Safe drivers could pay more for car insurance after recent ICBC changes
Posted July 2, 2019 2:50 pm.
Last Updated July 2, 2019 2:48 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Changes at ICBC meant to punish unsafe drivers may end up targeting the wrong people. A Vancouver lawyer says any traffic ticket you get has the potential to increase your insurance rates.
Kyla Lee says last month’s changes mean tickets are broken down into two different categories: high risk and minor. One high risk ticket, like using your phone behind the wheel, will mean you pay more for insurance. But Lee says every case is different and should be treated that way.
RELATED: ICBC changes could see ‘good drivers’ paying less for optional insurance starting September
“It doesn’t distinguish between people who are actively talking or texting while moving and the people who simply have their phone in their cup holder while the GPS is giving them directions.” Lee says there’s a big difference. “Both of those circumstances can land you a ticket, but one is really a high risk behaviour that poses a danger to the public, whereas the other is not.”
She says two minor tickets will trigger more expensive insurance but there’s no clarification of what tickets are considered minor.
Lee adds that since ICBC hasn’t said how much premiums could go up by, more transparency is needed.
