NDP: Ford’s insurance changes leave drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at greater risk

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), and Shadow Minister for Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek) are warning Ontarians about the Ford government’s changes to auto insurance that took effect July 1:

“These changes don't just affect drivers,” said Kernaghan. “They also put pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk by weakening the protections they rely on if they are seriously injured in a collision. I hear from Londoners every day who want safer streets where people can walk, bike, and drive with confidence.

“No one should lose access to critical income replacement or rehabilitation benefits because someone else's insurance policy was stripped down to save a few dollars. Ontarians deserve an insurance system that is affordable without sacrificing safety, and that protects everyone who shares our roads. They shouldn’t have to carry extra risk just so insurance companies can squeeze more money out of them.”

“These are cuts disguised as choice,” said Rakocevic. “The Ford government is handing a gift to greedy insurance companies, and drivers can unfortunately expect their rates to continue climbing year after year. People should think carefully before they reduce coverage that has always been mandatory until now. Those dollars they may save will pale in comparison to the thousands they may lose in an accident.

“Ontario drivers pay some of the highest premiums in North America, despite ranking among the lowest in per capita accidents. The Ford government allowing these companies to remove mandatory coverages will not lower already-exorbitant insurance rates and will only make matters worse for drivers if they end up in an accident.”