Difference between revisions of "Introduction to ICBC Automobile Insurance (12:I)"

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 1, 2023.

LSLAP Manual
This page is from the Law Students' Legal Advice Program Manual. See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary
2. Youth Justice · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice (British Columbia) Act · Appendix A: Glossary
3. Family Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary
4. Victims · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Seniors or Those with Disabilities · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP and Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up
5. Public Complaints · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Complaints against the Police · VI. Complaints against Security Guards · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints regarding UBC · IX. Complaints regarding SFU · X. Complaints Re: Other Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter
6. Human Rights · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings
7. Workers' Compensation · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation & Policy · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health & Safety Regulations · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Officer · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix :D Resources · Appendix E: Claims Process · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
8. Employment Insurance · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist
9. Employment Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary
10. Creditors and Debtors · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist
11. Consumer Protection · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Consumer Transactions
12. Auto Insurance (ICBC) · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Basic Coverage · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. On or Before April 30 2021 · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage · XI. Optional Insurance · XII. Personal Injury Claims · XIII. Out-of-Province
13. Motor Vehicle Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent · IX. Alcohol and Drugs · X. Federal Offences · XI. Driving While Prohibited · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines
14. Mental Health Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted · VIII. Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP File Administration Policy
15. Adult Guardianship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse and Neglect · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree
16. Wills and Estate Administration · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Making and Executing · IV. Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. First Nations and Wills · XI. Estate Administration · XII. Duties of a Personal Representative · XIII. Taxation: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIV. LSLAP File Administration Policy · Appendix A: Questionnaire · Appendix B: Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary
17. Citizenship · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation · VIII. Proof · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals
18. Immigration Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Players · IV. Categories of Persons · V. PR Application · VI. Identifications · VII. IRB · VIII. Loss of PR · IX. Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts
19. Landlord and Tenant Law · I. Residential Tenancy Act · II. Tenancy Agreements · III. Moving In and Moving Out · IV. Security Deposits · V. Repair and Service · VI. Rent Increase · VII. Tenant's Rights · VIII. Subletting and Assignment · IX. Termination/Eviction · X. Dispute Resolution · XI. Common Law · XII. Strata Law · XIII. Assisted Living · XIV. Commercial Tenancies · XV. Manufactured Homes · XVI. Income Assistance · XVII. Illegal Suites · XVIII. Forms · XIX. Governing Legislation and Resources
20. Small Claims and the CRT · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal · Appendix M: LSLAP Policy
21. Welfare Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments and Fraud · VIII. Rates and Payment Issues · IX. Additional Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals
22. Strata Law · I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property and Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws and Rules · XI. Rentals and Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair and Maintain · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts
23. Referrals · I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others
v • d • e

As of May 1, 2021, ICBC switched to a primarily no-fault system. This represents one of the biggest changes to the ICBC insurance system since its inception.

Under the former ICBC system, claims were handled through a mix of litigation and no-fault benefits. This meant that, while certain benefits were awarded regardless of the fault of the parties, in other situations one party in an accident would need to take the other party to court in order to gain access to compensation through the other party’s insurance. Under the new system, the vast majority of all claims are handled on a no-fault basis, with some limited exceptions.

The new no-fault system means that insured parties will file a claim directly with ICBC in the vast majority of cases, and will be compensated for injuries directly by the insurer, regardless of whether or not they were at fault. ICBC will still internally assign fault to the parties when assessing claims in order to determine changes to premiums, but fault will not need to be shown to access injury compensation.

All claims for accidents occurring on or after May 1, 2021 are subject to this new no-fault system, known as Enhanced Care. Parts III - VII of this chapter outlines benefits under this new system. However, because this chapter was written in June of 2022 (shortly after the introduction of the Enhanced Care system), please be aware that ICBC may make changes and clarifications to the system as they roll it out that are not reflected in this manual.

The new Enhanced Care system does not apply to claims for accidents that occurred on or before April 30, 2021. For claims that occurred before this date, please see Parts VIII onwards of this chapter, which outlines the former system as it existed prior to the introduction of Enhanced Care.

