BC NDP leader David Eby is promising to freeze basic car insurance rates for another three years if re-elected, extending the current freeze until spring 2030.
BC NDP leader David Eby vows to freeze ICBC rates for an additional three years if re-elected:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 8, 2026
“I know the new system is not perfect — I know because we’re doing a review right now to make sure people are looked after under that system.” pic.twitter.com/VTfRlYjzJ0
If they follow through, the commitment would bring the total rate freeze to 10 consecutive years.
Eby says his proposed ICBC rate freeze would not lead to cuts in benefits and payouts:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 8, 2026
“Our projections for this rate freeze include space to be able to increase compensation for certain kinds of collisions that people rightly feel haven’t been properly compensated.” pic.twitter.com/MjiaYo6ZWz
“I fought hard to reduce car insurance rates, and I’ll fight to keep them low,” Eby said. “Nobody can afford for their bills to skyrocket to line the pockets of powerful insiders.”
The BC NDP says reforms to ICBC, including the introduction of the Enhanced Care model, have saved the average driver approximately $500 annually.
The party also claims drivers are now paying about $1,000 less per year than they would have without the reforms, accounting for projected increases in insurance premiums.
The announcement comes amid growing debate over the future of ICBC and BC's no-fault insurance model, following the release of a letter sent by BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson to the BC Trial Lawyers Association.
In the letter, Doerkson outlined plans to replace the current no-fault system with a hybrid model that would restore some drivers' ability to sue following a collision. He also indicated that allowing private insurers to compete was under consideration.
Eby has called BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson out for sending a letter to trial lawyers re: potential changes to ICBC.
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 8, 2026
In 2017, Adrian Dix also sent a letter to trial lawyers about ICBC.
Sitka Media’s @JarrydJaeger asked Eby what the difference is.
Here’s his response👇 pic.twitter.com/YSblvep93x
During Thursday's announcement, Sitka Media questioned Eby about his criticism of Doerkson's letter, noting that BC NDP MLA Adrian Dix had also sent a letter to trial lawyers in 2017.
“Adrian's letter said that there would be no changes to the system,” Eby responded. “Doerkson's letter said, everything is on the table.”
Eby argued that replacing the current model with a hybrid system would add legal fees and private insurer profits to the cost of basic auto insurance.
The proposed rate freeze is part of the BC NDP's broader affordability platform, which includes pledges to reduce gas prices by up to 30 cents per litre and introduce measures aimed at limiting grocery price increases.
British Columbians head to the polls on October 24.
