- New Brunswick government satisfied that provincial auto insurance rates are the 3rd lowest in Canada, despite report from its own expert that drivers are paying too much.
- Yet another attempt is being made to ditch 'no-fault' auto insurance in Florida.
- Michigan introduces bill aimed at "runners" which would set 30-day waiting period for contacting accident victims but bill has major loopholes.
- The Nevada Division of Insurance will be reviewing how insurers apply surcharges to drivers who’ve been caught texting or talking on a phone while driving. Insurers will be asked to submit data justifying the use of this factor.
- The Great Canadian personal data grab - why do businesses want so much data?
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Insurance News - Sunday, October 13, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Sunday, October 13, 2013:
Friday, 11 October 2013
Insurance News - Friday, October 11, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Friday, October 11, 2013:
- Oliver Wyman actuaries report that New Brunswick drivers overpaid millions for auto insurance and shouldn't have to pay any extra for a higher minor injury cap.
- New Brunswick report recommends increasing $2,500 auto insurance cap for minor injuries.
- A Globe and Mail opinion piece asks the question, will politicians in Ontario ever be able to deliver lower auto insurance premiums?
- British Police arrested 27 people over scams involving the sale of fake auto insurance policies over the Internet.
- Ford may not have a self-driving car yet but it has developed a self-parking system.
Monday, 7 October 2013
Insurance News - Monday, October 7, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Monday, October 7, 2013:
- Toronto Star article suggests that perhaps usage-based insurance will be able deliver enough savings for Ontario auto insurers to allow them to cut rates by 15%? - nonsense.
- FSCO has released a usage-based insurance bulletin with guidance on what to include in a filing with the regulator.
- Traffic fatalities in Toronto are at 3-year high - this has got to be related to distracted driving.
- Self-driving cars offer the latest example of how society is not always prepared to deal with new technologies when they become available.
- California Bill would require DMV to issue drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants who pass driving tests and buy insurance coverage. This follows similar moves by Illinois, Oregon, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington and Utah.
FSCO Releases Usage-Based Insurance Guidelines
On October 3, 2013, FSCO released a Bulletin providing some guidance to auto insurers on the type of information that should be filed when seeking approval for a Usage-Based Insurance Pricing (UBIP) program. For full details regarding FSCO requirement, refer to the UBIP Bulletin.
Personal Information and Privacy Requirements
Although telematics devices do not currently have the capability to identify who is driving a vehicle at any particular time, in many circumstances (for example where a vehicle has only one listed driver), the data collected by the device may reasonably be assumed to be about that individual, with the result that the data is personal information as defined in PIPEDA. However, FSCO has taken the position that telematics data should be treated as personal information even if it is not about the driving behaviour of any one identifiable individual.
Personal Telematics Data: Insurer Transparency and Consumer Consent
UBIP programs must be voluntary and enrollment must include the express, informed consent of the policyholder to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the insurer or third party provider. Any personal information collected through a UBIP program, or its accompanying devices or software, should not be disclosed to any other party unless expressly consented to by the person or as required by law.
Drivers should be able to enroll in a UBIP program without being required to share their personal information for non-UBIP purposes (e.g., marketing, offering of additional services such as vehicle location services or assistance in emergency situations).
Insurers should, where possible, facilitate drivers using their personal UBIP data for the purposes of entering into a contract with another insurer including enrolling in another insurer’s UBIP program.
Insurers may also be required to provide the Superintendent with any advertising or promotional material proposed for use in relation to their UBIP programs to ensure that it is clear, fair and not misleading.
Complaints, Inquiries and Customer Support
Insurers must be sure to provide adequate customer service support and outline appropriate mechanisms, enquiry management, and resolution systems to respond to customer questions, concerns and disputes.