LSLAP Manual

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Chapters 1-7
Criminal Law · Youth Justice · Family Law · Victims · Public Complaints · Human Rights · Workers Compensation

Chapter One: Criminal Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Etiquette · IV. Criminal Charges · V. Substantive Law · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial · VIII. Other Issues · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms · X. LSLAP Policies · XI. Information for LSLAP Students · XII. Etiquette for Law Students · XIII. Practice Recommendations · Appendix A: Initial Sentencing Position · Appendix B: Sample Information · Appendix C: Diversion Application · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing · Appendix E: Trial Books · Appendix F: Glossary

Chapter Two: Youth Justice	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Youth Criminal Justice Act · IV. Youth Justice (British Columbia) Act · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Three: Family Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Marriage · IV. Divorce · V. Uncontested Divorce · VI. Simple Divorce Procedure · VII. Alternatives to Divorce · VIII. Family Violence · IX. Assets · X. Spousal and Child Support · XI. Parenting Orders/Guardianship/Contact · XII. Children and the Law · XIII. Adoption · XIV. Name Changes · XV. Court Procedures · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Four: Victims	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Crime Victim Assistance Program · IV. Avenues to Address Crime · V. Victims of Sexual Assault · VI. Victims of Relationship Violence · VII. Seniors or Those with Disabilities · VIII. Victims of Human Trafficking · IX. Missing Persons and Abductions · X. TIP and Restorative Justice · XI. Resources for Indigenous Victims · XII. Referrals and Follow-up

Chapter Five: Public Complaints	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Review of Administrative Decisions · IV. Privacy or Access to Information · V. Complaints against the Police · VI. Complaints against Security Guards · VII. The Right to Vote · VIII. Complaints regarding UBC · IX. Complaints regarding SFU · X. Complaints Regarding Other Colleges and Universities · XI. Complaints against Doctors · XII. Complaints against Lawyers · Appendix A: Glossary · Appendix B: Sample Notice Letter

Chapter Six: Human Rights	· I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. BC Human Rights Code · IV. Canadian Human Rights Act · V. BC Civil Rights Protection Act · VI. Rights of the Child · VII. LSLAP's Role · VIII. Indigenous Complainants · IX. Online Mediations & Hearings

Chapter Seven: Workers' Compensation	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims for Injured Workers · IV. LSLAP's Role at the Initial Decision Level · V. Limitation Periods and Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits and Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Appeals · XIII. Health and Safety Regulations in the Workplace · XIV. Assessments of Employers · XV. The WCB Fair Practices Officer · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Claims Process · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form

Chapters 8-14
Employment Insurance · Employment Law · Creditors and Debtors · Consumer Protection · Auto Insurance (ICBC) · Motor Vehicle Law · Mental Health Law

Chapter Eight: Employment Insurance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Qualifying for EI · IV. Types of Benefits · V. Benefit Period · VI. Quantifying Benefits · VII. Benefit Entitlement · VIII. Penalties, Violations, and Offences · IX. Keeping Out of Trouble · X. Timing for Reporting · XI. Overpayment and Collections · XII. Reconsideration · XIII. Social Security Tribunal · XIV. Appeals · XV. Judicial Review · XVI. LSLAP's Use of This Chapter · Appendix A: Initial Application Checklist

Chapter Nine: Employment Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Checklist · IV. Preliminary Matters · V. Employment Issues · VI. Remedies · VII. Strategies and Tips · Appendix A: Glossary

Chapter Ten: Creditors' Remedies and Debtors' Assistance	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Creditors' Remedies · IV. Debtors' Options · V. Dealing with Debt · Appendix A: Relevant Forms · Appendix B: Examination Checklist

Chapter Eleven: Consumer Protection	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Contracts for Sale of Goods · IV. Consumer Protection · V. Direct Sales · VI. Conditional Sales Contracts · VII. Motor Dealer Act · VIII. Miscellaneous · IX. Forum of Redress · X. Consumer Transactions

