overview of substantive changes to the ... of substantive changes to the insurance act (b.c.) these...

OVERVIEW OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES TO THE

INSURANCE ACT (B.C.)

These materials were prepared by John M. Moshonas, John A. Vamplew and Robert B. Lilly of Whitelaw Twining Law Corporation, Vancouver, BC for a conference held in Vancouver, BC hosted by Pacific Business & Law Institute, January 28, 2009.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1 II. MAJOR CHANGES BY TOPIC............................................................................2

a. Restructuring of the Act.....................................................................2 b Limitation Periods..............................................................................3

i. Extension from 1 to 2 year Limitation Period ...................................3 ii. Postponement of Limitation Period – Section 7 of the Limitation Act 4 iii. Notice of Limitation Period Requirement..........................................4

c. Subrogation ........................................................................................4 d. Coverage for Innocent Co-insured.....................................................5 e. Revisions to Statutory Conditions .....................................................7 f. Expansion of Relief from Forfeiture..................................................7 g. Restrictions on Exclusions in the Event of Loss by Fire ...................11 h. Complaint Resolution Process ...........................................................13 i. Dispute Resolution Process................................................................14 j. Electronic Delivery of Documents.....................................................14

III. CHANGES BY SECTION ......................................................................................14 a. Changes to Introductory Provisions...................................................15

i. Section 1 [Part 1 Heading].................................................................15 ii. Section 2 [s. 1] ...................................................................................15 iii. Section 3 [s.2] ....................................................................................15 iv. Section 4 [ss. 2.1 to 2.5].....................................................................15

b. Changes to General Insurance Provisions..........................................16 i. Section 5 [Part 2 Heading].................................................................16 ii. Section 6 [s. 3] ...................................................................................16 iii. Section 7 [s. 4, 7 to 11 and 11.1] .......................................................16 iv. Section 8 [s. 12] .................................................................................17 v. Section 10 [s. 17] ...............................................................................17 vi. Section 12 [s. 22] ...............................................................................18 vii. Section 13 [ss. 25, 25.1, 26, 26.1, 27, 27.1 and 28] ...........................18 viii. Section 14 [ss. 28.1 to 28.6]...............................................................19

c. Changes to Life Insurance Provisions................................................19 i. Section 15 [s. 29] ...............................................................................19 ii. Section 16 [s. 29.1] ............................................................................19 iii. Section 17 [s. 30] ...............................................................................20 iv. Section 18 [s. 31] ...............................................................................20 v. Section 19 [s. 32] ...............................................................................20 vi. Section 20 [s. 33] ...............................................................................21 vii. Section 21 [s. 34] ...............................................................................21 viii. Section 22 [s. 35] ...............................................................................21 ix. Section 23 [ss. 37 and 37.1] ...............................................................22 x. Section 24 [s. 38] ...............................................................................22 xi. Section 26 [s. 40] ...............................................................................22 xii. Section 27 [s. 41] ...............................................................................22 xiii. Section 28 [s. 42] ...............................................................................23

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xiv. Section 30 [s. 47] ...............................................................................23 xv. Section 31 [s. 47.1] ............................................................................23 xvi. Section 32 [s. 48] ...............................................................................23 xvii. Section 35 [s. 52] ...............................................................................24 xiii. Section 38 [s. 55] ...............................................................................24 xix. Section 41 [s. 58] ...............................................................................25 xx. Section 42 [s. 59.1] ............................................................................25 xxi. Section 45 [s. 63] ...............................................................................25 xxii. Section 47 [s. 65] ...............................................................................25 xiii. Section 50 [s. 71] ...............................................................................26 xxiv. Section 53 [s. 77] ...............................................................................26

d. Changes to Accident and Sickness Insurance Provisions..................26 i. Section 56 [s. 81] ...............................................................................26 ii. Section 57 [s. 81.1] ............................................................................26 iii. Section 58 [s. 82] ...............................................................................26 iv. Section 59 [s. 84] ...............................................................................27 v. Section 60 [s. 85] ...............................................................................27 vi. Section 61 [s. 86] ...............................................................................27 vii. Section 62 [s. 87] ...............................................................................28 viii. Section 63 [s. 88] ...............................................................................28 ix. Section 64 [s. 89] ...............................................................................28 x. Section 65 [s. 90] ...............................................................................28 xi. Section 67 [s. 91.1 and 91.2]..............................................................28 xii. Section 68 [s. 92] ...............................................................................29 xiii. Section 70 [s. 94 and 95.1].................................................................29 xiv. Section 71 [s. 95.2] ............................................................................29 xv. Section 72 [s. 96] ...............................................................................29 xvi. Section 73 [s. 97] ...............................................................................29 xvii. Section 74 [s. 98] ...............................................................................29 xviii. Section 75 [s. 100] .............................................................................30 xix. Section 76 [s. 101] .............................................................................30 xx. Section 77 [s. 101.1] ..........................................................................30 xxi. Section 78 [s. 102] .............................................................................30 xxii. Section 79 [s. 102.1 and 102.2]..........................................................30 xxiii. Section 80 [s. 103] .............................................................................30 xxiv. Section 81 [s. 104 and 102.4].............................................................31 xxv. Section 82 [s. 104.1] ..........................................................................31 xxvi. Section 83 [s. 105 and 102.3(1)]........................................................31 xxvii. Section 84 [s. 106] .............................................................................31 xxviii. Section 86 [s. 107.1 to 107.3] ............................................................31 xxix. Section 88 [s. 108.1] ..........................................................................32 xxx. Section 90 [s. 110] .............................................................................32 xxxi. Section 91 [s. 111] .............................................................................32 xxxii. Section 93 [s. 113] .............................................................................32

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e. Changes to Miscellaneous Provisions................................................33 i. Section 99 [s. 189.01] ........................................................................33 ii. Section 100 [s. 192] ...........................................................................33 iii. Section 101 [s. 192.1] ........................................................................33 iv. Section 102 [s. 194.1] ........................................................................33 v. Section 103 [Transitional Regulations] .............................................33 vi. Section 104 [ss. 102.2 and 107.3] ......................................................33 vii. Section 105 [Financial Institutions Act, s.1]......................................34 viii. Section 106 [FIA, s. 76].....................................................................34 ix. Section 107 [FIA, s. 80.1 to 80.3]......................................................34 x. Section 108 [FIA, s. 289]...................................................................34 xi. Section 109 [Insurance (Captive Company) Act, s. 3] ......................34 xii. Section 110 [ICCA, s. 13]..................................................................34 xiii. Section 111 [Insurance Corporation Act, s. 8]...................................35 xiv. Section 113 [Insurance Premium Tax Act, s. 1] ................................35 xv. Section 114 [Securities Act, s. 43].....................................................35 xvi. Section 115 – commencement of act by regulation ...........................35

4. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................36

OVERVIEW OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES TO THE INSURANCE ACT

I. INTRODUCTION

Major changes to the British Columbia Insurance Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 226 (the “Act”),

are set to take effect in the near future. When the Act was created in 1925, it was designed to

regulate insurance policies issued for specific types of risks or perils; however, modern day

policies generally provide coverage for a multitude of risks, which results in a disconnect

between the law and insurance policies. The B.C. Legislature has not comprehensively reviewed

or substantively modified the Act since the 1960s. The Supreme Court of Canada took notice of

this fact in KP Pacific Holdings Ltd. v. Guardian Insurance Co. of Canada, when it criticized the

Act for its antiquated paradigms and principles that ineffectively address modern multi-risk

insurance policies and consumer needs, and expressly called on the Legislature for reform:

The outmoded category-based Act contains rules based on the old classes of insurance. The newer comprehensive policies are difficult if not impossible to fit into the old categories. The result is continued uncertainty about what rules apply. Claims stall. Litigation ensues. Courts struggle with tortuous alternative interpretations. The rulings that have emerged have been likened to a “judicial lottery”…

It would be highly salutary for the Legislature to revisit these provisions and indicate its intent with respect to all-risks and multi-peril policies.1

In November 2005, the Provincial Government heeded the Supreme Court’s advice when

it began an extensive review process of the Act, which culminated on April 30, 2008 with the

first reading of the proposed new Act: Bill 40, the Insurance Amendment Act, 2008.

According to the “Insurance Act Review Discussion Paper” published by the Ministry of

Finance in March 2007, the Legislature considered three policy objectives for regulating

insurance contracts: (1) consumer protection and clarity of contractual provisions,

(2) harmonization, and (3) justifiable intervention. The Legislature’s intention is that policies

will be fair, transparent, and innovative, which will protect consumers, provide for fast and

effective dispute resolution, and permit insurers to develop new insurance products to meet the

1 [2003] 1 S.C.R. 433, paras. 4 –5.

