We’re more than just insurance. Here you’ll find tips and tricks for your insurance, and what we bring into our local communities.
Online Renewals and Decal Elimination
You may have heard that ICBC’s expanding their online insurance services. Online Autoplan insurance renewals will be available to most ICBC customers with a personal insurance policy for renewals effective May 1, 2022, onward.
Renew your Autoplan insurance in the convenience of your own home.
Online Renewals
The government announced that British Columbians will soon have the convenience of renewing their insurance online up to 45-days in advance. This means, some insureds can renew as early as March 17th (for a May 1st effective date).
Decal Elimination
EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2022.
Now, with the new online renewal system all BC drivers will no longer be required to display a decal. As many of you were probably curious regarding how you were supposed to obtain the decal with renewing online, you don’t need it!
Road Safety
Previously, law enforcement would scan your license plates decal to confirm active insurance. Now that ICBC is no longer issuing decals, law enforcement will remain up-to-date with ICBC’s changes, they will soon receive ALPR (automated license plate reader) to scan for active insurance.
The Broker
Now, this doesn’t totally eliminate the broker. We are still here to assist in the review of your online renewal, questions, concerns, and changes. This new online service is only applicable to renewal transactions; not for transfers, policy changes, or new plates.
Many of you have already taken advantage of ICBC's Insurance Business Continuity Plan (BCP: email and phone process), this feature remains available for brokers to use for the foreseeable future, this process is best to accommodate clientele who want to do business without face-to-face interaction.
All of our locations are open 7-days a week to assist you.
Renew with us.
In-person, or via phone and email. We’ll make it easy!
Moving to BC from Another Province? Here's What You Need to Know
Moving from another province to BC is a new challenge, but with a little organization and planning you can succeed easily. Read this guide to keep yourself organized!
You are faced with a turning point in your life —moving to BC! You have probably had experience moving between cities in your province before, but moving across the country to a new province could be a whole new level of challenge that needs a lot of planning and organization. If you are planning to move from another province to BC within the near future, read this guide to keep yourself organized!
Moving across the country isn’t easy, but with some organization you can stay on top of it.
3 Important Costs to Consider When Moving to BC
1) Cost of Living
Do some research on the cost of living of the new city where you’ll be living in while keeping in mind your own spending habits and salary. You want to make sure that you still some money for you to enjoy yourself and explore around the city beside spending on basic necessities. Moving to BC from another province can entail a lot of costs, but it could also be a new opportunity for you to save money because provincial taxes, food, utilities could be cheaper in your new city.
2) Transportation Costs
Look into transit fees, monthly passes, gas prices, parking fees, and insurance rates in your new city. Living close to work reduces transit costs but increases parking costs, and living farther away increases your transit costs or gas costs. Comparing these prices helps you decide on where you want to live.
Auto Insurance
Tailored auto insurance coverage for you and your vehicle.
3) Housing Costs
You also need to take housing costs into consideration when you are comparing different transportation costs because, for example, a lower housing price farther away from the city results in a longer commute, which increases your transit costs. Look into the housing market in your city and find a neighbourhood that works best for you. If you end up sacrificing the quality of your home for a cheaper rent, you need to consider purchasing tenants insurance to protect your belongings.
tenants insurance
Protect yourself and your personal possessions with Tenants Insurance in a new city.
How do you move your belongings to BC?
1) Hire a Moving Company
If you want a comfortable moving experience and have some extra money to spend, you can hire a moving company to help you with every aspect of moving, from packing to unpacking. Some companies charge by weight, and others charge a flat rate depending on the distance between the two cities. You also have the option to only request for loading and unloading, which entails less cost.
2) Rent a Moving Truck
If you are comfortable driving a moving truck and want to save money, you can rent a one-way moving truck and return it in your destination city. U-Haul, for example, offers one-way moving truck rental. If you have limited experience in driving a moving truck, make sure to review the driving manual that the company provides you to ensure safety for everyone.
3) Use a Moving Container
Another option that comes in handy especially for families with children is renting a moving container. You can pack at your own speed and, when you’re ready, call the moving company to get your stuff going. When you are on the trip and want to stop for a break, you don’t need to worry about your belongings since they are stored and safely handled by professionals.
Give notice before moving
Since you will be moving to another province that operates with different systems, you should get ready to have everything in order once you arrive in BC. You should contact your doctors, (children’s) schools, service providers, employer, banks, friends and family that you will be moving to get copies for the important documents. Some processes may take longer than you expect, so it’s better to start preparing as soon as you know you will be moving.
