May 5, 2014 | News
High-risk driving, which includes failing to yield, speeding, following too closely and ignoring a traffic control device, contributes to almost half (44 per cent) of all police-reported crashes that result in injuries or fatalities each year in B.C.
The Insurance Corporation of BC and police have launched a month long high-risk driving campaign at an intersection in Vancouver where a mock crash was set-up to show the consequences of underestimating the time it takes to make a left-hand turn safely.
Determining if it’s safe to make a left-hand turn at an intersection is not always easy. Drivers need to consider the speed of oncoming traffic, the time it will take to cross each lane and accelerate to the speed of traffic.
“As the weather improves, motorists can expect to find themselves sharing the road with more motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Use caution, be aware of other road users, and stay focused on the road.”
Police will be stepping up enforcement during the month of May targeting all high-risk driving behaviours including failing to yield, speeding, following too closely and ignoring a traffic control device.
“High-risk driving behaviours such as tailgating, failing to yield or speeding have no place on our roadways,” said Chief Officer Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “Drivers have to be responsible for their actions, pay attention and focus on driving. As police officers, we see the heartbreaking effects that result from bad driving behaviours – we will be out in full-force across the province to let you know that we are serious about reducing these senseless crashes that are so easily prevented.”
“We’re asking drivers not to underestimate the time and space required to make a left-hand turn safely,” said John Dickinson, ICBC’s director of road safety. “Don’t panic if the light turns yellow while you’re waiting to make a left-hand turn. You’re legally allowed to complete your turn if you’re already in the intersection, but watch for approaching vehicles, especially for drivers trying to beat the red light.”
The high-risk driving campaign aims to change driver attitudes and behaviours. Here are yielding and intersection safety tips from ICBC:
- When making a left-hand turn at an intersection controlled by traffic lights, don’t rush, yield to oncoming traffic, including cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as pedestrians. Don’t panic if the light turns yellow while you’re waiting to make a left-hand turn. You’re legally allowed to complete your turn if you’re already in the intersection, but watch for approaching vehicles, especially for drivers trying to beat the red light.
- To determine whether the gap in traffic is enough to allow for a safe left-hand turn, consider the speed of oncoming vehicles, the time it will take to complete the turn and accelerate to the speed of traffic.
- If there is any doubt about who has the right-of-way or if there is any chance of a crash, it’s always better to yield to the other person.
- Always yield to pedestrians and follow directions from crossing guards and traffic control people.
- When crossing a bike lane to turn right or to pull to the side of the road, be sure to signal well ahead and yield to cyclists.
- Always yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights and sirens. All traffic moving in both directions must stop. (Exception: if you’re on a divided highway and the emergency vehicle is on the other side of the median, you may not need to stop.)
For more tips and information on this year’s campaign, visit icbc.com.
ILScorp offers ICBC Autoplan courses for BC insurance agents. Introduction to BC Autoplan Insurance Online Course provides new orientation training for those wanting to learn more about ICBC’s Autoplan insurance in BC. ICBC Autoplan Coverages and Exclusions Online Course provides in-depth insurance training on ICBC’s Autoplan insurance coverage and exclusions.
Both courses review:
- ICBC Autoplan coverages and exclusions;
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- Underinsured Motorist Protection;
- Hit-and-Run & UMP;
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- and what ICBC coverss
Keep up with the latest Canadian Insurance news at ILStv.com
Apr 3, 2014 | News
Canadian drivers say they are unmistakably open-minded about purchasing usage-based auto insurance (UBI) policies, or “pay as you drive” insurance, according to a new survey by global professional services company Towers Watson. Towers Watson’s UBI Consumer Survey results are fairly consistent with other global markets and a clear indication that UBI is gaining momentum in the Canadian marketplace.
More than half (56%) of Canadian drivers said they have a strong interest in buying a UBI policy. Drivers’ acceptance of UBI programs deepens when they are asked to consider the possibility of enrolling in UBI programs. An overwhelming majority (85%) said they would be open to such programs, and that percentage increases to 94% should insurers guarantee that drivers’ premiums will not rise.
“The Canadian UBI market has quickly developed into a rapidly changing landscape,” said Robin Harbage, global lead for Towers Watson’s UBI practice and DriveAbility service offering. “Until recently, UBI in Canada was limited to just a few programs, but over the past year new entrants have entered the marketplace and increased the range of products available.”
The survey also assessed consumers’ take on value-added services, which can be bundled with a UBI policy and enabled by the underlying technology. Nearly two-thirds (65%) indicated they are willing to pay for these services, and when asked which services appealed to them most, drivers chose vehicle theft tracking (86%), automated emergency call (85%) and vehicle wellness reports (79%). Drivers said they would be willing to pay for these services, as well, with 56% prepared to pay between $3.75 and $7.50 a month.
