A number of drivers have experienced vehicle damage caused by loose aggregate which resulted from a re-paving project on Highway #18 in the Cowichan Valley area of Vancouver Island in the summer of 2006.
ICBC is working together with the provincial Ministry of Transportation to assist affected customers in the best way possible. ICBC will be processing all the claims services in relation to any existing or future claims arising from damage to vehicles caused by loose aggregate material on Highway #18.
ICBC will be contacting those affected customers that we know about to explain the steps required to complete the claims process, by letter within 30 days. Customers who have not reported a claim to ICBC or do not receive a letter within 30 days are advised to contact ICBC directly at (604) 520-8222 or toll free at 1-800-910-4222.
To minimize the risk of further damage to vehicles, the Ministry will continue to use sweepers on the highway to remove loose gravel on an ongoing, as-needed basis, and has installed a temporary lower speed zone (80 km/hour) and no passing signs along the 30-km stretch of the project. These measures will continue to be used until the weather permits repairs to the highway.
Questions and Answers
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How do I get my vehicle repaired? |
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If you already have a claim with ICBC, but have not yet had your repairs completed, simply make an appointment with the repair shop of your choice and have the work completed. ICBC will be communicating with you by mail to waive your deductible in advance of having the repairs completed. If you have no own damage insurance coverage or you have not made a claim to either ICBC or your private insurer, please contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department at 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222 to set up a claim. Telephone Claims will explain your next steps. |
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How do I get reimbursed? |
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If you have applied to the Ministry of Transportation for reimbursement, ICBC will be contacting you by letter to explain how to receive reimbursement. If you have not heard from us after 30 days, please contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department at 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222. If you have not applied to the Ministry of Transportation, you should contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department. Telephone Claims will explain your next steps. |
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What if I don’t live in the Cowichan Valley area? |
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ICBC will be communicating by mail with all people who have applied to the Ministry of Transportation. Many of these claims can be handled through the mail. If there is a need for you to visit an ICBC Claim Centre, you will be able to visit the office most convenient for you. |
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What if I have optional comprehensive insurance coverage through a private insurer? |
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If you have already paid your deductible and have applied to the Ministry of Transportation reimbursement, ICBC will be communicating with you by mail to explain your next steps. If you have not heard from us after 30 days, please contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department at 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222. If you have not yet reported your claim to your private insurer, you can contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department. Telephone Claims will set up an appointment for you to have your vehicle estimated at an ICBC Claim Centre. |
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What if I don’t have any comprehensive insurance coverage? |
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Please contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department at 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222. |
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What if I’ve already had my vehicle repaired and my deductible reimbursed? Do I need to do anything further? |
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Please contact ICBC's Telephone Claims Department at 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222. Telephone Claims will explain if there are any further steps required. |
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Will this claim affect my ICBC insurance rates? |
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Highway 18 seal coating claims are comprehensive claims, and as such, do not affect your discount level.
If customers have far more than the average number of comprehensive claims, they may only be offered insurance with a higher comprehensive deductible or may not be offered any coverage at all. However, ICBC has temporarily suspended identified Highway 18 claims from this program, and is developing a long-term solution so customers will not be affected by these claims. |
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