Brochure Takes Confusion Out of Buying Auto Insurance

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Brochure Takes Confusion Out of Buying Auto Insurance

The province of Nova Scotia is taking another step to help vehicle owners deal with the rising cost of auto insurance. The Department of Environment and Labour has developed A Consumer's Guide to Buying Auto Insurance, a brochure designed to help take the confusion out of buying auto insurance.

The brochure explains things drivers should know before purchasing auto insurance and things they should ask insurance representatives when considering a plan. It also provides a glossary of commonly used terms.

"There are a number of different things you have to take into account when buying auto insurance. In some cases people find the terms and information overwhelming and confusing," said Ron Russell, Minister of Environment and Labour. "This brochure clarifies many of the inquiries that we receive on a daily basis and provides Nova Scotians with the best buying practices for auto insurance."

During the past several months, the department's office of the superintendent of insurance has received an increased number of calls from Nova Scotians concerning auto insurance.

The brochure is part of a program designed to help drivers understand automobile insurance and what they can do to reduce their own rates. Staff have also been working with their colleagues in other Atlantic provinces to discuss regional concerns, including the possible development of harmonized auto insurance legislation.

In February 2002, the department asked the Utility and Review Board to examine private passenger automobile insurance rates to determine if those rates are excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory, or otherwise unreasonable. The hearing concluded in November, and a report is expected later this year.

Staff of the department's office of the superintendent of insurance supervise the business of insurance in the province and enforce the Insurance Act. They respond to complaints, inquiries, or information requests about insurance matters.

Copies of the brochure are available at any Access Nova Scotia Centre or by contacting the Department of Environment and Labour by phone at 902-424-6331, by e-mail at [email protected] , or on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ .