Auto insurance poll finds many Albertans don’t believe rates will drop

The Alberta government says its no-fault insurance plan will drop rates, but respondents to a new poll don't believe it.

A survey released Tuesday reveals some Albertans are questioning whether the provincial government’s planned changes to the automobile insurance industry will drive down rates.

The survey, conducted by Nanos Research, was commissioned by the Alberta branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA Alberta), which represents more than 5,500 lawyers across Alberta.

The survey found only one-in-five Albertans believe it is likely auto insurance premiums will drop if the government goes ahead with plans to bring in a no-fault model.

Forty-seven per cent of those surveyed reported it is unlikely the change will result in a decrease.

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Under proposed auto insurance legislation, people won’t be able to sue a driver for compensation who cause a crash.

Instead, insurers will pay out compensation rates laid out by the government in a move Alberta’s finance minister anticipates will save vehicle owners hundreds of dollars a year in premiums.

The survey found that three quarters of respondents consider the right to sue someone for compensation when they cause harm or injury as important.

“Albertans are sending a clear message: People want fairness, accountability, and the ability to seek justice when they’re harmed,” said Nik Nanos, chief data scientist at Nanos Research.

The survey also revealed 52 per cent of respondents don’t feel like changing how auto insurance operates in the province is urgent, or is somewhat urgent.

Top issues for respondents of the survey included health care at 51 per cent, cost of living at 25 per cent, education at 22 per cent, and affordable housing at 19 per cent.

With less than one per cent of respondents citing automobile insurance changes a priority, the president of CBA Alberta, Robert D.L. Bassett, is calling for further consultation.

“We believe it is essential to take the time needed to carefully study the proposed changes and consider how they align with Albertans’ values and access to justice.”

If passed, the new auto insurance system would roll out in Alberta in January 2027, but some changes under those rules are already coming into effect.

Alberta drivers who are deemed as “good drivers” will see an increase in their rate from 3.7 per cent to 7.5 per cent in 2025.

The online survey of 1,087 adult Albertans was conducted between March 24 and April 1.

A margin of error cannot be calculated on a non-probability sample but for comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,087 respondents would have a margin of error of +/- three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.