“Canadian drivers’ indication that they acknowledge the usefulness in purchasing UBI-related, value-added services is an important signal to insurers,” said Harbage. “These services can help insurers differentiate and de-commoditize their products. They can also help them focus on a brand-new consumer base to grow new business and improve retention.”
Notably, nearly half (48%) of the respondents said they would be willing to change their driving behavior if UBI technology was installed in their car. When asked how, sticking to the speed limit (65%), keeping a safe distance from other vehicles (45%) and driving more considerately (45%) were the top changes.
Consumers said their primary concern with UBI revolved around the possibility that their premiums might increase (47%). Privacy issues were another leading worry, with specific misgivings about the sharing of consumer data (46%) and apprehensions around using data to invalidate claims (46%). “These concerns, while understandable, are not really significant enough to hinder the many benefits that UBI offers drivers,” said Harbage.
Excerpted from Canadian News Wire.
ILScorp.com offers auto insurance courses for insurance agents in Ontario and B.C. Courses include Ontario Auto Expert and two ICBC Autoplan courses. All of the courses are accredited for Continuing Education Credits and are available to you completely online.
Jan 22, 2014 | News
As temperatures plummet again in eastern Canada, and the snow continues to fall, it’s a great time to review and share 10 important winter driving tips. Share these winter driving tips with your insurance clients and help keep everyone safe on the road.
1. Avoid the winter slip ‘n’ slide: It’s well past the time to switch your all-season tires to winter ones (this should be done before the temperature drops below 7°C). Winter tires optimize the performance and safety of winter driving. Not convinced you need them? Consider that the braking distance of a winter tire could be up to two vehicle lengths shorter than the braking distance of an all-season tire rolling at 24 km/h. There is still plenty of winter driving weather ahead.
2. Defrost your windows well: Neglecting to defrost your windows might get you to your destination faster, but it’s a dangerous habit. Plan for a few extra minutes to clean all your car’s windows well. And don’t forget to clear off the top of your vehicle—snow could slide down the windshield and obstruct your view while the vehicle is in motion.
3. Winterize your trunk: Keeping a roadside safety kit in your trunk year-round is a good idea, but winter driving conditions require extra safety equipment. Make sure you’re carrying a scraper for the windshield, a small shovel, a sandbag, candles, and warm clothing like gloves and a hat. Be prepared if you have to get out of your car in cold weather.
4. Replace worn tires: It’s important to check your tires each winter season because worn or bald tires can be dangerous. Tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into them. A solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread means it’s time to replace the tire.
5. Don’t mix and match: Mixing tires with different tread patterns, different internal constructions and/or different sizes compromises the stability of the vehicle. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with four identical winter tires.
6. Top up your fluids: Always keep your gas tank at least half full. On very cold days, the condensation in the tank can freeze and cause problems. Also, don’t forget about your windshield-washer fluid – this is also extremely important on those sunny day!
7. Pump up your tires: For every 5°C drop in temperature, tires lose one pound of air pressure. To ensure optimum fuel efficiency and prevent irregular or premature wear, tire inflation should be checked monthly.
8. See and be seen: It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow impairs visibility. Always drive with your headlights on.
9. Take a cellphone: For long trips, don’t forget to take a cellphone in case you need to call for help. Pull over to the side of the road and stop your vehicle before making the call.
10. Drop your speed to match road conditions: The posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. In winter, it is safer to drive below the posted speed. No matter how much experience you have, the way your car will move on snow or ice always has an element of unpredictability.
Are you an insurance agent looking for a greater understanding of vehicle insurance in your province? ILScorp has online courses for ICBC Autoplan Agents in BC and an Ontario Auto Expert continuing education course. Visit ILScorp.com to learn more about our online continuing education courses for insurance agents.
Nov 8, 2013 | News
Alberta’s provincial government is proposing changes to province’s auto insurance system, to better protect consumers from rising premiums, while still giving individual companies more opportunity to make their case for increased pricing.
“Albertans have told us they want increased oversight in their auto insurance rates and we’ve listened. These reforms will set insurance rates that are fair for Albertans and make our already strong auto insurance system even better,” said Doug Horner, Alberta minister of finance and president of the Treasury Board.
The “Enhancing Consumer Protection in Auto Insurance Act” (Bill 39) would allow both mandatory and optional auto insurance premiums to be regulated by the independent Automobile Insurance Rate Board.
