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ICBC enhancing vehicle claims information access for customers

June 19, 2002 Vancouver BC -- People who are in the market for a used vehicle have a convenient new tool to help them in their buying decisions.

As of June 11, customers can access information on a vehicle's ICBC claims history through www.icbc.com. This online service is fast and user-friendly, and provides an after-hours" alternative to ICBC's phone and fax vehicle damage information service.

"We believe that customers will welcome this service," said Bill Goble, senior vice president for sales and service. "We're pleased to have a new product that can help customers to become more informed buyers of used vehicles."

To access a vehicle's claims history online, the customer will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle. When the VIN is entered, ICBC's vehicle damage information systems will confirm that the number entered corresponds to the correct vehicle by providing vehicle details (make, model, and year). The system then generates a report on the entire ICBC claims history for the vehicle. This vehicle claims history report can either be printed or sent to any e-mail address.

The cost for this service is $20 plus GST per search. Payment is by Visa or MasterCard.

ICBC has provided vehicle claims information to consumers since 1995, through a phone and fax service. In 1999, an online access system was added for high-volume users, such as motor dealers and vehicle auction businesses. In 2001, ICBC handled over 82,000 phone and fax information requests, and more than 113,000 requests were made through the dealer service.

Customers can access the Vehicle Claims History Service through the home page of www.icbc.com. For phone service, call the toll-free hotline at 1.800.464.5050 or 604.661.2233 in the Lower Mainland. For requests by fax, the number is 604.443.7307 or 604.443.4683.

The "Buying a Car" section of ICBC's website also has helpful information for prospective vehicle buyers. The section includes information on car dealers, private sales, inspecting a vehicle and a checklist to use as a reference when shopping for a vehicle.