Chapter Twelve: Auto Insurance (ICBC)	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Basic Coverage · IV. Optional Insurance · V. Seeking Legal Counsel · VI. Disputes with ICBC · VII. When You Can Still Sue · VIII. On or Before April 30 2021 · IX. Limitation on Experts · X. Compulsory Coverage · XI. Optional Insurance · XII. Personal Injury Claims · XIII. Out-of-Province

Chapter Thirteen: Motor Vehicle Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. At the Roadside · IV. Duties after a Collision · V. Violation Tickets · VI. Provincial Offences · VII. Vehicle Impoundment · VIII. Superintendent · IX. Alcohol and Drugs · X. Federal Offences · XI. Driving While Prohibited · XII. ICBC Breaches · XIII. Bicycles · XIV. LSLAP Program Information · Appendix A: Penalty Points and Fines

Chapter Fourteen: Mental Health Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Theory and Approach · IV. Legal Rights · V. Patient Admission · VI. Consent to Medical Treatment · VII. Involuntarily Admitted · VIII. Youth · IX. Criminal Code · X. Complaints · XI. References · XII. LSLAP File Administration Policy

Chapters 15-23
Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making · Wills and Estates · Citizenship · Immigration · Landlord and Tenant Rights · Small Claims · Welfare Law · Strata Law · Referrals

Chapter Fifteen: Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Mental Capacity · IV. Substitute Decision Making · V. Adult Guardianship · VI. Adult Abuse · VII. Sources and Resources · Appendix A: EPOA · Appendix B: Decision Tree on Adult Abuse and Neglect

Chapter Sixteen: Wills and Estate Administration	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Making and Executing · IV. Mistakes and Alterations · V. Court's Power · VI. Revocation · VII. Wills Variation Claims · VIII. Intestacy · IX. Property · X. First Nations and Wills · XI. Estate Administration · XII. Duties of a Personal Representative · XIII. Taxation: RRSP & RRIF & TFSA · XIV. LSLAP File Administration Policy · Appendix A: Will Instructions Questionnaire · Appendix B: Will Drafting and Execution Checklist · Appendix C: Glossary

Chapter Seventeen: Citizenship	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Who is a Canadian Citizen? · IV. Advantages & Responsibilities · V. Citizenship Grants · VI. Applying for Citizenship Grant · VII. Loss and Renunciation · VIII. Proof · IX. Search of Citizenship Record · X. Referrals

Chapter Eighteen: Immigration Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Players · IV. Categories of Persons · V. PR Application · VI. Identifications · VII. IRB · VIII. Loss of PR · IX. In-Canada Temporary Residence Matters · X. Removal Orders · XI. Appeals · XII. Offences · XIII. Issues at Sentencing · XIV. Contacts

Chapter Nineteen: Landlord and Tenant Law	I. Residential Tenancy Act · II. Tenancy Agreements · III. Moving In and Moving Out · IV. Security Deposits · V. Repair and Service · VI. Rent Increase · VII. Tenant's Rights · VIII. Subletting and Assignment · IX. Termination/Eviction · X. Dispute Resolution · XI. Common Law · XII. Strata Law · XIII. Assisted Living · XIV. Commercial Tenancies · XV. Manufactured Homes · XVI. Income Assistance · XVII. Illegal Suites · XVIII. Forms · XIX. Governing Legislation and Resources

Chapter Twenty: Small Claims and the CRT	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Do You Have a Claim? · IV. Choosing the Proper Forum · V. Starting a Claim · VI. Responding to a Claim · VII. Default Order · VIII. How a Claim Proceeds · IX. Pre-Trial · X. Mediation · XI. Settlement Conferences · XII. Trial/Pre-Trial Conferences · XIII. Trial Preparation · XIV. Trials · XV. Costs and Penalties · XVI. Appeals · XVII. Enforcement of a Judgement · Appendix A: Registries · Appendix B: Demand Letter · Appendix C: Notice of Claim · Appendix D: Reply to Claim · Appendix E: Glossary · Appendix F: Limitation Periods · Appendix G: Causes of Action · Appendix H: Court Fees · Appendix I: Tribunal Fees · Appendix J: Settlement Conference · Appendix K: Payment Hearing · Appendix L: Appeal · Appendix M: LSLAP File Administration Policy

