Where’s my ICBC rebate? Some drivers still waiting

It’s been close to six months since the province announced B.C. drivers would be getting an ICBC rebate to help offset the high cost of gas — but it appears some people are still waiting for their money.

Dozens of people have reached out to CityNews to complain about the delay, saying the rollout hasn’t quite gone to plan.

“Still waiting On (sic) mine. I called ICBC customer service who said they sent my cheque via mail in July. Magically lost in mail. They said to call back after September 2 if not received. Well, got nothing, so another phone call,” one person said.

Still waiting On mine. I called ICBC customer service who said they sent my cheque via mail in July. Magically lost in mail. They said to call back after September 2 if not received. Well, got nothing, so another phone call

— Tootie Frootie (@TootieFrootie13) September 2, 2022

“Still waiting I check the mail daily! It’s ridiculous now!” another added.

“Still waiting. Nothing received. It would sure be nice to help with gas,” a third social media user posted, adding they called ICBC days ago and were told if the cheque that was mailed was cancelled, it would take another four to six weeks for a new one.

“They are offering direct deposit online now, but who knows how long that will take? Where did the mail go in the 1st place?”

Icalled @icbc a couple of days ago and I was told if they cancelled my already mailed cheque I would have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for a new one. They are offering direct deposit online now, but who knows how long that will take? Where did the mail go in the 1st place? @NDP

— RachelleB (@RachieRachelle) September 2, 2022

While some drivers say they haven’t gotten their $110 rebate from the public insurer, others say they’ve gotten a cheque for one vehicle but not another.

For those who have received their money, some tell CityNews the letter that accompanied the cheque was back dated to months ago.

In a statement to CityNews, ICBC says it has “sent out all relief rebates.”

“If a customer has not received theirs, our Insurance Customer Service team can help re-issue the rebate,” the insurer added, thanking customers for their patience.

In all, about 3.5 million cheques have been issued by ICBC, totalling $396 million.

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Related articles: 

• Some British Columbians still waiting for ICBC gas rebate, others ineligible

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

• Driving less? Eating less? How people are coping with the cost of living

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Canada Post has said it is fully staffed and that there have not been any issues in delivering mail.

In July, ICBC told CityNews everyone who had “signed up for direct deposit” had been given their money. Rebates had also reportedly been given to eligible customers via credit card.

The money is part of a promised made by the provincial government in March 2022, due to record 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.

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

ICBC customers can reach the Insurance Customer Service team by calling 604-661-2800 or 1-800-663-3051.