.a.r. shop VALET facilities provide safe, quality repairs that are guaranteed for as long as the customer owns the vehicle.
"ICBC is dedicated to providing its customers with a hassle-free claims experience. Excellent service is one of our key, corporate objectives," said ICBC senior vice-president of Claims, Craig Horton. "We're extremely proud that 22 of our key business partners have demonstrated the utmost in customer service."
Over 9,000 shops across North America use AutocheX to measure customer satisfaction in collision repairs. The AutocheX award winners represent the top five per cent of shops measured in 2007.
To be eligible for the awards, ICBC and the c.a.r. shop VALET facilities are required to track customer satisfaction results on a monthly basis to monitor and improve performance. Approximately 70,000 customers in BC are surveyed by phone annually, as a part of this customer service tracking.
"These 22 repair shops have achieved success by making the customer priority number one," said Dale Finch, executive director for the Automotive Retailers Association. "All of these shops' employees should be applauded for having some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in North America."
One of the strongest indicators of customer loyalty is customer recommendations to friends and family. ICBC and AutocheX include this as one of the measures in the customer satisfaction index (CSI). Other key factors used to track customer satisfaction are the shops ability to keep the customer informed, provide on-time deliveries and quality repairs.
The 2007 winners located throughout BC are:
Note - (+ 3x winner, * 2x winner)
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Best, 604-982-2781
Tamara McLean (Vancouver Island), 250-414-7883
Cindy Kralj (Greater Vancouver), 604-296-1534
Ryan Detwiller (Southern Interior), 250-979-4612
Alyson Gourley-Cramer (North Central), 250-561-5006
ICBC is encouraging all drivers to plan ahead and drive safely this Easter long weekend. To help ensure all British Columbians enjoy a safe weekend, police will be out in full force ticketing drivers who engage in high-risk driving behaviours.
"We expect the roads to be busy this weekend but we want everyone to be safe," said Solicitor General John Les. "The message we're sending to dangerous drivers is that police will be looking out for you to get you off the road."
Over the past five years (2003 - 2007), there have been an average of 2,000 crashes, 650 injuries and five fatalities throughout B.C. over the four-day Easter long weekend.
"Bad driving habits affect everyone's insurance rates. ICBC is keeping insurance rates low and stable, while motorists do their part by driving safely," said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC's director of Road Safety.
When you are out on the roads this weekend, remember the following safety driving tips:
For more road safety tips, visit Roadsense Tips.
If you are involved in a crash and need to file a claim, ICBC's Dial-A-Claim service is open 24 hours a day, including holidays. In the Lower Mainland, call 604-520-8222, and for the rest of B.C., call 1-800-910-4222, or you can file your claim online at How to make a claim.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Doug McClelland, 604-982-2476
Doug Henderson: 604-982-1332
ICBC's CEO Paul Taylor today announced the company is taking immediate action to address findings from an investigation that confirmed 98 vehicles from its Burnaby-based research and training facility have been sold without the proper designation and disclosure to buyers.
The investigation was announced last month in response to internal concerns that some vehicles repaired at the facility, which was established in 1988, were sold with a repair history that was incorrectly designated and disclosed to buyers. As a result, these customers had insufficient information when purchasing vehicles.
The internal investigation revealed that ICBC lacked clear and specific policies and procedures to govern the designation, repair and sale of vehicles from its research and training facility from Jan. 1, 1998 to present. As a result, 98 vehicles repaired at the facility were sold with incorrect designations and without adequate disclosure.
"I want to express my sincere apologies to all customers who were inconvenienced and purchased vehicles with incorrect designations", said Taylor. "This is a serious matter and we have taken immediate steps to correct the situation, including making things right with customers who purchased these vehicles."
ICBC has taken the following steps with customers who purchased vehicles without the proper vehicle repair history designation and disclosure:
The investigation also revealed that:
ICBC has also taken immediate action to amend company policy to stop the inappropriate designation of vehicles, and improve customer access to vehicle history information in the future. Actions include:
For legal and privacy reasons, ICBC is unable to comment on personnel matters related to the investigation other than to say that changes have been implemented in response to the findings.
ICBC has also launched a separate independent investigation, which is being conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, into the operations of this facility. The findings of that investigation will be made public and if additional issues are identified, further action will be taken.
Background information is available
MEDIA CONTACT:
Doug Henderson: 604-982-1332
ICBC is responding to customer feedback by taking a phased approach to changes to the way rates are set for basic insurance.
