ICBC has announced that along with changes in its rules to allow people to renew their licenses remotely, they will now be able defer their monthly insurance payments in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
This follows the announcement that ICBC would be cancelling all road tests, and they are now suspending driver knowledge tests and motorcycle exams until further notice.
The only exception is if there is a legal requirement to obtain a license, such as a new resident moving to the province.
In order to help ease the financial burden for some, the insurance service has said they will allow customers to defer their monthly insurance payments for 90-days with no penalty – though this is only available to customers already on the monthly Autoplan payments.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
If you’re looking to defer your monthly insurance payment, you can use ICBC’s online resource tool or call the customer support team at 1-800-665-6442.
Drivers are also able renew their licenses up to six weeks prior to expiry by calling ICBC’s Driver Licensing Call Centre at 1-800-950-1498 – an interim paper license will then be mailed to the customer.
At this time, ICBC is only allowing a 90-day license renewal – saying it will monitor the situation and decide at a later date if this time period needs to be extended.
This process was created to encourage physical distancing and to further protect employees from the virus.
Eligible extensions include routine renewals, a replacement for a lost license and reinstatement of a license, but BC Services Cards and BC Identification Cards are not eligible to be renewed over the phone at this time.