Whitelaw Twining – 2 –

changing needs of consumers. While the Legislature's objective is to harmonize insurance

legislation across the provinces, the proposed changes to the Act will likely create some

disharmony among the provinces, except for perhaps Alberta which has enacted similar

amending legislation, Bill 11, which received royal assent on November 4, 2008. Finally, the

Legislature’s third objective is to minimize superfluous government intervention in private

contracts in order to meet the above objectives.

Although it is not clear when these changes will come into force because the Legislature

has not specified when it will proceed with the second or third readings and ultimately enact the

changes by way of regulation, it is important to understand and prepare for the changes in the

interim. This paper outlines all of the proposed revisions and their relevance to insurers by first

focusing on the changes by topic that will, arguably, have the most significance for property and

casualty insurers and then analyzing the changes on a section-by-section approach.

II. MAJOR CHANGES BY TOPIC

a. Restructuring of the Act

Currently, the Act is divided into 8 parts (but actually 7 because Part 6 was repealed in

June 2007). The key parts include Part 2 (General Provisions), Part 3 (Life Insurance), Part 4

(Accident and Sickness Insurance) and Part 5 (Fire Insurance). Again, the Act was drafted in

the 1920’s at a time when it was thought property insurance could be categorized in two ways,

fire insurance and everything else. The Act reflected this thinking in that fire insurance was

given its own set of provisions in Part 5, whereas all other forms of property insurance were

governed by a general set of provisions in Part 2.

The new Act eliminates the Act’s categorical approach to property insurance. Part 5 of the

Act will be eliminated. Part 2 will not apply to life insurance, Accident and Sickness (“A&S”)

insurance, reinsurance policies, or those contracts enumerated in Part 7, which remain

unchanged. Consequently, virtually all forms of property and casualty insurance will be

governed by a substantially revamped Part 2, which will be entitled “General Insurance

Provisions”. For instance, the new Part 2 will set out a single limitation period for all property

and casualty claims, and will also provide one set of statutory conditions that apply to all


property and casualty claims. Life insurance and A&S insurance remain governed by Parts 3 and

4, respectively.

b Limitation Periods

i. Extension from 1 to 2 year Limitation Period

The current Act contains four different limitation periods, the application of which is

dependant upon the classification of the insurance contract. The new Act clarifies the

application of limitation periods by uniformly extending the limitation period for most types of

loss from 1 to 2 years.

In the case of loss or damage to property, a revised s. 22(1) of the new Act prescribes that

an action against an insurer will need to be commenced within 2 years from the date the insured

“knew or ought to have known the loss or damage occurred”. In all other Part 2 cases, an

insured will need to commence an action within two years “after the date the cause of action

against the insurer arose”. Unfortunately, the new Act does not elucidate whether the triggering

date is the date of loss or the date of denial. Arguably, in the case of an insured seeking coverage

for defence and indemnity under a liability policy, this will mean the insured must commence a

coverage action within two years from the date of being notified of the insurer’s denial.

In the case of life insurance, a revised s. 65 of the new Act extends that limitation for all

cases from 1 year to 2 years (or 6 years in the case of death where a proof of loss is not

provided). Section 65 also establishes new triggering dates to which the 2 year limitation applies

for actions not from death or declaration of death to the later of (1) the date the event that caused

the loss occurred, (2) the date the claimant ought to have known the event occurred, or (3) in the

case of money payable on a periodic basis, the date the insurer failed to make a payment.

With respect to A&S insurance, s. 91.1 of the new Act provides that in the case of death

an action must be commenced within 2 years after the proof of claim is furnished or 6 years after

the date of the death, which ever comes first. In all other cases, the action must also be

commenced “not later than two years after the date the claimant knew or ought to have known of

the first instance of the loss or occurrence giving rise to the claim for insurance money”.


ii. Postponement of Limitation Period – Section 7 of the Limitation Act

Section 2.4(1) of the new Act makes the two-year limitation period for bringing an action

against an insurer subject to the postponement provision in s. 7 of the Limitation Act. In other

words, if the insured is a minor, the running of the limitation period will be postponed until the

time the minor reaches age 19, or if the insured is under a legal disability, the running of the

limitation period will be postponed until the insured is no longer under such a disability.

Moreover, s. 2.4(2) of the new Act authorizes extension by contract to provide for a longer

limitation period than the new Act will provide.

iii. Notice of Limitation Period Requirement

Like the current Act, insurers must still expressly state in all insurance contracts that

actions must be commenced within the limitation period prescribed by the Act. For example,

s. 8(j) of the new Act mandates that the following wording be included in insurance contracts:

“Every action or proceeding against an insurer for the recovery of insurance money payable

under the contract is absolutely barred unless commenced within the time set out in the

Insurance Act”. The same is true for life insurance and A&S insurance, as required by the

revisions to sections 33-35 and 85-87, respectively. Insurers will be required to update their

policies to reflect this new language.

Moreover, a revised s. 192 of the Act gives the Legislature regulation making authority

respecting an insurer’s duty to give notice to an insured of an expiring limitation period. It is

possible that insurers will soon be required to give said notice, considering the B.C. Ministry of

Finance proposed the notice requirement in its “Insurance Act Review Discussion Paper”.

c. Subrogation

At common law, no subrogated rights arise until the insured is fully indemnified for its

loss. Once full indemnity is made, the insurer has the right to commence proceedings against the

wrongdoer in the insured’s name and make all decisions in the litigation. The insured has a duty

to co-operate in the litigation in matters such as giving evidence at trial. The insurer is entitled to

recover no more than it paid out, and any excess goes to the insured: Yorkshire Insurance Co.

Ltd. v. Nisbet Shipping Co. Ltd., [1962] 2 Q.B. 330. In the event that the insured, after receiving


full or partial indemnity, commences an action and makes a recovery in respect of the loss, the

insured must account to the insurer.

The principles of subrogation were modified to some extent by statute and also by the

wording of insurance policies. The current Act alters the operation of the doctrine of subrogation

on fire insurance policies by removing the requirement that the insured be fully indemnified

before the insurer gains a subrogated interest. Section 130 of that current Act provides:

130 (1) The insurer, on making any payment or assuming liability therefor under a contract of fire insurance is subrogated to all rights of recovery of the insured against any person, and may bring action in the name of the insured to enforce those rights.

(2) If the net amount recovered after deducting the costs of recovery is not sufficient to provide a complete indemnity for the loss or damage suffered, that amount must be divided between the insurer and the insured in the proportions in which the loss or damage has been borne by them respectively.

This provision, however, only applies to fire insurance claims. Accordingly, unless the

insurance policy in question provides to the contrary, subrogation in non-fire claims is governed

by the common law, which does not allow for a pro-rata sharing, but rather requires that the

insured be fully indemnified for its loss before any proceeds go to the insurer.

In the new Act, s. 130 of the current Act will be re-enacted as s. 28.6, which will have the

practical effect of extending the pro-rata sharing scheme to all subrogated claims, so that it no

longer applies only to subrogated fire claims.

d. Coverage for Innocent Co-insured

Section 28.5 of the new Act will enable an innocent insured to have coverage for loss or

damage to property, even where the criminal or intentional act of a co-insured caused the loss.

The genesis of this amendment is from the scenario where a house is insured in the name of two

spouses, their relationship breaks down, and in an act of vengeance, one spouse intentionally sets

fire to the house. Depending on the language of the policy, the criminal act of one spouse can

result in there being no coverage whatsoever for the loss.

The issue was considered by the Supreme Court of Canada in Scott v. Wawanesa Mutual

Insurance Co., [1989] 1 S.C.R. 1445, where a 15 year old boy intentionally set fire to his


parents’ house without their knowledge or complicity. In that case, the policy excluded

coverage for a “wilful act… of the Insured.” The word “Insured” included “the Named Insured”

(i.e. the father) and “residents of his household, his spouse, the relative of either, and any person

under the age of 21 in the care of an Insured” (i.e. the child). The Court stated that the policy

language was clear and unambiguous and, accordingly, ruled that there was no coverage in the

circumstances. In doing so, the majority of the Court laid down a three step approach to

determine if coverage is afforded in cases of a criminal act of an individual potentially insured

under a policy. First, the court must examine the policy wording to determine if the language

clearly excludes an insurer’s liability. Second, if the words do not clearly exclude the innocent

co-insured’s claim, then the court must examine the intention of the parties to determine if a

different interpretation is warranted. Finally, if the policy is neutral on the point, then a

presumption arises that the innocent co-insured’s insurance is “contaminated” regarding property

in which both insureds have an inseparable interest. The dissent in Scott, however, would

eliminate this last step holding that an innocent co-insured should not lose his or her coverage for

the wrongdoing of another unless the policy clearly provides for such loss of coverage. This is

the so-called modern or new approach. British Columbia courts prefer the new approach.2

At present, if the policy wording excludes coverage for the wrongdoing of “any insured,”

coverage will generally be excluded. For example, the court in Riordan v. Lombard Insurance

Co. (2003), 13 B.C.L.R. (4th) 335, 2003 BCCA 267, could not find coverage for the foster

parents of a child who intentionally set fire to the house because the child was considered an

insured under the policy and the policy expressly excluded the intentional or criminal acts of

“any person insured by this policy.”

