The B.C. government Brought in mAjor reforms to the InsurAnCe Corp. of B.C. on TuesdAy. Here Are five things to know ABout the ChAnges:

1. Injury caps

The government will cap the pain and suffering payment you are eligible to receive in a minor accident at $5,500. The cap will come into place April 1, 2019. This will limit your ability to sue for damages in minor cases.

2. Medical benefits rise

To compensate, ICBC will increase the separate medical benefits you receive in a crash for the first time since 1991. Wage loss payments will rise from $300 to $740 per week. Homemaking benefits from $145 to $280 per week. Funeral costs from $2,500 to $7,500 and death benefits from $20,080 to $30,000. Most medical benefits for care, recovery, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing and other services will double.

3. Pre-approved treatments

More common types of treatments will be pre-approved, such as acupuncture, counselling and massage. ICBC will move from lump sum payments to a “care-based model” that it says will aim to cover complete costs on an as-needed basis.

4. Civil dispute system

Minor injuries will be defined as mild whiplash, aches, sprains, cuts, bruises and anxiety. If they persist after 12 months, and have a significant effect on daily life, work or school, they will be redefined as major and put outside the cap. Broken bones and concussions are considered major injuries. A doctor can also redefine your injuries as minor or major. In a dispute, ICBC will use a new civil resolution system, already in place for strata disputes, to reduce legal costs outside of court.

5. Rate hikes?

Rate hikes may still be coming. Attorney General David Eby would not speculate on whether the changes, which will save $1 billion a year, are enough to prevent rate hikes. He said more reforms are coming, including consultation on higher rates for bad drivers and the use of red light cameras to catch speeders.