ICBC move to Enhanced Care coverage is shining example of what public car insurance should be

February 6, 2020

Today’s announcement by our provincial government regarding the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) moving to Enhanced Care coverage is a progressive step that brings it back to its main priority: taking care of people.

At a time when private car insurance companies are increasing rates astronomically across the country while campaigning to slash the basic coverage available for medical treatments and other critical benefits for accident victims, these changes address the two most critical issues of affordability and coverage.

“I think British Columbians can be proud to look at this new Enhanced Care coverage model, compare it to other insurance models across the country, and say we now set the standard when it comes to taking care of our drivers and our accident victims,” said MoveUP President David Black. “To dramatically improve our insurance product and, at the same time, project significant savings for drivers through the reduction of premium costs under this model is nothing short of miraculous.

“This is what happens when you put competent people in charge and actually take the time to look for solutions that benefit the public, not just for approaches that benefit the CEOs and shareholders sitting around a boardroom in Toronto, the United States, or Europe. When we put the public’s best interest first, it turns out we can come up with ideas to benefit people, not just take the approach of cutting services, cutting benefits, or handing away public property.

“As the union that represents over 5,000 workers at ICBC, our job now is to address the potential impacts as we transition to the new model with respect to our members’ roles, responsibilities, and workload, and to ensure that our members continue to play an integral part in delivering this public service to the people of British Columbia.”