One of the best ways to avoid getting in a collision is to follow the speed limit. In this case, speeding can definitely lead to unwanted crashes when out of the roads, especially during poor weather conditions. When in combination with high volumes of traffic, inclement weather, and driving faster than you should, there is a higher risk of vehicle accidents that can lead to chain reactions.

As drivers, we should always adhere to the speed limits, as they are set for a reason. In the event you have to stop unexpectedly, if you are travelling at a slower speed, it is more likely that you will be able to stop in time and avoid a serious collision.

In addition to speeding, not maintaining distance between other vehicles is another driving error that can commonly result in a major traffic accident. In fact, the ICBC actually states that when driving, it is necessary to keep to a distance that allows for two – three seconds of space between each driver and the vehicle in front.

They also go on to recommend that when operating a vehicle when road conditions are less than ideal, such as when visibility is partially hindered by fog or rain, drivers should remain at a distance of 4 seconds. In cases of more extreme weather, such as icy and snowy conditions, it is deal that this space be increases even further – and up to 6 seconds should be the norm.

In order to improve road safety and to reduce the occurrence of domino collisions, it is important that drivers keep their distance from one another, gauging the time between each other along with the nature of the road conditions at any given time.

This third safety tip reminds drivers of the importance of remaining alert at all times. It can only take a second and If you don’t watch the car in front of you, you could be the one to rear-end another vehicle.

This level of awareness is also important so that you are aware of how other drivers are operating their vehicles. Not only do you not want to cause an accident, you do not want to fall victim to a car crash as a result of the unsafe driving of others around you.

By maintaining alertness and distracted-free driving, this can significantly lower your chances of being in any type of car accident – especially one that leads to the domino effect and can place others safety in jeopardy.

Lastly, in order to avoid dangerous outcomes directly related to unsafe driving, drivers can also be proactive and staying away from larger vehicles. Since it is just poor weather conditions that can restrict visibility when driving, so can driving behind or beside large trucks.

There are other reasons that trucks can be the instigators when it comes to collisions, such as the loss of cargo that can rather abruptly fall down onto the the road and even onto near by vehicles.

Either way, these types of dangerous incidents have been known to lead to major accidents, including the frequent occurrence of chain reaction crashes.

In the end, by monitoring your speed, maintaining distance between other vehicles, remaining alert, and avoiding driving behind big trucks, you can greatly reduce your risk of being in a car accident. These actions can also provide a greater sense of protection when it comes to avoiding the hazardous consequences that can result from being involved in a dangerous collision.

Ultimately as drivers, it should be our top priority to keep ourselves and each other safe while on the roads at all times. One other way to remain protected is to have the proper vehicle insurance coverage.

Reach out to our experts at Leaders Insurance to ensure you have the best insurance package for your needs and in turn, keep all aspects related to safe driving at the forefront of your mind each and every time you get behind the wheel.

As a BC driver, if you had an ICBC insurance policy between April 1 and September 30, 2021, you are very likely eligible to receive this rebate. There are however some exceptions, such as individuals with lower insurance usage, for example in the case of those with vehicle operating permits that spanned less than 15 days. Rebate cheques are expected to be mailed directly to those who qualify beginning on March 15th.

The origins of the rebates stem from the reduction in collision claims made during this time period. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and perhaps also due to less vehicle operations overall, the Crown corporation was able to save approximately $600 million this year. These excess funds are being re-directed back into the pockets of many BC car insurance policy holders in mere upcoming weeks.

It is important to also mention that the exact rebate amount that you will receive will depend on the type of coverage you had. With that said, these amounts will average approximately $190 for each eligible BC driver falling into this category. Ultimately, this amount is a breakdown of the 19% that each policy holder paid between April and September of the last year.

Furthermore, the BC government has stated that these amounts will be automatically calculated based on the nature of each individual policy. It is significant to also note that these payments also reflect the largest insurance rebates that have historically been paid out across the entire country.

As BC drivers wait for the Utilities Commission’s 15% insurance rate decrease to take effect in May, this timely monetary support is on the way. The rebates, combined with these future lower premiums, will aim to make driving in this province more financially manageable.

For more details on this rebate, it is suggested that you reach out to your insurance broker for the most up-to-date information.

At Leaders Insurance, we are here to support you with your individual insurance needs. As a driver in BC, we can offer you the insurance policy that best reflects the right amount of coverage for your vehicle and for your peace of mind.

As the province looks forward to more affordable vehicle insurance premiums, you can reach out to us with any questions you have about your current policy, as well as your future insurance needs.

In a recent move by then BC utilities regulator, and as per a request by the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC), BC residents are soon to see a 15% reduction in all basic insurance rates.

The plan being, that this initial 15% decrease will act as a short-term percentage reduction and will begin on May 1, 2021. Following that, the province’s Utilities Commission will determine a more permanent rate moving forward.

With this being the most significant rate reduction in approximately 40 years, this definitely shows that there is some light at the end of the tunnel for BC car owners.

To fully put these high rates into perspective, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reports BC annual average insurance rates as high as $1832. Next in line is Ontario, who sits at a slightly lower rate of $1528. In rather drastic comparison, we have Quebec with the lowest of these premiums at $717 per year.

With BC insurance premiums currently sitting at the highest among all other provinces, these reduced rates will look to ensure that BC residents also have access to more affordable vehicle insurance. Ultimately, this change is set to place them more on par with other provinces, like Ontario or even Alberta, who’s residents by comparison experience yearly rates of approximately $1316.

This move not only looks to lower these rates, however, it also involves the reallocation of substantial funds, in the hundreds of million dollar range. Currently, these finds are being used towards insurance legal fees, and moving forward, they will be used towards cases where individuals have sustained injuries as a result of vehicle collisions or crashes.

Overall, it is expected that these changes will translate into a 20% reduction in provincial premium claims, with an average decrease of $400 each year.

Another move made by the ICBC will see rebates being offered to drivers to offset the cost of current rates as a stopgap until May, when the lower rates take effect.

While these rebates will still have to go through one final approval process with the provincial insurance commission, there is reason to remain positive that BC drivers we be able to take advantage of the rebates as soon as possible as more affordable insurance rates are just around the corner.

Turning to an insurance expert is an effective way to learn even more about these upcoming changes.

At Leaders Insurance, we are here to provide the most up-to-date information on car insurance premiums in BC.  Contact us to learn more about these developments and together, we can find the car insurance package that is right for you.