The addition of s. 28.5 to the new Act will render the common law inapplicable, as an

insurer can no longer deny coverage to an innocent co-insured for the criminal or intentional acts

of another insured under an insurance policy.

2 Inland Kenworth Ltd. v. Insurance Corp. of British Columbia (1990), 43 B.C.L.R. (2d) 95 (S.C.).


e. Revisions to Statutory Conditions

The new Act will revise the statutory conditions relating to fire insurance and previously

found at s. 126 of Part 5, and will re-enact them as s. 27.1 of Part 2. The statutory conditions

have been reduced from the current 15 to 14 conditions, 5 of which apply to all types of

insurance policies contemplated by Part 2 except contracts of surety insurance, whereas the

remaining 9 pertain only to contracts providing for loss or damage to property. Statutory

condition 14 (Action) of the current Act respecting limitation periods will be revised to reflect

the two year limitation period and dropped from the list of statutory conditions, but will be

effectively re-enacted as s. 8(j) of Part 2 of the new Act.

The statutory conditions for A&S insurance have also been revised. Section 89 of the

new Act no longer contains condition 4 (Relation of earnings to insurance) and 12 (Limitation of

actions) and the remaining statutory conditions have been updated and clarified. Akin to

statutory condition 14 under the current Act relating to fire, statutory condition 12 under the

current Act relating to A&S insurance will be revised to reflect the proposed extension of the

limitation period to two years and will be effectively re-enacted into ss. 85-87 of the new Act.

Statutory conditions must be reproduced verbatim in policies. Insurers will be required to

revise the statutory conditions sections of their policies to ensure compliance with the new Act.

f. Expansion of Relief from Forfeiture

Section 10 of the new Act will broaden the current relief from forfeiture provision to

provide that s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 253 is also applicable to

insurance contracts. The new s. 10 will also apply to Part 4 (A&S insurance), but not to Part 3

(Life insurance) of the new Act.

Section 24 is a general equitable provision that gives the court the discretion to relieve

against all penalties and forfeitures and reads as follows:

[t]he court may relieve against all penalties and forfeitures, and in granting the relief may impose any terms as to costs, expenses, damages, compensations and all other matters that the court thinks fit.


Under the current Act, a debate has emerged in the case law as to whether or not the

equitable relief available under s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act applies to insurance policies. It

is clear that s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act cannot provide relief for missed limitation periods

for commencing an action against an insurer.3 Conversely, it is unclear whether a court may

apply its general powers of equitable relief against forfeiture to contracts regulated by the Act.

The question was before the Supreme Court of Canada in Saskatchewan River Bungalows Ltd. v.

Maritime Life Assurance, [1994] 2 S.C.R. 490, 115 D.L.R. (4th) 478, with respect to s. 10 of the

Judicature Act, which is similar to s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act. The Court provided some

guidance in obiter dicta on the issue, but refused to answer the question because the plaintiffs

were not eligible for relief against forfeiture in the circumstances. In that case, the plaintiffs

failed to make timely premium payments allowing the insured’s life insurance policy to lapse.

After the grace period expired, the insurer made a late payment offer, to which the plaintiffs did

not respond. The insurer was obligated to reinstate the policy only upon payment and proof of

insurability. The plaintiffs eventually made a payment approximately one year after payment

was required, but by that time the insured was uninsurable because of a terminal illness.

Relying on Shiloh Spinners Ltd. v. Harding (1972), [1973] A.C. 691 (U.K. H.L.) and

Snell's Equity, 29th ed. (London: Sweet & Maxwell, 1990), at pp. 541- 2, the Court enunciated

governing factors a court must consider when exercising its discretion for relief against forfeiture

as follows: (1) the conduct of the applicant; (2) the gravity of the breach(s); and (3) the value of

the property forfeited and the damage caused by the breach.4 The Court held that the plaintiffs

acted unreasonably, and, accordingly, did not meet the first part of the test. The Court, therefore,

did not have to consider the issue of the application of equitable statutory relief to insurance

contracts, but provided the following guidance :

3 Roe v. Insurance Corp. of British Columbia, [1979] I.L.R. 1-1110 (B.C.S.C.); Hutchinson v. A.G. of Canada and

The Maritime Life Assurance (2002), 45 C.C.L.I. (3d) 318, 2002 BCSC 1803. 4 (1994), 115 D.L.R. (4th) 478 at 487. The test has been cited with approval numerous times by British Columbia

courts (see e.g. Lieber v. Canadian Group Underwriters Insurance Co. (2000), 18 C.C.L.I. (3d) 284 at para. 24 (B.C. S.C.); Webber v. Canadian Aviation Insurance Managers Ltd. (2002), 42 C.C.L.I. (3d) 124, 2002 BCSC 1415; Hutchinson v. A.G. of Canada and The Maritime Life Assurance (2002), 45 C.C.L.I. (3d) 318 at para. 30, 2002 BCSC 1803.


…the existence of a statutory power to grant relief where other types of insurance are forfeited… does not preclude application of the Judicature Act [which is similar legislation to the British Columbia Law and Equity Act] to contracts of life insurance. The Insurance Act does not "codify" the whole law of insurance; it merely imposes minimum standards on the industry. The appellant's argument that the "field" of equitable relief is occupied by the Insurance Act must therefore be rejected.5

Although this dicta has been applied in numerous Ontario cases,6 it has not been

expressly adopted in subsequent British Columbia cases, yet British Columbia courts currently

appear willing to leave open the possibility of applying s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act for relief

from forfeiture for non-compliance with an insurance contract regulated by the Act. For

example, in Hutchinson v. A.G. of Canada and The Maritime Life Assurance (2002), 45 C.C.L.I.

(3d) 318, 2002 BCSC 1803, the Court conducted a s. 24 analysis for relief from forfeiture for

failing to make an application for a change in the insured’s disability status within the timeframe

required by the policy. The Court, ultimately, held that the insured failed to bring the claim

within the required limitation period and was therefore time-barred. In case the Court was

incorrect in its conclusion, the Court listed several reasons, including, inter alia, an inexcusable

delay and prejudice to the insurer, for why relief from forfeiture under s. 10 of the Act or s. 24 of

the Law and Equity Act was inappropriate. At no point, did the Court state that it did not have

the jurisdiction to apply s. 24 to the insurance policy, which suggests that it remains open for a

court to do so, otherwise the Court would not likely have engaged in the s.24 analysis in the first

instance.

It is clear, however, that s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act will not apply to relief from

statutory forfeiture. In Martin Mine v. British Columbia (1985), 62 B.C.L.R. 107 (C.A.), the

British Columbia Court of Appeal held that s. 21 (now s. 24) of the Law and Equity Act did not

empower a court to relieve against statutory forfeiture. In doing so, the Court stated:

I respectfully disagree with the view that s. 21 of the Law & Equity Act gives a court the power to relieve against statutory forfeiture. I think that the views expressed by the Supreme Court of Canada and the Privy Council in the case of The Canadian Northern Railway Co. and The Canadian National Railways v. His Majesty the King and the Provincial Treasurer of Alberta (1922) 64 S.C.R. 264 and [1923] A.C. 714 clearly establish that s. 21 does not give a court the power to relieve against "statutory" forfeiture. A provision in the Supreme Court Act of Alberta

5 Ibid. at 487. 6 See e.g. Feature Foods v. Landau (1995), 27 C.C.L.I. (2d) 179 (Ont. Gen. Div).


gave the Court the power to relieve "against all penalties in forfeiture" (like s. 21 of the Law & Equity Act). The main issue in the case was whether the Court had power to relieve against financial penalties imposed upon the railway companies under the terms of provincial legislation. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Alberta unanimously held that the power to relieve against penalties in forfeitures did not authorize relief against statutory penalties. The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously agreed with this view, including Idington, J. and Anglin, J. who dissented. At page 269 Idington, J. said:

The contention founded upon the power of the Court to relieve from such penalties... seems to me to be applicable only to such contractual penalties and forfeitures as the Court of Chancery had exercised jurisdiction in regard to.

