Good news for Saskatchewan drivers

SGI is returning $100 million to its customers through a rebate on their 2006 auto insurance premiums.
In addition, SGI has applied to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel for a general rate reduction of five per cent with rate rebalancing, which would mean more than half of SGI customers will be paying less for their auto insurance.
“SGI’s Auto Fund is currently in the strongest financial position in its history, due mainly to reduced claim costs, solid investment earnings and growth in premium revenue as customers upgrade to newer vehicles. The Auto Fund earned an estimated $90 million in 2006, leaving its Rate Stabilization Reserve with an estimated balance of $196 million,” Minister responsible for SGI Glenn Hagel said. “Consequently, over half a million Saskatchewan vehicle owners will earn an almost 17 per cent rebate on the insurance premiums they paid for 2006 coverage.”
The rebate applies to both privately-owned and commercial vehicles and will be calculated on a customer’s vehicle insurance premium, prior to any discounts or surcharges earned through the Safe Driver Recognition or Business Recognition programs. Rebate cheques will be mailed to customers in mid-April, with an average rebate of about $180.
SGI has also applied to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel to generally reduce rates by five per cent with rate rebalancing, which would mean about 448,000 Saskatchewan vehicles (53 per cent) would see a reduction in their rates. The average decrease would be $68.
“Under SGI’s rate application, about 33 per cent of vehicles would see an increase, with an average rise of $16. The remaining 14 per cent of vehicles would see no rate change. Overall, SGI would take in five per cent less in premium, equalling about $28 million. SGI is seeking approval for the new rates to take effect July 1, 2007.
The Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel will review SGI’s application and provide a recommendation to the government, which will then instruct the corporation on how to proceed.