There’s an old story about the Canadian taxicab driver who picks up an American tourist at the airport. The Canadian ascertains the destination and enters the freeway and then heads off at great speed. He passes cars using the oncoming lane and regularly cuts off and then breaks hard in front of 18-wheelers. The American becomes unnerved but keeps his peace as the cabbie is a superb driver and no accidents have occurred.

As they exit the freeway, a stoplight changes from green to yellow to red. The cabbie floors it and the car careens through the intersection several seconds too late. Fortunately, there is no crosswise traffic. This situation repeats itself several times. Now, the American is more than a little worried as he feels it is only a matter of time before some catastrophe befalls them.

Then, he sees the hotel. Just one more light and he will be safe. As they approach the light, it suddenly turns from red to green and the cabbie hit’s the brakes, hard. The American can take no more. “What are you doing?” he yells, “ The light is green. Go!!”
The cabbie calmly turns back and says, “That won’t do now. My brother might be coming the other way. Eh?”

The Facts
While this story is most probably derived from the imagination of some tourist disgruntled with the taxicab drivers of New York City, it serves to illustrate an important lesson. People, Canadian and American, drive using their own itinerary. If they need to eat or phone or even do their makeup, some will find the inclination and time to do it while behind the wheel of an automobile.

Lest you think this is another story, I submit the facts. Eighty percent, yes, four out of five, Canadians confess to regularly engaging in activities that distract their attention from the road. These activities are as innocuous as drinking a soda and eating a hamburger to making phone calls and sending text messages.

If you think that eating and driving or texting and driving are not serious, consider the ramifications. Everything is fine if nothing untoward happens, but drop that hot coffee in your lap or drip some ketchup on your tie and you are significantly more distracted. In fact, you are an accident waiting to happen. As for texting, a recent insurance company study concluded that the danger rating for driving with one’s knees was less dangerous than either texting while driving. It is really not that surprising when you consider that you the latter requires more distracting cerebral activity than the former. Other drivers are even more egregious in their driving activities. Reading a book, applying makeup and shaving have all been noted by police officers in their after incident accident reports.

Speeding and tailgating are next on the list of confessed activities. Drivers should recognize that they are mortal in more ways than one. First, hey are human and have a limited reaction time. Simply stated, following too closely and speeding diminish one’s ability to react and cope with an unforeseen situation. Secondly, speaking of mortality, you sometimes only get one chance to practice your accident avoidance skills before your are dead.

The Lesson
I could do the math for you but it would be unconvincing but the amount time saved is insignificant. Nevertheless, even if the amount of time you saved by practicing unsafe driving methods were significant, it would not accrue to you when you’re time is up. Trust me, no one is going to show up as you lay in the gutter dying and say, “Wait. He’s owed thirteen minutes because he cut through 357 gas stations in his life.”

A sad state of affairs really, unless you take the time to drive safely and carefully without distractions. Do yourself, your passengers and other drivers a favor, drive carefully. Remember the thoughts of a dear friend who once remarked, “I want to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not like the rest of the people in the car he was driving.”

Distracted driving is the cause of many of the tickets issued, and many of the accidents which occur on our roads. Both of these escalate the driving costs we face. Of course, we can reduce our costs by paying attention. If we don’t get traffic tickets or collisions – we save on our monthly expenses. If you’d like to further save on your expenses you might want to compare auto insurance rates. Online comparison shopping sites like Kanetix can help you reduce your insurance costs.

This over inflated self perception of driving prowess is one of the biggest reasons for the majority of fender benders. A recent Kanetix study was conducted in Canada, highlighting the bad driving habits of the Canadian populace at large. Among the 1,344 study participants, they admitted to a variety of driving behaviours that probably would not win them the safe driver of the year award, but when asked if they are bad drivers, the overwhelming response was: No way, eh!

