ICBC will issue a one-time $110 relief rebate to ease the financial burden of increased gas prices caused by the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
The rebate will total more than $395 million and comes at time when the global increase in gas prices and other cost pressures have affected day-to-day life for British Columbians, according to a media release by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“People are facing increased costs through no fault of their own, but as a chain reaction that started with Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine,” said Premier John Horgan. “As a result of our work to fix ICBC, we’re in a position to put money back in people’s pockets to help a little with these increased costs.”
Most ICBC customers with a basic auto insurance policy during the month of February will be eligible for the rebate. Most commercial customers will receive a rebate of $165 because they generally incur higher expenses.
ICBC is in a position to provide the relief rebate as a result of its forecast annual net income of $1.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022. The remaining income will be reinvested into ICBC’s capital reserves, according to the release.
“This rebate is going to help a lot of people in this province,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general. “This is another opportunity to put money back in the pockets of the hardworking people who make this province a great place to live.”
Eligible ICBC customers can expect to receive their rebate in May if they are registered for direct deposit with ICBC, or as a refund to their credit card. All other customers will receive cheques in June.
