How COVID-19 affects your ICBC services
(updated July 29, 2021)
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we're reviewing and adjusting the steps we’re taking to support the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners.
Masks are recommended, if not fully vaccinated, when visiting an ICBC location. We will continue to follow all public health orders, such as regional mandatory mask requirements, so please ensure you follow the orders in your community when visiting an ICBC office.
Second COVID-19 customer rebate
ICBC customers will receive a second rebate averaging $120 this summer – their part of approximately $350 million saved due to a decrease in crashes and costs as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. It's the choices that our customers made during an unprecedented time that helped our bottom line, and the vast majority of them will now share in that success, through one of the largest COVID-19 rebates by any insurer in Canada.
Since the beginning of the 2020-21 fiscal year, ICBC saw fewer reported crashes and lower claims costs, resulting in higher-than-expected income. That gain was partly offset by lower premium revenue due to lapsed and cancelled insurance policies.
After careful considerations, we're returning net savings of about $350 million directly to our customers – specifically, most of the people who had an active policy from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
Am I eligible for the rebate?
Most customers who had an active policy from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 will be eligible, with their rebate amount based on a portion of what they paid for coverage during that period. Exceptions include customers with temporary operation permits (permits for 15 days or less), storage or per kilometre-based policies, as those already reflect lower usage. The low kilometre discount does not make a customer's policy ineligible.
How much is the rebate?
The rebate is approximately 11% of the premium customers paid for coverage during the six month period. There are 2.94 million eligible customers with an active policy between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. The average refund for non-fleet customers is approximately $120. However, this varies depending on the amount of premium the customer paid for coverage during the six month period and any changes or cancellations to the policy during that time.
The Driver Risk Premium, like Driver Penalty Points, is separate from ICBC insurance premiums, therefore they are not included in the calculation of the COVID rebate.
When can I expect my rebate?
The second COVID-19 rebate is scheduled to start going out mid-July and be completed by end of August.
How will I receive this rebate?
Customers don't have to do anything to get their rebate. The second COVID-19 rebate will be distributed based on how you paid for your insurance policy. If you paid by credit card, the rebate will be returned to the card you used (watch your statement for a credit from “ICBC Refund HO"). If you paid by cash, debit or Autoplan payment plan, you will receive a cheque. If you signed up for direct deposit before June 30, your rebate will be automatically deposited into your account (watch your bank statement for “ICBC Refund").
If your credit card has expired or is invalid, you will receive a cheque.
If you are joint owners, a business or lease your vehicle, you will receive your rebate by cheque, regardless of how you paid for your policy.
All fleets will receive their rebate by cheque.
Will I receive more than one cheque/refund if I have multiple policies?
Most customers will receive one cheque (or refund on their credit card) that incorporates rebate amounts for all policies in their name. However, some customers may receive more than one rebate cheque (or refund) depending on their personal situation—for example, if they have multiple policies with different owners listed. You will receive a letter that indicates the rebate amounts by licence plate number.
I lease my vehicle, do I need to do anything different with my rebate?
When you receive your COVID-19 rebate, the cheque may also include the name of your leasing company, as they are considered the registered owner of your vehicle. If your leasing company is named on the cheque, you will need to contact them to have them sign the back of the cheque before making a deposit. If your leasing company is not named on the cheque, no further action is required prior to depositing.
For questions about the endorsement process, please contact your leasing company.
Why haven't I received the first COVID-19 rebate yet?
All COVID-19 rebate cheques for the first rebate have been mailed. If you were eligible and didn't receive your cheque, please contact us at 1-800-663-3051 or 604-661-2800.
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Affected ICBC services:
