Beginning April 24, 2015, ICBC claims staff and operations will be located at the Smithers Service BC Centre located at 1020 Murray St. This change will create a ‘one-stop shop’ for ICBC and many government services in Smithers.

Closing the current ICBC claims office and relocating operations to Service BC is more efficient and helps to lower costs without impacting services or reducing staffing levels. With this move, ICBC and Service BC customers will also benefit from a more central and convenient location that offers a wider range of government services.

ICBC already shares office space with Service BC for driver licensing in Smithers and 28 other locations throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk -

“Having ICBC and Service BC services combined at a single destination will provide more convenient access to government services for British Columbians in the area. This change will allow us to continue providing the same levels of customer service while also saving money.”

Minister of Transportation Todd Stone -

“ICBC claims are being handled directly over the phone in increasing numbers. Moving claims operations into the Service BC centre will save money, maintain current staff and service levels and improve efficiency.”

ICBC president and CEO Mark Blucher -

”We’re committed to providing our customers with consistent, quality services, enhancing customer convenience and maintaining our presence in communities across the province.”

Quick Facts:

• Service BC delivers hundreds of services for government programs to residents, businesses and visitors - in person, online and over the phone. There are 61 Service BC centres located in British Columbia, serving more than 1.34 million people every year.
• ICBC has 38 claim centres throughout the province, many of which were designed to support the old claims service model where, generally, in-person appointments and on-site vehicle damage estimates were required.
• With ICBC’s new business model and claims system, the majority of customers are eligible to take their damaged vehicle directly to an ICBC-accredited c.a.r. shop VALET repair facility for an estimate.

Learn More:

ICBC: www.icbc.com

Service BC Smithers: http://www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/smithers.html

Media Contacts:

Trish Fougner
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services
250 387-0172