Topic B.C.
Second auto insurance rebate coming in B.C.
June 14, 2021 by The Canadian PressVICTORIA – A second insurance rebate is coming for British Columbia drivers thanks to lower claim costs due to fewer crashes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government says the Insurance Corporation of B.C. will begin distributing rebates averaging $120 starting…
Estimator’s COVID dilemma: Photos of auto damage not enough, in-person visit not allowed
June 11, 2021 by David GambrillIt’s an auto insurance estimator’s Catch-22. A B.C. small claims tribunal recently downplayed expert evidence based on photos taken in an auto collision shop because the estimator didn’t conduct an in-person inspection of the vehicle — even though pandemic lockdown…
Wildfire service outlook points to rising fire risk for southern B.C.
June 8, 2021 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – Rainfall in the next three weeks is crucial if British Columbia hopes to avoid a devastating wildfire season, but the latest outlook from the BC Wildfire Service offers little optimism. The service says rainfall and temperatures were near…
Fairness officer role approved as ICBC launches enhanced care auto insurance
June 7, 2021 by The Canadian PressVICTORIA – The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has created a new position aimed at ensuring the Crown-run auto insurer makes fair and transparent decisions related to its newly launched enhanced care plan. A statement from the Ministry of Public…
Evacuations and flood warnings, watches issued as rivers swell in northwest B.C.
June 4, 2021 by The Canadian PressRapid snow melt or heavy rains have prompted flood warnings, watches or high streamflow advisories in British Columbia from the central coast north to the Yukon boundary and along most of the eastern length of the province. Evacuation orders and…
Tribunal sides with Intact in home insurance co-payment spat
June 3, 2021 by David GambrillA B.C. homeowner who is listed along with a second person on his home insurance policy has lost his bid to have Intact issue him a payment directly for his own personal items damaged in a flood, instead of issuing…
Restoration firm suing DKI Canada over termination of agreement
May 30, 2021 by Greg MeckbachRestoration firm DKI Canada Ltd. is being sued in British Columbia by Coquitlam-based Canstar Restorations Limited Partnership, a former member of the DKI network. Allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court. Until 2020, Canstar was operating multiple…
Fracking likely to create stronger, more common earthquakes in B.C., study says
May 26, 2021 by Bob Weber - THE CANADIAN PRESSMore damaging earthquakes can be expected more often in northern British Columbia as fracking oil and gas wells increases pressure underground, says newly published research. “It makes earthquakes more common and it makes larger ones more common,” said Allan Chapman,…
What B.C. trial lawyers are asking of Canada’s top court in RSA dispute
May 25, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia is asking Canada’s top court to essentially make a “new law” barring a liability insurer from taking an off-coverage position after starting to defend a tort claim if the insurer previously had “presumed…
Downpours in southeast B.C. raise flood concerns
May 25, 2021 by The Canadian PressFAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, B.C. – An evacuation alert has been issued for more than 200 homes and businesses in southeastern British Columbia as a weekend downpour and the likelihood of more rain raise the potential for flooding in the Fairmont…
Why wildfire is moving into ‘peak peril’ range
May 14, 2021 by Jason ContantWildfire is now moving into the range of a “peak peril” type of risk, similar to earthquakes and hurricanes, Risk Management Solutions, Inc. (RMS) told Canadian Underwriter recently. Overall, in both Canada and the United States, wildfire risks are starting…
How these auto reforms could reduce liability exposure for hospitality clients
May 10, 2021 by David GambrillB.C.’s move towards a form of no-fault auto insurance could wind up reducing liability exposure for commercial insureds in the hospitality and other high-risk sectors, according to a recent blog by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. The province’s no-fault amendments came…