Claims (October 01, 2010)

YOUNG, NEW DRIVERS HAVE A 41% HIGHER RATE OF CLAIMS

Young and new drivers have a 41% higher rate of claims, according to Aviva Canada’s insurance claims data.

Aviva data also show young and new drivers who received certified driver education are involved in 26% fewer accidents in the three years following the training.

“This is perhaps even more significant, considering the average claim cost for a young or new driver is $8,661,” an Aviva release says. “That’s 44% higher than a driver with more experience.”

Breaking it down by province, Aviva noted Alberta’s young/new drivers have the highest claim frequency in the country — 93% higher than experienced drivers.

Nova Scotia follows with a 90% higher claim frequency and New Brunswick an 83% higher claim frequency.

On the other hand, Newfoundland young/new drivers had a 35% higher claim frequency than experienced drivers.

In Quebec, this figure was 37%, and in Ontario it was 39%.

The days of the week also showed some interesting patterns, Aviva observed.

Sunday saw the fewest occurrences. As the week progressed, instances steadily increased to a peak on Friday, when an accident involving a young/new driver is 52% more likely to occur.

HURRICANE EARL HITS HALIFAX

The south and west ends of Halifax bore the brunt of Hurricane Earl’s 130 km-h winds on Sept. 4

Hurricane Earl was a Category 1 storm when the eye made landfall near Shelburne, Nova Scotia. The storm was downgraded to a tropical storm as it swept through, downing trees.

Fallen trees knocked down power lines, causing power outages that affected about 220,000 customers, the Halifax Metro reports. All power has now been restored, the paper reports.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) further notes: “due to the recent power outages, there had been sewer overflows into several lakes and other water bodies in our region. The public is advised not to swim in the harbour, lakes and other watercourses for three days.”

It is too early yet to determine insured damages.

A GOLF CART IS AN ‘AUTOMOBILE’: MANITOBA COURT

Young and new drivers have a 41% higher rate of claims, according to Aviva Canada’s insurance claims data.

Aviva data also show young and new drivers who received certified driver education are involved in 26% fewer accidents in the three years following the training.

“This is perhaps even more significant, considering the average claim cost for a young or new driver is $8,661,” an Aviva release says. “That’s 44% higher than a driver with more experience.”

Breaking it down by province, Aviva noted Alberta’s young/new drivers have the highest claim frequency in the country — 93% higher than experienced drivers.