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

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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= August 2, 2024}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = ICBC}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = ICBC}}


== A. Books ==
As of May 1, 2021, ICBC switched to a primarily no-fault system, known as '''Enhanced Care'''. 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. Although certain benefits were awarded regardless of the fault of the parties, in other situations one party could negotiate for compensation related to various claims, like non-pecuniary damages and loss of future income. These claims were awarded based on fault for the Accident, and often a party would need to hire a lawyer and commence litigation in order to receive them.  


Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, ''British Columbia Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Practice Manual'' (Vancouver: Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, 2000).
Under the new system, the vast majority of claims are handled on a no-fault basis, with some limited exceptions. The no-fault system means that insured parties will file a claim directly with ICBC and will be compensated for specific damages (like medical treatment and wage loss) directly by the insurer, regardless of whether or not they were at fault for the accident. They will no longer be compensated for more speculative damages like loss of future income or non-pecuniary damages. ICBC still internally assigns fault to the parties when assessing claims to determine changes to premiums, but fault does 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 the Enhanced Care system. Parts III - VII of this chapter outlines benefits under this new system'''. Please be aware that ICBC may make changes and clarifications to the system as it is implemented 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].
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''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

Latest revision as of 17:45, 7 August 2024

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 2, 2024.



As of May 1, 2021, ICBC switched to a primarily no-fault system, known as Enhanced Care. 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. Although certain benefits were awarded regardless of the fault of the parties, in other situations one party could negotiate for compensation related to various claims, like non-pecuniary damages and loss of future income. These claims were awarded based on fault for the Accident, and often a party would need to hire a lawyer and commence litigation in order to receive them.

Under the new system, the vast majority of claims are handled on a no-fault basis, with some limited exceptions. The no-fault system means that insured parties will file a claim directly with ICBC and will be compensated for specific damages (like medical treatment and wage loss) directly by the insurer, regardless of whether or not they were at fault for the accident. They will no longer be compensated for more speculative damages like loss of future income or non-pecuniary damages. ICBC still internally assigns fault to the parties when assessing claims to determine changes to premiums, but fault does not need to be shown to access injury compensation.

All claims for accidents occurring on or after May 1, 2021 are subject to the Enhanced Care system. Parts III - VII of this chapter outlines benefits under this new system. Please be aware that ICBC may make changes and clarifications to the system as it is implemented 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.


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