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gay yh, ae He eet Sai_mr.*#acat Crw" Page 13, News, Tuesday, June 12, 1990 oan The new OMPP puts the brakes on ar insurance Automobile insurance rates have been skyrocketing. Since 1987, the Ontario government has been trying to control the escalating cost of car insurance by capping rates. Still, increases of 30-35% were required this year to cover the increased cost of claims from accidents and injuries on Ontario's roads. Clearly, something had to be done. The solution is a comprehensive new system 'of automobile insurance. It's called the Ontario Motorist Protection Plan. The OMPP makes it easier, quicker and less costly to get payments to those who need them after an accident. And it allows insurance companies to keep rate increases modest - this year, and in the future. PUTTING THE BRAKES ON RATES. The new plan will hold premium increases this year to only 8% on average in urban areas, while average rates in rural areas will not increase at all. This helps to keep insurance affordable for people who drive for a living, seniors and those on fixed incomes, and young drivers as well. WHAT ABOUT COMPENSATION IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT? Today, you usually have to sue to recover damages. It's a time-consuming and expensive process. Under the Ontario Motorist Protection Plan, your own insurance company handles your claim when you have an accident. Accident benefits are guaranteed, and begin quickly after the claim is filed. Because the sooner benefits are paid, the sooner people can get on with their lives. Accident benefits are paid without hassling over fault. Because injured people need medical assistance, income replacement and child care right away! But if you are driving while drunk or convicted of a criminal offence in regard to your accident, you will not get income benefits. CS. DOES FAULT STILL COUNT? Under the Ontario Motorist Protection Plan, "fault" will continue to be used for rating purposes. Good drivers will be rewarded with good rates. Bad drivers will be charged higher premiums. And there are now higher fines for traffic violations such as speeding. If you are at fault in an accident, you will pay for damage to your own car to the extent that you are at fault, unless you have optional collision coverage. One goal of the OMPP is to ensure help is there when it is needed, reducing economic hardship. Another is to keep insurance rates within reach of the average driver. It's a balanced approach. And that's the right direction for auto insurance. Your insurance company and your broker or agent have all the details. And you will receive an information brochure with your premium notice. @ Government of Ontario The Ontario Motorist Protection Plan. Everyones Protected.