NDP Says ICBC Rate Hike The B.C. Liberals’ Latest Blow To Affordability!
ICBC says it will file an application Friday with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to ask for a 5.2 per cent increase in basic insurance rates. The changes would take effect Nov. 1. The Opposition NDP said because of ICBC’s policy of rate smoothing, drivers can expect a rate hike next year that is within 1.5 per cent of this year’s – that could mean yet another hike of as much as 6.7 per cent. This rate hike comes on top of a 28-per-cent Hydro rate hike and further increases to ferry fares and medical service premiums – all within the last year.
VANCOUVER – B.C.’s provincial auto insurer says it will ask for a hefty rate increase later this week, although it insists most drivers will end up paying just $3 extra each month.
The corporation says it needs to boost rates because of an increase in injury claims costs, including distracted driving-related crashes.
However, the corporation has come under attack for wasting money on high salaries and other bonuses and benefits.
NDP joined a chorus of critics against the rate hike, saying the B.C. Liberals are allowing rates to skyrocket at ICBC, making life even less affordable for British Columbians.
“The 5.2-per-cent hike proposed today follows years of hikes by Premier Christy Clark’s government,” said New Democrat ICBC spokesperson Mable Elmore. “While she has been premier, her government has brought in big rate hikes in three out of four years, increasing rates by a total of 23 per cent – that’s $140 more every year for the average driver.”
The Opposition said because of ICBC’s policy of rate smoothing, drivers can expect a rate hike next year that is within 1.5 per cent of this year’s – that could mean yet another hike of as much as 6.7 per cent.
“This hike is just another blow to affordability in this province,” said New Democrat finance spokesperson Carole James. “While Premier Clark claims that she is not raising taxes, her government is quietly raising hidden taxes that take money directly from the pockets of British Columbians.”
This rate hike comes on top of a 28-per-cent Hydro rate hike and further increases to ferry fares and medical service premiums – all within the last year.
“Hikes like this chip away at family budgets and make it even harder to afford the necessities. The B.C. Liberals are showing once again that they are not listening to British Columbians.”
Spokesman Adam Grossman said injury claims have risen by $73 million since 2012 – and more than $500-million from five years ago.
Grossman said the use of personal electronics behind the wheel has led to a spike in car crash fatalities in B.C.
He said an average of 88 people are killed each year in the province because of distracted driving. It’s also the leading cause of rear-end crashes, which lead to injuries, he added.
