To appeal, contact a motor licence issuer to purchase an appeal receipt.
A safety rating appeal deals strictly with your safety rating movement as a result of a collision - it does not change collision responsibility. For that reason, the collision remains on your driving record.
The appeal does not address:
- recovery of your deductible
- other insured loss
- traffic convictions
If you wish to contest fault or traffic convictions, you must do so through the court system, not through the Highway Traffic Board or SGI.
When to appeal
You must appeal within 90 days of receiving your safety rating change notice. If you're facing a financial penalty as a result of your safety rating change, appealing may mean avoiding the penalty altogether if your appeal is successful.
Cost of appeal
There's a $25 fee to have your appeal heard. If the appeal is successful, your safety rating will be adjusted accordingly and your fee will be refunded.
Appeal process
- To appeal your movement on the scale, contact a motor licence issuer to purchase an appeal receipt. The issuer will refer your appeal to the Highway Traffic Board, which is independent of SGI.
- Within a few weeks of filing your appeal, you'll be contacted by telephone with the date and time of your appeal hearing. Hearings take place during the day via telephone and last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- If you're unable to participate at the scheduled date and time, call 1-800-667-8015 (ext. 6662) and ask to reschedule your Safety Rating Appeal. If you don't reschedule and you don't participate, your appeal will be heard in your absence and a decision will be made from the information provided in the claim file.
- During the hearing, you'll be asked to explain the collision circumstances and why you feel your safety rating should not be affected by the collision. You do not require a lawyer.
- Members of the Highway Traffic Board will deliberate over the collision circumstances and provide you with a decision shortly after the hearing.
- The decision made by the board is final and cannot be appealed.
The Highway Traffic Board website has more information on what to expect at the appeal hearing.
Outcome of the appeal
If your appeal is successful, your safety rating will be adjusted accordingly. You'll also receive a refund for any financial penalty you've paid for being at fault for the collision, provided you do not owe any money to SGI.
Any traffic convictions related to the collision may still affect your safety rating and the claim remains on your driving record.
If your appeal is not successful, your safety rating will not be adjusted and you'll be required to pay the financial penalty.
