Panel of Experts report
More moderate contribution hikes for motorcyle drivers
Quebec City, June 21, 2006 - “Motorcyclists reacted strongly to news of SAAQ contribution hikes in recent months. But with the Panel of Experts’s recommendations, only 11% will be affected by the biggest increases. For more than 125,000 (89%) of Quebec’s 140,000 motorcycle owners, the increase over the next three years will raise the contribution to $333 for smaller engine models, and $587 for those 400cc and over,” noted the Panel of Experts today in releasing its report on auto insurance contributions.
With the recommended increases through 2009, owners of “sport” motorcycles 401cc or over will see their annual insurance contributions rise from $253 to $1,291 over three years. While acknowledging that this is a major increase, Mr. Michel Sanschagrin noted that the frequency of accidents involving this vehicle category justifies the recommended amounts: “Motorcycles of this type are involved in road accidents four times more often than others. We thought it would be unreasonable to force all motorcycle drivers to pay higher contributions to cover the 15,000 motorcycles in this group.”
The Panel believes that the financial adjustment to the public insurance plan will require that future insurance contributions be determined according to principles of equity and each road vehicle category pay a contribution that reflects the compensation it receives.
| Subcategory |
Motorcycles |
Current contributions |
Recommended contributions * |
| Number |
% |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
| 400 cc or less |
8,400 |
6 |
$74 - $189 |
$250 |
$290 |
$333 |
| 401 cc or more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - Regular |
116,600 |
83 |
$253 |
$374 |
$477 |
$587 |
| - Sport |
15,000 |
11 |
$253 |
$600 |
$938 |
$1,291 |
*Including the portion collected on motorcycle driver’s licences
Information: Sonia Corriveau
Optimum Public Relations
(418) 930-0094
Source: Pierre Noël
Communications Coordinator
Panel of Experts on Automobile Insurance Contributions
