NLIS 1 August 26, 2003 (Executive Council) (Government Services and Lands) (Justice) Automobile insurance reforms focus on cost reductions and fairness to consumers Two primary components in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s Automobile Insurance reform package, announced today, are cost reductions and fairness to consumers. Premier Roger Grimes presented the reforms today joined by George Sweeney, Minister of Government Services and Lands, and Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "Following several years of research, consultation and analysis, government is ready to proceed with reform of automobile insurance," said the Premier. "The time has come to reduce insurance rates that have escalated to the point that some people cannot afford to drive or risk driving without insurance." "Since all drivers are required by law to carry public liability insurance, it is incumbent on government to ensure that reasonable compensation is available at affordable and fair prices. By shifting the portion of this insurance which relates to the right to compensation for minor pain and suffering to an optional coverage, consumers will be guaranteed a 30 per cent reduction in their public liability insurance premiums." The Premier continued: "This new option will be available for purchase at current prices. Rather than eliminate this type of coverage as in other jurisdictions, we have decided to continue to make it available to consumers. Consumers already have the option to purchase additional liability, accident benefits, collision and comprehensive coverage and to choose their deductibles. "Consumers have also told us that insurance companies have not been treating them fairly. To ensure that all consumers are treated fairly, government will regulate the guidelines insurers use to determine insurability and rates. Consumers will no longer pay higher insurance costs because of their age, sex or marital status. Additionally, consumers will be free from increases due to not-at-fault claims, NSF cheques or a lapse in coverage." Government expects that these changes will benefit all insurance policy holders in the province. "This is one of the most comprehensive insurance reform packages in recent history," stated Minister Sweeney. "Since I accepted this portfolio in February of this year, continued work on this file has been a priority. By combining the contents of Bill 28 with other fairness and cost initiatives, I believe we have achieved an excellent package for the people." Minister Parsons said: "Through increased vigilance in monitoring insurance companies and giving consumers flexibility in choosing their insurance package, government has reached a balance. I believe the preservation of the rights of consumers is an important part of this proposal." The changes to the Automobile Insurance Act, Insurance Companies Act, and Highway Traffic Act will be introduced during the next sitting of the House of Assembly. For more information on this reform package, please contact the Department of Government Services and Lands at (709) 729-4834, or visit the Automobile Insurance Reform Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/gsl/ Media contact:
Automobile Insurance Web site: //www.gov.nl.ca/gsl/cca/ip/air/ BACKGROUNDER In Newfoundland and Labrador, all drivers are required by law to carry public liability insurance for protection in the case of an automobile accident. Government has researched and studied rising insurance rates for many years. A Select Committee of the House of Assembly reported on this industry in March 1998. Since that time, extensive consultations and analysis have taken place. In December 2002, government introduced a bill which addressed the fair treatment of consumers. The time has come to reduce insurance rates that have escalated to the point where some people cannot afford to drive. Our goal is to provide an accessible and affordable insurance system that is fair to all consumers. This bill has now been strengthened to legislate a reduction in the cost of public liability insurance. Every driver has the same basic insurance policy because it is mandatory. Many drivers carry extra liability, accident benefits, collision and comprehensive coverage and choose their deductibles. We will take coverage for pain and suffering that is not permanent and serious out of mandatory insurance and add it as a new optional coverage. By law, consumers will retain the right to carry this coverage at current prices for the next 12 months. Newfoundland and Labrador has put consumers first. Our reform package is one of the most comprehensive in the history of Canada. What Reform Will Mean for Consumers Affordability
- 30 per cent savings on mandatory public liability for all drivers. Accessibility
Fairness
Choice
Basic Public Liability Coverage
Examples Before Four drivers purchase basic mandatory liability insurance for the same type of vehicle. Although these drivers have been driving for five years without an accident, they pay different rates. New System These four drivers would now pay the same rate because the new reform package will treat all drivers fairly. Public Liability Insurance
Government will freeze automobile insurance
rates for a period of one year. Beyond the 12 month period, insurance
companies must prove their case before the PUB in order for rates to go up. Ability to Pay Insurance Monthly Allows you to budget your money over time; protects you from loss of money if your insurance company goes bankrupt. Exclude People from Your Insurance Policy Allows owner to exclude individuals from using their vehicle, thereby reducing the cost of your insurance. Requirements to Provide Information to Consumers Ensures insurance companies and brokers make information available so you are well informed. Flexible Methods of Compensation for Injury Allows you to request that your settlement be paid over a period of time versus one up-front lump sum. Improved Claims Practices Ensures your claims are settled quickly and fairly. Removal of Minimum Insurance Rates Set by PUB Enhances competition in the insurance industry. Protection from Losing Money Paid for Insurance Ensures consumers will not lose money if their insurance company goes bankrupt. Increased Penalties for Uninsured Drivers Intended to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on our roads. Contact Information For more information on this
program, please contact: or visit our website at www.gov.nl.ca/gsl 2003 08 26 1:00 p.m. |
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