BC Highway Patrol and Coquitlam RCMP said that they are experiencing a dramatic rise in vehicles without valid insurance.
From December 1, 2023, to January 11, 2024, BC Highway Patrol – Kootenay has located 177 drivers operating uninsured vehicles. Each driver received a violation ticket for no insurance for $598 dollars.
On the other hand Coquitlam RCMP have issued 24 violation tickets for driving without vehicle insurance. “This is a dramatic increase compared to January 2023 which saw 11 violation tickets for the entire month. With only 18 days into January, this is a 46% increase,” Staff Sergeant Mark McCutcheon, Coquitlam RCMP’s Traffic Services Commander.
Throughout the past year, Police have seen a steady increase in the number of vehicles on our roadways that are travelling without vehicle insurance. On May 1, 2022 licence plate decals were discontinued by ICBC and were no longer required on vehicles.
“When our officers stop vehicles for no insurance, drivers are often saying that they forgot or didn’t realize because they don’t have the decal reminder on their vehicle anymore,” said McCutcheon. “We strongly encourage drivers to ensure that their vehicles are properly insured before traveling.”
“Drivers should think about the risks of operating without insurance which include paying a significant fine, being financially responsible for a collision, and expensive towing costs,” said the Officer in Charge of Kootenay Highway Patrol, Inspector Chad Badry. “There is a risk of a driver’s license suspension or increased sanctions in court for repeat offences.”
Driving without insurance can result in a $598 violation ticket and the vehicle being towed. In addition to the violation ticket, if the vehicle is involved in a collision while it is not insured, the driver could be sued or held liable for damages.
BC Highway Patrol has compiled the top 10 excuses encountered:
ICBC never sent me a reminder.
I am on the way to purchase insurance right now.
I forgot.
I don’t have a decal anymore.
My insurance is paid for automatically, so I thought I didn’t need to renew.
The registered owner is my mom, dad or friend and it’s their job.
This is a company vehicle.
My vehicle is actually insured, but I don’t have the documents.
I cancelled the credit card that was making the preauthorized payments.
I know I don’t have insurance, but I really needed to go somewhere.
Police advice to registered owners and drivers:
Owners must renew their own insurance as is not automatically renewed
Drivers should check the expiry dates on vehicle’s documents before driving
Renewal notices are sent only as a courtesy and your address should be up to date
Set a reminder in your phone’s calendar
Documents must be kept in the vehicle or drivers may receive an $81 dollar fine
Insurance can often be renewed online or over the phone.