Duff, J. said at page 272:

I am unable to accept the contention that the authority to relieve from forfeitures expressed in general terms and conferred upon the Supreme Court by the statute of 1907 extends to penalties and forfeitures declared by a public enactment and thereby made exigible upon the non-performance of a general duty created by such enactment, such as a duty to pay taxes or to make a return under a taxing statute.

The Privy Council agreed with this view. In giving the judgment of the Privy Council, Lord Parmoor said at page 722:

The Chief Justice (Chief Justice Harvey of the Appellate Division) expresses the opinion that if the power given to the Court to relieve against penalties applied to statutory penalties, this would, in effect, be giving an authority to enable the Court to repeal statutes. This decision was unanimously confirmed in the Supreme Court of Canada. Idington, J. says in his judgment 'that the power in the Court to relieve from penalties seemed to him to be applicable only to such contractual penalties, and forfeitures as those to which the Court of Chancery had exercised jurisdiction.'

I think that these views are determinative of this issue and that a court cannot relieve against penalties or forfeitures which are statutory in origin.7

In Brown v. Insurance Corp. of British Columbia (2004), 28 B.C.L.R. (4th) 93, 2004

BCCA 255, the majority of the Court referred to s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act, but left open

the question as to "whether the court can grant equitable relief when the statute gives I.C.B.C.

the discretion to do so. Another question left open is whether the court can grant equitable relief

from a statutory penalty or forfeiture"8 The Court suggested that The Canadian Northern

Railway Co. and The Canadian National Railways, supra, (referred to in Martin Mine, supra)

and Saskatchewan River Bungalows Ltd., supra, would be relevant to resolving the issue.

7 at paras. 23-26. 8 at para. 31.


More recently, the issue of relief from statutory forfeiture was considered by the British

Columbia Provincial Court in Saress v. Insurance Corp. of British Columbia, [2006] B.C.W.L.D.

5508, 2006 BCPC 1912. In that case, the insured failed to disclose the existence of a car rental

agreement to ICBC, contrary to the motor vehicle regulations. The claimant was not covered

under the policy for a motor vehicle accident because the governing legislation mandated that the

failure to disclose amounted to a forfeiture of the policy. The Court reluctantly held that it was

bound by similar precedents, including Martin Mine, supra, insofar as it did not have the

jurisdiction to provide relief from statutory forfeiture.

By incorporating s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act into the new Act, the debate as to its

application to insurance contracts governed by the Act will be settled. That is, the current relief

provisions of the Act will provide broader equitable relief for non-compliance with an insurance

policy, except for life insurance policies. The degree to which a court will exercise its increased

discretion under this proposal remains to be seen.

g. Restrictions on Exclusions in the Event of Loss by Fire

The current Act, by way of ss. 122 and 129, places some restrictions on what risks can be

excluded from a fire insurance policy. Despite these provisions, and depending on the particular

policy wording, there can be situations where there is no coverage for a fire loss where the fire

follows an otherwise excluded risk, such as vandalism or an earthquake.

With respect to the former, a leading case in British Columbia regarding the

interpretation of a vandalism provision in a homeowner’s policy is Morton v. Canadian Northern

Shield Co. [1998], 50 B.C.L.R. (3d) 57 (C.A.). In that case, the insured’s rental building was

destroyed by fire on May 17, 1993. Prior to the fire, in March 1993, the insured had applied for

a development permit with the intention of demolishing the building to re-develop the property.

On April 28, 1993, the tenant of the premises vacated and at the time of the fire the premises

were unoccupied. The insured had not notified his broker or insurer that the premises were no

longer occupied, nor had he notified the insurer or broker of his intention to demolish the

premises. At the time of the fire, the city had not yet issued a development permit.


The Court of Appeal concluded that the premises were vacant at the time of the fire and

therefore the vacancy exclusion set out in the vandalism provision did apply. The Court

emphasized that the primary and overriding intention of the insured at the time of the loss was to

demolish the premises. The Court of Appeal’s reasoning is set out at paragraphs 14-15 of the

decision as follows:

In my opinion, the Chambers judge fell into error in concluding the premises were not vacant because of "the intention of Mr. Morton to re-occupy if the development permit did not issue". There is no evidence here to suggest that the development permit would not issue. In my opinion, the evidence is such that the only reasonable inference on the facts as at the time of the loss is that the permit would have issued in due course…

…I think the facts lean heavily to the conclusion that these premises were vacant at the time of the loss. So heavily do they lean to this conclusion that in my opinion a contrary conclusion would be clearly wrong. As I view it, the primary and overriding intention of the respondent at the time of the loss was to demolish the dwelling. His plans were to that end and I see nothing in the evidence to suggest that that end would not have been accomplished.

In finding that the vacancy exclusion was reasonable, the Court of Appeal further noted

that the length of vacancy did not matter, and it was possible for the vacancy exclusion to apply

even if the premises had been vacant for only one day. Ultimately, the Court did not find

coverage for the loss due to the arson fire.

With respect to the latter, the reasoning in Morton, supra, is likely analogous to the

situation where an earthquake causes damage to property and then results in a fire that causes

further damage. Based on the reasoning in Morton, supra, such a loss arises from the peril of

earthquake, and any ensuing fire damage is also deemed to have arisen from the earthquake.

Accordingly, there will only be coverage for such loses where “earthquake” is included as an

insured peril.

Support for this proposition is found in a judgment of Madam Justice Southin in KP

Pacific Holdings Ltd. v. Guardian Insurance Co. of Canada (2001), 92 B.C.L.R. (3d) 26 (C.A.)

rev’d (2003), 14 B.C.L.R. (4th) 1 (S.C.C.) in which she confirmed that fire and earthquake are

separate perils and that fire can be an incidental peril to the peril of earthquake (at para. 10):

…fire can be an incidental peril to such perils as earthquake, flood, explosion, wind storm and hail. Policies were written for the latter two perils in the early part of the last


century as appears from the Canadian Abridgement, vol. 23, which was published in 1941. Whether they were written for flood, earthquake and explosion, I cannot say, but a fire can occur even now as an incident of other perils. Curiously, in this policy, although, for instance, earthquake is an excluded peril, a consequent loss by fire is excepted from the exclusion.

In the new Act, ss. 122 and 129 will be replaced by section 28.4, which will enable the

Legislature to make regulations at a later date to identify the permissible exclusions. While no

indication of those exclusions is provided in the new Act, it is noted that in the “Insurance Act

Review Discussion Paper,” the B.C. Ministry of Finance enunciated several proposals as to what

changes should be made to the list of permissible exclusions applicable to fire insurance. It was

proposed that earthquake not be added to the list of permitted exclusions, but that terrorism

should be added to the list. It was further proposed that contract provisions providing coverage

for fire resulting from any cause be retained and clarified to protect consumers from misguided

expectations. Moreover, to address the circumstances in cases like Morton, supra, it was

proposed that the regulation include a statutory grace period of 30 days during which coverage

would be in place for fire loss and for vandalism resulting from fire loss, while the premises were

“vacant.” These proposed restrictions would no doubt increase the risk to insurers in

circumstances involving fire loss.

h. Complaint Resolution Process

As a result of the new Act, various consequential amendments will be made to related

legislation. Among these will be an amendment to the Financial Institutions Act, R.S.B.C. 1996,

c. 141, to add section 80.3. This new provision will require insurers to establish a process for

dealing with customer complaints. Insurers will be required to designate one or more people to

implement and operate the process, and insurers will be required to publish their established

procedures on their website, and provide the procedures in writing to anyone upon request. The

procedures do not apply to a matter to which s. 9 of the new Act [Dispute resolution] applies (see

below), complaints made to a mutual company, or complaints made to a prescribed class of

insurers. Although the Legislature has authority to exclude a specific class of insurers from the

complaint process, it has yet to do so under any regulation.


i. Dispute Resolution Process

The new Act will expand the current appraisal process in s. 9 of the Act, and will give it

the new name “Dispute resolution”. The new process will allow for the resolution of

disagreements between insurer and insured over the value of the property damaged or saved, the

nature and extent of repairs or replacement required, the adequacy of repairs or replacement

carried out, and the amount of loss or damage. It is noted that the new dispute resolution process

involves a broader scope of subjects, as the current Act does not include the phrase “the nature

and extent of repairs or replacement required, or, if made, their adequacy”. The mechanics of the

dispute resolution process will be similar to the current appraisal process in that each side will

appoint a representative, and the two representatives will appoint a single umpire to determine

quantum.

j. Electronic Delivery of Documents

Section 2.5 of the new Act will enable insurers to use e-mail to deliver records that they

are required by the Act to provide to a person. The record must be sent in accordance with the

Electronic Transactions Act, S.B.C. 2001, c. 10. Section 2.5(2) of the new Act defines a

“record” as including a declaration or an insurance policy in addition, of course, to its ordinary

meaning. Presumably, an insurer may send any document, including a blank proof of loss form,

to an insured or beneficiary by email provided that the document is sent in accordance with the

Electronic Transactions Act and is not excluded by other acts or regulations.

