An overview of Enhanced Care

When Enhanced Care was launched on May 1, 2021, it provided a new way of doing auto insurance in British Columbia; one that costs less than the previous legal-based system and provides anyone injured in a crash with improved care and recovery benefits.

Enhanced Care has helped strengthen ICBC’s financial position, enabling ICBC to build back its capital reserves and maintain Basic insurance rates. By moving to a care-based model that largely removed legal costs from the system, we were able to save $1.5 billion, which means more affordable rates for customers.

Savings for customers

In the first year of Enhanced Care, customers saved an average of approximately $490 or 28% on their full coverage personal auto insurance (Basic + ICBC Optional). ICBC is also keeping Basic rates steady for another year, making it six years in a row with no increase.

The Enhanced Care model sees more of the premium dollars ICBC collects go back to customers involved in crashes. About 95% of claims costs go to customers to support their recovery and to repair or replace their vehicle.

A care-based approach

At its core, B.C.’s auto insurance system follows a care-based approach. It provides anyone injured in a crash involving a vehicle – whether they are a driver, passenger, motorcycle rider, cyclist, or pedestrian – with benefits needed to support recovery. These benefits are available, regardless of fault. We share a comprehensive guide with every person injured in a crash that details all available benefits under Enhanced Care.

So far, we’ve helped over 164,000 people get back to their day-to-day lives with benefits like pre-authorized treatments after a crash and income replacement if they can’t work while recovering.

Access to pre-approved treatment

Anyone injured in a crash is pre-approved for a variety of rehabilitation treatments for the first 12 weeks following their collision. These treatments include acupuncture, chiropractic, kinesiology, massage therapy, physiotherapy, counselling and psychology. These treatments are available without referral.

When recovery takes longer than 12 weeks

Following those first 12 weeks, ICBC will work with an injured customer’s care team to help them access the services and care benefits that will help them recover as much as possible to their condition before the crash.

Income replacement benefits

For anyone injured in a crash and unable to work, income replacement support is available. ICBC may pay up to 90% of their net income based on a maximum gross income of up to $113,000. Those who earn more than $113,000 can choose to purchase optional income top-up protection.

Financial benefits for severe, permanent and catastrophic injuries

Anyone who suffers a catastrophic injury may receive compensation for permanent impairment of up to approximately $299,670. Those with serious, non-catastrophic, permanent injuries may also be eligible for some compensation. These rates are current as of April 2024 and will be adjusted on April 1 of every year.

If the crash resulted in a death

We understand it’s a very difficult time for families when their loved one dies in a crash. We’re here to provide support with coverage for grief counselling, death benefits and funeral expenses under Enhanced Care. Our support guide  has information about these benefits and how they’re determined.

Enhanced Care and crash responsibility

All British Columbians injured in a crash in Canada or the United States have access to Enhanced Accident Benefits, regardless of who is responsible for the crash. While care is available to all, fault still matters and accountability remains a key tenet of this insurance model. ICBC still determines responsibility after a crash, which can impact driver records and insurance premiums. Those who cause crashes are held accountable through higher rates and could face fines or other penalties.

Appealing a decision

While ICBC makes every effort to resolve issues that may arise during a claim, there are steps customers can take if they wish to appeal a decision about their claim. If a customer feels like they have exhausted ICBC’s channels and are still dissatisfied, there are other options outside of ICBC, including: the Fairness Officer, the Civil Resolution Tribunal and the B.C. Ombudsperson.