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“ICBC has some work to do in further optimizing its operations; however, these changes alone will not contain claims cost growth to within sustainable levels in the medium to long term, particular with regards to bodily injury claims costs,” read a section of the draft report that was removed from the final version.

“In order to sustain low rates going forward while continuing to work in the best interest of policy holders, the province could consider the levers at its disposal such as introducing limited product reform to cap benefits for minor injuries and adjusting the premium structure to ensure equity among policyholders by driving risk rating.

“This would require a bold change in policy direction but the results observed in other jurisdictions in terms of claims cost reductions are compelling.”

It wasn’t until 2017 that those ideas were seriously considered, after Ernst & Young wrote a second report with many of the same recommendations. By then, ICBC’s financial state had deteriorated so badly that the report warned the Crown corporation was unsustainable and motorists would need to brace for insurance hikes of almost 30 per cent in the next two years unless drastic changes were made.

NDP Attorney General David Eby has said he’s exploring caps on claims, among other changes, to salvage ICBC from its current path to insolvency. Meanwhile, ICBC lost $612-million in 2016/17.

“There’s now evidence the old government was told how to prevent a crisis at ICBC and protect drivers, but instead of looking out for B.C. motorists, the B.C. Liberals decided to look out for themselves,” Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said in a statement Monday.