III. CHANGES BY SECTION

This section canvasses all of the proposed changes to the new Act and discusses their

significance where appropriate. The headings are listed first by the revising provision of the

Insurance Amendment Act, 2008, followed by the corresponding section(s) of the new Act or

other corresponding statute, which is expressly named (e.g. Section 36 [s. 53] or Section 105

[Financial Institutions Act, s.1]. Many sections are not discussed in detail below because they


simply update and/or clarify the statutory language of the Act or, alternatively, repeal a current

section, rendering the section of no force.9

a. Changes to Introductory Provisions

i. Section 1 [Part 1 Heading]

The Part 1 heading of the Act is changed to “Interpretation, Application of Act and

Introductory Provisions.”

ii. Section 2 [s. 1]

The definitions of “prescribed” and “vehicle” are repealed so that the former is now

defined by the Interpretation Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 238, and the latter is no longer relevant to

the Act. The section also repeals the Legislature’s authority to define classes of insurance for the

Act and the Financial Institutions Act.

iii. Section 3 [s.2]

This section concerns the application of the Act. The meaning of “except as provided” is

clarified to include “…except as provided under an enactment”. The new Act will not apply to a

contract of marine insurance or vehicle insurance because they are dealt with under their own

respective statutes.

iv. Section 4 [ss. 2.1 to 2.5]

This section adds new content to the “Application to insurers and contracts” section of

the Act. First, it simply moves ss. 4 [Contract not avoided by default of insurer under Act],

27 [Liability of continuing insurer], and 28 [Effect of contracts on violation of law] of the current

9 The sections that update and clarify provisions of the Act include Section 25 [s. 39]; Section 29 [s. 44]; Section

34 [s. 50]; Section 36 [s. 53]; Section 37 [s. 54]; Section 39 [s. 56]; Section 40 [s. 57]; Section 46 [s. 64]; Section 51 [s. 72]; Section 52 [s. 73]; Section 54 [s. 78]; Section 55 [s. 79]; Section 66 [s. 91]; Section 85 [s. 107]; Section 96 [s. 118]. The sections that only update provisions of the Act include Section 43 [s. 60]; Section 49 [ss. 68, 70, 75 and 76]; Section 48 [s. 66]; Section 87 [s. 108]; and Section 92 [s. 112]; Section 94 [s. 114]. The sections that only clarify provisions of the Act include Section 33 [s. 49]; Section 89 [s. 109]; and Section 95 [s. 115]. The sections that repeal sections of the Act include Section 9 [s. 15]; Section 11 [ss. 19 and 21]; Section 44 [s. 61]; Section 69 [s. 93]; Section 97 [Part 5]; Section 98 [s. 189] Section 112 [Insurance (Marine) Act]. The only noteworthy repeal is Part 5, which is discussed above.


Act into the introductory provision as ss. 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4, respectively, so that they apply to all

types of insurance contracts contemplated by the Act.

Section 2.4 incorporates s. 7 of the Limitation Act into the new Act and authorizes the

extension by contract of limitation periods prescribed by the Act, all of which is discussed in

detail above.

As discussed above, s. 2.5 authorizes insurers to provide documents that under the Act

must or may be provided to another person electronically in accordance with the Electronic

Transactions Act.

b. Changes to General Insurance Provisions

i. Section 5 [Part 2 Heading]

This section changes the heading from “General Provisions” to “General Insurance

Provisions.”


This section clarifies the types of contracts to which Part 2 applies. As discussed above,

Part 2 applies to every type of contract except a contract of life insurance, A&S insurance,

reinsurance, or those contemplated under Part 7 (e.g. livestock insurance, home warranty

insurance, deposit protection).

iii. Section 7 [s. 4, 7 to 11 and 11.1]

This section repeals and replaces ss. 4 and 7 to 11 with ss. 8 to 11.1.

Section 4 [Contract not avoided by default of insurer under Act] is simply repealed and

moved to section 2.1(2) of the new Act.

Section 8 [Contents of policy] is simply revised to improve readability.

Section 9 [Dispute resolution] re-enacts the appraisal process as a broader dispute

resolution process, as discussed above.


Section 10 [Court may relieve against forfeiture and termination] is revised for clarity

and incorporates s. 24 of the Law and Equity Act into the new Act, giving courts greater

authority to relieve against forfeiture or penalties.

Section 11 [Waiver and estoppel] not only re-enacts the waiver by conduct provision

from the current Act, but also codifies the common law principle of estoppel by stating that

insurers are estopped from relying on an insured’s failure to comply with a requirement under

the policy if the insurer’s conduct reasonably causes the insured to believe that the insured’s

conduct is excused, and the insured acts on that belief to his or her detriment. Since the estoppel

defence has always been available to an insured at common law, its addition into the new Act has

little significance, other than making readers of the current Act alive to the issue.

Section 11.1 [Policy in accordance with terms of application] deems policies or coverage

issued after an application to be consistent with the application, unless the insurer immediately

gives written notice to the insured of the particulars of the differences. Within 2 weeks of

receiving the written notice, the insured may reject the policy. The addition of s. 11.1 places the

onus on the insurer to review the insured’s application and subsequent policy carefully to ensure

that the two documents are consistent. Presumably, an insurer will not be able to deny coverage

based on disparities between the application and the policy, unless the notice requirements are

met.

iv. Section 8 [s. 12]

Section 12 [Effect of terms and contract note set out in policy] is amended for readability

and s. 12(3) is added to clarify that a contract renewed by renewal receipt will comply with

subsection (1) if the renewal receipt identifies the number or date of the original contract,

assuming, of course, the original contract satisfied the terms and conditions requirement of

subsection (1).

v. Section 10 [s. 17]

The revised s. 17 [Effect of unpaid cheque of note for premium] requires insurers to

terminate a policy for non-payment of premiums in accordance with a statutory condition or


other method contemplated by the contract, if any. Like the current Act, termination by

registered mail will usually suffice.

vi. Section 12 [s. 22]

As discussed above, the revised s. 22 [Limitation of Actions] extends the limitation

period for initiating an action on a policy from 1 to 2 years after the loss occurred or the insured

ought to have known the loss occurred, whichever is later, and to 2 years after the cause of action

arose in any other case.

vii. Section 13 [ss. 25, 25.1, 26, 26.1, 27, 27.1 and 28]

Section 25 [Insurer to furnish copy of application and policy] addresses only the insurer’s

obligation to furnish an application and policy upon request, as opposed to proof of loss forms,

which is dealt with under s. 25.1. Section 25 provides that an insurer may charge a reasonable

fee for delivering an application or policy. Section 2.5 permits insurers to deliver these

documents by email.

Section 25.1 re-enacts section 25(1)(b) and (2), and relieves an insurer from the

obligation to furnish a blank proof of loss form if the claim dispute is settled and monies are paid

out within 30 days after receipt of the notice of loss. Again, s. 2.5 most likely permits insurers to

deliver a blank proof of loss form by email.

Sections 26 [Trafficking], 27 [Liability of continuing insurer], and 28 [Effect of contracts

on violation of law] are repealed and re-enacted in Part 8, ss. 2.2, and 2.4 respectively.

The addition of s. 26.1 [Cancellation by insurer] requires an insurer, who made payment

under a contract to an individual other than the insured and wishes to alter or cancel the contract,

to give notice of any intended alteration or cancellation to the individual who received the

payment in the same manner and timeframe that would be required for the insured under the

contract.

The current fire insurance statutory conditions listed under s. 126 of Part 5 of the Act (all

of which is repealed by s. 97) are revised for readability and enacted as s. 27.1 [Statutory


conditions], as discussed above. Insurers will be required to revise their policies to incorporate

the new statutory conditions verbatim.

viii. Section 14 [ss. 28.1 to 28.6]

Sections 127 [Several policies], 128 [Stamped words on contract], 129 [Unjust

exclusions], and 130 [Subrogation] are re-enacted as s. 28.1[Proportionate contributions] (with

minor revisions), 28.2 [Limitation of liability clause], 28.3 [Unjust contract provisions], and 28.6

[Subrogation], respectively.

As discussed above, the new s. 28.4 [Exclusions from coverage] empowers the

Legislature to enact regulations that would prohibit insurers from including in their contracts

prescribed exclusions in the event of loss by fire. The proposed regulations will likely result in

more claims paid out for loss due to fire and insurers may wish to consider the underwriting

implications.