In the spring of 2007 ICBC announced plans to charge high-risk drivers more. Two initiatives - the Driver Risk Premium and a $25 premium when other higher-risk drivers use a vehicle - were subsequently approved by the BC Utilities Commission, which regulates basic, compulsory insurance.
However due to input received from customers, ICBC will now take a phased approach to these rate design changes. It is clear from the feedback that ICBC needs to take more time to explain the factors which indicate higher risk for some customers, including the crash risk linked to multiple traffic infractions and the additional risk when several drivers use one vehicle.
ICBC remains committed to its long-term plan to move towards driver-based pricing. Drivers who are higher risk - including those who cause crashes and get traffic violations - will see their insurance costs increase. Most drivers will benefit as the additional premiums paid by high-risk drivers will help offset basic insurance rates for safer drivers.
The Driver Risk Premium is now being implemented in two phases. The first phase will see drivers with Criminal Code convictions (e.g. impaired driving) and one or more tickets for excessive speeding (more than 40 km over the speed limit), and drivers with two or more roadside suspensions pay more starting in 2009 based on their record starting January 1, 2008. Once fully phased in, the driver record scan will be for the past three years.
The second phase will expand to include three or more motor vehicle-related offences (over a three-year period) on a driver's record from January 2009 forward with additional charges going into effect in 2010.
The additional charge for other household members using the vehicle who have less experience and or a worse driving record will not be implemented on May 1, 2008 as previously scheduled while ICBC examines the best approach for moving forward.
The goal is for customers to understand driver-based pricing and to make individual choices that lead to safer driving and lower premiums. ICBC will use the additional time to communicate more about the move towards driver-based pricing and the role customers can play in keeping rates low and stable.
Further details on the Driver Risk Premium program.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Doug McClelland: 604-982-2476
ICBC has reported strong financial results and high customer satisfaction scores for 2007.
"Our early analysis indicates that there is no need for additional rate changes for basic insurance this year", said Paul Taylor, ICBC's president and CEO. "Furthermore, there is room for a 3 per cent reduction in rates for optional insurance, partly due to declining claims costs for vehicle theft."
Net income is reported at $642 million, including investment income of $612 million. The strong increase in investment income is due in part to the sale of the Central City development in Surrey.
"ICBC's financial performance in 2007 has allowed the company to build capital up to the required levels, ahead of schedule," said Taylor. "This capital serves as a contingency fund to help keep rates low and stable by absorbing unexpected spikes in claims costs or unanticipated significant declines in investment income."
The company also continues to invest in road safety programs to reduce the number and severity of crashes, and to help lower claims costs. Examples include support for enhanced traffic enforcement, road improvements at high-crash locations, and public awareness campaigns.
Continued strong financial management helps keep rates low and stable
Customer satisfaction targets exceeded
Rate stability continues in 2008
| Average Rate Changes for all vehicles | ||||
| Basic Insurance | ||||
| 2008* | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
| 0.0% | 3.3% | 6.5% | 0.0% | 0.4% |
| Optional Insurance | ||||
| 2008** | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
| -3.0% | -3.8% | 0.0% | -7.6% | 0.4% |
| Combined | ||||
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
| -1.3% | 0.2% | 3.7% | -3.4% | 0.4% |
* 2008 rate plan for basic insurance
** 2008 optional rate reduction effective July 1, 2008
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Doug McClelland: 604-982-2476
Hiu Qin Zhang of Vancouver is facing the consequences of attempting to bribe an ICBC driver examiner. In the spring of 2007, Zhang was charged with offering to bribe a public official, an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, Section 121(1). She recently attended Vancouver Provincial Court and pleaded guilty to the offence. She was sentenced to nine months' conditional house arrest
"ICBC is committed to protecting the integrity of BC's driver licensing system. We take all types of fraud very seriously with our zero tolerance approach,"said Steve Tripp, manager of ICBC's Special Investigation Unit.
Zhang attended ICBC's Point Grey Driver Service Centre on January 15, 2007 to take her Class 7 road test. Prior to leaving the parking lot for the driving portion of the test, Zhang placed two $100 bills on the driver examiner's seat. The examiner promptly terminated the test and directed Zhang back into the Driver Service Centre.
On March 5, 2007, ICBC's Special Investigation Unit took a voluntary statement from Zhang. According to her statement, Zhang had offered the driver examiner a 'tip' to help ensure she passed the exam.