Driver Education and Transparency in Rating and Risk Classification Systems
To encourage safe driving and ensure transparency, it is important that the rating model for a UBIP program be clearly communicated to the consumer at all times, beginning prior to enrollment and continuing through to each policy renewal. The impact that a consumer’s driving data has on the premium must be clearly articulated including a clear explanation of how to qualify for a discount, the period being measured to calculate the discount, the maximum or minimum of that discount, and regular feedback on driving habits to the consumer.
Changes in Rating
Consistent with the existing policy renewal process in Ontario, any change in rating on a policy must be done in accordance with s. 236 of the Insurance Act.
Limitations on Collection and Use of UBIP Data for Insurance Purposes
UBIP programs, including program-provided devices and applications, should collect and use UBIP data solely for discount-setting purposes, and not to decline, cancel or refuse to renew risks or to confirm rating criteria currently used.
General Rate-Filing Information
UBIP Program Costs and the Impact on Insurer Expenses
To encourage drivers to participate, insurers should cover all costs of enrolling in a UBIP program including the cost of any device installation and any ongoing costs of operation or maintenance. Insurers must clearly demonstrate the up-front or start-up costs associated with developing and introducing a UBIP program, as well as all ongoing maintenance and other expenses associated with offering the program, including but not limited to all costs associated with the UBIP device, data transfer and analysis, marketing and any third party provider contracts.
Reasonability of UBIP assumptions and the provision of adequate support
Proposed UBIP models may first be reviewed and approved by FSCO in principle, following which an insurer would make a formal filing for Superintendent’s approval. Approval of the filing could be made conditional on further filings being required at scheduled intervals to provide the necessary continued support for the UBIP rating system.
General Data Considerations: accuracy, security, storage, at termination
Before any UBIP data is used for rating purposes, reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that the data is accurate.
Insurers must also ensure that the data capture, transmission and analysis are all done within a secure environment.
Insurers and third parties should delete or anonymize personal information once there is no clear business need to retain the data.
Insurers must ensure that no further data is received or accessed after a consumer terminates participation in a UBIP program or terminates the policy.
Roles and Responsibilities: Insurers and Third Party Providers
Personal Information and Privacy Requirements
Although telematics devices do not currently have the capability to identify who is driving a vehicle at any particular time, in many circumstances (for example where a vehicle has only one listed driver), the data collected by the device may reasonably be assumed to be about that individual, with the result that the data is personal information as defined in PIPEDA. However, FSCO has taken the position that telematics data should be treated as personal information even if it is not about the driving behaviour of any one identifiable individual.
Personal Telematics Data: Insurer Transparency and Consumer Consent
UBIP programs must be voluntary and enrollment must include the express, informed consent of the policyholder to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the insurer or third party provider. Any personal information collected through a UBIP program, or its accompanying devices or software, should not be disclosed to any other party unless expressly consented to by the person or as required by law.
Drivers should be able to enroll in a UBIP program without being required to share their personal information for non-UBIP purposes (e.g., marketing, offering of additional services such as vehicle location services or assistance in emergency situations).
Insurers should, where possible, facilitate drivers using their personal UBIP data for the purposes of entering into a contract with another insurer including enrolling in another insurer’s UBIP program.
A consumer’s enrollment in a UBIP program involves the
agreement by the consumer and insurer to additional legal rights and
obligations outside of those in the standard auto insurance policy. In Ontario the mechanism for amending the standard auto policy
is by way of an endorsement form which must be approved by the Superintendent.
Insurers may also be required to provide the Superintendent with any advertising or promotional material proposed for use in relation to their UBIP programs to ensure that it is clear, fair and not misleading.
Insurers must be sure to provide adequate customer service support and outline appropriate mechanisms, enquiry management, and resolution systems to respond to customer questions, concerns and disputes.
Driver Education and Transparency in Rating and Risk Classification Systems
To encourage safe driving and ensure transparency, it is important that the rating model for a UBIP program be clearly communicated to the consumer at all times, beginning prior to enrollment and continuing through to each policy renewal. The impact that a consumer’s driving data has on the premium must be clearly articulated including a clear explanation of how to qualify for a discount, the period being measured to calculate the discount, the maximum or minimum of that discount, and regular feedback on driving habits to the consumer.
