NEINSTEIN CLASS ACTION SETTLED
A judge approved a settlement in a certified class action that alleged a breach of the Solicitors Act, according to Neinstein LLP, the firm named in the case, Hodge v. Neinstein.
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Auto Insurance Rates for the Fourth Quarter of 2018
This notice provides an overview of the private passenger automobile insurance rate changes approved by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) for filings reviewed in the fourth quarter of 2018. The number of filings reviewed by FSCO and the overall average rate change for the Ontario market may vary from quarter to quarter, based on updated information about claims costs, market conditions, financial factors and the resulting impact that these factors have on the adequacy of an insurance company’s current rates.
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Canada: Ontario Government Auto Insurance Reform
On January 9, 2019 the Ontario Government issued a news release announcing that it is seeking input on how to make auto insurance more affordable. The Government is inviting drivers and consumers to share their views on how to lower the Province’s auto insurance rates. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Finance says “the previous government’s failed system of stretch goals on auto insurance is clearly broken. Auto insurance rates in Ontario are among the highest in the country, and action is needed.”
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Spotlight: Auto insurance rates in Ontario set to increase by over 3% at the start of 2019
In Ontario, changes to auto insurance rates must be approved by the Financial Service Commission of Ontario (FSCO). Insurers file proposed amendments to their rates quarterly along with data to support the increase, or decrease in premiums for policyholders – this data identifies trends like where a company has experienced a change in claims cost for certain types of coverage (i.e. if there was a higher average cost of bodily injury claims).
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REFORMING AUTO INSURANCE JAN., 10, 2019
The Ontario Government is inviting drivers to share their views on how to lower the province’s auto insurance rates as part of its commitment to making life more affordable. Consumers and businesses are invited to share their views as well, with all of this input to be given no later than February 15, 2019. But, the Opposition at Queen’s Park has accused the government of wasting time and money by announcing the public consultation. Libby speaks with the Director of Consumer & Industry Relations at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Pete Karageorgos and the MPP for Brampton East, Gurratan Singh who is the NDP Critic for Auto Insurance.
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New hearing ordered – Interest to be paid at correct rate – Shannon Doxtater and Aviva Canada Inc.
Ms. Doxtater appeals the order of Arbitrator Mongeon dated November 17, 2017 in which he awarded her IRBs from December 23, 2013 to October 31, 2015 but dismissed her claims of entitlement to post-104 week IRB’s. The Arbitrator also ordered that Aviva pay Ms. Doxtater a $1,000 special award for withholding the IRB’s for the period December 23, 2013 to October 31, 2015 and awarded Ms. Doxtater interest at 2% compounded monthly on overdue payments. Aviva cross-appeals the arbitrator’s award of a special award in the amount of $1,000 and interest at 2% compounded monthly on overdue payments.
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What’s Happening With B.C. Auto Insurance?
When the NDP government was formed, they inherited quite a mess. Auto insurance costs were rising rapidly and rates increases had not kept up. The previous government had also drained the public insurer, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), of surplus funds from previous years. As a result, the ICBC was running losses in excess of $1 billion.
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Why private, for-profit health care is a terrible idea
Ontario Premier Doug Ford may be planning a two-tiered, profit-driven health-care system, according to the Toronto Star. This is clearly the wrong solution to the health-care woes of the province, and the nation as a whole.
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Comments Received
2019-001: Assessments and Fees