Although 19 percent of study participants stated that they were perfect drivers, the Ontario Provincial Police Department would probably dispute their claims. According to study respondents, three percent admitted to applying makeup while driving, although they did not specify their gender, so it’s hard to know whom to avoid on this one. Seven percent of respondents appear to have watched “The Fast and the Furious” more than a few times, having confessed their passion for making erratic lane changes in an attempt at precision driving. Let’s hope they missed the sequel, Tokyo Drift… This group probably overlaps with the 36 percent of respondents who confessed to their need for speed, admittedly putting the pedal to the metal regularly, their own unique way of contributing to the provincial coffers through speeding fines. Let’s hope that the 18 percent of drivers that admitted to texting and chatting on their cell phones while driving, are not also a part of this group!

Flaring tempers are not an uncommon phenomenon during commuter traffic situations, and when it comes to road rage, 11 percent of Canadian study participants admitted to this behaviour. It’s probably a safe bet that their road rage was a result of following one of the 10 percent who failed to use their turn signals!

In another category, 16 percent of drivers surveyed admitted that they enjoy inspecting the rear end of the car in front of them from a distance of around one meter, as they sail down the highway at 100 kilometres per hour. Is it possible that these ‘perfect drivers’ contributed to some of the aforementioned road rage cases… Again, it’s probably a safe bet.

When it comes to the home run of bad habits behind the wheel, coming in with 39 percent of the vote, the winning category is… eating and drinking while driving. Now to be fair, most of us have participated in this behaviour at one time or another, especially those who drive for a living, but there are others who have taken this particular bit of poor driving etiquette to a new high, or more accurately, new low. We have all seen someone driving along, enjoying their meal, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they are weaving around their lane like a drunken sailor. Then you have the person who likes to push the boundaries of common sense and coordination to the limit, as well as the patience of other drivers in their vicinity. Not only are they driving with their elbows already, their hands full with food and drink, but then they disappear from view altogether, as they search the floorboards for a dropped morsel that they just can’t live without. That’s when things get really interesting!

Let’s hope that the 16 percent, who have a predilection for bumper hugging, are not following one of the elite members of the 39 percent, as they dive for morsels. In the unfortunate event that the two meet on the highway, with any luck, one of the 18 percent of drivers talking on their cell phone will be near by to call in the inevitable conclusion…

Maybe now we can all see why our insurance premiums continue to rise, eh.

The worst car insurance companies have poor customer service. If Apple sold car insurance, the customer service would never be poor. It would be the height of politeness and friendliness. I called Apple when my laptop computer broke, and the representatives who helped me were the most courteous and professional representatives I had ever spoken with. They took the extra time to make sure I really understood what they were talking about. They also told me about great price deals that I was unaware of. Apple representatives are also experts in every aspect of Apple products, and if they offered car insurance I am sure it would be no different. Customers also rarely have to wait on hold when they call Apple. In the event they do, they usually do not have to wait for very long.

Apple’s insurance assistance by phone would be great, but I would probably never have a need to call it. The Apple car insurance app would be out of this world. I can only imagine how easy and intuitive it would be to report an accident or make a claim on my iPhone. The app would undoubtedly make the experience a breeze. Such an app would go a long way in reducing the stress of car trouble. I wouldn’t have to fill out long forms and mail them by snail mail. The app would make my life easier, just like every other thing that Apple does.

I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. The best part is that if Apple sold car insurance it would probably mean that Apple was selling cars too. A car designed by Apple would be a sleek technological feat. I am sure the limits of my imagination do not even come close to what Apple would create. Apple’s cars would be ingenious inventions of epic proportions. I wonder if Apple cars would fly. Maybe they would transform into boats. One thing that is certain is that they would look good. They would have clean lines and a minimalistic beauty. They would also probably be quiet, clean, and good for the environment. Of course they would also have ports for every available Apple product. Owners would be able to plug in their iPhones, iPads, and iPods while driving. Apple might also build in a TV system that would blow the competition out of the water. I cannot wait for an Apple car. I just hope that Apple offers more color options than just white, gray, and black.