Changes in Rating
Consistent with the existing policy renewal process in Ontario, any change in rating on a policy must be done in accordance with s. 236 of the Insurance Act.
Limitations on Collection and Use of UBIP Data for Insurance Purposes
UBIP programs, including program-provided devices and applications, should collect and use UBIP data solely for discount-setting purposes, and not to decline, cancel or refuse to renew risks or to confirm rating criteria currently used.
General Rate-Filing Information
Any UBIP program must be filed and approved by the Superintendent.
It is recognized that there may be no Ontario-specific data to provide
in a filing. However, FSCO is supportive of innovation
and, as with other rating factors new to the market, is willing to
review data and the amount of the discount charged in other
jurisdictions.UBIP-related rates and risk classification system elements
must be just and reasonable and otherwise satisfy the statutory
standards applicable to all rates and risk classification systems.
UBIP Program Costs and the Impact on Insurer Expenses
To encourage drivers to participate, insurers should cover all costs of enrolling in a UBIP program including the cost of any device installation and any ongoing costs of operation or maintenance. Insurers must clearly demonstrate the up-front or start-up costs associated with developing and introducing a UBIP program, as well as all ongoing maintenance and other expenses associated with offering the program, including but not limited to all costs associated with the UBIP device, data transfer and analysis, marketing and any third party provider contracts.
Reasonability of UBIP assumptions and the provision of adequate support
Proposed UBIP models may first be reviewed and approved by FSCO in principle, following which an insurer would make a formal filing for Superintendent’s approval. Approval of the filing could be made conditional on further filings being required at scheduled intervals to provide the necessary continued support for the UBIP rating system.
General Data Considerations: accuracy, security, storage, at termination
Before any UBIP data is used for rating purposes, reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that the data is accurate.
Insurers must also ensure that the data capture, transmission and analysis are all done within a secure environment.
Insurers and third parties should delete or anonymize personal information once there is no clear business need to retain the data.
Insurers must ensure that no further data is received or accessed after a consumer terminates participation in a UBIP program or terminates the policy.
Roles and Responsibilities: Insurers and Third Party Providers
FSCO expects that insurers will have written contracts with each third party provider to confirm:
- the provider’s ability and commitment to ensure a level of personal information protection equal to or greater than that expected of the insurer, and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations,
- that the service provider has the required service capability, and
- that succession issues are addressed to ensure a smooth transition when ending or varying an agreement with a provider.
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Insurance News - Sunday, October 6, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Sunday, October 6, 2013:
- Man lobbying government to have convicted distracted Ontario drivers receive demerit points.
- A study by Liberty Mutual in the U.S. finds that adult children avoid discussing concerns with senior parents’ driving.
- The insurance industry officially announces CANATICS -- Canadian National Insurance Crime Services with the appointment of a CEO. The organization is to use sophisticated analytics to support the identification of fraudulent activity.
- Not what you would expect but a new study indicates that Toronto countdown crosswalks have led to increase in pedestrian collisions.
- Woman charged with selling over 300 fake auto insurance policies to people in the Detroit area.
Friday, 4 October 2013
Insurance News - Friday, October 4, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Friday, October 4, 2013:
- Toronto woman accused of bilking fellow Filipinos of over $500,000 in a phony chiropractic clinic scam, pleads guilty to 16 counts of fraud.
- The Ontario government continues to consider an overhaul of its definition of “catastrophic impairment."
- First privacy breach under Obamacare has already occurred: In Minnesota confidential information accidentally sent to broker.
- In case you were wondering, the U.S. government shutdown may impact on the P&C insurance industry.
- Highway to become Britain's first Internet-connected road and could pave the way for self-driving cars.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Insurance News - Thursday, October 3, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Thursday, October 3, 2013:
- U.S. survey indicates most insurance policyholders would prefer to have a simple explanation of their insurance policy in terms they can understand and have policy details explained in a brief, one-page summary.