Alberta already has legislation regulating mandatory insurance premiums — like third party liability — these proposed changes would ensure optional premiums would also be regulated.
Heather Mack, director of Alberta government relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada, said consumers should be pleased with increased regulations, which she said could keep premiums down.
“This is definitely good for consumers. But at the industry level, we want less regulation. We want more flexibility, more competition.”
Another proposed change could somewhat appease the industry, Mack said. A file and approve system is being proposed, where each insurer could apply for premium adjustments on an as-needed basis instead of an annual, industry-wide rate adjustment.
“Whereas IBC was the one to present before, just once a year, now companies can present individually at any time. That will increase competition, so that’s a good balance,” Mack told the Calgary Herald newspaper.
But Derek Fildebrandt, Alberta director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, told the Herald it could be dangerous to artificially reduce certain premiums through increased regulation.
“When the government tries to keep prices down artificially in one area, premiums might go up in another area. One group of drivers will have to pay eventually, and we don’t know which demographic that will be.
Other changes proposed for the auto insurance system would involve moves to ensure Albertans get improved access to health care after a collision. As well, the Insurance Act could be strengthened in the area of solvency requirements for insurance companies to improve general market conduct. Changes are not being proposed for other components of Alberta’s automobile insurance system, such as the definition of minor injury and the related cap on payouts for minor injuries.
Excerpted from the Calgary Herald
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Sep 25, 2013 | News
It’s quiz time: While driving your SUV, you are involved in a minor, low-speed accident. Fortunately, no one is injured, but there is some damage to your vehicle – more than just a scratch – and maybe to someone else’s car or property.
Do you inform your auto insurance company about it, or keep the matter quiet and pay any repair costs out-of-pocket?
Concerns about auto insurance rate hikes are often the determining factor behind your answer, according to a Consumer Reports study. But there are some important factors to weigh as you determine your best course of action.
When to report the accident:
Seven in 10 auto accidents in the US in 2011 involved at least two vehicles, according to US Department of Transportation data, as did 52 per cent of the car insurance claims filed in recent years by more than 31,000 Consumer Reports subscribers surveyed last summer.
If your accident falls into that category, you should always report it – especially if you may have been at fault – because your insurance coverage protects you against liability for harming others.
Your insurance company and legal considerations might require you to report in such cases, but its also in your own best interest to officially document the facts of the case when you’re involved with a stranger in a potential damage claim situation.
Even if you could work out a private arrangement with another reasonable person to keep the auto insurance companies out of it, repairs often cost more than people anticipate.
For example, in a test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when a 2010 Toyota Corolla rear-ended a 2010 Toyota RAV4 at 10 mph, the Corolla had more than $3,800 in front-end damage and the SUV incurred more than $6,000 in rear damage, because of the vehicles’ bumper height mismatch.
The Corolla’s damage looked minor, and the RAV4’s was visually almost imperceptible. In 14 similar trials, the cheapest damage in 14 involving seven vehicle pairings produced almost $3,000 in total losses – six times the typical $500 collision deductible.
In addition injuries to you or other people involved in the accident, may not be apparent immediately. The adrenaline rush accompanying even a low-impact crash can mask injury symptoms, and soft-tissue damage can take 24 to 48 hours to show up. Bogus injury claims are another possibility, which will be difficult for you to prove without help from your insurance company.
If you don’t report your accident immediately and are hit with big costs down the road, your auto insurance company might not cover you because their window of opportunity to investigate the claim has been lost.
When it’s a toss-up
When the damage for an accident occurs only to your property, you have a more difficult choice make.
Filing a claim could produce a tempting payout, but you need to consider the unknown factor of how your claim might impact your premiums.
According to Consumer Reports, consumers won’t know in advance how much their premiums will increase, and for how long, in order to weigh that against a claim payout. But among the survey respondents, seven per cent of claimants said they felt their insurer unfairly raised their premium as a result of a claim.
Most states regulate “chargeable” accidents, which are loss payouts that auto insurers are allowed to count against your driving record in calculating your risk and setting your premiums. The rules vary, but payout thresholds of $500 to $1,000 are typical, which means that accidents costing the insurer less than that can’t raise your rate.
Major insurers, including ICBC Autoplan, will also have their own loyalty programs, which give “accident forgiveness awards,” based on how long you’ve been with the company and your good driving and payment record.
When not to report
If the damage is minor and confined to your own vehicle and property, maybe from backing into your own fence or garage door, you’re typically not required to report it to your insurance company if you choose not to make a claim.
It also doesn’t make economic sense to do so if the repair cost is smaller than or not sufficiently bigger than your collision coverage deductible.
Excerpted from the Buffalo News
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