ICBC claims more than double during Tuesday snow storm

As you might expect, the number of auto insurance claims saw a spike after Tuesday’s snow storm in the Lower Mainland.

ICBC says it saw claims more than double for Nov. 29, to 3,567 from 1,445 a day prior. Compared to Tuesday of the previous week, claims spiked 94 per cent, the insurer said, adding figures may change as people continue to call in.

The jump may not come as a total surprise, with many crashes and stalls reported on Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley roads due to the snow conditions.

Many videos and images posted to social media painted a detailed picture of what was happening throughout the evening commute, with some vehicles also seen flipped over, while other slid down snowy and icy hills.

The storm created chaotic scenes, with traffic backups gridlocking major highways and other routes for hours upon hours Tuesday. In some cases, traffic was so backed up that people waiting more than 11 hours to get from point A to point B.

Related articles: 

• Snow causes havoc on Lower Mainland highways for Wednesday commute

• Drivers stuck in traffic for hours see community support

• B.C. not considering urban snow tire mandate

• Below freezing temps and icy roads for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley

It’s not uncommon for ICBC to report an increase in claims following major storms.

During a snow event in December of 2021, the insurer reported a 28 per cent increase in claims compared to the same day the previous year.

With more snow in the forecast to end the work week, ICBC is asking drivers to slow down, adjust their driving to the conditions and ensure their vehicle is prepared.

Friday’s storm isn’t expected to be quite as bad as Tuesday’s, with about two centimetres of snow expected for Metro Vancouver.

— With files from OMNI News