Pedestrian Patrol: SAAQ cautions heightened pedestrian traffic amid the pandemic
Toronto, Ontario — With the closure of gyms nationwide, more and more people are getting in their daily exercise by walking outdoors. And with fewer motorists on the roads, you would think pedestrians are safer than ever. However, the 2019 safety record released by Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is a startling reminder not to […]
Pandemic Pandemonium: ICBC says financial plan in disorder amid COVID-19
Victoria, British Columbia — The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) says the pandemic has thrown its budget projections into disarray. Attorney General David Eby and ICBC CEO Nicolas Jimenez said on Thursday that a decrease in collision claims has resulted in $158 million in savings, but the public insurer has also generated hundreds of […]
Hit the Road: SGI resumes limited road tests
Regina, Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) resumed road tests for drivers working in specific sectors on May 11. SGI has developed a modified procedure to offer road tests to drivers seeking a Class 2, 4 or 5 licences for these two sectors, where examiners will follow the student in a trail vehicle when conducting […]
Candid Camera: Intact’s new photo estimation procedure
Toronto, Ontario — Intact Insurance and Belairdirect have announced plans to expand the use of digital photos in estimation procedures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Ontario members of Intact’s Rely network received a note from the auto insurer advising them that the change would be one “allowing an Intact staff appraiser to write […]
Editor’s Log: The Auto Insurer that Roared
In the 1950s, Britain saw its economic fortunes decline in comparison to West Germany. Its old rival was then undergoing a post-war boom, fuelled by the U.S. prolific economic support of West Germany. This difference in fortune was something of a sore spot for beleaguered Brits, who wished their own government had received more aid […]
Progressive Approach: U.S. insurer supporting collision partners
April 16, 2020 — Toronto, Ontario — In response to the financial crisis facing many collision industry businesses, U.S.-based Progressive Insurance will be providing $2 million U.S. — about $2.5 million– to its network shops. “Recognizing the hardships and uncertainty the country has faced due to COVID-19, Progressive Insurance announced today that it will be providing […]
Springing for Cleaning: MPI to reimburse disinfections
Winnipeg, Manitoba — April 8, 2020 — While the Coronavirus rages across the world, Manitoba’s public insurance company will reimburse auto repair facilities for the cost of disinfecting client vehicles. The reimbursement will cover two disinfections, before and after the regular repair operations. The news comes just one week after Saskatchewan’s public insurer announced a […]
New Hire: Rick Yates named vice president, insurance relations for Driven Brands Canada
Toronto, Ontario — March 19, 2020 — Rick Yates will serve as vice president, insurance relations for Driven Brands Canada. In the new role, Yates will oversee the development, strategic engagement and growth of insurance relationships and partnerships across Canada. In addition, Yates will lead the insurance relations teams for CARSTAR Canada and Uniban Canada. […]
Eye-Catching Crashes: Sports cars found to be particularly accident-prone, study finds
Toronto, Ontario — Being too flashy isn’t good for one’s health–or the health of one’s vehicle, a study has found. QuoteWizard, an end-to-end insurance solutions provider, has found that mini-vans and SUVs are the least accident-prone vehicles on the road, while mid-sized sports cars are the most. According to the report, which was produced by […]
Andrew Shepherd: Solving Ontario’s premium problem
By Andrew Shepherd News that auto insurance rates in Ontario are going up as much as 11 percent is surely daunting to the province’s drivers – Ontario already boasts the country’s second-highest rates. Perhaps a solution can be found by looking West? Canada’s public insurance provinces are adopting ‘universal’ collision repair standards covering training, equipment […]
