Drivers in British Columbia who renew their Insurance Corporation of B.C. coverage this year could face an additional charge, depending on where they live or who they allow behind the wheel.
Starting May 1, ICBC will impose a $25 charge if additional drivers are listed on a vehicle's insurance.
The charge will apply if the secondary driver does not own a vehicle or has less experience or a worse driving record than the principal driver.
ICBC spokesman Doug McClelland also says the B.C. Utilities Commission has officially approved the 3.3 per cent rate hike that has been in effect since last May.
In addition, the commission has approved variable increases or decreases of up to six per cent to reflect risk levels posed by certain classes of vehicle or accident rates in specific areas of the province.
McClelland says variable rates will affect a very small number of drivers in rapidly growing suburban areas where increasing vehicle volume creates a higher risk of crashes.
