True or False: Understanding GAA’s work
The questions Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) receives from industry professionals made us realize that certain issues need to be explained and clarified.
Fichier central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA) – Consumer can access or rectify their claims statement by phone.
FALSE. Consumers must make their request directly using the form available on GAA’s web site (gaa.qc.ca), or in person at our offices. Consumers can ask to have their claims statement corrected after they receive a copy of it.
See the steps to take by consumers to consult their claims history statement.
FCSA – If no degree (%) of liability is shown for a loss, this means the driver was held liable for the accident.
FALSE. It simply means that the policyholder did not report the loss to his insurer. Since the insurer did not obtain the version of the accident from its policyholder, it was not able to investigate his degree of liability. The loss appears in the FCSA because the other driver involved in the accident filed a claim with his insurer.
If the policyholder and his insurer disagree, GAA can rule on the degree of liability established for the loss.
FALSE. Liability for a loss is established by the insurer after an investigation. Liability is assessed based on criteria set out in Direct Compensation Agreement (if applicable) and the versions of the parties involved. A policyholder who disagrees about the liability must first discuss this with his insurer and, ultimately, before the courts.
When GAA finds auto insurance for a consumer, it becomes the insurer.
FALSE. When GAA intervenes to find coverage for a consumer, based on an established procedure, it assigns the file to the insurer, which must then provide the consumer with liability coverage. Usually, this is the most recent insurer to have covered the risk.
GAA can inform brokers about what they can or cannot do.
FALSE. GAA’s mandate does not cover brokers’ professional obligations. For all questions of this nature, contact Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) or the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages depending on the information sought. IBC-GAA Insurance Information Centre agents are available to answer questions about insurance coverage, claims settlement, the insurance access mechanism or the FCSA.