- By investing in telematics and setting up the Independent Broker Resources Inc (IBRI), brokers are signalling that they are prepared to compete with direct writers who currently dominate UBI.
- On January 1st California will become the 8th state to allow policyholders to get their policy renewals delivered electronically. I understand FSCO's view is that there is no legislative barrier to electronic policy renewals in Ontario.
- The good news is the number of deer-auto crashes has dropped off in the U.S. The bad news is more deer are dying from disease.
- Thomson Reuters has a new white paper explores the growing presence of organized crime in insurance fraud and it's free to download.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Insurance News - Saturday, September 28, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Saturday, September 28, 2013:
- NDP claims Liberals have backtracked on a promise to lower the profit benchmark to 9% (FSCO has set it at 11%) and now the government will have problems reducing rates by 15.
- Court of Appeals of Ontario confirms that it’s illegal to hold a cellphone while driving even if it’s not transmitting and no matter how briefly it’s in a driver’s hand.
- WiFi-enabled vehicles are coming to Canada. So being able to better access the Internet on smartphones, tablets and laptops in cars is a good thing?
- Auto insurers with a "wait and see" strategy for usage-based insurance could end up underpricing bad risks that UBI insurers will avoid.
- More evidence that self-driving cars are on the way: Nissan’s self-driving car, the LEAF, has been granted a license for public roads in Japan.
- Michigan House of Representatives bill would introduce electronic proof of insurance as a mechanism to combat fraudulent insurance slips.
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Insurance News - Thursday, September 26, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Thursday, September 26, 2013:
- Allstate introduces new mobile app that lets some customers settle auto claims by submitting photos of their damaged vehicle using a smartphone.
- Woman struck by car, lands on hood - ruled an 'occupant' of the car by Ohio appeals court in favouring victim.
- With insurers not able to use gender in calculating premiums under new European Union regulations, the use of telematics to determine premiums to become critical.
- Ontario now allowing drivers to renew licences online - will be able to use their existing licence photos for an additional five-year renewal cycle, meaning they will only need to renew in person every ten years.
- New York launching "Texting Zones" along New York State Thruway and Highways for drivers to pull over and use their cell phones.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Insurance News - Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Wednesday, September 25, 2013:
- California regulators have made technology-based ride sharing services legal in the state including minimum insurance requirements, obviously the taxi industry is not happy.
- How advanced are telematics in the U.S.? Allstate’s driver tracking program has now logged a billion miles.
- Washington State man sentenced to 6 months in prison for selling more than 950 counterfeit vehicle airbags on eBay and Craigslist.
- NDP Leader Andrea Horwath accuses insurance industry of jacking up auto premiums to compensate for mandated 15% rate reduction.
- While the first self-driving cars are coming soon, overcoming motorists’ distrust of them may be a challenge.
- One reason is that self-driving cars are progressing faster than rules of road. A driver could be charged with distracted driving if not paying attention to the road.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Insurance News - Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, September 24, 2013:
- What would happen if your self-driving car was to cause a crash in Ontario? Under Ontario's current system you would be at-fault which is no different than if you caused a crash using your cruise-control but your insurer will pay.
- While the first self-driving cars are coming soon, overcoming motorists’ distrust of them may be a challenge.
- With insurers no longer able to use gender as a rating factor in calculating premiums under new EU regulations, the use of telematics to become critical.
- Toronto Sun article suggests GISA numbers show Ontario’s auto insurers can easily afford a 15% reduction in premiums over 2 years.
- NDP Leader Andrea Horwath accuses insurance industry of jacking up auto premiums.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Mike Colle Introduces Bill For New Drivers And Minor Accidents
Liberal MPP Mike Colle who is familiar with the auto insurance file while Parliamentary Assistant to former Finance Minister Greg Sorbara introduced a Bill, the Insurance Amendment Act (Minor Accidents and New Drivers), 2013 on September 18, 2013.
