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Jon Carson, the Opposition NDP Service Alberta critic, said the new Hellosafe.ca study shows insurance companies could record considerable profit margins after having hiked costs for some clients.
“In the middle of a pandemic, I think we need to be working harder to make sure when we talk about affordability for Alberta drivers, we’re doing more,” Carson said.
“We need to focus on the Albertans, the lucky ones who are able to continue working but are now having to consider not driving anymore because they can’t afford the increase in premiums.”
Carson called on the province to reintroduce the rate cap and take action similar to British Columbia’s public insurer, which applied last week to decrease its basic rates by 15 per cent.
In response, the UCP said the rate cap resulted in some drivers being denied coverage or having to pay a full year’s premium up front rather than monthly. The party said B.C. has had the most expensive insurance premiums in Canada for years.
“Automobile insurance premiums have been a topic of frustration in Alberta for nearly 10 years. That’s why Alberta’s government passed legislation with immediate measures to make insurance more affordable for Alberta drivers,” said Jerrica Goodwin, press secretary for Finance Minister Travis Toews.
— With files from Lauren Boothby
jherring@postmedia.com
Twitter: @jasonfherring
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