If you recently purchased a Tesla Model 3 in British Columbia, don’t be surprised to receive an ‘Underpayment Invoice’ in your mailbox from ICBC.
That’s what happened to Joy Nantes purchased a 2021 Tesla Model 3 on November 21st last year. When picking up her car she arranged insurance as you are required to do before leaving the store with your new car.
Imagine her surprise when more than three months later she receives this letter in the mail stating that “due to Multiple Errors” she owes an additional $760 for her insurance premium.
Not only that, she will also be charged interest on the outstanding amount if it isn’t paid within 30 days.
After calling ICBC for an explanation she was told that at the time she picked up her car, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 was not yet in their database. As a result, the insurance agent used a temporary vehicle identification code (VIC) and a manual amount of $52,XXX to calculate the premium.
Now that the the VIC is in the database, the premium should have been much higher, and all owners are being sent a letter.
She posted her experience to the Tesla Model 3 Owners Club – Vancouver Facebook group, where multiple other owners shared similar stories. Some were asked to pay as little as $200 more, while others are being forced to pay as much as $1,400 more.
Unfortunately there appears to be no recourse for these owners. After questioning ICBC further it was explained the agents told everyone to expect this letter in a few months, even though clearly that was not the case. All but one owner reported being told this.
Have you also received this letter from ICBC? How much extra do you owe? Let us know in the comments below.