"ICBC works to ensure the right drivers are on BC's roads with safe and secure drivers' licences. Our staff are well-trained professionals who ensure only those qualified to drive are granted licences. We want to keep everyone on our roads safe," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice-president of Driver Licensing.
Customers are encouraged to do their part to help fight fraud by reporting suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claims. Information provided to ICBC's fraud tips line (604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844) is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
Media Contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332
Volunteers educating motorists on auto crime prevention — March 30
Local Speedwatch program hits milestone — March 28
Local cabbies collaborate in drive to keep youth safe — March 23
What's all the hoop-la? — March 13
Thanks to enthusiastic volunteers and friendly rivalry, ICBC's February Lock Out Auto Crime (LOAC) blitz completed more than 37,000 vehicle checks in Surrey, an increase of more than 68 percent over the same period last year.
LOAC was run at seven locations in the city, as part of a province-wide auto crime campaign. Volunteers assessed vehicles parked in public areas to determine how susceptible they are to auto crime.
Vehicles are checked to see if they use an anti-theft device, whether keys, valuables or loose change have been left in sight, and whether the doors are locked or windows are open. The volunteers leave a check-list on the vehicle's windshield, advising the driver of ways they can reduce their vulnerability to auto crime.
David C., of the Central City Volunteer Patrol, single-handedly completed more than 7100 audits. Two Guildford Volunteer Patrol members, Tammy M. and Kirk F., conducted more than 7500 vehicle checks. A friendly rivalry developed between the two during the first week of LOAC, after Tammy beat Kirk's total by a margin of 50 audits.
David worked throughout the month in good weather and bad, contributing over 120 volunteer hours. Becky Hendricks, coordinator of the Central City Volunteer Patrol, said "David verbally encouraged his fellow volunteers to achieve more. It is because of his example and quiet leadership, that we had such a great LOAC drive."
Kirk is an RCMP applicant and worked tirelessly during the month, skipping breaks and staying out in inclement weather. According to Kirk, the audits are essential in raising public awareness about steps individuals can take to prevent auto crime. "Out of the thousands of notices we hand out, if we get even 1% to change their behaviour, it's a step in the right direction," he said.
More than 240 vehicle crimes were reported to ICBC on an average day in 2004, including vehicle theft, theft of contents, and vandalism. Drug addicted thieves steal vehicles to commit other crimes including break and enters, mail theft, purse snatching and armed robbery.
Tips:
Note to editors - The Volunteer Patrols ask that we do not release the last names of their volunteers.
For more information contact:
Eric Green
Tel: (604) 592-6419
The Speedwatch program in Nanaimo is gearing up to hit a milestone in road safety. On March 31, the local program, made up of 9 active volunteers, will "count" their one millionth vehicle. The group will set up at 10:30 a.m. on Highway 19A northbound adjacent to the Long Lake Boat launch.
Speedwatch is a community based volunteer program that helps improve safety and reduce crashes. It has been in operation since 1996. Portable radar equipment and an electronic digital board monitor speeds in neighbourhoods, schools and playground zones. Drivers get instant feedback of their speed, displayed on the reader board as they pass by. In many cases, drivers exceeding the posted speed limit will slow down after seeing how fast they are going on the display board.
Monthly reports are submitted to ICBC, who provides the program with funding to purchase the necessary equipment. Local police and municipal governments utilize the data collected by Speedwatch to influence decisions about enforcement, school zone safety and citizen concerns.
Nanaimo Claim Centre Manager, Pat Ahern is pleased to have the program be so successful.
"Speedwatch is an asset to the community and their efforts go a long way in making our roads safer for children and all road users. These dedicated volunteers deserve recognition for their contribution to road safety. Without them the program would not be the success it is. The support they receive from the community and the RCMP enables them to continue the great work they do."
For more information about the Speedwatch program or how to volunteer contact Donna Stennes at 729-3545(office) or 668-0872 (cell).
For more information contact:
Donna Stennes
Regional Coordinator
Tel: (250) 729-3545
Cell: (250) 668-0872
VICTORIA BC - Taxi companies in the Capital Regional District have partnered with ICBC, to create a universal taxi credit card to help teens get home safely.