Bill
100 if passed with require that a risk classification system used by an insurer to
determine rates for auto insurance could not consider minor
accidents and would provide for lower rates for new drivers by crediting
new drivers, in certain circumstances, with additional years of driving
experience.
Minor accidents
are accidents that result in $2,500 or less in damages, no injuries or
death, and that did not result in an insurer making any payments that
were not fully reimbursed by an insured driver.
A new driver is
disqualified from receiving additional years of credit in a number of
circumstances, including if the driver has been found to be more than
25% at fault in a claim arising from an accident, has been convicted of
certain driving offences or has had his or her driver’s licence
suspended for non-payment of certain fines. The Bill is similar to an amendment passed in New Brunswick
for new drivers called "First Chance" as part of reforms in 2005.
The Bill would reduce rates for new drivers and would prevent rate increases for anyone at-fault in an accident and paid the cost of repairs out of pocket as long as the repairs are less than $2,500.
On August 24, 2013, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Charles Sousa, issued a policy statement that directed FSCO to review ways to “treat first-time drivers fairly” and to study the mandatory collision reporting threshold as a “potential cost reduction” initiative.
The Bill would reduce rates for new drivers and would prevent rate increases for anyone at-fault in an accident and paid the cost of repairs out of pocket as long as the repairs are less than $2,500.
On August 24, 2013, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Charles Sousa, issued a policy statement that directed FSCO to review ways to “treat first-time drivers fairly” and to study the mandatory collision reporting threshold as a “potential cost reduction” initiative.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Insurance News - Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Wednesday, September 18, 2013:
- Allstate says Usage-Based Insurance is delivering savings to 7 out of 10 drivers. I just wonder how long can insurers promise no increase to higher risk drivers?
- To enjoy driverless cars, first kill all the lawyers. Don't shoot the messenger but will liability concerns slow down the introduction of this new technology?
- Michigan establishes task force to combat fraudulent use of auto insurance cards which is estimated to be at over 16%.
- Former clinic owner pleads guilty to posing as doctor and treating patients. Licensing health care clinics will address this type of fraud.
- Fraud can come from just about anywhere in the system. A Florida insurance company employee has been convicted of fraud for diverting claims payments for her own personal use.
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Insurance News - Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, September 17, 2013:
- So there is a new term now for distracted walking, 'wexters’ and they are a hazard for drivers when they step off the curb.
- A Google Street View car in Indonesia was involved in collision after the company boasted that the vehicles had driven 200,000 accident-free miles.
- Does customer loyalty drive auto insurance rates up because they are reluctant to shop around?
- Pay As You Drive programs can be used to accurately infer your destination, a long-time concern of privacy advocates. Is the public properly protected?
- California is considering regulating rideshare programs and proposing that drivers carry some form of commercial auto insurance coverage.
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Insurance News - Saturday, September 14, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Saturday, September 14, 2013:
- Michigan Bill would remove requirement to purchase medical coverage for senior drivers with Medicare.
- One-third of Canadian and U.S. insurers feel inadequately protect from fraud according to FICO survey.
- Nokia a rival of Google is teaming up with Mercedes-Benz to also develop a self-driving car. Along with Nissan,Audi and Toyota the race is on to be the first out with a robotic car.
- Speaking of driverless cars, will businesses consider a robot instead of hiring a delivery person?
- The Saskatchewan privacy commissioner says SGI collects too information. The insurer disagrees.
- The strange tale of an Uber car crash and what it means for the future of ride-sharing and auto insurance.
- New Jersey has proposed legislation to allow police to check cellphones for texts without warrants after an accident.
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Insurance News - Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Tuesday, September 10, 2013:
- Sure lower liability limits will save drivers money but only until you have an accident, read this story.
- Do telematics devices really save consumers money?
- Drivers with a past accident are 88% more likely to have another accident in the future.
- Google's self-driving cars are going to create new liability quandaries - may need to rewrite Ontario's Fault Determination Rules.
- A.M. Best Special Report: Despite Challenges, Canadian Insurance Industry Remains Profitable.
