ICBC partners with Kirmac Collision to provide U.S. bound customers with
hassle-free service

VANCOUVER, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Each year on Black Friday - the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday - more than 7,200 Canadian vehicles cross the U.S.-Canada border at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings. With the holidays approaching and the Canadian dollar so strong, more drivers are expected to head south in search of great deals this year.

Drivers dealing with heavy traffic, unfamiliar road patterns and other distractions could find themselves in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a crash. Now, they'll be able to take advantage of a new pilot offered through a partnership between ICBC and Kirmac Collision to provide repair services in Washington State. 

"We know that getting in a crash is stressful, especially when you're far away from home," said Craig Horton, senior vice president of claims. "Our partnership with Kirmac Collision will help alleviate some of that stress by providing our customers with an efficient, hassle-free claims experience, helping them get back on the road faster." 

The partnership covers all drivers with ICBC optional insurance coverage while travelling the I-5 Corridor through Washington State as far south as Portland, Oregon. Customers who have been involved in a crash where their vehicle can no longer be driven or who have concerns about driving their vehicle, will be offered the services provided by Kirmac Collision when they call ICBC's Dial-a-Claim. A representative can connect them directly to Kirmac Collision, who'll arrange towing, repair and rental vehicle services. Once repairs are complete, the vehicle will be delivered to the Kirmac Collision location in B.C. that's closest to the customer.

"We're pleased to be partnering with ICBC to provide customers who have been involved in a crash in Washington State with the same excellent service they'd receive in B.C.," said Ian McIntosh, president and CEO of Kirmac Collision. "Our priority with this partnership is to look after the customer from start to finish - from helping them get a tow truck and rental car, to getting their vehicle repaired and returned to them as quick as possible."

Kirmac Collision operates nine locations in Washington State, providing safe, high-quality repairs that are guaranteed for as long as the customer owns the vehicle. Kirmac Collision representatives are available to provide service to ICBC customers between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., seven days a week.

"This service allows customers to continue with their travel plans or activities in Washington State with the peace of mind knowing that their vehicle is being repaired by one of our many trusted repair partners," said Horton.

Here are a few things you should consider if you're driving in the U.S.:

• Connect with your broker. Ask your Autoplan broker what insurance policies are appropriate for you when travelling outside of B.C. Some things that will help you stay protected include third-party liability insurance and RoadStar or RoadsidePlus coverage. These provide valuable features for travelers such as Loss of Use coverage and Vehicle Travel Protection.
• Making a claim. If you're travelling outside B.C. and you have a claim, call ICBC as soon as possible, toll free 24/7 at 1-800-910-4222.
• Collect appropriate information. Remember to have an ICBC claim card in your vehicle - click here to download a copy - to help you remember all the information you need to collect from the other driver(s) if you've been involved in a crash. This includes:
• insurance company and insurance policy number
• make, model, and license plate number
• name, address, phone number and driver's license number

Visit icbc.com for more information about dealing with a claim when you're travelling outside B.C.

At ICBC, we're committed to our 3.2 million customers and their safety on the road. We license and insure drivers and vehicles across the province through our service centres, plus a network of more than 900 independent brokers and government agent offices. Claims customers are served through local offices and our award-winning Dial-a-Claim call centre. We add value to B.C. communities - our road safety investments help create safer roads, lead to fewer crashes, and help keep our rates stable. To find out more, visit icbc.com.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/icbc.

For further information:

Media contacts: Adam Grossman, 604-982-1332