The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is drawing attention to a small, 900-person survey conducted in Alberta in January, which found a small majority of Albertans prefer the current “at-fault” automobile insurance system, while 25 per cent prefer a “no-fault” system.
“Attitudes toward no fault and at-fault insurance are similar to those measured in 2021,” the research report, Public Perceptions of Alberta’s Automobile Insurance System states. They add that seven in ten or 71 per cent believed it would be less fair if those involved in an accident could not sue the at-fault driver. “This finding is little changed since 2021,” they add.
“Almost seven in ten Albertans, 68 per cent, would prefer for the provincial government to look at options to lower premiums which retain a person’s right to sue the at-fault party if they are injured. In contrast, one in six, 16 per cent, would prefer to see the government look at changing to a no-fault system.”
As for familiarity with the different changes being considered in Alberta, 38 per cent said they were very or somewhat familiar; 61 per cent were not very or not at all familiar with the changes.
No solutions offered to improve affordability
The IFB is calling out Fair Alberta Insurance Regulations (FAIR Alberta), the report’s sponsor, for not offering any solutions that would improve affordability for drivers. It then draws attention to its own proposal, Enhancing Care & Expanding Choice, published in July 2023, which they say would give drivers the ability to choose their coverage options and double benefits to those injured in collisions.
“Combined with regulatory and tax improvements, this proposal could save drivers an average of $325 annually,” says Aaron Sutherland, vice president with the IBC. “What’s missing from FAIR Alberta’s analysis is any focus on solutions that would improve affordability for drivers. The status quo in Alberta is simply not sustainable.”
