VICTORIA, B.C. — The Truck Rental and Leasing Association (TRALA) and its Industry Council for Vehicle Renting and Leasing are working to seek the introduction of legislation to reform unlimited liability laws in B.C.

Currently, owners of rented and leased vehicles can be subject to unlimited liability without fault in the province. This liability is based solely on the ownership of the vehicle involved in an accident, even if there is no allegation of wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the renting and leasing company, noted the association.

TRALA is asking the B.C. Minister of Transportation and Solicitor General John Les to introduce legislation that would either eliminate vicarious liability or cap liability with a solution similar to the TRALA-sought reform passed in Ontario in 2006.

In Ontario, vicarious liability was capped at $1 million, and the primacy of coverage laws were changed to make the owner of a rented or leased vehicle’s insurance secondary to third-party and vehicle operator policies.

TRALA has asked that this new law apply to both cars and trucks leased or rented under either commercial or consumer agreements. TRALA and Industry Council members own more than 3,000 trucks operating in B.C. under commercial lease or rental agreements, and more than 17,500 cars and trucks available for rent to the general public.