- Women behind the wheel behave almost as badly as me.
- Queens Park returned for the fall session on Monday and auto insurance rates sure to be one of the issues to dominate.
- In fact on day 1, Ontario NDP calls for quicker action on reducing auto insurance rates but it doesn't appear the government is at risk of being brought down.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
Auto Static
There is no escaping talk of telematics these days and what that may mean for automobile insurance. But will telematics put an end to age and gender discrimination?
Telematics has been one of the most talked about issues within the automobile insurance sector over the past several years. Recently Desjardins General Insurance Group launched Ajusto, the first widely available automobile insurance program in Ontario that offers savings to drivers centered on usage-based insurance (UBI) technology. This is ground-breaking territory in Canada despite the fact that pay-as-you-drive insurance has been available in the United States and Europe for some time.
Automotive telematics refers to the technology that uses hardware and software applications with remote communication devices, such as cellphones, GPS and wireless devices, to obtain information about vehicles. Automotive telematics has been in use, mostly in high-end vehicles, for quite some time. But today newer technologies are helping unfold many opportunities for all stakeholders, and more importantly, in emerging economies.
Telematics enables vehicle owners or customers to constantly be in touch with service providers through incorporated software and hardware in their vehicles. In turn, service providers, too, can offer a host of new services based on their customers' preferences.
Also, data sent remotely from a vehicle allows stakeholders such as automakers, dealers, fleet managers and insurance providers to build better customer-relationship strategies.
There have been tomes written on the benefits of telematics and UBI, including lowering premiums for good drivers¸ reducing traffic congestion, allowing parents to monitor teenage drivers and combating auto insurance fraud.
What we have not heard much about is that UBI will allow insurers to begin to move away from historical rating criteria such as age and gender, both of which have been contentious over the years.
HISTORY LESSON
In 1983, Michael Bates alleged that he was discriminated against because Zurich Insurance charged him higher premiums for his automobile insurance than a young, single, female driver with the same driving record or than drivers over age 25. Bates alleged that the rate classification system discriminated by grouping drivers by age, sex and marital status and determining their premiums based on these factors.
Moving forward to 1992, a majority ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada found that Zurich did not discriminate against Bates contrary to the Ontario's Human Rights Code by charging him higher premiums for automobile insurance because of his age, sex and marital status.
The high court reasoned that charging higher premiums to young, unmarried, male drivers was discriminatory and contravenes the Human Rights Code. However, section 21 of the code permits discrimination in automobile insurance because of age, sex, marital status, family status or handicap, and the court determined statistical evidence showed that young, male drivers are involved in proportionately more - and more serious - accidents than other drivers.
The insurance industry, however, was not totally absolved by the Supreme Court ruling. The high court encouraged the industry to begin looking more closely at non-discriminatory alternatives in rate-setting in the automobile insurance industry. It ruled that the insurance industry could continue to use discriminatory criteria such as age and marital status as a bona fide means of assessing risk, but that the industry could not do so indefinitely.
To a certain extent, insurers have used the Bates v. Zurich decision as a green light to base automobile insurance premiums on age, sex, marital status and other socioeconomic factors where statistical evidence supports higher rates. It may be a matter of time before there is another court challenge.
However, the next time it would be difficult to defend the existing practices now that non-discriminatory alternatives actually exist.
CLEAR TREND
The move away from rating based on age, sex and marital status has already begun. It is prohibited to use gender in considering rates for automobile insurance in five provinces, with Alberta only allowing its use for private policies, not through the government-mandated scheme. Ontario, with the largest share of the privately delivered automobile insurance market in Canada, still uses age, sex and marital status in determining premiums.
In the U.S., California recently joined 11 other states that prohibit gender rating in the individual health insurance market. Consumer groups south of the border have been battling insurance regulators to prohibit or restrict non-driving factors in setting automobile insurance premiums. As it stands, insurers have been able to maintain the status quo while developing UBI programs that provide an alternative.
