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‘Just on my way’ tops list of excuses uninsured drivers give Kootenay highway patrol

Kootenay highway patrol reports ‘shocking’ number of uninsured drivers
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BC Highway Patrol Kootenay covers roadway enforcement in the East and West Kootenays, including Golden and Revelstoke. Image: BC Highway Patrol

“I am on my way right now,” and “ICBC never sent me a reminder,” are top excuses non-insured drivers have given BC Highway Patrol when pulled over on Kootenay highways.

From Dec. 1, 2023, to Jan. 11, BC Highway Patrol Kootenay says it has located a whopping 177 people driving around in uninsured vehicles.

The offence doesn’t come without a hit to the pocketbook: each driver was fined $598 for driving without insurance.

“Drivers should think about the risks of operating without insurance which include paying a significant fine, being financially responsible for a collision, and expensive towing costs,” says Insp. Chad Badry, officer in charge of Kootenay Highway Patrol.

“There is a risk of a driver’s licence suspension or increased sanctions in court for repeat offences.”

As a result of so many people caught cruising without coverage, BC Highway Patrol has compiled a list of the most common excuses encountered.

Top 10 excuses for driving without insurance

ICBC never sent me a reminder;

I am on the way to purchase insurance right now;

I forgot;

I don’t have a decal anymore;

My insurance is paid for automatically, so I thought I didn’t need to renew;

The registered owner is my mom, dad or friend and it’s their job;

This is a company vehicle;

My vehicle is actually insured, but I don’t have the documents;

I cancelled the credit card that was making the pre-authorized payments;

I know I don’t have insurance, but I really needed to go somewhere.

Advice from BC Highway Patrol

Owners must renew their own insurance as it is not automatically renewed;

Drivers should check the expiry dates on a vehicle’s documents before driving;

Renewal notices are sent only as a courtesy and your address should be up to date;

Set a reminder in your phone’s calendar;

Documents must be kept in the vehicle or drivers may receive an $81 fine.

Moreover, highway patrol says to arrange a ride with a friend or find alternative transportation if driving to renew your insurance is your only option.

“Taking the bus, rideshare or taxi is cheaper than a $598 violation ticket and towing costs.”

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Sheri Regnier

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