The provincial government of British Columbia has announced that drivers will be able to renew their auto insurance with the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) online, starting May 2022.
In addition to the online renewal option, drivers will also be able to digitally obtain temporary operation permits – with some restrictions. The province added that more insurance “products” are expected to become available online in time.
According to the government, there is both regulatory and technical work that needs to be done over the next year before the online option is launched.
“We know British Columbians want more convenience when they purchase and renew their auto insurance,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth in a statement.
Farnworth added that the online renewal option is “another important step to make ICBC work better for British Columbians.”
CBC News also reported that as part of the new online renewal option launch, officials will have to brief and prepare insurance brokerages for the change, as well as create new regulations around the licence plate decal requirement.
In June, the BC government introduced Bill 20, which allowed validation decals to be valid for periods longer than one year. The bill also provides regulation that could authorize the ICBC to issue other documents that could serve as alternative proofs for a valid vehicle license instead of decals.
A decision on the decal requirement issue is expected next year.
