2012 news releases

For major announcements, decisions, projects or campaigns, SGI circulates news releases to Saskatchewan media.

SGI submits proposal to Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel

Feb. 3, 2012

SGI has submitted a proposal to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel (SRRP) for rate rebalancing. SGI is also proposing a net increase of 3.7 per cent for Saskatchewan Auto Fund rates.

Rebalancing helps promote fairness in rating. Rebalancing takes into account the number of collisions and their severity, including damage, injury and liability costs for each vehicle make and model. With the proposed rate increase and rebalancing, roughly half of Saskatchewan vehicle owners would see an increase to their rates, on average $7 a month. All other vehicle owners would see a decrease to their rates, averaging $5 a month, or no change.

SGI is requesting the rate increase to ensure it’s financially positioned to cover all of its operating expenses and claim obligations.

“We’re seeing rising injury claim costs, specifically for income replacement benefits due to increased wages in Saskatchewan,” said SGI President and CEO Andrew Cartmell. “We also anticipate declining investment income from lower bond yields, essentially meaning we need to take in more money now to ensure we are able to pay all our customers’ claims later. Finally, there’s a trend in rising autobody repair costs, both for parts and labour.”

Cartmell emphasized that SGI is still focused on keeping rates as low as possible.

“Over the last 14 years, the Saskatchewan Consumer Price Index has increased by 37 per cent, while the Auto Fund’s rates increased only six per cent over the same period,” said Cartmell.

Proposed rates for all vehicles can be found on our Rate proposal page. If approved, the rate changes would be effective Aug. 4, 2012.

The full rate proposal is available on SRRP’s website at www.saskratereview.ca.  Comments on the rate proposal can be provided to SRRP through its website, or by calling toll free 1-877-368-7075 or emailing input@saskratereview.ca.

About SGI

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province's self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of over 400 motor licence issuers across the province. Customers can now do some transactions online. Look for the MySGI link under Online Services on your motor licence issuer's website or SGI's website.