Marshall report on Ontario auto ‘dead’
December 18, 2018 by Greg MeckbachA report recommending major auto reforms, from a former CEO of Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, appears to have gone by the wayside. “What I have heard is that [the] Marshall [report] is dead,” consultant Willie Handler said Monday…
Drinking and boating accident sparks disagreement among judges
December 18, 2018 by Greg MeckbachIn a recent divided ruling over the constitutional rights of drivers suspected of being impaired after causing an accident, the Supreme Court of Canada has narrowly upheld the conviction of an Ontario woman who operated a boat after drinking. R.…
Which Canadian community has the lowest vehicle collision rate?
December 17, 2018 by Jason ContantA community in northern Ontario ranks as the safest for drivers in Canada, with an average vehicle collision rate of 3.8%, according to data from the Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. The 10th Annual Allstate Canada Safe Driving Study found…
How costly is the fire peril for Canadian insurers?
December 13, 2018 by Jason ContantThe traditional fire peril continues to cost Canadian insurers, with fire/explosion accounting for almost a quarter (23%) of commercial claims by value, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) said in its new Global Claims Review report, released Thursday. AGCS analyzed…
Risk factors at Humboldt Broncos crash intersection identified in report
December 12, 2018 Ryan McKenna - THE CANADIAN PRESSREGINA – A consulting firm says sight lines are a safety concern at the rural intersection where the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash happened. A 70-page safety review done for the Saskatchewan government says a stand of trees, mostly on…
Insurer calls for online database of auto fraud perps
December 7, 2018 by Greg MeckbachHealth clinics and auto repair centres involved in auto insurance fraud should be named in an online database that is easily accessible to consumers, Aviva Canada suggests. “The fact that there is a small but sophisticated minority out there who…
Training will be mandatory for semi-truck drivers in this province
December 3, 2018 Ryan McKenna - THE CANADIAN PRESSREGINA – The Saskatchewan government is introducing mandatory training for semi-truck drivers almost eight months after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Starting in March, drivers seeking a Class 1 commercial license will be required to undergo at least 121.5 hours…
Auto insurers’ bitter costs dispute draws rebuke from judge
November 29, 2018 by David GambrillA bitter cost dispute between two auto insurers over an abandoned court action has led to a rebuke from a judge, who ordered Wawanesa to pay Dominion its legal fees. In doing so, Ontario Superior Court Justice Darla A. Wilson…
Why this simple collision claim needed multiple forensic reports
November 21, 2018 by Greg MeckbachA motorist who was successfully sued for rear-ending a vehicle on an icy road has to reimburse the plaintiff $23,000 for forensic engineering reports. Margaret Ozimkowski was driving home from work Jan. 23, 2012 after dusk in freezing rain. She was…
Insurers weigh in on how automated vehicles should be covered
November 15, 2018 by Jason ContantThe Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has recommended a single insurance policy to cover driver negligence and automated technology to facilitate liability claims associated with autonomous vehicles. “The automated vehicle’s insurer would compensate injured people if the automated vehicle caused…
Company calls for tow truck operator training standards
November 14, 2018 by Greg MeckbachTow truck drivers should not be allowed to hook up and haul vehicles damaged in collisions without some sort of certification above and beyond a driver’s licence, says CAA South Central Ontario. “If you have a Class G driver’s licence,…
Is seven months too long to wait for car repairs?
November 14, 2018 by Jason ContantA B.C. small claims tribunal has dismissed a driver’s claim that his repair shop negligently misrepresented the amount of time it would take to repair his vehicle. Jizhou Zhang sought an award of $4,500 for the loss of use and…