IBC applauds Ontario auto reform

The much anticipated Ontario auto insurance reforms have now been put before the legislature and the industry’s lobby body is pleased.Reacting to the news that Ontario Finance Minister Janet Ecker has tabled legislation that will allow future changes to the auto insurance system to be introduced more quickly, the Insurance Bureau of Canada is applauding.”We support this legislation and are delighted that the government is moving to reform the auto insurance system at this time,” says Stan Griffin, president & CEO of the IBC.The legislation is in line with discussions between insurers and the government to address rising health care costs associated with auto insurance. Griffin also feels the legislation addresses the concerns of health care providers and other stakeholders.”The legislation will assist in controlling the rising cost of health care for injured accident victims and, as a result, will help keep auto insurance affordable for Ontario drivers.” The changes will result in a more “outcome-based” approach to health care, with the hope of reducing the amount of time and treatments needed to complete these claims.Griffin also notes that a new system will allow the Ministry of Transportation to create a database for verifying insurance coverage for vehicles and make insurance a requirement for vehicle registration.”We are encouraged that the government has introduced these initiatives in an effort to work toward keeping uninsured vehicles off Ontario roads,” says Griffin. “We look forward to working with members of the government and opposition in completing the review of the legislation as quickly as possible.”