Saskatchewan Regulations 27/2023, formally known as The Automobile Accident Insurance (General) Amendment Regulations, 2023, were established under the Automobile Accident Insurance Act. These regulations amend the prior Automobile Accident Insurance (General) Amendment Regulations, 2002, by introducing updates to the definitions and procedures concerning chargeable incidents and driver safety ratings.

The principal focus of these amendments is the revision of definitions pertaining to “chargeable incidents,” which impacts the recording of incidents and the assessment of drivers’ safety ratings. The revised Section 26 provides an expanded definition of “chargeable incident,” which previously had a narrower scope. The updated definition now includes:

• • • Convictions: This encompasses convictions for offenses listed in Appendix B, offenses under section 130 of the National Defence Act (Canada) related to the Criminal Code, and analogous laws from the United States.
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Specific types of accidents enumerated in Appendix B are now recognized as chargeable.
    • Suspensions or Disqualifications: Incidents leading to a driver’s suspension or disqualification, as outlined in Appendix B, are also included.
      

Additionally, a new subsection 26(1.1) clarifies the method for determining a “clear year” for a driver involved in a chargeable incident. The relevant date for this determination can be:

• • • The date of the motor vehicle accident.
    • The date of the event resulting in suspension or disqualification.
    • For convictions, the date the driver was charged with the related offense.

Amendments to Section 27 stipulate how insurers should determine a driver’s safety rating when a chargeable incident occurs. The insurer must base the safety rating assessment on:

• • • The date of the motor vehicle accident.
    • The date of events leading to suspension or disqualification.
    • For convictions, the date on which the driver was charged.
      

This ensures that safety ratings are evaluated with precision and consistency, directly linked to the incident dates.

Saskatchewan Regulations 27/2023 attempt to modernize and refine the definitions and procedures related to automobile accident insurance, thereby improving the accuracy of driver safety ratings and the management of chargeable incidents.

Source: Saskatchewan (27/2023) May 5, 2023