In 2018 the British Columbia government announced major changes
to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act ("IVA"),
with the intention of addressing a significant increase in the cost
of claims over recent years. The most significant change comes in
the form of a "minor injury cap", which will provide an
upper limit to non-pecuniary damages claimed for motor vehicle
accidents in which only "minor injuries" were sustained.
This applies to accidents occurring on and after April 1,
2019.
Although the main focus of attention has been on the minor
injury cap, the legislation has also quietly made other significant
changes, including an increase in accident (medical) benefits, an
increase in wage benefits, and the expanded deductibility of
certain benefits from tort awards, reducing tort damages in certain
cases.