Chapter Twenty One: Welfare Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation and Resources · III. Eligibility · IV. Special Situations · V. Eligibility Factors · VI. Hardship Assistance · VII. Overpayments and Fraud · VIII. Rates and Payment Issues · IX. Additional Benefits · X. Health Supplements · XI. Appeals

Chapter Twenty Two: Strata Law	I. Introduction · II. Governing Legislation · III. Strata Concept · IV. Strata Plan · V. Common Property and Assets · VI. Governance · VII. Management · VIII. Finances · IX. Collections · X. Bylaws and Rules · XI. Rentals and Accommodations · XII. Privacy · XIII. Insurance · XIV. Repair and Maintain · XV. Dispute Resolution · XVI. Recourse to the Courts

Chapter Twenty Three: Referrals	I. General · II. Family Law & Women · III. Residential Tenancy · IV. Human Rights · V. Wills & Estates · VI. Immigration & Refugee · VII. Disability · VIII. Employment · IX. Debt · X. Indigenous · XI. Police Complaints · XII. Chinese Language · XIII. Others

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 1, 2023}}
 {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = ICBC}}
-== A. Books ==
+As of May 1, 2021, ICBC switched to a primarily no-fault system. This represents one of the biggest changes to the ICBC insurance system since its inception.
-Gregory, E.A. and Gregory, G.F.T., ''The Annotated British Columbia Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act'' (Toronto: Carswell, 1995).
+Under the former ICBC system, claims were handled through a mix of litigation and no-fault benefits. This meant that, while certain benefits were awarded regardless of the fault of the parties, in other situations one party in an accident would need to take the other party to court in order to gain access to compensation through the other party’s insurance. Under the new system, the vast majority of all claims are handled on a no-fault basis, with some limited exceptions.
-Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, ''British Columbia Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Practice Manual'' (Vancouver: Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, 2000).
+The new no-fault system means that insured parties will file a claim directly with ICBC in the vast majority of cases, and will be compensated for injuries directly by the insurer, regardless of whether or not they were at fault. ICBC will still internally assign fault to the parties when assessing claims in order to determine changes to premiums, but fault will not need to be shown to access injury compensation.
-Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, ''ICBC Motor Vehicle Accident Claims'' (November, 1988) (Vancouver: Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, 1988).
+'''All claims for accidents occurring on or after May 1, 2021 are subject to this new no-fault system, known as Enhanced Care. Parts III - VII of this chapter outlines benefits under this new system'''. However, because this chapter was written in June of 2022 (shortly after the introduction of the Enhanced Care system), please be aware that ICBC may make changes and clarifications to the system as they roll it out that are not reflected in this manual.
-Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, ''Vehicle Insurance: British Columbia Legislation and Commentary'' (Vancouver: Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, 2007).
+'''The new Enhanced Care system does not apply to claims for accidents that occurred on or before April 30, 2021. For claims that occurred before this date, please see Parts VIII onwards of this chapter''', which outlines the former system as it existed prior to the introduction of Enhanced Care.
-== B. Legislation ==
-''Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act'', RSBC 1996, c 231 [IMVA].
+{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters8-14}}
-''Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act'' - Revised Regulations (1984), BC Reg 447/83 [IMVAR].
-''Insurance (Vehicle) Act'', RSBC 1996, c 231 [IVA].
-''Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation'', BC Reg 447/83 [IVR].
-''Motor Vehicle Act'', RSBC 1996, c 318 [MVA].
-''Motor Vehicle Act Regulations'', BC Reg 26/58 [MVA Regulations].
-''Insurance Corporation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 228.
-''Limitation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 266, s 3(2).
-'''NOTE:''' The ''Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act'' [IMVA] and the ''Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act - Revised Regulations'' (1984) [IMVA Regulations] were amended and renamed the ''Insurance (Vehicle) Act'' [IVA] and ''Insurance (Vehicle) Regulation'' [IVR] respectively. The IVA  and IVR came into force and effect on July 1, 2007. Note that there are transitional provisions governing whether the provisions of the old Act, new Act, or both Acts apply to an individual claim.
-== C. General ==