Apple isn’t limited by traditional barriers. Its products smash barriers and reach for the sky. Perhaps Apple would revolutionize car insurance into something unexpected and better for everyone.

Importance of buying auto insurance in Canada

It is quiet common that you have your own auto and use it when you want to go out somewhere. As such, it is very important that you buy an auto insurance policy in Canada in order to protect your auto in case any accident or theft occurs. The auto insurance policy will provide you the required coverage in such a situation. You need to pay a fixed amount of premium to the auto insurance company so as to avail the benefits of the policy. However, when you’re planning to buy an auto insurance policy, you should make it a point to shop around thoroughly and make a comparison between insurance quotes online so as to avail the required coverage that you’re actually looking for in your auto insurance policy. You also buy auto insurance policy in Canada in order to enjoy the several benefits of the policy. Have a look at some such benefits of the policy.

• Enjoy the required coverage – This is one of the most important advantages of buying an auto insurance policy in Canada. You get the opportunity to enjoy the required coverage that you’re actually looking for in your auto insurance policy. You will find that there are several auto insurance companies in the market who sell you the same policy with the same benefits but at different rate. It is your responsibility to look for the most suitable policy for your auto and get the required coverage at the most affordable rate.

• Avail several discounts – The auto insurance policy also provides an added advantage of several discounts that are available for you. Such discounts may include driver discounts, safety discounts, etc. These discounts allow you to buy your auto insurance policy at a much lower rate. With the help of insurance quotes online, it has become much easier for you to buy the most suitable policy and avail these discounts.

• Save your dollars – This is another great advantage of buying an auto insurance policy in Canada. When you buy an auto insurance policy from before hand, it helps you save your hard earned dollars that you would, otherwise, have to bear from your pockets in case you meet any accident and do not have an auto insurance policy. Thus, you should try to purchase an auto insurance policy so as to satisfy your needs in case of emergency.

Thus, it can be said that buying an auto insurance policy in Canada is of wide importance since it offers you with various benefits that you would like to have for your own auto.

Everybody is required by Canadian law to have a minimum car insurance policy. The minimum, however, is varied among all provinces, as they dictate what is a mandatory insurance requirement, and what is optional to the consumers that want an increased level of coverage on their car. Besides Newfoundland and Labrador, accident benefits coverage is required by law.

The cost of insurance can vary from province to province due to each one having certain requirements, however it is possible, and likely, that you can end up paying approximately $1,000 or more annually to pay for this insurance. If you’re thinking about selling a car in order to purchase a new one, take into account the impact this decision can potentially have on your insurance rates. Obviously a newer car is going to bring a higher rate of insurance for the client.

Some people are preferential to purchasing an increased level of coverage, while others would rather stick to the bare minimum. There is at least some form of a no fault insurance policy available to all residents of Canada, regardless of which province you currently reside in.

Along with purchasing optional policies having an impact on how much you currently spend on your insurance, several car insurance companies provide different discounts and deductions you can get through a variety of means and methods. Some of such discounts are included for safe driving habits, where you will get a lowering of your rates by driving an extended period of time without any accidents. Other agencies may provide discounts or deductions if your kid passes a driver education course. Oftentimes you can purchase a bundled insurance package for a reduced rate, which can include insurance on your home along with your automobile’s policy. There are several other discounts you may or may not be eligible for, but there is almost certainly at least a few of these methods you can apply in your own situation.

Insurance rates are moderately high in Canada due to certain requirements and regulations, but there are many ways to bring those rates down for yourself. Shopping around is a vital method in order to find the best overall rates and coverage.

The net income for Co-operators General Insurance translated into earnings of $1.11 per common share. In comparison, the common share earnings for the first quarter 2010 were $1.39.