As discussed above, the new s. 28.5 [Recovery by innocent persons] maintains coverage

for an innocent co-insured despite the criminal or intentional act of the insured.

c. Changes to Life Insurance Provisions

i. Section 15 [s. 29]

The revised s. 29 [Definitions (to Part 3)] updates the following definitions for clarity

and/or consistency with modern categories of insurance products: “creditor’s group insurance”,

“declaration”, “family insurance”, “fraternal society”, “group insurance”, “group life insurance”,

and “insured”.

To modernize the Act, the section also adds definitions of “blanket insurance”, “debtor

insurance”, and “spouse”. Spouse includes same-sex marriages or marriage-like relationships.

ii. Section 16 [s. 29.1]

Section 29.1 [Application of Part 2] provides that of all of the provisions of Part 2, only

s. 11 [Waiver and estoppel] applies to Part 3.


iii. Section 17 [s. 30]

Section 30 [Application of Part] remains the same but for a correction of a revision error

and provides that the section is subject to transitional regulations.


Section 31 [Group Insurance] is amended so that Part 3 [Life Insurance] applies not only

to the rights and status of beneficiaries as currently drafted, but also to the rights and status of

personal representatives who meet the unchanged requirements under the section.


Section 32 [Documents required for contract] imposes additional documentary furnishing

obligations on insurers. Subsection (1) has been altered for clarity and also requires an insurer

entering into a contract to issue a policy and provide the insured the policy and a copy of the

insured’s application – even without a request from the insured.

Subsection (4) is repealed and replaced with new subsections (4) to (9), which increases

documentary disclosure obligations on the insurer. First, insurers, on request, must provide the

insured or claimant with the entire contract and any written statement or document provided to

the insurer as evidence of insurability, except in cases of group or creditor’s group insurance.

Second, in cases of group or creditor’s group insurance, insurers, on request, must provide an

insured, debtor insured, or claimant a copy of the insured’s application and any written statement

or document provided as evidence of insurability. Third, if an insured requests a copy of the

policy and gives reasonable notice (which in not defined), the insurer must provide the insured

with a copy of the respective policy. The insured’s right to these documents is limited to

information that is relevant to a claim under contract or denial of such a claim.

Before delivering the documents, insurers, in accordance with the Personal Property and

Protection Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 63, must redact the documents for any personal information of a

third party who has not consented to the release of said information. Insurers may charge a

reasonable fee for production of the documents and can likely furnish all documents by email in

accordance with s. 2.5 of the new Act.



The revised s. 33 [Exceptions] no longer requires insurers to list in the life insurance

policy, to which this section applies, the circumstances in which the contract lapses.

As discussed above, the policy must include specific language warning that actions

against insurers are barred by limitation periods as follows: “Every action or proceeding against

an insurer for the recovery of insurance money payable under the contract is absolutely barred

unless commenced within the time set out in the Insurance Act.”

Finally, the section includes a requirement that where a policy limits an insured’s ability

to designate beneficiaries, the front page of the policy must include specified language in

conspicuous bold type as follows: “This policy contains a provision removing or restricting the

right of the insured to designate persons to whom or for whose benefit insurance money is to be

payable.”

vii. Section 21 [s. 34]

Section 34 [Contents of group policy] is amended by adding three subsections mandating

further inclusions. First, the group insurance policy must include any provision limiting the

insured’s ability to designate a beneficiary. Second, for a contract replacing another group

insurance contract, the contract must include an indication of whether designations of the

beneficiaries in the former contract carry over to the new contract. Third, the policy must

include specific language warning that actions against insurers are time-barred by limitation

periods (see s. 20 above).

viii. Section 22 [s. 35]

Section 35 [Contents of group certificate] is repealed and replaced with a revised s. 35

[Particulars of group certificate]. The new section remains essentially the same as the current

section, but for three additional requirements. First, the certificate must set out the rights of the

group life insured, debtor or claimant to information under the contract to obtain copies of

documents under s. 32 (see s. 19 above). Second, if the policy restricts the insured’s ability to

designate a beneficiary, the certificate must include specific language notifying the insured of


such (see s. 20 above). Third, the certificate must include specific language warning that actions

against insurers are time-barred by limitation periods (see s. 20 above). This section does not

apply to blanket insurance contracts.

ix. Section 23 [ss. 37 and 37.1]

The language of s. 37 [Persons insurable] is updated and clarified. The addition of s. 37.1

[Termination of contract by court] attempts to reduce criminal acts motivated by insurance

windfalls. It provides legal recourse for a person whose life is insured under the contract other

than the insured, who believes that his or her life or health might be endangered by continuing

the contract. On an application to the court, the court may terminate the contract, if just in the

circumstances.

x. Section 24 [s. 38]

Section 24 [Contract taking effect] simply replaces the phrase “first premium” with

“initial premium” for consistency with other references to the phrase.

xi. Section 26 [s. 40]

The revised s. 40 [Who pays] updates the current language and excludes the case of

creditor’s group insurance (in addition to the current Act excluding only the case of group

insurance) from an assignee paying premiums on behalf of an insured.

xii. Section 27 [s. 41]

The current s. 41 [Duty to disclose] is repealed. Subsections (1) and (2) are re-enacted

with minor language updates and subsection (3) extends the application of the duty to disclose

material information respecting increasing or modifying coverage under an existing contract and

renders the change (rather than the whole policy) voidable by the insurer, if the insured fails to

discharge its duty.


xiii. Section 28 [s. 42]

The revised s. 42 [Exceptions] extends the application of this section to increases and

changes in coverage as contemplated by s. 41(3) of the new Act. The new section will also apply

to creditor’s group insurance. The language of s. 28(1) is also updated.

xiv. Section 30 [s. 47]

The revised s. 47 [Exceptions] excludes both a contract of group insurance and creditor’s

group insurance from this section, as opposed to the current section, which excludes the former

only.

Moreover, subsection (1.1.) is added, which provides that if a premium payment is made

within 30 days after a grace period, this section authorizes automatic reinstatement of a contract

for non-payment provided that the insured is still alive. This section effectively adds 30 days to

any grace-period in a life insurance policy.

Section 7 of the Court Order Interest Act, R.S.B.C. 1996. c. 79, must be used to calculate

interest owing on outstanding premiums.

xv. Section 31 [s. 47.1]

Section 47.1 [Termination and replacement of group policies] is added to the new Act

and requires that where a group insurance contract replaces a group policy, the replacement

contract still applies to persons who were insured under the former contract, unless coverage was

terminated for another reason, and precludes exclusions for non-attendance at work on the date

the subsequent policy takes effect. Insurers will want to be cognizant of these carryover

provisions when implementing replacement policies for group insurance contracts.

xvi. Section 32 [s. 48]

The new s. 48 [Designation of beneficiary] permits an insurer to restrict or exclude the

insured’s right to designate beneficiaries (which currently is not the case) under subsection (4).

If the insurer opts to do so, there must be express language in the policy outlining the terms of

the restriction or exclusion, as contemplated by s. 34 of the new Act.


The addition of subsection (5) allows for designations under the former group insurance

policy to apply to the replacing group policy. Moreover, the addition of subsection (6) requires

an insurer to notify the group life insureds, if subsection (4) is a term of the group policy.

The addition of subsection (7) provides that an insurer who holds insurance money under

a settlement option for a beneficiary must hold the money under a contract on the life of the

beneficiary and afford the beneficiary the same rights as the insured.

Finally, minor changes are made to the wording of subsections (1) and (3) to allow for

the application of the revised section, and to update the language, respectively.

xvii. Section 35 [s. 52]

The revised s. 52 [Beneficiary predeceasing life insured] clarifies the language in

subsection (1), corrects a misplaced conjunction in subsection (1)(a), and adds three new

subsections (3), (4), and (5). Subsections (3) and (4) permit a beneficiary to relinquish its right

to insurance money by giving the insurer written notice, which, at that point, becomes

irrevocable. Subsection (5) applies the current rule regarding predeceasing beneficiaries to

disclaiming or disentitled beneficiaries.