The concept for the Julie Cab Card started when 19-year-old Victoria-area resident, Julie Delaney was killed in a car crash coming home from a party on March 13th of last year. Julie's uncle, BJ Roberts, did not want Julie's death to be in vain. As a driver for a local cab company, he brought his idea forward to his general manager. After a year of hard work, the Julie Cab Card is now available in the community.
The Julie Cab Card is an account with local taxi companies that parents set up. By simply presenting their Julie Cab Card, young people have the option of taking any local taxi when they need to get home safely. The card allows parents the convenience of being billed for taxi service at the end of the month. All major taxi companies in the CRD will accept the card.
"The taxi industry is a fiercely competitive business, states Mohan Kang, president of the B.C. Taxi Association. "To see all these companies come together to do their part to keep our young people safe is heartening and shows what an important issue this is."
In 2004, nine young people were killed on Vancouver Island as a result of car crashes. Although this is a slight decrease compared to recent years, car crashes remain the number one cause of death and injury for youth.
"Too often we hear about young people being injured or killed in car crashes, and most of the time they are totally preventable. People of all ages need to have viable options for a safe ride home," comments, the Honorable John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "Providing this kind of choice for young people and their parents is one more way we can try to prevent tragedy."
ICBC has number of programs and campaigns in place aimed at helping young people make smart choices when it comes to vehicle and road safety. ICBC works with the provincial government, schools, police and community organizations to make roads safer for youth.
For more information contact:
Colleen Woodger
Phone: (250) 480-5712
Cell: (250) 213-6070
ICBC will launch its latest - very edgy - youth road safety campaign to a buzzing audience of more than 300 young male athletes gathered at the welcoming ceremonies for the TELUS BC Boys' AAA Basketball Championships.
Car crashes are still the #1 killer of youth aged 13 to 21 years. According to BC Vital Statistics, 29% of all youth deaths in BC in 2004 were caused by car crashes. That year, 60 youth were killed and 10,600 were injured in 8,600 crash incidents in BC.
"This is a deadly issue for our youth so we need to reach them in a way that they can relate to - that they'll pay attention to. We're living in a very fast-paced world and our youth are exposed to messages and advertising all day long - online, on TV, at school and on their cell phones," says Sue Carle, Vice President of ICBC's Lower Mainland Region. "ICBC wanted to put a message out there that would break through all of that."
The campaign is straight to the point. It's no fun if you're dead. The bad choices you make behind the wheel can kill you and cause you to miss out on all of the fun things in life that are important now.
This very serious issue will be launched and presented to these young athletes as improv theatre sketches by the Vancouver TheatreSports League. "We appreciate being able to launch this important message to youth at the oldest and largest high school tournament in BC," says Carle. "These kids will not expect to be receiving a life and death message at this event. But we will definitely get their attention with the hilarious sketches that have been prepared. We hope they'll take this story and the lessons learned back to their peers at school."
Tournament Director John Buis explains, "All of our players and their high-school classmates have big dreams right now. We don't want any of them destroyed. Unfortunately, I understand this all too well from my other life as a District Commander with the Burnaby RCMP so I'm happy to support this message and help get it out to our youth."
The campaign runs from March to the end of May. The provincial ad campaign will air on TV and in movie theatres, and print advertising will be placed in clubs, bars and restaurants.
Ads use dark humour to depict everyday activities - young people playing video games, at a campsite, etc. - but with a twist. Slouched amongst the group will be a friend that is obviously dead. The main text is "It's no fun if you're dead" with the secondary message urging young people not to drink and drive, to wear a seatbelt and to slow down. The visuals are intended to catch the attention of youth and drive them to www.nofunbeingdead.com Visitors to the interactive website can watch campaign commercials, learn about dangerous driving through games and enter a contest for prizes worth living for (including a home theatre system, Xbox 360, iPod Nanos - full contest details available at www.nofunbeingdead.com
).
| Youth Campaign Launch | |
| When: | Tuesday, March 7, 2006 Welcoming Ceremonies begin @ 7:00 p.m. |
| Where: | The Hastings Room at the PNE (Across the parking lot from the PNE Agrodome, beside the PNE Administration Building. Access via Renfrew Street, just North of Hastings Street. Enter at PNE Forum Gate 2) |
| Photo opportunity: |
At approximately 7:10 p.m., ICBC will launch its straight to the point youth road safety campaign: It’s no fun if you’re dead. The Vancouver TheatreSports League will engage these young athletes in some hilarious improv theatre sketches on a very deadly issue. |