An online petition looking to reverse Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s (SGI) decision to change the definition of an “antique” car has garnered hundreds of signatures.
SGI introduced a new rule at the start of the year that states an automobile is not considered an “antique” unless it was made in 1987 or earlier. This change was made to prevent motorists from abusing the previous rule (which classified vehicles 30 years old or older as antique) to enjoy the low insurance premiums afforded to vintage cars.
Some residents opposed the new rule, such as Saskatoon resident Steve Bondy, who started the online petition. They maintain that the timeframe set by SGI does not scale well over time.
“Vehicles are only getting older, and there is going to be more of them throughout the years,” Bondy told
CBC News in an interview. “And so what may not be what people consider vintage right now — an ‘87 — 20 years from now it’s going to be like we’re talking about a ‘57.”
“The intent of the Antique Use class, when originally created, was to accommodate vintage vehicles that were used infrequently — for parades, special occasions or Sunday drives,” SGI Auto Fund executive vice-president Penny McCune explained in a news release.
“But we’re seeing more and more antique-registered vehicles driven as regular-use vehicles; daily in many cases. Because they’re insured at such a low cost, this does not adequately provide for the injury and liability claim payouts in the event of a collision.”
Although Bondy agreed that the program needs to be changed to stop people from abusing the system, he believes there is a better way.
He suggested that SGI should reverse the 1987 cut-off, but restrict Antique Use licence plates to six months of the year during the driving season.
“That would deter a lot of people who want to use these vehicles for all-year use for cheap plates,” Bondy said.
CBC News reported that, as of Monday, the online petition had about 830 signatures.
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