Halifax, Nova Scotia – Auto insurers in Nova Scotia are getting serious about cell phones now that Northbridge General Insurance Company has announced that it will be treating distracted driving as a major conviction that will affect insurance rates.
The Nova Scotia Utility Review Board (NSURB) announced the decision on Nov. 13 and it will apply to both Northbridge General and Zenith Insurance Company.
Northbridge specifies three levels of conviction: minor, major and serious, with each bearing distinct penalties.
Under the new changes, drivers may face fines from $233.95 for the first offence to $578.95 for a third offence with the addition of four demerit points on conviction.
“What we find out on the road is that the general population is not concerned about the ticket they get on the side of the road. What means something to them are points against the driver’s licence and how it affects their insurance rates,” said Sgt. Gord Keen of the Ontario Provincial Police during a 2019 panel discussion at Symposium West, a conference held by the Insurance Institute of Canada.
“They don’t want to lose their licence—and they know the demerit points are going to lead to that—and then of course [auto insurers] could price them out of the market. Sanctions should get harsh because this is extremely high-risk behaviour,” said Keen.
The changes are set to take effect on Jan. 4, 2021, for new customers and Feb. 4 for renewals.
In the Nov. 13 ruling, NSURB also approved an increase to Northbridge’s multi-vehicle discount in Nova Scotia from 15% to 20%.
