Follow us on social media to stay informed on the upcoming ICBC changes:
As of May 1, 2021, ICBC's new Enhanced Care coverage comes into effect which introduces significant changes to BC's auto insurance system. At CapriCMW, we're here to help you understand the changes and how they affect you.
Under the Enhanced Care model, all British Columbians involved in a motor vehicle crash (including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists) are eligible for the same care, recovery and wage loss benefits, regardless of who is at fault.
New Care and Recovery Benefits
For those injured in an accident, there will be no maximum allowance for medical care and rehabilitation (currently capped at $300,000 today). Costs covered include:
- treatments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and massage therapy
- support and services such as counselling, dental care, medication, and medical devices or equipment
- required modifications to vehicles or homes such as ramps, stair lifts or bathroom alterations
- travel and accommodation expenses when traveling out of town is required for appointments
New Wage Loss Benefit
Those who are unable to work due to injuries from an accident will be eligible for wage-loss payments of up to 90 per cent of net, pre-collision income based on a gross annual income of up to $100,000. ICBC will continue to top up income replacement to 90 per cent of pre-collision net income for those who are working again but earn less than before as they are unable to perform the same jobs due to injuries. These wage-loss payments will continue to be provided in tax-free, regular installments for as long as they are required until the age of 65, at which time ICBC will provide retirement benefits.
Individuals earning more than $100,000 will be able to purchase optional insurance to access higher wage loss limits. Your CapriCMW Insurance Advisor can also explain your options for accidental disability insurance through other providers.
Permanent Injuries
Anybody that suffers permanent or life-altering (severely impairing daily living) injuries in a crash will also be eligible for:
-
Up to $265,000 in permanent impairment compensation (depending on the severity and permanence of the injury)
-
Up to $6,000 per month to cover personal care costs and up to $10,000 per month if 24-hour care is required
-
Up to $4,000 (reimbursed every two years) for costs of extra support required to participate in recreational or leisure activities
In Case of a Death
-
The amount paid to the spouse will increase to between $66,000 and $500,000 (based on factors such as deceased's age and income) up from the maximum of $30,000 that is available today. Benefits will also be available to dependants.
-
Family members will be able to access up to $9,000 for funeral expenses and up to $3,800 for grief counselling.
Other New or Expanded Benefits will also be available for:
- students, minors and those running family businesses who are unable to study or fulfill their usual business activities due to injuries
- full-time caregivers to family members who are unable to provide care due to injuries can access $580 per week (or more depending on the number of individuals under their care)
- costs of personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, eating, meal preparation and house cleaning) up to $5,000 per month for injuries not considered to be permanent or life-altering
Next, in Part 2 of this blog series, we will explain the savings that British Columbians can expect to see with the rollout of Enhanced Care.
Follow us on social media to stay informed on the upcoming ICBC changes:
Questions? Find a CapriCMW office and get in touch with one of our experienced, knowledgeable Client Advisors.
UPDATED: April 27, 2021
Read more about ICBC Enhanced Care
Part 1: New Accident Benefits
Part 2: New Savings for Drivers
Part 3: Changes to Vehicle Damage Coverage
