No. A-03/09
Property & Casualty
– Auto

Conformance with Bulletin A-01/09 - Automobile Insurance Quoting and Underwriting Practices

To the attention of all insurance companies licensed to  transact automobile insurance in Ontario

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is issuing this Bulletin as a follow up to Bulletin A-01/09 – Automobile Insurance Quoting and Underwriting Practices, which was issued on February 10, 2009. 

Conformance with the Bulletin

Following the release of Bulletin A-01/09, FSCO asked all automobile insurance companies to complete a form concerning their conformance with the Bulletin, and to submit it to FSCO by April 17, 2009.

In response to the replies that have been received, FSCO is in the process of following up with insurers that submitted remediation plans with their forms, or identified issues that require further review.

FSCO is also pleased to report that almost all insurers have indicated they understand the Bulletin, and already conform to the practices outlined in the Bulletin, or plan to do so in the near future.

FSCO continues to actively review this issue. Statements from automobile insurance industry participants that suggest the review is complete, or that FSCO has determined that specific insurance companies are in conformance with the Bulletin, are incorrect and should be disregarded.

Report on the Five Year Review of Automobile Insurance

On March 31, 2009, FSCO delivered its Report on the Five Year Review of Automobile Insurance to the Ministry of Finance. 

FSCO invites all insurance companies to view a copy of the report on its website at www.fsco.gov.on.ca, and to pay particular attention to:

Recommendation # 7: Consider prohibiting objectionable quoting practices including delays in providing quotes, requiring written applications for quotes and certain screening techniques.

The Minister of Finance is currently reviewing the report.

Bob Christie
Chief Executive Officer and
Superintendent of Financial Services

April 24, 2009