Reports of an increase in insurance premiums are not surprising. What is surprising is the call for “buy-in” from the public for a proposed safe driving campaign.
The General Insurance Association of Barbados should be at the forefront of every initiative that brings safety, security, and savings to all stakeholders, most of all motor vehicle owners.
It appears that over several years, a major incentive in the form of a no-claim bonus has been abandoned. There can be no greater encouragement for motorists than a no-claim discount on subsequent insurance premiums, but in typical Bajan parlance, it has gone through the eddoes.
Also, is it fair and just that Peter should pay for Paul?
American professional basketball player Marcus Smart once made a very pointed and unambiguous comment: ” Everybody is responsible for their own actions. It’s easy to point the finger at somebody else, but a real man, a real woman, a real person knows when it’s time to take the blame and to take responsibility for their own actions.”
Those motorists responsible for the increase in motor insurance claims should be rightfully made to accept responsibility and not motorists who have clean driving records.
Where is the Supervisor of Insurance and where is the Financial Services Commission?
The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network is asked to send a strong message to the relevant authorities as well as the Ministry of Consumer Affairs about the unjust business practice of careful Peter paying for careless Paul.
It simply cannot be right to penalize motorists with clean driving records in a similar manner to those with bad driving records. To emphasise a previous point, drivers with clean records should be rewarded with the no-claim discount that has been removed from insurance policies.
Finally, long overdue action is required concerning how motorists should approach and exit roundabouts.
Michael Ray