Other highlights from the Q1 2011 Co-operators Insurance financial reports include the following, with Q1 2010 figures listed afterward for comparison. All figures are in millions of CAD:

• Gross written premium (GWP) – $479.9 / $462.2
• Net earned premium (NEP) – $529.1 / $510.5
• Total assets – $5,029 / $4,798
• Shareholder equity – $1,405 / $1,309

Some of the economic indicators in the report are as follows, with 2010 indicators for comparison:

• GWP growth – 3.8% / (1.9%)
• NEP growth – 3.6% / 2.6%
• Annual return on average equity – 8.1% / 10.3%
• Combined ratio, excluding MYA – 103.4% / 100.2%
• Minimum capital test – 241% / 242%

Review of Q1 Financial Report
The total increase of first quarter GWP over the previous year was 3.8%. Such an increase is calculated by taking the sum of the average premium growth and rate increases. That sum is then offset by the decline in policy growth and falling pressure in pricing within the company’s commercial portfolio. The number is then adjusted for the impact of co-insurance arrangement cancellations for a net increase of in GWP of $1 million, or 0.2% growth.

The net investment income (NII) is the company’s interest and dividends minus their investment expenses. NII increased by $1.3 million due to bond portfolio yields and improvement in debt obligations held by collateral.

Analysis of Q1 Financial Report
Co-operators General Insurance made a strong showing in their home insurance portfolio in Q1, and claims experience in the Ontario auto insurance market helped deliver the first quarter earnings. A decline in Ontario claims was experienced six months after the auto reforms took place, but a potential for an increase in bodily injury claims persists. Although the recognition of the problems in Ontario is to be applauded, Co-operators Insurance has yet to see if there will be any long-term impact due to the reforms. The commercial portfolio of the company in the Western regions of Canada took large losses, most notably in the Quebec farming sector.

Anyways, here are a few of the winners – the cheapsters:

Sienna 4 Cylinder
Average National Yearly Premium: [$1,101.00]
Style: Five door wagon
Cylinders: 4

Nissan Murano SL
Average National Yearly Premium: [$1,128.00]
Style: Four door utility, Two wheel drive
Cylinders: 6

Chrysler Town and Country
Average National Yearly Premium: [$1,092.00]
Style: Four door wagon
Cylinders: 6

Honda Odyssey LX
Average National Yearly Premium: [$1,115.00]
Style: Five door hybrid, two wheel drive, single overhead Camshaft engine
Cylinders: 6

Toyota Sienna LE
Average National Yearly Premium: [$1,108.00]
Style: Five door wagon
Cylinders: 4

The third is to look into different types of coverage. If it is only a little bit more for a full comprehensive plan it might save you money when an accident occurs. The fourth is to take a driver’s safety course. The fifth is to put another more experienced driver on your plan.

Six, don’t risk driving without insurance. It may save you money in the short term but once you get caught, your insurance costs will be insane not to mention all the fines from the police. The first offense for driving without insurance in Ontario is a fine of $5,000 to $25,000 and subsequent conviction means a fine of $10,000 to $50,000 with a possible license suspension up to one year.

Seven, make sure you sign up on an annual plan. The eighth is to avoid expensive modifications. The ninth is to keep track of your mileage so you do not have to estimate. The tenth is to raise the amount you are willing to pay in event of an accident.

I think these are all good suggestions but so many of them are unavoidable. If you’re lucky enough to inherit a sports car you can not do much with the second suggestion. But then again, if you get a free sports car, I guess you can afford to spend a little extra on insurance.

The “swoop and squat” is when the perpetrators sandwich the innocent driver. One hits from the rear, the other in front slams on the brakes causing the middle man to run into the front driver. I think this type of insurance fraud should be called something else like “three-car-Monte”.

You would think if organized crime is involved in these insurance scams they would have something better to do. But then of course, business is business. It’s a field day on us innocent drivers, out for a day of shopping, visiting or on holiday listening to your favorite tune on the radio. Then wham, you’re the target of the well, “target and bullet scam”. That’s when the insurance scammers run right into you. It’s astounding no one has come up with the invention of rubber cars. But who knows “necessity is the mother of invention”.