The European Union recently outlawed gender-based insurance premiums. The European Court of Justice's ruling, which follows a 10-year legal battle against the proposals by insurers, will put an end to women getting better deals on car insurance.
The ruling has increased pressure on the industry to adopt better discriminating factors, like those available through telematics.
THE HOME FRONT
It is not just rating based on age, sex and marital status that is under the microscope, but other socioeconomic factors like credit scoring as well. Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador have banned the use of credit scoring in auto insurance as a result of pressure from politicians. Politicians, supported by insurance brokers, have begun to turn their attention to the home insurance market, where the use of credit information is also used.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada recently released a report stating it did not object to the use of credit information for purposes of assessing insurance risk. It was noted section 8 of Ontario's Consumer Reporting Act confirms that credit information may be disclosed for the purpose of underwriting insurance. However, the commissioner also noted there is no obvious link between credit information and insurance premiums - and little transparency in the use of credit information.
So while the use of age, sex and marital status, as well as other socioeconomic factors, in rating drivers has been upheld by courts and tribunals, their continued use attracts criticism and, in some cases, legislative action.
Although UBI is still not available to many drivers, insurers who are considering moving towards UBI ensures that predictive criteria continue to be available as governments prohibit or restrict traditional criteria. In Canada, automobile insurers are keeping a close watch on developments at Desjardins.
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Insurance News - Saturday, September 7, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Saturday, September 7, 2013:
- The 2014 Honda Odyssey is the first minivan to receive the top safety pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- If insurers guarantee drivers’ premiums would not rise, 89% of U.S. drivers open to UBI. In the problem is that in the long-term the promise of no premium increases is not sustainable.
- It seems an Iowa woman had a blood alcohol content of .341. Is that even possible?
- Audi plans to unveil mobile app that automatically finds a vacant parking spot, sans driver.
- Self-driving cars: Have we really thought this through?
- Self-driving cars face roadblocks - HTA requires licensed drivers, who is at fault when 2 self-driving cars collide...
- If you've been wondering what it takes to make a self-driving car...
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Insurance News - Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Wednesday, September 4, 2013:
- It seems all these new electronic proof of insurance laws are confusing police. What to do if the driver doesn't let an officer take their smartphone back to the squad car?
- Sprint launches technology that blocks a driver’s cell phone from sending and receiving text messages and surfing the Web.
- A New Jersey auto insurance group has released results of a study that offers some interesting new insights into the distracted driving behaviors of young New Jersey drivers.
- GM also claims that almost-driverless cars will be out by 2020.
- Europe wants to jump on the Big Brother tactics by limiting a car's top speed to the posted speed limit--no matter the driver's input.
- Another worry regarding self-driving cars - hackers find ways to hijack car computers and take control.
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Insurance News - Sunday, September 1, 2013
Here are the leading auto insurance headlines from ONTARIO AUTO INSURANCE TOPICS ON TWITTER for Sunday, September 1, 2013:
- Google’s $258 million investment in the car-hailing app company Uber made headlines last week. Google’s interest in Uber is likely connected to their ongoing investments in driverless or autonomous cars, and it shows that the potential of this technology is much greater than is commonly realized.
- Transport Canada says deaths from distracted driving up 17% over last 5 years. News like that makes you look forward to seeing self-driving cars on the road.
- Can smartphones prevent crashes? That's what the future may hold as Honda demonstrated a car equipped with dedicated short-range communications technology that can detect a pedestrian with a smartphone that has the same tech installed.
- U.S. Appeals Court sides with insurer in New York case where policyholder claimed optional benefit was misleading. Policyholder thought he was getting in excess of the standard $50,000 in coverage instead of expanded coverage for other vehicles and passengers.
- Missouri is considering an uninsured motorist bill that would take away the right from uninsured drivers to sue an at-fault driver for non economic damages.
- ICBC is looking for a 4.9% rate increase for it basic auto insurance coverage but says much of the increase will be offset by rate reductions to optional coverage.
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