Get insured with Maxxam Insurance
Welcome to BC! We are a BC-based insurance company that offers services in Victoria, Burnaby, Nanaimo, and Penticton. Whenever you have an insurance-related question or would like a free quote, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to assist you with a smooth transition in BC!
get help today
Talk with a licensed insurance agent today to get help with any insurance needs.
Safety Tips for Boating This Summer
While recreational boating is an extraordinarily exciting activity, it comes with its own risks. Learn these safety boating tips to prepare for your next trip!
Recreational Boating is an extraordinary activity that lots of people in BC enjoy, especially during summertime when the weather is nice. The good news is that you don’t have to own a boat to enjoy this activity - you can also borrow or rent for very little cost. But one thing is certain: whether you own, borrow, or rent, you are responsible for being well-trained and keeping yourself informed about all potential risks and safety measures. Here are 6 important tips for safe boating this summer:
Equip yourself with lifejackets
Each person on board a watercraft (including human-powered craft) should wear a Canadian-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
Don’t boat under the influence
People who operate a boat under the influence of alcohol and recreational drugs face the same fines and penalties as those who drive under the influence in BC. To ensure that you and everyone on board is safe, please enjoy your beverages after your dock!
Get professionally trained
You must have a Pleasure Craft operator Card in order to drive a motorized boat. It is recommended that you take additional boating courses to hone your boating skills for the safety of yourself and your passengers.
Make sure you’re all set
Make sure that your boat has enough fuel and all the required safety gear. Check the weather and tides in your cruising area to ensure that the conditions are safe for your skills and your vessel’s capabilities. It’s a good idea to share your trip plans with someone before departing.
Beware of cold-water risks
Cold water is risky because it can cause hypothermia. Learn to protect yourself.
Get insured with Maxxam Insurance
Marine Insurance is an all-risk policy that will cover your boat in the water and while in storage. Additionally, boat policies will cover you for emergency expenses (search & rescue, towing, etc.) and personal items onboard. We will ensure your boat is protected with the best available insurance plan with flexible payment options!
Marine Insurance
We offer a variety of customized insurance packages depending on the type of coverage you need. Whether you have a pleasure craft or commercial vessel, we have insurance protection for your asset!
Prepping Your Boat for Summer
Summer is around the corner - be sure your boat is prepped and ready to hit the water! Here are some equipment and safety tips to insure your boat is secure.
LETS TALK BOATING
Summer is just around the corner. Well… if it ever decides to stop raining that is. Here on the West Coast, we have lots of boating options available to us, some of them year-round. For most people though, their pleasure crafts have been winterized and stored safely out of the rain since last year. Spring is the time when us hopeful West Coasters see a glimpse of sunshine and jump on outdoor activities. So what can you do to de-winterize your boat? Well before you go delivering your beautiful vessel into the water you’ll want to follow at least these few steps to ensure the safety of you and your fellow boaters:
Check the Engine. If you didn’t change the oil and oil filter at the end of last season, now is the time to do it. Changing the oil will help prevent corrosion and excessive wear which can lead to loss of power, poor fuel economy, or even engine failure. You’ll also want to flush the cooling system and replace the antifreeze. Also, check the battery and see if it needs replacing.
Inspect the Exterior. Check over the entire hull and look for any scrapes or cracks that might need to be fixed before hitting the water. If the boat’s exterior appears chalky it could mean oxidation has occurred and you may need to refinish the gel coat. While you’re inspecting you can polish the hull with a marine safe cleaning solution.
Check over the Vinyl and/or Canvas. Inspect your seats, covers, etc for tears or rips and have them repaired. While you’re at it, you should give the interior of your boat a good clean.
Test Electronics. Make sure you test all of your electronics and check that they are in working order. Replace or repair when needed.
Check your Safety Equipment. Make sure all of your safety equipment is available and that nothing has broken or expired. Review this guideline from discoverboating.ca:
Required and Recommended Equipment
Sound signaling device
Check distress signals and expiration date
Check PFDs
Inspect life rings
Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
Check and adjust compass
Check navigation lights
Check charts and replace as necessary
Check radar reflector
Check and replace first aid supplies
Check bailer and hand pump
Last but certainly not least, get insured by one of our knowledgeable experts today!
Marine Insurance
We offer a variety of customized insurance packages depending on the type of coverage you need. Whether you have a pleasure craft or commercial vessel, we have insurance protection for your asset!