ICBC changes that may impact non-accredited collision repair shops
August 1, 2019
As ICBC is making changes to its collision repair program, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the proposed changes and understand what this means for non-accredited collision shops.
This work is part of a suite of changes we're making to get the car insurance system back on track and better for B.C.
The collision program redesign is the largest change to ICBC's collision repair programs since the introduction of Express Repair and the Collision Repair Industry Agreement (CRIA) in the early 2000s. It will involve changes in equipment and training requirements, processes, technology, and the delivery of training, as required, to support the new program.
New program overview
The new program (collision program redesign) will focus on long-term trends shaping changes in the industry. This includes effectively managing program performance and control, as well as rewarding and promoting high-performing repair facilities.
A key reason for updating our program requirements is the advancement in vehicle construction that has increased the need for specialized equipment and training. Specialized tools and training are required to properly repair vehicles made from advanced substrates, as well as, those with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
With the collision program redesign, ICBC would adopt one set of requirements for participating shops to ensure all ICBC-accredited collision repair facilities have the capability to perform safe, proper, repairs at the best market value. We're standardizing requirements so ICBC-accredited collision repair facilities have the capability to repair the majority of today's vehicles according to original manufacturer repair procedures.
The new set of requirements for equipment and training, when they take effect, would apply to all regular, private passenger (everyday car and truck) vehicle repairs.
To find out more about the proposed equipment and training requirements for the new program, please view the slides prepared for ICBC-accredited collision repair facilities to explain the upcoming changes.
What this may mean to you
All collision repair shops in the province, regardless of size, that meet the minimum program (equipment and training) requirements are welcome to apply to the new program. The proposed minimum equipment and training requirements will be finalized and communicated by the end of summer/early fall.
We will be phasing out direct billing for non-accredited collision shops over a two-year period from the start-date of the new program (collision program redesign) which will be implemented sometime early in 2020. The exact date will be confirmed once business process and technology changes are finalized, and training is delivered to support the program.
During the two-year transition period, non-accredited collision shops would continue to use their existing ICBC account number to direct bill. After the transition period, any non-accredited shops would not be able to direct bill using their ICBC account number for regular, private passenger vehicle repairs unless they are part of the new program.
Non-accredited collision shops that repair non-passenger vehicles (commercial vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes, specialty vehicles) would continue to use their existing ICBC account number to direct bill during the two-year transition period. After the transition period, shops that meet the ICBC requirements for non-passenger vehicle repairs (business type) would continue to use an ICBC account number to direct bill for repairs.
Find out more
You are invited to attend an online presentation and Q&A session to find out more about the changes we are making. We will be running a virtual session — you would access your computer and dial into the WebEx presentation on the date and time listed below. You will need to register in advance so we can provide you with instructions on how to join this live event.
Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Registration Link
Please ensure you register by Friday, August 16, 2019 end of day. After registering, you'll receive an email with instructions for joining the August 20 presentation.
Questions and answers about the upcoming changes are provided below. If you have other questions about the upcoming changes, please email us at [email protected] or contact Shane Loiselle at 778-368-6921.
Greg Beauregard
Director, Material Damage & Fraud Strategy & Programs
Questions and answers for non-accredited collision shops
What is the timing for phasing out direct billing with ICBC?
For non-accredited collision shops repairing regular private, passenger (everyday car and truck) vehicles, direct billing with ICBC will be phased out over two years from the start of the new program. For example: if the start-date is March 1, 2020 for the collision program redesign (new program), the direct billing option would end March 1, 2022; if the new program starts on January 1, 2020, direct billing would end on January 1, 2022.
When does the new program (collision program redesign) start?
The new program (collision program redesign) will be implemented sometime early in 2020. The exact date will be confirmed and shared with you once business process and technology changes are finalized, and training is delivered to support the program.
What does phasing out direct billing with ICBC mean?
When the collision program redesign (new program) comes into effect, there would be a transition period of two years in which non-accredited collision repair facilities would be able to use their existing ICBC account number to direct bill for regular private, passenger vehicle repair work. After this transition period, any non-accredited collision shops would not be able to use their ICBC account number to direct bill for regular, private passenger vehicle repairs unless they are part of the new program.
After this transition period, non-accredited collision shops that repair non-passenger vehicles (commercial vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes, specialty vehicles) would continue to use an ICBC account number to direct bill if the shop meets the requirements for non-passenger vehicle repairs (business type).
After the two-year transition period (see above), can customers still attend a non-accredited collision facility to have their work completed?
Yes. Customers retain the choice of where to take their vehicle. However, the customer would be required to pay the shop for the repairs, then submit the required documentation to ICBC for reimbursement. (Applies to private, passenger vehicles.)
Who can apply to the collision redesign program (new program)?
All collision repair facilities regardless of size that meet the minimum program (equipment and training) requirements are welcome to apply.
How much would it cost to purchase the equipment required for the new program?
The minimum training and equipment requirements will be finalized at the end of summer/early fall and more complete information will be provided to you then. To find out more about the proposed minimum equipment and training requirements for the new program, please view the slides prepared for ICBC-accredited collision repair facilities to explain the upcoming changes.
When can I apply to the new program?
We will notify you when the application process for the collision redesign program (new program) starts.
Why is ICBC adopting a higher standard for vehicle repairs?
Most modern vehicles require advanced equipment and training as set out by manufacturers' repair procedures. The proposed equipment and training requirements for the new program would be based on industry standards that address the increasingly complex technology in vehicles today, ensuring that ICBC-accredited collision repair facilities have the capability to perform safe, proper, customer repairs. ICBC is updating these requirements to increase customer confidence in ICBC claim-related repairs.
