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December 10, 2003 Consumers can call 310-4455 for auto insurance questions, complaints Edmonton… Consumers with questions or concerns over auto insurance premiums can call the provincial government toll-free at 310-4455. Operators will respond to general questions and can direct callers who have more detailed questions. Consumers looking for general information about the freeze and auto insurance changes can also visit the province’s web site at www.autoinsurance.gov.ab.ca. The 310-4455 Alberta Connects number is equipped to receive a large volume of calls from the public, and consumers will receive quicker service if they call this number. Legislation that included the auto insurance rate freeze has passed in the legislature, and the regulation to implement the freeze will be brought forward next week. Some insurance companies are waiting to see what the regulation looks like before implementing the freeze, while other companies are already complying. The government continues to work with the industry on how companies will reconcile the accounts of customers who are eligible for a credit or rebate, but companies are expected to comply with the freeze. The rate freeze applies to policies with expiry dates on or after October 30, 2003. Even if individuals have already received their renewal notices, if the policy expires on or after October 30, the policy-holder is eligible for the rate freeze. Consumers with expiry dates on or before October 29 will not see the impact of the freeze until their next renewal date. The freeze applies to all mandatory and optional insurance for all classes of vehicles, including private passenger, commercial, recreational and motorcycles. A person could see their rates increase during the freeze if they have an at-fault accident, traffic ticket, convicted criminal code offence relating to the operation of an automobile, buy a new vehicle, change addresses, or add a child to their policy. A person may also see a reduction in their rates due to a change in their age or marital status. Policyholders who have received their renewal notice should pay it to ensure they keep their insurance coverage, even if it shows and increase. - 30 -
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