Ontario auto insurance reforms are now active (June 1)

Happy family sitting in the carOntario is home to comfortably the highest auto insurance rates in the whole of Canada, and insurance companies and government are working to get the rates reduced. Part of the plan of reaching the Liberal government’s 15 per cent rate reduction goal is reforming the market, with those changes now in effect from June 1.

Auto insurance in Canada is hugely important, it can help to make or break governments. Consumers know they pay the highest rates (sometimes by over 40%) and politicians can win favor by slashing the rates. The Liberals have managed to get rates reduced by 10% since 2013, but missed its 15% goal last year before saying it would continue towards that target.

The latest reforms are designed to help lower rates by offering more choice, according to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). The lower premiums part of the reforms will probably be true as the reforms will bring an average rate change of -3.07%, so the next time you have to renew a policy, it is hugely important to shop around for the best deal.

However, nothing is free, so cutting premium rates mean consumers need to give something back. The changes to the Statutory Accident Benefit amounts may be more than many policyholders are willing to give, but this is the situation; to pay less you get less.

Benefits for Non-catastrophic injuries are now reduced from a combined $86,000 ($50,000 for medical and rehabilitation and $36,000 for attendant care) to a combined $65,000, although it is possible to increase the coverage (i.e. pay for) to $130,000.

In terms of catastrophic injuries the benefits have been reduced from a combined $2,000,000 ($1,000,000 for medical and rehabilitation and $1,000,000 for attendant care) to a combined $1,000,000 with the option to increase it to $2,000,000 in total.

Bad news maybe. However, minor collision rules have also changes and are likely to be well received considering some drivers will not need to pay if involved in a minor hit. To do this you have to pay the damages yourself if the accident meets the following stipulations:

No payment has been made by an insurer
There are no injuries
Damages are less than $2,000
One minor collision every three years.

OPP Warns North Bay Residents over Continuing CRA Scam

Ontario Provincial Police in North Bay is issuing a warning to residents in the north of the province about a public aware scam. The con sees fraudsters pose as a representative from the Canada Revenue Agency, with numerous examples of the scam reported so far.

The so-called CRA scam is targeting vulnerable victims where criminals pose as the revenue agency and contacts victims via telephone, mail, text message or email. Through the communication, the caller pretends that the CRA needs important information such as credit card number, band account details, identification numbers, or social insurance number.

Ontario police are warning that any caller pretending to be the CRA and asking for overly-personal information should be ignored and reported. If ever in doubt, do not respond to such calls and ask for information regarding the caller, or even call back the CRA to check the call was legitimate.

OPP says the criminals apparently want identification and sometimes ask for customers to pay false outstanding taxes that need to be covered through a credit or debit card. Consumers are warned that the CRA would not demand such payments over the phone in this manner, so any calls demanding payment on the spot should be reported.

Some victims report that the callers use excessive language to make customers think that they simply must pay the money or risk legal action or even prison.

“If you believe that someone is posing as a Canada Revenue Agency official, hang up and contact your local police service. You can also file a complaint through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or online at tipsubmit.com.”

Policing Costs Unsustainable in Northern Ontario

The cost of policing across North Bay and the municipality is increasing to an unsustainable level, according to the federation of North Ontario Municipalities (FONOM).
abstract empty asphalt blurry road and sunlight with space
Al Spacek says that costs are spiraling and that the budget created for policing in Northern Ontario needs to be modernized. Until that happens, FONOM says there will be continued to be problems with policing in the area and law enforcement will be stretched. He added that all municipalities (100) that are represented by the organization are worried by the situation.

“It keeps resurfacing because it’s become such a significant issue for municipalities to deal with,” he said.
“Policing costs have gone from being a negligible part of a lot of budgets to being, if not very significant, to the most significant cost for some municipalities. The municipalities have come to the conclusion that it is not sustainable and taxpayers cannot continue the kind of exponential increases that they’ve seen over the past 10 years. Something has to be done.”

The Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) has launched a policing modernization report, which was published in 2015. The key point of the report is that policing in Ontario is more expensive than anywhere else in Canada. With the highest population in the country and the largest cities, that is not surprising per se.

However, the scale of Ontario’s policing costs is increasing beyond sustainable levels and the result is a struggle for communities in Northern areas in the province.

“When I became mayor of Kapuskasing 10 years ago, our policing contract was about $1.2 million per year. It is now in excess of $2.4 million,” he said. “A one per cent tax increase in Kapuskasing brings in about $100,000, so, you do the math.”

North Bay right to be Worried about Gas Prices says MPP

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says that the surging gas prices in Northern Ontario should be a concern for the Ontarian government and residents are correct to be frustrated. In North Bay, gas prices increased by as much as 20 cents a liter, which is a faster rate than the more populated southern areas in the province.

Fedeli cited resolutions from North Bay and Powassan as proof that the central Ontario liberal government should sit up and take notice. The two municipalities are urging the provincial government to do something about the “volatility and sudden price changes”.

“When the two largest municipalities in the riding, in North Bay and Powassan, pass resolutions on this, it is a legitimate concern,” Fedeli said.

