The B.C. government–owned insurance company plans to save policyholders the trouble of visiting brokerages.

Today (February 14), ICBC said that "eligible" customers can have the option of renewing their policies over a computer, tablet, or mobile device.

The official launch of this initiative is May 1, but the Crown insurer says that some will be able to do this as soon as March 17.

“We know online insurance renewals are something our customers have been waiting for, and we’re pleased to announce that we’re on track to have this option go live next month,” ICBC president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez said in a news release. “Online insurance renewals add to the growing number of digital options available to customers, providing greater convenience, choice and flexibility for British Columbians.”

After the pandemic was declared, ICBC enabled policyholders to renew by phone and email.

May 1 will also be the last day that motorists will be required to display a licence-plate validation decal.

ICBC is investing $1 million in a program that helps law-enforcement officials to detect unlicensed and uninsured drivers.

“Working through the RCMP, police agencies in B.C. will be enhancing and expanding the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program that exists today," the minister responsible for ICBC, Mike Farnworth, said in the news release.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories have already gotten rid of these decals, according to the news release.