Currently ICBC does not allow the extension of their insurance policies nor do they allow for a short duration policy to be purchased under 90 days.

Every year, depending on the weather, many of us wish to extend our personal vehicle policies. Perhaps we made an error and made the policy too short. Perhaps the employee who created the policy made the error. Maybe someone was give a job opportunity and all they can afford without a credit card is 30 days at a time. 

This extension policy change and short duration policy change would not only benefit us as policyholders but also generate revenue for ICBC. However, they have refused these requests time and again. There was even an instance when I paid for a policy and requested an extra month on the same day as purchase, yet they wouldn't extend it unless I surrendered my personalized plate that I paid for and wanted me to start ever!!

Furthermore, we urge ICBC to revert back to its previous policy of allowing purchases of 30-day or more insurance coverage. This flexibility is crucial during unstable economic times like these.

This is not just about me; it's about all lower income individuals, single parents, temporary workers, and distance workers in British Columbia who are struggling in the current financial climate. We need ICBC to reconsider their policies - specifically allowing current non-expired policy holders to extend their policies without differing costs and the ability to purchase 30 days or more polices. 

According to Statistics Canada (2019), almost 15% of British Columbians live below the poverty line. These people are disproportionately affected by inflexible insurance policies that do not consider their financial hardships. Imagine an employment opportunity available for someone who can’t afford a policy of more than 30 days and doesn’t have a credit card. They potentially could lose that opportunity!! They could very possibly take the job, and after a month of earning could continue to extend their policy by one month at a time until such time they have saved up enough money for a 6 month policy or even increased their credit rating and get a credit card. Maybe debt if standing in their way. It could be that a young adult is borrowing their parent’s car for a job opportunity and the cost of a longer policy is not affordable for them. What if they need to drive to family across Canada for more affordable living and all they can afford is the one month policy. 

ICBC would recommend the cancellation of the policy, charging you a fee to do so and then giving you a refund for the rest. But as mentioned about some people don’t have credit cards, nor do they have the cash to purchase the full 90 days. This is discriminatory, and it needs to change .

We call upon ICBC and relevant authorities in British Columbia to take immediate action on these two matters.

Please sign this petition if you believe in more fair insurance practices that consider everyone's circumstances.