Since May 2022, BC drivers no longer need to display insurance validation stickers on their licence plates—a change meant to simplify auto insurance renewal. But without that visual reminder, an alarming number of drivers in Greater Vancouver are forgetting to renew their policies. The result? A surge in tickets for driving without insurance.
New ICBC data reveals the scale of the problem:
- 2023: 16,837 tickets issued for uninsured driving
- 2022: 10,144 tickets
- 2021: 10,227 tickets
That’s nearly 17,000 drivers fined $598 each in 2023 alone, not to mention the legal and financial risks of being uninsured. With the stakes this high, changing auto insurance policies or staying on top of renewing auto insurance has never been more critical.
Why Are Tickets on the Rise? Renew Auto Insurance in Vancouver
The elimination of insurance decals removed a convenient visual reminder for drivers to renew auto insurance. Without stickers to jog their memory, many BC motorists, including those in Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver area, are unintentionally letting their insurance lapse. Setting up the BC Services Card app for securely logging in to the ICBC Online system is crucial for renewing insurance policies, as it allows users to confirm policy details easily while ensuring their identity is verified.
Additionally, drivers traveling to other provinces or the U.S. have reported confusion with local enforcement, as law enforcement outside BC often expects visible validation decals. This has led to unnecessary stops, and in some cases, fines.
To further complicate matters, old expired stickers left on license plates can mislead officers in other regions, making it essential to either remove decals carefully or ensure you carry proof of insurance documents when traveling.
Stay Protected with King Auto Insurance
At King Insurance, we’re here to help drivers in Vancouver and Greater Vancouver avoid costly fines and the hassle of driving without insurance. Whether you need to change auto insurance details or renew your policy, our team offers convenient remote services to ensure your insurance is always up to date. With the option to renew auto insurance online, you can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of managing your ICBC auto insurance online. Online renewals provide a quick and convenient option for customers, with specific eligibility criteria to be met. Our licensed brokers are available to assist you throughout the online renewal process, ensuring your policy is reviewed and any concerns are addressed.
Here’s how we can help:
- Renew Your ICBC Insurance
- Update Your Address
- Change Vehicle Usage
- Update Listed Drivers
- Adjust Your Coverage
Please note that certain vehicle types, such as collector vehicles, company-owned vehicles, jointly owned vehicles, and leased vehicles, cannot be renewed online and require in-person processing.
Our dedicated team ensures your renewals and policy changes are processed quickly and efficiently, just like visiting us in person—whether you’re in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, or any other part of Greater Vancouver.
Travel Tips for BC Drivers Without ICBC Auto Insurance Decals
If you’re driving out of province or to the U.S., take these steps to avoid confusion or fines:
- Remove Expired Decals: Scrape off old stickers to prevent misinterpretation by local law enforcement.
- Carry Renewal Documents: Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle to show as needed ($81 penalty for failing to produce this proof). Any outstanding debt owed must be settled before you can renew your policy online.
- Set Renewal Reminders: Use calendar alerts or apps to ensure you renew before your policy lapses.
Email Us: Send your request to ICBC@kinginsurance.ca. Fill Out Our Form: Complete your renewal or make changes online at https://kinginsurance.ca/icbc-renew.
Protect Yourself and Your Wallet with a Licensed Insurance Representative
Don’t let the lack of an insurance sticker put you at risk. Whether you need to renew auto insurance in Vancouver, manage your car insurance renewal in Burnaby, or change auto insurance policies in Surrey, King Insurance is here to keep you covered across Greater Vancouver. Take advantage of the convenience to renew online, stay insured, and drive with peace of mind.
Having your insurance renewed online offers numerous benefits, including easy access to policy management and dedicated support for customers throughout the renewal process.