Sask. government approves adjustments to SGI's auto injury coverage programs

The Saskatchewan government has approved recommendations by SGI that the insurance provider says will better meeting the needs of customers, close gaps in coverage, keep coverage affordable and address inconsistencies.

Changes to SGI’s auto injury coverage programs were proposed after consultations throughout 2014 and 2015. Stakeholders, representatives from the medical, legal and insurance communities, SGI employees, and the public all provided input.

SGI says the improvements include changes to the tort and no fault programs. Some changes are:

• When an impaired driver causes a collision and is killed, allowing an innocent party or the family impacted to sue for pain and suffering or bereavement damages.
• Expanding the list of offences that trigger the ability for an innocent party to sue for pain and suffering or bereavement damages to include: criminal negligence causing death or bodily harm, criminal negligence causing bodily injury, flight from a peace officer and dangerous operation while street racing.
• Updating amounts paid for living expenses to reflect current market rates, increasing the overall amount available for assistance to those with cognitive impairment and implementing a process to regularly review the amounts for alignment with market rates.
• Ending the practice of reducing income benefits by the amount a customer receives through Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability.
• Ensuring Tort income benefits maintain pace with minimum wage.

Minister responsible for SGI Don McMorris said in a news release that the changes “will make a real difference to people recovering after an auto collision”.

Revisions impacting motorcyclists in the province were announced earlier in the year.

The changes still require legislative approval before taking effect.