Section 55 [Insured dealing with contract] renumbers the section for uniformity with the

new Act. Moreover, a beneficiary designated irrevocably may consent to a change of beneficiary

at age 19, as opposed to age 21. The section contains four additional subsections as follows:

subsection (2) allows an insured to exercise contractual rights prescribed by regulation if the

beneficiary has not opted for a change of beneficiary; subsection (3) provides that a person who

takes an interest in the contract, without consent or court order, does so subject to the rights of

the irrevocable beneficiary; subsections (4) and (5) provides that if the irrevocable beneficiary

lacks legal capacity, then an insured may ask a court for control of the contract without consent,

and the court may do so on any notice and terms it deems just.


xix. Section 41 [s. 58]

The language of s. 58 [Interest of assignee and effect on beneficiary’s rights] is updated

and clarified. Subsection (3.1) is added and provides that, an assignment of a contract made on

or after this section comes into force, revokes the designation of a beneficiary (not made

irrevocably) and nomination made under 57(1) [Transfer of ownership], unless the assigning

document provides otherwise. Therefore, insurers may wish to ensure the assigning document

includes express statements contemplated by this section when facilitating the assignment of life

insurance policies to protect the intended result of their insureds.

xx. Section 42 [s. 59.1]

The addition of s. 59.1 [Debtor insured’s enforcement rights] authorizes a debtor to

enforce the same rights the creditor has under a creditor’s group insurance policy as against the

insurer, subject to any defences available to the insurer against the creditor or debtor. If the

debtor is successful in its claim, the insurer must pay the money to the creditor, unless the debtor

proves that the debt has been paid in full, and then any excess insurance money may be paid to

the debtor.

xxi. Section 45 [s. 63]

The language in s. 63 [Payment] is updated and clarified. The addition of subsection (5)

allows the insurer to pay the insurance money owed to a deceased person, who was not resident

in British Columbia at the time of his or her death, to the deceased person’s personal

representative as appointed under the law of the jurisdiction in which the person died, and will

discharge the insurer to the extent paid.

xxii. Section 47 [s. 65]

The revised s. 65 [Limitation of actions] extends that limitation in all cases from 1 year to

2 years (or 6 years in the case of death where a proof of loss is not provided). Section 65 also

establishes new triggering dates to which the 2 year limitation applies for actions not involving

death or declaration of death to the later of (1) the date the event that causes the loss occurred,

(2) the date the claimant ought to have known the event occurred, or (3) in the case of money

payable on a periodic basis, the date the insurer fails to make a payment.



Section 71 [Payment into court] is revised to modernize the language. Moreover, in

addition to the existing grounds upon which an insurer may apply to pay insurance funds into

court, this section creates two new grounds for payment into court: (1) there is no person entitled

to the money, and (2) public policy or other grounds would disentitle the person to whom the

funds are payable.

xxiv. Section 53 [s. 77]

The language of the revised s. 77 [Minors] is updated and clarified so that it provides that

an insurer may pay insurance funds to an 18 year old or if he or she is younger than 18, to the

minor’s trustee in trust, or if no trustee is appointed, to the Public Guardian and Trustee in trust.

d. Changes to Accident and Sickness Insurance Provisions

i. Section 56 [s. 81]

The revised s. 81 [Definitions] updates the following definitions for clarity and/or

consistency with modern categories of insurance products: “application”, “beneficiary”, “blanket

insurance”, “creditor’s group insurance”, “declaration”, “family insurance”, “fraternal society”,

“group insurance”, “group person insured”, “insurance”, “insured” and “person insured”.

To modernize the Act, the section also adds definitions of “debtor insured” and “spouse”.

Spouse includes same-sex marriages or marriage-like relationships.

ii. Section 57 [s. 81.1]

Section 81.1 [Application of Part 2] provides that of all of the provisions of Part 2, only

ss. 10 [Court may relieve against forfeiture and termination] and 11 [Waiver and estoppel] apply

to Part 4.

iii. Section 58 [s. 82]

The new s. 82 [Application of Part] is subject to transitional regulations. Moreover,

subsection (3) is repealed and replaced so that Part 4 does not apply to life insurance policies that

provide for disability benefits or additional insurance funds in the event of death.



The current s. 84 [Issue of Policy] is repealed and replaced with a revised s. 84 [Issuance

and furnishing of policy], the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of s. 32 of the

new Act (see s. 19 above).


Section 85 [Exceptions] is amended to further exclude its application to creditor’s

insurance policies. Akin to s. 33 of the new Act, the A&S insurance policy must include specific

language warning that actions against insurers are barred by limitation periods as follows:

“Every action or proceeding against an insurer for the recovery of insurance money payable

under the contract is absolutely barred unless commenced within the time set out in the Insurance

Act.”

Finally, the section includes a requirement that where a policy limits an insured’s ability

to designate beneficiaries, the front page of the policy must include specified language in

conspicuous bold type as follows: “This policy contains a provision removing or restricting the

right of the insured to designate persons to whom or for whose benefit insurance money is to be

payable.”


Section 86 [Contents of group policy] is amended by applying the current provisions to

creditor’s group insurance policies, updating the language, and adding three subsections

mandating further inclusions. First, the group insurance policy must include any provision

limiting the insured’s ability to designate a beneficiary. Second, for a contract replacing another

group insurance contract, the contract must include an indication of whether designations of the

beneficiaries in the former contract carry over to the new contract. Third, the policy must

include specific language warning that actions against insurers are time-barred by limitation



vii. Section 62 [s. 87]

The language of s. 87 [Contents of group certificate] is updated and clarified. The new

section remains essentially the same as the current section, but for three additional requirements.

First, the certificate must set out the rights of the group life insured, debtor or claimant to

information under the contract to obtain copies of documents under s. 84 (see s. 59 above).

Second, if the policy restricts the insured’s ability to designate a beneficiary, the certificate must

include specific language notifying the insured of such (see s. 60 above). Third, the certificate

must include specific language warning that actions against insurers are time-barred by limitation


viii. Section 63 [s. 88]

Subsection (5) of the new s. 88 [Exceptions or reductions] further excludes the section’s

application to group insurance and creditor’s group insurance.

ix. Section 64 [s. 89]

The new s. 89 [Statutory conditions] updates and clarifies the statutory conditions and

repeals conditions 4 and 12, as discussed above under heading II.e – Revisions to Statutory

Conditions.

x. Section 65 [s. 90]

Section 90 [Omission or variation of conditions] is revised to correspond to the new list

of enumerated statutory conditions in s. 89.

xi. Section 67 [s. 91.1 and 91.2]

The addition of s. 91.1 [Limitation of actions] re-enacts the limitation period for initiating

actions under A&S insurance policies that was repealed as statutory condition 12. Section 91.1

provides that in the case of death an action must be commenced within 2 years after the proof of

claim is furnished or 6 years after the date of the death, whichever comes first. In all other cases,

the action must also be commenced “not later than two years after the date the claimant knew or

ought to have known of the first instance of the loss or occurrence giving rise to the claim for

insurance money”.


The addition of s. 91.2 [Sufficiency of proof and role of court] applies ss. 67 to 70 of Part

3 to Part 4 contracts respecting insurance money payable in the case of death.

xii. Section 68 [s. 92]

The revised s. 92 [Termination for non-payment] updates the language of the section,

adds a 30 day grace period for the premium payments, and incorporates the current s. 93 into

section 92 for consistency with Part 3.

xiii. Section 70 [s. 94 and 95.1]

Section 94 [Insurable interest] is repealed and re-enacted as s. 95.1 [Person insurable] for

consistency with Part 3. The language of this section is also updated.

xiv. Section 71 [s. 95.2]

Section 95.2 [Termination of contract by court] is virtually identical to s. 37.1 of the new

Act, but contains language pertaining to Part 4 policies, rather than Part 3 policies. Again, this

section attempts to reduce criminal acts motivated by insurance windfalls (see s. 23 above).

xv. Section 72 [s. 96]

Section 96 [Capacity of minors] is updated to reflect the current age of majority, 19

(rather than 21), and repeals subsection (2), which is re-enacted in s. 111 [Minors] for

consistency with Part 3.

xvi. Section 73 [s. 97]

The repealed and revised s. 97 [Duty to disclose] is virtually identical to s. 41 in Part 3,

but contains language and corresponding sections pertaining to Part 4 policies, rather than Part 3

policies (see s. 27 above).

xvii. Section 74 [s. 98]

Section 98 [Incontestability] is repealed and replaced with a new s. 98 [Failure to

disclose]. Consequently, the new section updates the language and extends the section to

increases and changes in insurance coverage and to creditor’s group insurance.


xviii. Section 75 [s. 100]

Section 100 [Pre-existing conditions] is amended by updating the language and includes a

debtor insured in the contemplation of the section.

xix. Section 76 [s. 101]

Section 101 [Misstatement of age] is amended by updating the language and includes a

debtor insured and creditor’s group insurance in the contemplation of the section.

xx. Section 77 [s. 101.1]

Section 101.1 [Termination and replacement of group policies] is very similar to s. 47.1

in Part 3 of the new Act, but contains language pertaining to Part 4 policies, rather than Part 3

policies (see s. 31 above).

xxi. Section 78 [s. 102]

The new s. 102 [Designation of beneficiary] is virtually identical to s. 48 in Part 3 of the

new Act, but contains language and corresponding sections pertaining to Part 4 policies, rather

than Part 3 policies (see s. 32 above).

xxii. Section 79 [s. 102.1 and 102.2]

The addition of s. 102.1 [Irrevocable designations] allows an insured to designate a

beneficiary irrevocably. If this is done, the insurance contract cannot be accessed by the

insured’s creditors and it does not form part of the insured’s estate.

