What’s New: In Brief (November 17, 2009)

Quebec’s Joint Report — a report used by drivers to report collisions in which no one was hurt — has been in existence for 30 years, but only 28% of the province’s drivers have used it.
A poll commissioned by Insurance Bureau of Canada shows that 67% of respondents are familiar or very familiar with the joint report, but only 28% of drivers have used it to report an accident with no injuries.
In Quebec City this number jumps to 48% and in Montreal it’s 58%.
Launched in 1979, the Joint Report is intended to reduce delays and claims settlement costs. It is a report kept in the glovebox of vehicles and can be completed quickly after a collision without injury, allowing the parties involved to identify themselves and report the accident to their respective insurers.
Use of the report means police are no longer obligated to arrive at the scene of the accident for a simple fender bender.
Almost nine in 10 drivers (88%) are correct in the belief that the report identifies the parties involved in a collision, but two-thirds (68%) believe incorrectly that filling out the report constitutes an admission of liability, according to IBC.
The poll also indicates that 59% incorrectly believe that when the police arrive at the scene of the accident, the police determine the liability or fault of the people involved in the collision. In fact, insurers make this determination.

McLarens Canada has acquired Binns & Associates Adjusters Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta.
“We welcome Delores Thorbourne, president of Binns & Associates, and her entire team to the McLarens family,” said Michael Holden, president and CEO of McLarens. “Servicing our customers in northern Alberta is an important part of our strategy and this acquisition strengthens our capabilities in this vital part of Canada.”
Binns & Associates will continue to operate under its current name and serve the needs of clients from their office.