Time is Money: Rhode Island bill requires insurers pay for OEM procedures, expedite appraisals
Providence, Rhode Island — America’s tiniest state just made a big move in collision repair as Rhode Island’s general assembly passed into legislation a ruling that would require insurers to cover the cost of OEM repair procedures. These amendments to the Unfair Claims Practices Act, signed off by Gov. Daniel McKee last week, introduce a […]
Poor Performance: High road test failure rate at ICBC puts strain on availability
Vancouver, British Columbia — A recent wave of British Columbians taking the ICBC road test are gumming up the works, according to a licensing official, who says that nearly half of this influx of drivers wind up failing the test, leading to service delays for others. The provincial insurance company reported Monday that it has […]
Status Quo: MPI applies to utilities board for no rate change, expanded safety rating scale
Winnipeg, Manitoba — It’s the time of year when insurance companies come to the Public Utilities Board, hat in hand, pleading for its favour in the coming years—in this case, Manitoba Public Insurance is pleading for no rate changes for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The general rate application was submitted Thursday alongside a press release […]
Asked and Answered: ICBC introduces distance-based discount, building on calls for more usage-based options
Vancouver, British Columbia — ICBC announced Thursday that it will begin offering customers a distance-based discount for those who travel less than 10,000 kilometres per year. British Columbia’s crown insurer claims this new offer will allow eligible customers to save between ten and 15 percent on the annual renewal of their optional coverage. Customers may […]
Victim Tax: Driver on the hook for nearly $9,000 repair after hit-and-runner hits her uninsured parked car
Toronto, Ontario — What was intended as a frugal decision after an unfortunate accident has left a Scarborough mother with a nearly $9,000 repair bill after her parked car was damaged in a hit-and-run. After a former boyfriend wrecked her 2021 Hyundai Sonata and left her with the $1,000 insurance premium increase that resulted, Shanise […]
A Lapse of Faith: Leaked internal MPI emails express concerns over Project Nova review, says CBC report
Winnipeg, Manitoba — The saga of Project Nova continues in Manitoba, as newly released internal emails from MPI raise concerns about McKinsey & Company, the consulting firm carrying out a $12 million review of the project. Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew released the emails during question period on Wednesday, stating that the chain of messages […]
TAI-ed Together: Toyota Auto Insurance expands into Calif., no word yet on plans for Canada
Toronto, Ontario — Toyota’s in-house auto insurance division has officially made its way into California, marking the ninth U.S. state to receive the Japanese automaker’s “customizable coverage” insurance offerings. The company said further expansion of Toyota Auto Insurance (TAI) will be seen in the coming months, with plans to integrate Oregon, Georgia and Colorado into […]
Finding Your Dream Cart: Sask. considering expanding use of golf carts on local roads
Regina, Saskatchewan — “Sorry I was late. There was a golf cart blocking up the left lane,” is a phrase some Saskatchewan residents may have to get used to saying now that the province’s Urban Municipalities Association recently passed a resolution considering them for public roadways. The resolution passed last week at the Saskatchewan Urban […]
Unhappy Accidents: ICBC Adjuster error costs Port Alberni family thousands in lost income and deductibles
Port Alberni, British Columbia — A Port Alberni, B.C. family says they are out thousands of dollars after their truck was hit by a stolen vehicle, causing them to be unable to operate their business while owing $1,000 in deductibles to ICBC. While travelling home to Port Alberni from Nanaimo with their children, the couple’s […]
Kicking the Can: MPI external review aims to ‘buy time’ ahead of election, NDP MLA says
Winnipeg, Manitoba — Manitoba Public Insurance’s long-delayed “Project Nova” online transition effort has yet again found itself in the crosshairs of the Opposition in Parliament amid criticism of last Monday’s call for an external organizational review of the insurer. Matt Wiebe, a New Democrat MLA representing the Concordia district in Winnipeg, called out the province’s […]