The addition of s. 102.2 [Designation in will] enacts provisions of the current s. 102

separately for consistency with Part 3.

xxiii. Section 80 [s. 103]

Section 103 is repealed and re-enacted under s. 102 of the new Act for consistency with

Part 3.


xxiv. Section 81 [s. 104 and 102.4]

Section 104 is renumbered to 102.4 [Designation of beneficiary]. This section is virtually

identical to s. 52 in Part 3 of the new Act, but contains language and corresponding sections

pertaining to Part 4 policies, rather than Part 3 policies (see s. 34 above).

xxv. Section 82 [s. 104.1]

Section 104.1 [Enforcement of payment by beneficiary or trustee] is currently a

provision of s. 104, but is re-enacted as a separate provision for consistency with Part 4.

xxvi. Section 83 [s. 105 and 102.3(1)]

Section 105 is renumbered to section 102.3(1) [Trustee for beneficiary]. Subsection (2)

is added to discharge an insurer for payments made to the trustee for a beneficiary to the extent

of the amount of that payment.

xxvii. Section 84 [s. 106]

The revised s. 106 [Documents affecting title and assignment] is similar to the provisions

of s. 58 of Part 3 of the new Act (see s. 41 above). The revised s. 106 gives priority to an

irrevocably designated beneficiary over an assignee of the policy. Subsection (3.1) is added and

provides that if a contract is given as security, the rights of the beneficiary are only limited

insofar as to give effect to the rights of the holder of the security. Subsection (4.1) is added and

provides that an assignment of a contract made on or after this section comes into force revokes

the designation of a beneficiary (not made irrevocably) and nomination made under 107.3(1)

[Third party policies], unless the assigning document provides otherwise. The language of this

section is also updated and clarified.

xxviii. Section 86 [s. 107.1 to 107.3]

The addition of s. 107.1 [Assignment of insurance] permits insurance contracts to be

assigned where they do have an irrevocably designated beneficiary. This section is virtually

identical to s. 55 of Part 3 of the new Act, but contains language and corresponding sections

pertaining to Part 4 policies, rather than Part 3 policies (see s. 38 above).


The addition of s. 107.2 [Entitlement to dividends] is identical to s. 56 in Part 3 of the

new Act. It entitles an insured to dividends and bonuses on a contract.

The addition of s. 107.3 [Third party policies] is identical to s. 57 in Part 3 of the new

Act. It permits for the transfer of the insured’s rights to the beneficiary on the insured’s death.

xxix. Section 88 [s. 108.1]

The addition of s. 108.1 [Debtor insured’s enforcement rights] affords a debtor insured

the ability to enforce a creditor’s group policy.

xxx. Section 90 [s. 110]

Akin to s. 71, the revised s. 110 [Payment into court] is revised to modernize the

language. Moreover, in addition to the existing grounds upon which an insurer may apply to pay

insurance funds into court, this section creates two new grounds for payment into court: (1) there

is no person entitled to the money, and (2) public policy or other grounds would disentitle the

person to whom the funds are payable.

xxxi. Section 91 [s. 111]

Akin to s. 77, the language of the new s. 111 [Minors] is updated and clarified so that it

provides that an insurer may pay insurance funds to an 18 year old or if he or she is younger than

18, to the minor’s trustee in trust, or if no trustee is appointed, to the Public Guardian and

Trustee in trust.

xxxii. Section 93 [s. 113]

The revised s. 113 [Payments not exceeding $10,000] updates the language and increases

the amount an insurer may pay out under the section from $2,000 to $10,000.


e. Changes to Miscellaneous Provisions

i. Section 99 [s. 189.01]

The addition of s. 189.01 [Application of Part 2] authorizes the Legislature to make

regulations that apply provisions from Part 2 to home warranty insurance and deposit protection

contracts.


Section 192 [Power to make regulations] is amended by updating the language and

authorizing the Legislature to make regulations regarding an insured’s right to rescind a life

insurance or A&S insurance contract; electronic communications; an insurer’s duty to give

notice of an impending limitation period; dispute resolution under the revised s. 9; and classes of

insurance for the purposes of the Act.

iii. Section 101 [s. 192.1]

The addition of s. 192.1 [Transitional regulations] authorizes the Legislature to make

regulations exempting contracts from or postponing the application of new or amended

provisions of the Act.

iv. Section 102 [s. 194.1]

The addition of s. 194.1 [Trafficking] simply re-enacts s. 26 of the current Act.

v. Section 103 [Transitional Regulations]

Section 103 does not appear to be numbered correctly to be consistent with the new Act.

Nevertheless, the section authorizes the Legislature to make regulations, which are not

authorized by s. 192.1, that are necessary for the transition from the current Act to the new Act.

vi. Section 104 [ss. 102.2 and 107.3]

Sections 102.2 [Designations in a will] and 107.3 [Third party policy] of the new Act are

amended to account for the introduction of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (Bill 28, 2008)

by striking out Wills Act and replacing it with Wills, Estates and Succession Act.


vii. Section 105 [Financial Institutions Act, s.1]

The definition of “life insurance” is repealed.

viii. Section 106 [FIA, s. 76]

A revision error is corrected.

ix. Section 107 [FIA, s. 80.1 to 80.3]

The addition of s. 80.1[Coverage by property insurer] to the Financial Institutions Act

allows property insurers to also insure vehicles. Section 80.2 [Obligation of insurer with respect

to agent’s commission] is simply a re-enactment of s. 131 of the current Act. Section 80.3

[Complaint resolution] requires insurers to establish a complaint resolution process, which is

discussed in detail above under heading II. h – Complaint Resolution Process.

x. Section 108 [FIA, s. 289]

Section 280 [Regulations] is amended to authorize the Legislature to make regulations

respecting establishing and defining classes of insurance to allow for the restructuring of the Act;

an agent’s commissions; and the complaint resolution process considered under s. 80.3 of the

Financial Institutions Act.

xi. Section 109 [Insurance (Captive Company) Act, s. 3]

Section 3 [Application of other acts to captive insurance companies] of the Insurance

(Captive Company) Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 227, is repealed and replaced with a section that is

simply consequential to the amendments to the current Act.

xii. Section 110 [ICCA, s. 13]

Subsection (2)(k.1) is added to s. 13 [Power to make regulations] to authorize the

Legislature to make regulations respecting the application of the new Act to captive insurance

companies.


xiii. Section 111 [Insurance Corporation Act, s. 8]

Section 8 [Special authorization] of the Insurance Corporation Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c.

228, is amended to coincide with the language of s. 1(2) of the new Act.

xiv. Section 113 [Insurance Premium Tax Act, s. 1]

Section 1 [Definitions and interpretation] of the Insurance Premium Tax Act, R.S.B.C.

1996, c. 232, is amended to correspond to the classes of insurance in the new Act.

xv. Section 114 [Securities Act, s. 43]

Section 43 [Interpretation and definition] of the Securities Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 418,

gives “life insurance” the same meaning as under the new Act.

xvi. Section 115 – commencement of act by regulation

Bill 40 will come into force by regulation.


IV. CONCLUSION

The Legislature has made sweeping revisions to the Act for the first time in almost half of

a century in an ostensible effort to create an Act that not only protects consumers and clarifies

policy provisions, but also harmonizes insurance provisions with other provinces and justifies

government intervention in the appropriate circumstances. While the changes to the Act are

many, there are arguably 10 major changes that will have the most impact upon property and

casualty insurers: restructuring of the Act; increasing limitation periods; applying the pro-rata

sharing scheme to all subrogated actions; maintaining coverage for innocent co-insureds;

revising the statutory conditions; expanding relief from forfeiture; restricting exclusion for fire

loss; introducing a new complaint process; replacing the appraisal process with a revised dispute

resolution process; and permitting insurers to send documents to their insureds electronically.

The Insurance Amendment Act, 2008 is still in its infancy and is subject to further revisions by

the Legislature before coming into force. Unfortunately, the Legislature has not provided a

timeframe in which it expects the new Act to come into force. Nevertheless, familiarizing

oneself with the proposed revisions will enable insurers to consider and prepare for the future

changes to insurance law and the industry.