-The automobile insurance system in BC is comprised of “no fault” benefit claims and indemnification for claims in tort law. No fault benefits  are included as part of the basic (compulsory) insurance coverage offered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC or “the  Corporation”) exclusively. As the name implies, payment of the no fault coverage is given regardless of whether or notany element of fault is attributed to the insured. Optional coverage above and beyond the basic coverage may be purchased from either ICBC or a private insurer under an optional insurance contract (“OIC”).
-Claims for damages brought under tort law however do require the presence of a fault element  on the part of the defendant to be successful. The victim of the accident (e.g. a personal injury claimant) may sue the other driver(s), the owner(s) of the insured car, manufacturer(s), automobile shop(s), municipal, insurer(s), or any other parties liable for the injury. Legislatively, there is no limitation on the maximumamount of damages that a court could award to a victim. However, case law and statute in the province may effectively cap certain heads  of damage, such as non-pecuniary damages. Where the necessary conditions are met, ICBC may indemnify the insured for all or part of the assessed liability. This means that where damages are awarded to a victim in an accident, ICBC will pay those damages instead of the party (i.e. the insured) who is at fault.
-For  cases  involving a BC  resident  who  has  been  involved  in  an  out-of-province  accident,  private international  law  rules  apply.  Generally,  for  the  substantive  issues,  the  law  of  the  jurisdiction  where the accident took place will apply. For procedural matters, the rules of the trial court will apply.  It is important to determine whether the action is one that can be commenced in BC and whether the law of BC  applies.A  summary  of   out-of-province  insurer  qualifications,  service  procedures,  and jurisdictional considerations is listed in Section V, below. The Insurance  (Vehicle)  Act  [IVA]  and  the Insurance  (Vehicle)  Regulation  [IVR] form  a  code  governing most  aspects  of  auto  insurance  in BC  The  IVR  alone  runs  102  pages,  and  it  is  impossible  to give  a complete  summary  in  a  manual  such  as  this.  This  chapter is  only  a  guide  to  help  people  locate  the relevant sections of the IVA and IVR that they are likely to encounter.A few preliminary concepts, which will be of use in understanding this chapter, are discussed immediately below. 1.Indemnification  Drivers purchase car insurance to protect themselves in the event that they are found liable for damages.    If  the  necessary  preconditions  are  met,  ICBC  assumes  liability  for  payment  of benefits or damages to the claimant or victim of a car accident.  Instead of the insured paying the damages claimed, the insurance company, here ICBC, “indemnifies” the insured.2.Subrogation This is a common feature of insurance contracts. When ICBC assumes liability for payment of benefits or damages of any kind on behalf of the insured, ICBC is ‘ subrogated’  to the right of recovery that the insured had against any other person (IVA, s 84), i.e., ICBC has all remedies available to it that the insured person might have exercised by him or herself (IVA, s 83). 3.Premiums Premiums are regular payments made by the insured to ICBC Premiums are based on: where the  insured  lives,  how  the  vehicle  is  used,  the  type of  vehicle,  and  the  insured  driver’ s  claim record.  Customers  can  vary  their  premiums  by  increasing  or  decreasing  their  deductibles,  as well as the extent of their optional coverage. Experienced drivers may receive discounts up to 20 percent on optional insurance plans. There is an informal discount review body created by corporate  policy  to  ensure  that  discounts  are  appropriately  awarded,  but  this  body  was  not created for the purposes of hearing formal appeals. The  point  penalty  system is authorized by  ss 210  and 211  of the MVA. Section 28.02  of  the MVA  Regulations  outlines  the  various  breaches  and/or  offences  of  the  MVA  and  the corresponding  point  penalties  recorded . The  number  of  points,  beyond  the  set  limits, that accumulated during the first year is taken into account when fixing premiums. 4.Waiver Section 85 of the IVA allows ICBC to either generally, or for a particular case, waive a term or condition of an insurance contract (also known as “the plan”).  However, in order for a term or condition to be waived, the waiver must be in writing and signed by an ICBC officer.

Difference between revisions of "Introduction to ICBC Automobile Insurance (12:I)"

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Difference between revisions of "Introduction to ICBC Automobile Insurance (12:I)"

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