Beware ICBC!
I read with interest the letter from Stan New regarding the "sand" being used on the highway.
As Paul Harvey would have said, "Now here's the rest of the story."
I too have had the pleasure of having my windshield pelted from the gravel being used on the highways, mostly thrown from the tires of oncoming large trucks.
So far this year, I've had to replace my truck's windshield once, and my wife has had to replace her SUV's windshield twice from cracks caused from rocks thrown by oncoming traffic. My new windshield already has three chips and one small crack.
As a result of these claims, ICBC recently sent us a letter stating we no longer qualify to have glass coverage on her SUV. If she still wants comprehensive insurance, the minimum deductible is now $1,000 - far more than the cost of a windshield.
After appealing to ICBC, we received a second letter stating we could re-apply in a couple of years if we are claim free and a suggestion that we contact an ICBC agent to get "tips on how to avoid being hit with rocks."
I asked an agent about this, and they said "Are you kidding me? Have they ever driven in the north in the wintertime?"
Last week I went to renew a policy on another vehicle and found out we are now not eligible for glass coverage on any of our vehicles.
This is in spite of us having the highest safe driving discount available.
From what I have heard, ICBC has mandated that YRB use gravel instead of sand, since sand blows off too easily, but apparently losing a windshield to these rocks is the result of careless and reckless driving and will result in a loss of insurance coverage.
In my opinion, ICBC is getting out of control and needs to be brought to task.
Dave Rodall
Prince George
