To the editor,
Re: Insurance rates dicriminatory, Letters, Dec. 24.
Yes, ICBC has flaws but the letter writer really needs to understand what his fate with private insurance would be.
With private insurance age is a factor, the type of car certainly is, even the colour of that car would be to private insurance companies an indicator that the owner would be more likely a speeder or not. All these factors which the letter writer lists would not just get you higher premiums, they could see a driver denied coverage.
Also, how is it immaterial where a person will be driving that car? Of course, it is, driving in high-risk zones carries a far greater risk of accidents then does driving in a small town. Insurance rates are all based on actuary charts.
By the way, get fined for talking on a cell phone while driving in Alberta and you won’t have to worry about insurance rates going up: you won’t likely even get car insurance again under that province’s private insurance coverage.
Private insurance would give the letter writer even more reasons to feel angry about insurance rates. At least with ICBC basic coverage is provided even if those rates now more accurately reflect the costs and damage caused by younger drivers. Any young driver feeling victimized by ICBC needs to complain to their peer group for their inexperience and reckless speeding for the increase in ICBC rates.
By the way, our universal medical coverage is paid for by taxes where wealthier Canadians pay more in taxes to fund. Should higher income individuals pay more taxes to give the young cheaper ICBC rates? Send that idea up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes it.
Robert T. Rock, Mission City
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