The MPP pointed out that this is a familiar problem in Ontario, a province that is known that is known for a gas price disparity between north and south. However, Northern Ontario is also known as being a fragmented gas price market, with some cities more expensive that others and even some areas within a city costing more than others.

“The City of North Bay also points out that drivers in Northern Ontario often see wide ranges in gasoline prices compared to other areas, particularly in southern Ontario,” Fedeli said in the legislature.

“As a result, North Bay and Powassan councils both resolved to ‘request the provincial government investigate benefits of such regulation for Ontario.’”

North Bay Bylaw could Freeze Taxi Fares

A proposed change in the taxi bylaw, North Bay may freeze or slow down the rise of taxi fare costs in the city, essentially eliminating the now obligated annual increases.

At the moment passengers wanting a cab pay a $4.50 flat rate for just entering the vehicle, while there is a $2.01 charge for each kilometer covered. Those rates are both updated automatically under the current system, but the local bylaw authority says it wants to remove the annual increase in favor of biannual price reviews.

The North Bay Police Service oversees the bylaw and it is easy to see the plan is to prepare the local taxi industry for the arrival of ride-sharing giant Uber. The US company has moved around major Canadian municipalities and disrupted the local taxi industries. Most cities were unprepared for Uber’s growth, but regions like North Bay have the luxury of preparing for Uber based on the successes and failures of other cities.

Uber is not yet in North Bay, and while the company has not officially announced a plan to enter North Bay, it is moving to smaller towns and cities. Any sizeable population center in Ontario is a prime target for Uber, so the company surely has long term plans for municipalities like North Bay.

While the plan could be to make consumers see taxis as good value compared to the cheap UberX service, drivers are actually unhappy with the price freeze proposal. Industry representatives argue that drivers must still contend with added yearly costs like increasing fuel rates and insurance premiums.

Home Insurance: The Basics

1500x675_white_home_editedHome insurance is hugely important, allowing you to have protection against numerous hazards that may befall your property. A good policy will protect your home against fire and other damage, while also giving coverage for possessions in your property, protecting from the risk of theft and other damage.

As Canada is home to often brutal weather, the risk of damage from snow and particularly water is high, with overland flooding a common occurrence in North Bay and the province as a whole. Home insurance can help ease the pain of climate change and weather related damage by offering protection for the most valuable investment that you may make.

Unfortunately, while home insurance is offered by all major insurance providers, many Ontarians still do not understand the benefits of coverage, or do not understand how to get the best deal.

Knox Insurance is a dedicated team that works to get you the best possible protection for your home and at the best possible price. Out brokers work for you to ensure the best outcomes, and we are on hand with expert advice to guide you through the process of home insurance.

When looking for home insurance, there are some very easy things you can do to help you get the best deal:

Shop for quotes – It is amazing how many consumers still do not shop around for home insurance, and instead opt for the first policy they see. Shopping around will give you an idea about what is available, what a good policy should offer, and how much you should be paying. Shopping around is a guaranteed way to find the best deal, if you know what to look for.

Our quote engine will find you the best possible policies at the lowest prices from an array of Canada’s leading insurance providers.

Bundle those policies – If you have an auto insurance policy, ask your insurer about bundling it with home insurance coverage and watch the discounts roll in. Customers can save up to 15% off their policies by bundling car and home insurance together.

Consider Flood Protection – Yes, home insurance is expensive, and even more so when flood protection is included. However, if you live in an at risk area then it is essential to protect your home from sewer back-up and overland flooding. Only select insurer’s offer overland flooding protection in the North Bay area, but general sewer back-up protection is common.

Please the insurance company – If you make your home more secure by installing smoke alarms, sprinklers, alarm systems, security cameras, and advanced locks, insurance companies are likely to see less risk and could offer a better deal.

It is worth remembering that nothing is better than getting in contact with us directly by phone or email, giving you access to our expert advice on home and auto insurance.

North Bay Flood Statement Released

Caution - Heavy RainA flood statement has been issued by the city, with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority saying heavy rainfall could lead to overland flooding in some areas.

Heavy rain over the last week and snow melt from the end of the winter season have contributed to potential high water conditions for many rivers and waterways in the North Bay area. The middle of the week (Wednesday through Friday) is also expected to see rain, adding to the potential for flooding in at risk locations.

The Conservation Authority is saying it only expect minor flooding at the moment and that it should be localized to vulnerable areas. However, with rain likely to be ongoing in the coming weeks and snow continuing to melt, the risk of overland floods could be prolonged.

Rainfall overnight on Wednesday is expect to contribute 25 to 40 mm, thanks to a Colorado low moving towards the Great Lakes that will deposit thunderstorms on the Northern Ontario region. With temperatures expected above zero, the rain will not freeze and will likely cause minor flooding around the city.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is urging residents in high risk flood areas to keep a close eye on conditions and report any instances of early flooding. At the moment not flood warning has not been issued, so far it is only a statement of information about upcoming conditions.

For many insurance companies, flood damage has overtaken fire as the number one cause of home damage in Canada. Residents in North Bay should have their homes properly covered with home insurance and flood protection. Sewer back-up protection is common, but only a few providers offer overland flooding coverage.

