Newsroom

​​​​​​​​​​​​ICBC supports all British Columbians affected by flooding

November 15, 2021

Newsroom - Flooding - page

Update November 26​​:

Starting this week, the majority of our claim centres and driver licensing offices will be collecting non-perishable food items and essential goods for the United Way Flood Response Team.

United Way has identified the need for the following items:​

  • Non-perishable food, ie.: canned tuna, pasta sauce, pasta noodles, canned fruit and granola bars

  • Essential items such as grocery store gift cards, blankets, diapers and toiletries​

​​​Donations will be accepted during business hours; please check ICBC.com for hours at the location closest to you. Please wear a mask if you're coming to donate items.​​

Due to accessibility issues, offices on Vancouver Island and north of Williams Lake will not be expected to participate. Service BC locations that provide ICBC services will also not be participating. However, we will not turn away donations at these offices.

​Update November 19:

ICBC is standing by all British Columbians who have been impacted by the devastating floods and landslides across our province. In addition to prioritizing flood-related claims and identification needs for impacted customers, we have also made a donation to the United Way Flood Response Fund, which is addressing important needs like housing, food assistance, trauma and mental health support. We are also matching all ICBC employee donations to United Way and encourage all British Columbians to consider donating to the charity of their choice to help support the disaster recovery effort. We will continue to look for ways we can provide more help to the provincial efforts, including support for resiliency centres in impacted communities across the province.​

Update November 18: 

We're continuing to prioritize flood related claims and we're issuing a replacement identification for free without the customer needing to present identification to process the transaction (some exceptions may apply)​ by attending a driver licensing office or calling 1-800-950-1498. This process is in place for acquiring a replacement driver's licence, B.C. Services Card and B.C. identification card​.​

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ICBC is here for all British Columbians as our province has experienced severe weather over the past few days and may continue to do so into this week.

As flooding worsens in the Merritt area and elsewhere in B.C., we urge drivers to be safe and plan for the unexpected.

We urge all British Columbians to stay away from flood water as much as possible – flooded rivers and streams are unpredictable, and flood water can carry toxic chemicals. If you find yourself on a road that's flooded, it's best to attempt to safely turn around. If your vehicle is stuck in flood water and you are seeking to retrieve it or important items, wait until it is safe to do so.

For up-to-date information about areas under evacuation orders, please see the River Forecast Centre.

ICBC's top priority is the safety and security of our employees and customers. We will do everything we can to continue to serve our customers and business partners during this challenging time. For more information about insurance coverage and restrictions for residents in affected areas, please contact your Autoplan broker.

For ICBC customers who need to report a claim due to weather-related damage, it can be done online or by phone (1-800-910-4222) at any time.

Below is a checklist of e​ssential pieces of identification, documents and other items to pack in the event that an evacuation alert is issued in your community:

  • B.C. driver's licence

  • B.C. identification card

  • B.C. Services Card

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • Passport (Canadian or country of origin)

  • Original birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate

  • Canadian citizenship documentation – permanent residency card or other

  • Vehicle registration

  • Autoplan insurance policy

  • Private optional auto insurance policy

  • Home insurance policy

  • Banking/financial information

  • Utilities information (just in case you need to cancel or suspend services depending on circumstances)

  • Medications for you and any dependa​nts

In case you need to leave your home or office immediately, it is recommended that you have a “grab-and-go" bag ready. Prepared​BC suggests including the following items:

  • Food (ready to eat) and water​

  • Phone charger and battery bank

  • Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • Small first-aid kit and personal medications

  • Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

  • Cash in small bills

  • Local map with a family meeting place identified

  • Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket

  • Pen and notepad

  • Whistle