Brokers have another item to add to their list of responsibilities, and this one might save lives.
In late November, Allstate released an analysis which demonstrated that its policyholders’ collision frequency rates increased 7.3% in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
Moreover, a couple days later, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) reported that the province experienced more roadside fatalities in the past three months than the same time period in the five years prior.
While Allstate’s study didn’t examine the underlying reasons for these disturbing trends, certain patterns did arise.
“Weather’s weather, and we can’t control that, but we can control distracted driving which is a key phenomenon we’re hearing more and more about in the U.S. and Canada,” said Lisa McWatt, brand innovation director,
Allstate Canada. “Especially with cellphones and how busy people are, these are certain a factor.”
In fact, brokers may want to amplify their communication outreach with clients, as distracted driving collisions may be particularly notable during the holiday season.
“The worst days for accidents are December 21 and 23, right around Christmas,” McWatt said. “This makes sense, as people are rushing around, thinking about all the things on their to-do list and maybe even yelling at kids in the backseat, but brokers can guide that conversation about what we can control as drivers.”
McWatt emphasizes this prevention message, since the carrier’s data showed that the most common causes of auto accidents were rear ending, failing to leave a safe distance in front of the vehicle, failing to drive for conditions, improperly turning at intersections and running into parked cars.
“These are definitely something that we, as humans, can control,” McWatt said.
She vociferously encourages brokers to communicate this to clients, and also believes that it may be beneficial to remind them of the financial benefits that accompany safe driving as well.
“With this information on hand, not only are drivers able to potentially prevent accidents and injuries, but they can actually avoid incidents that affect their insurance rates,” she said. “Safety and caution helps to protect their rating in the long-term.”
