The BC Highway Patrol (BCP) have revealed their top 10 excuses why motorists say they are driving an uninsured vehicle.
The list was sparked after the BC Highway Patrol – Kootenay uncovered a concerning trend of drivers operating their vehicles without valid insurance.
According to the police agency, between December 1st, 2023, and January 11th, a staggering 177 drivers were caught without insurance, each receiving a $598 violation ticket.
To shed light on the reasons behind this alarming behavior, BCP has compiled a list of the top 10 excuses they encountered during this period.
- ICBC never sent me a reminder.
- I am on the way to purchase insurance right now.
- I forgot.
- I don’t have a decal anymore.
- My insurance is paid for automatically, so I thought I didn’t need to renew.
- The registered owner is my mom, dad or friend and it’s their job.
- This is a company vehicle.
- My vehicle is actually insured, but I don’t have the documents.
- I cancelled the credit card that was making the preauthorized payments.
- I know I don’t have insurance, but I really needed to go somewhere.
“Drivers should think about the risks of operating without insurance which include paying a significant fine, being financially responsible for a collision, and expensive towing costs,” says the Officer in Charge of Kootenay Highway Patrol, Inspector Chad Badry.
“There is a risk of a driver’s license suspension or increased sanctions in court for repeat offences.”
Insurance renewal can be done online or over the phone. Police say to avoid driving the uninsured vehicle to the insurance broker for renewal.
Opting for the bus, rideshare, or taxi is a more cost-effective choice compared to facing a $598 violation ticket and incurring towing costs, Badry warns.
