‘It’s a struggle’: B.C. families anxious for rebate, ICBC maintains they will be sent by end of July

Many British Columbians are still wondering when their ICBC rebate cheque will arrive. But the insurance company maintains it’s on track to have about 3.5 million cheques sent out by the end of this month.

Sarah thought she would have it by now. She checked Facebook groups and quickly realized she’s not alone.

“I found in a mom’s group in the Tri-Cities that another mom had actually posted that question, and there was quite a big, long thread. I went through and started counting all the people who said that they didn’t have it, and I counted over 100 moms,” she told CityNews.

“It’s just really frustrating. When is the money coming? We all have bills, and it’s a struggle to pay for groceries right now.”

Related articles: 

• B.C. premier under fire after urging drivers ‘to think before you hop in the car’ amid gas price surge

• Many still waiting for ICBC rebate cheques, months after provincial promise payout

• Some B.C. drivers may not get ICBC rebate cheques until the summer

With skyrocketing gas prices, seemingly endlessly rising general cost of living in B.C., and suggestions the Bank of Canada will continue raising interest rates, every little bit helps. Sarah has been counting on that money to help her put food on the table.

“I think every family right now is just feeling the crunch, and we really want these rebate checks. I know for my family, we kind of were relying on them,” she said.

Other people have taken to social media, saying they are also still waiting for their rebates.

Its the end of july, where is the check you keep promising

— James Spowart (@spowart_james) July 29, 2022

My hubby and I have not received either cheque. We know lots of people who have since received it??

— RachelleB (@RachieRachelle) July 29, 2022

Last week, the public insurer said everyone who signed up for direct deposit — totalling 25,000 rebates — has been given their money, adding rebates had also been given to eligible customers via credit card.

“All other customers, including those who paid by debit, cash, cheque or payment plan, as well as customers whose credit cards could not be processed (for reasons including expiry dates or other technical reasons), will receive their rebate as a cheque,” ICBC said in a statement to CityNews.

It has been promising to have all rebates delivered to Canada Post by the end of July. It reiterated that promise on Friday, the last business day of the month.

Rebate cheques are on the way!

We're on track to have cheques in the mail by the end of July as planned. Thanks for your patience.

— ICBC (@icbc) July 29, 2022

It adds there is a scam circulating via text message.

“These messages are fake — we will not issue any rebates via text message or email. Please delete these messages.”

We are aware some customers have received text messages regarding their ICBC relief rebate. These messages are fake – we will not issue any rebates via text message or email. Please delete these messages. Info on how your rebate will be issued to you here: https://t.co/10J855SU9E

— ICBC (@icbc) July 29, 2022

The money is part of a promise made by the provincial government in March 2022, due to high gas prices. The ICBC website says the rebate is meant to “help ease the financial challenges facing drivers in our province right now.”

British Columbians who had a personal basic auto insurance policy active at any time in February are eligible for $110. Commercial drivers get a bit more money, $165, with Premier John Horgan previously noting these people tend to have higher expenses.

Related articles: 

• ICBC confident gas rebates will be distributed by end of July

• More people fixing their old cars due to lack of new supply, inflation

• Canada not ruling out gas tax break amid record inflation, cost of living concerns: Freeland

Initially, drivers were told they could expect the rebate in May and June.

With files from Sonia Aslam and Hana Mae Nassar