TORONTO, May 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) Board of Directors is recommending that IBC's members operating in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces voluntarily align their home insurance policies with other jurisdictions when it comes to protecting 'innocent co-insureds'.
"A gap in insurance protection for some Canadians has recently been highlighted through media reports," said Don Forgeron, President and CEO, IBC. "These are tragic stories and insurers can take immediate action to close this gap. That is why IBC's Board of Directors, whose companies represent over 85% of direct written premiums in Canada, is recommending that all members providing home insurance in Ontario and Atlantic Canada voluntarily align their policies with other jurisdictions when it comes to offering coverage for innocent co-insureds. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec currently have protections in place. Those protections ought to be in place across the entire country."
Current legislation in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec requires that the insurer pay for the losses of an innocent co-insured's property caused by the deliberate action of another person insured on the policy. The amount paid out in these circumstances is determined by the innocent co-insured's proportional interest in the damaged property. Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador do not have similar legislative protections in place.
By voluntarily agreeing to align policies in Ontario and Atlantic Canada with those in other jurisdictions consumers will gain an extra level of protection.
"Over the coming days and weeks, IBC will ask our members to agree to extend this protection to innocent co-insureds," added Forgeron. "The stories in the media on this issue are tragic. Canadians across the country should receive equitable treatment regardless of their province of residence. It is quite simply the right thing to do."
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.
For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
To schedule an interview, please contact: Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC...
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