By Canadian Press

B.C. government targets lawyers, legal costs in ICBC rate shake-up

Feb 6, 2020 | 12:30 PM

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia government is moving to curtail lawyers and legal costs in the public auto insurance system by severely limiting injured people’s ability to sue at-fault drivers or the auto insurer after a crash.

The government says legislation will be introduced in the coming weeks that will lower premiums at the Insurance Corporation of B.C. by about 20 per cent, an average of $400 in savings per driver.

If the legislation is passed it will take effect in May 2021 and will require ICBC to assist every person who makes a claim and ensure that they receive all their entitled care and benefits.

The government says that people can still sue at-fault drivers if they are convicted of a criminal offence linked to the crash, such as drunk driving, and they could also sue a vehicle manufacturer if a defect caused or contributed to the collision.

If a customer has a complaint about how ICBC handled their case, they can turn to the independent Civil Resolution Tribunal, the B.C. ombudsperson or the recently announced ICBC fairness officer.

New Heights

Olivia Lundman to compete in marathon distance at World Race Walking Championships

3h ago

The Hard Way

Clippers comeback to beat the Bulldogs for second straight playoff win

10h ago

significant work

Ladysmith's enhanced Forrest Field project nears completion

Apr 04, 2026

Attorney General David Eby has previously called the financial situation at the public auto insurer a “dumpster fire,” and the government believes this new system will free up more than $1.5 billion to lower rates by 2022.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2020.