Quote:
Originally Posted by Oshiguru
I've heard horror stories with private insurance from out east and as crazy as it sounds I don't mind paying the extra to go ICBC for the peace of mind. Every claim i've done has gone smoothly (dash cam video as evidence every time). Any thoughts/input?
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You have to remember that insurance in BC through ICBC is a bit different than insurance in Alberta and in Ontario etc. In BC, it is a requirement you purchase basic insurance through ICBC, while collision, comprehensive, and 3rd party liabilities can be purchased through private insurers (i.e. Intact / Family / BCAA etc.)
I don't know what crazy stories you've heard, but if we ignore costs/premiums for a moment, the difference between ICBC and private insurers is that in BC, no matter what, ICBC is obligated to sell you insurance, whereas private insurers in Ontario for example, can easily deny you coverage, and leave you in a difficult situation should you switch to another insurance provider, or if you come along with a poor driving history (or none at all.) In BC, no matter what your situation is, they will insure you.
Private insurers are in the insurance business to become profitable, hence the chances of people hearing of 'crazy stories' (whatever that may be) are more prevalent. People are often critical of ICBC, but the fact remains they are a Crown corporation, and while their rules, practices, regulations and how they operate are questionable, the bottom line is they operate like a socialist system. They win some, and then they lose some, so everyone and their dogs and 98-year old grandmother has to go with the flow for better or worse.
I moved to Toronto almost four years ago, and getting insurance was a fucking pain in the ass because I had to spend a lot of time shopping around, finding a good broker, seeing where I could maximize my savings, and find an insurance company that had a claims centre convenient to me, and good operational hours. Some people don't give a flying fuck about certain things like a good customer service track record, convenient hours, payment options etc. so they pay the bare minimum and away they go. But when they get into accidents, it's like the world is suddenly against them and cry wolf.