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Ontario Legislature passes non-binding motion calling on insurers to reduce premiums for drivers with winter tires


November 26, 2010   by Canadian Underwriter


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The Ontario Legislature has passed a non-binding private member’s motion calling on the insurance industry to reduce premiums for those who have winter tires.
Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, introduced his private member’s motion in the Ontario Legislature in early November and was passed on Nov. 25. Such a motion typically asks the legislature to state an opinion on a matter.
Proper winter tires can improve braking by 25% and improve collision avoidance by 38% when compared to all-season tires, according to Quebec’s Ministry of Transportation.
While winter tires can be cost-prohibitive, a reduction in premium would make the tires more affordable, Mauro says.
An increase in the use of winter tires would mean a decrease in the number and severity of accidents – a savings for insurance companies, he adds.
“There’s overwhelming evidence that the use of proper winter tires reduces the likelihood of accidents and save lives,” Mauro said. “If insurance companies offer reduced premiums to drivers who use winter tires, we’ll have safer roads and everyone will benefit.
“In Northern Ontario, where so many of us already use winter tires, lower insurance premiums for winter tires could also help northerners reduce the cost of winter driving.”
Only 29% of Ontario drivers use winter tires as compared to 84% in Quebec, according to a 2005 study by the Canadian Press and Leger Marketing.


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