The results of a new survey suggest that many drivers in Alberta would rather have an at-fault auto insurance system instead of a no-fault system.
Sixty-one per cent (61%) of the respondents said that they prefer an at-fault auto insurance system – three times as many respondents as those who said they prefer no-fault insurance. The survey also found that 69% of respondents said they trust a judge or the courts the most when it comes to determining fair compensation for victims injured by impaired drivers.
Seven out of 10 respondents, meanwhile, said that they would want a medical provider of their choice to make decisions about their recovery and compensation if they were injured in a collision.
“Albertans need affordable auto insurance, accountability for drivers and insurance companies, and consumer protections to ensure the system is fair,” commented FAIR Alberta spokesperson Keith McLaughlin. “No-fault is none of that and this research shows very clearly that Alberta consumers don’t want a no-fault model that would eliminate their right to access the court system and challenge decisions made by insurance companies.”
The online survey was conducted by Nanos Research for FAIR Alberta between June 01, 2020 and June 04, 2020 with 501 Alberta residents aged 18 years old and above participating.
The survey comes as Alberta considers how it can address the rising costs of settling auto collision-related injury claims. An internal document revealed that the provincial government had been considering implementing no-fault auto insurance “to make it easier for a claimant to make a claim without the time consuming and costly legal process.”
Under a no-fault auto insurance system, policyholders and their passengers are given compensation by their insurer without proof of fault following an accident. However, this also means claimants cannot file lawsuits over pain and suffering.
