LIFESTYLES Help’s at han HELP’S AT Hand, a weekly feature by the North Shore Infor- mation and Volunteer Centre, an- swers questions about and discusses topics such as govern- ment policies and programs, benefits, consumer and _ legal rights, taxation and public ser- vices. wee The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, commonly known as ICBC, is an organization with which we are all familiar. Surprisingly, most of us know little about the details of how ICBC works. Most people know that they can save up to 40 per cent of their in- surance premium by having a safe driving record. This represents a saving cf 10 per cent for each year without an ‘at fauit’ claim on their insurance up to a maximum of four years. The safe driving record starts to build up as soon as you have a driver's licence, even if you do not own a car or even drive at al! dur- ing those four years. But some people think that if they are involved in an accident and make a claim on their policy they will lose just one year of safe driving from their-record. Unfor- tunately this isn’t so. Any accident in B.C. that results in bodily injury or where the com- bined total property damage ap- pears to be more than $400 must be reported to the poiice. You do not have to report the accident to ICBC if you do not in- tend to make a claim. Many people prefer not to risk their safe driver's discount, but you should be aware that if you do report an accident it will not affect your driving record unless you actually make a claim. Sometimes there turns out to be more damage than you first thought and a claim would be wor- thwhile, and this would be easier if the accident is already on file with ICBC. It is also a good idea to report any small accident in which you are not at fault. It is possible that the other driver could promise to pay for the damage to your car but later deny all knowledge of the ac- cident. It might be hard to prove that the accident occurred and you would be stuck with the bill for Tepairs. By reporting the accident and having your car inspected at an ICBC claim centre you are not go- ing to hurt either your own driving ICBC has what_itcalls a ‘Claim : Rated Scale’. (you can find it ~ printed in the Autoplan Motorist Kit booklet) and a claim moves you three steps back on the scale. In other words, it will take three claim-free years to return to the level you were at before the claim. Another cause of confusion is just whose safe driving tecord will be affected in the case of an acci- - dent. Some people think that the person who was driving the car when the accident happened wiil automatically be the one whose re- cord will suffer. . But, in fact, it is the person who is registered as the principal driver (usually the owner) whose record will show the claim. There is no way of protecting your safe driver’s record when you lend your car unless you register some person other than yourself as principal driver of a car registered in your name. You should do this if the car is going to be driven by the person for a considerable period of time. See your Autoplan agent for details. You can find a great many in- teresting facts in your Autoplan Motorist Kit, which is the booklet which should have been handed to you by your Autoplan agent when you renewed your car insurance. If you do not have one you can pick one up at the offices of ICBC. The booklet includes an accident report form and a diagram for you to fill in if you are involved in an accident. If you are in a collision it would be very helpful to fill out this form at the time because it reminds you of alt the details that could easily be overlooked in the stress of the moment. | (formerly London Optical). Now oem under wear Optical. Serving the North Shore since 1966. Prompt. court: | eous service. 122 W. 15th, 988-5015 For reservations Banquets & Private Parties record or that of the other driver unless one of you actually makes a claim. Information given in this col- umn is intended only as a general guide and should not be applied to specific individuai cases without further consultation. Further in- formation is available from ICBC, the offices of the Motor Vehicle Department or through counsellors at the North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre, a United Way agency, at 1060 Roosevelt Cres., North Vancouver, V7P 1M3, 985-7138, CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE Wholesale Prices at LAING’S LIGHTHOUSE 343 EAST 8TH ST. NORTH VAN. 987-8396 Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m-4 p.m. Special Mother’s Day Gifts and Cards © ay ing the spectacular Besicura WE'RE PAID ONLY WHEN YOU COLLECT! Unfortunately, people who've been injured in an accident often settle for less than they're entitledto. .. because they simply aren't aware of the value of their claim and can't rely on I.C.B.C. for help. At our law firm, Stephens and Holman, you have a protessional negotiator on your side. We know your rights and we work to make sure your 1.C.B.C. settlement is everything you rightfully deserve. OUR POLICY if you have been injured or have fost a loved one in an accident, we would like to help you. You can see us free of charge. In fact, we're paid only when you collect. For your convenience, we can meet with you at your home orin the hospital. Sn Barristers & Solicitors + a NORTH VANCOUVER OFFICE ” 255 West First Street, Suite 119 . 983-0434 VANCOUVER OFFICE 1600 West Sixth Avenue, Suite 320 736-0431 41 — Sunday, May 7, 1989 - North Shore News Le Petit Montessori Academy An enriched BILINGUAL PRE-SCHOOL is currently booking OBSERVATIONS for parents interested in September enroliments. We offer 4 & 5 day programs for children 3-5 years old. Our school is conveniently located near Lonsdale & Hwy. #1. Fast relief for the best slressed coupie Now’s the time for a mid-week or weekend getaway to Surf Lodge, the easy-to-get-to resort that's been pampering quests since 1950. Located on beautiful Gabriola Island (a 20-minute ferry ride from Nanaimo), our seaside lodge accommodates you in lovely cabins or rooms, all with private bath; a romantic seaside restaurant serving fine dinners and hearty breakfasts (eggs benedict a specialty!); a warm fireside lounge - even a pub for casual conversation. Bring your golf clubs and challenge the course of the Gabriola Golf and Country Club. Bring your bikes and tour the parks and beaches of what most believe is the most scenic of the Gulf Islands. Bring your Scuba gear and enjoy the finest diving environment in Canatia, or bring your favorite fishing lures and take home some tresh salmon... Surf Lodge can make special arrangements for you ior guided scubadi:. fishing excursions. Or, bring that book you've been meaning to read, and find your own quiet place. The rest is up to you. For reservations & information call 1-247-9231 Tuesday, May 9th, North Malt 9:30 am to 6:00 pm ; Support local charifabie organizations. | PARK ROYAL SHOPPING CENTRE More than you can imagine.