Knox Insurance can help you to find the best premium for you, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected even in the event of flooding.

North Bay Getting Fire Response Facility through $9.5 Million Province Investment

The government of Ontario has announced that it is investing in the North Bay area with the construction of Fire Response Facility within the city limits. The province will create the facility in a bid to improve forest fire protection infrastructure in the Northeastern Ontario region.

The new Fire Response Facility will require an investment of $9.5 million from the government, and will offer greater protection to residents in the region. The work will include relocating the current North Bay Fire Management Headquarters and modernizing the facilities and adopting new technology. The government’s webpage describes the new plans as state of the art, and that construction the facility will begin in April, when Spring breaks.

As well as placing a brand new firefighting facility in North Bay, the project will be responsible for creating at least 120 new construction jobs. The new facility will come with:

• 1,149 square metres for seven FireRanger crews, as well as fire management support staff
• State-of-the-art energy efficient building design
• Consolidated Fire Management Headquarters facility at the North Bay airport, with warehouse, aerial operations and crew alert areas
• Dedicated aircraft parking for up to two CL-415 water bombers, two bird-dog planes and two helicopters
• Barrier-free access to provide employment and client service to those with restricted mobility.

The government points out that the project is part of the overall $160 billion infrastructure investment that has been earmarked for Ontario over the next 12 years. It is the biggest restructuring effort in the history of the province and will create 110,000 jobs that will be supported throughout the term of the investment.

CAA Helps Drivers Stay Safe in North Bay and Beyond

CAA_logo.svgTraffic related deaths in Ontario were up in 2015 compared to the previous year, and driving associations and organizations are taking notice. With car safety at an all-time high, it is clear that Ontario’s accidents are down to a lack of driver competence. The Canadian Automobile Association is a fantastic place to start for some basics on saying safe on the roads around North Bay and the province as whole.

The nationwide association has plenty of in-depth information on several aspects of road safety. Of course, aside from potentially saving your life and avoiding injury, staying safe on the roads as definite financial benefits for North Bay residents.

Auto insurance providers punish high risk drivers (those with traffic infractions, history of DUI, or lack of insurance coverage) by hitting them with high premiums, far above the already astronomical Ontarian average.

Conversely, drivers who obey the laws of the road and stay safe by not being involved in at-fault accidents will see their premiums fall each time they renew a policy.

Distracted driving is a major concern and the CAA says drivers should avoid using electronic devices (which is illegal anyway) and should also do other distracting tasks like eating/drinking, preparing music, or adjusting mirrors before they get into the vehicle to start a journey.

Impaired driving through drinking or drugs is a major killer on Ontarian roads, with thousands injured and killed each year in DUI related incidents. It is worth remembering that even not being involved in a collision is not excuse enough, impaired driving can have serious consequences including huge fines, a revoked license, and almost certainly higher auto insurance rates.

The CAA has partnered with Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) to create a toolkit for road safety campaigns. It contains information, tips, and research to help communities design effective campaigns.

“The Toolkit contains a series of issue-specific fact sheets related to campaign effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, campaign development, messaging, branding, social media and evaluation. In addition, it also contains TIRF’s full report released previously about road safety campaign research, and two different styles of a pedestrian campaign developed by Safer Roads Ottawa using this approach. It also includes an issue-specific fact sheet on pedestrian safety, and key facts about alcohol-impaired driving and young drivers which can also be selected as campaign topics.”

OPP Says Driver Deaths Rose in 2015

The roads around North Bay and across Ontario as a whole are more dangerous, with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stating that more people were killed in 2015 compared to 2014.

Data released by the regional police confirms 299 people were killed across the province in road collisions, 11 more than the 288 killed through 2014.

Driver error is still the number one cause of fatalities on Ontarian roads, with 260 down to the behavior of drivers. However, the OPP said the four most common causes of death on the roads were all down, alcohol/drugs, inattentive driving, speed and no seat belts.

45 of the deaths were related to alcohol/drug use in 2015 compared to 52 in 2014 and 69 people were killed due to inattentive driving through the year, a decrease from 82 the previous year. During 2015, deaths related to speeding numbered 61, compared to 64 in 2014 and 51 fatalities were attributed to not wearing seat belts last year, down slightly from 53 in 2014.

Alcohol/drug related deaths on Ontario’s highways were at their lowest in over a decade, while inattentive driver deaths were at their lowest since 2009. The higher death rate overall through the year is because there were more major collisions involving three or more fatalities. In fact, the OPP says these types of incidents were up more than four time.

“The OPP are concerned that more people died in road crashes in 2015 than in the previous year. We are encouraged to see lower numbers in all of the Big Four fatality causal factor categories, but we need to see drivers keep this downward trend going. There is no worse place to take risks, exercise poor judgement and make mistakes than behind the wheel,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

OPP Chief Superintendent Chuck Cox, Commander of the Highway Safety Division said there is a much bigger picture that goes beyond those who tragically lost their lives.

“The devastation and grief that unfold following the death of a human being, let alone multiple human beings in a road crash can resonate across an entire community and have a tremendous impact on the well-being of that community,” he said.