What's Going On In B.C.? ICBC delays reported to cause repair backlogs across the province

Vancouver, British Columbia – Unconfirmed details from reliable sources suggest an ongoing labour dispute at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is being manifested through a work-to-rule campaign. This has resulted in significant delays in shop payments, repair approvals and an increased number of vehicle write-offs due to extended rental periods.

Shops struggling to keep up

B.C. collision repair facilities are feeling the strain of a growing backlog of vehicles. Many repair professionals report that the delays are crippling their ability to complete repairs in a timely manner. Shops are claiming difficulties getting approvals from ICBC is leading to cars sitting in their facilities for weeks while customers grow frustrated.

“We’re seeing cars waiting in our shop for approvals far longer than usual, which means we can’t move vehicles through our facility efficiently,” said one shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s creating a major backlog, and customers are taking their anger out on us.”

Another shop owner noted that the administrative burden has increased drastically due to ICBC’s request for more detailed repair information. “They’re asking for so much documentation now that we’re seriously considering hiring an additional employee just to handle ICBC estimates and approvals,” they said. “It’s slowing us down, adding costs, and making an already tight business environment even tougher.”

Shops on the chopping block?

Rumours also circulating within the industry suggest that ICBC may be looking to reduce the number of accredited repair shops, particularly those deemed to be on the lower end of the quality spectrum. 

While the introduction of ICBC’s tiered repair system was meant to streamline operations and ensure quality control, many shops in the province fear it could also be a precursor to a mass reduction of participating shops.

This is a developing story.