VANCOUVER, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - On September 1, 2019, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) dramatically changed the way it prices auto insurance. While these changes were designed to make drivers better off, the lack of choice and competition in the market means quite the opposite is true.
"More and more drivers are discovering the uncomfortable truth that, under ICBC's new rate design, buying auto insurance in BC is growing ever more complex and costly," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "The pain BC drivers face with ICBC's monopoly isn't going away. Now, more than ever, the market must be opened to competition and choice to improve the affordability of auto insurance."
Drivers in BC pay more for auto insurance than anyone else in Canada, on average $1,832. Yet they receive the same amount when they make a claim. Today, they also face many fees and other cost increases that drivers in other provinces do not.
"Moving to a risk-based pricing model makes sense, as high-risk drivers should pay for the risk they present on our roadways. However, in the process, ICBC has introduced new fees and costs that no other drivers in the country face, making auto insurance in BC even more expensive than it already was," added Sutherland.
Additional Resources
Full report on how competition can save drivers up to $325 annually: Benefits of Competition in the Provision of Automobile Insurance in BC
Poll: Auto Insurance Attitudes in BC
To learn more, visit: BetterAutoInsuranceBC.ca
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 128,000 Canadians, contributes $9.4 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $59.6 billion.
For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @IBC_West and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422).
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release. To schedule an interview, please contact: Vanessa Barrasa, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]
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