Albertans skeptical of promised auto insurance savings, want to keep right to sue

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Ottawa, ON, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to a recent survey conducted by Nanos Research, only one in five Albertans believe it is likely auto insurance premiums will go down if the Government of Alberta implements a no-fault system that is run and administered by for-profit insurance companies.

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In fact, Albertans are twice as likely to say it is unlikely (47 per cent) rather than likely (19 per cent) that auto insurance premiums will go down if the Government of Alberta proceeds with its proposed automobile insurance legislation.

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The survey reveals that Albertans place significant value on legal rights and personal accountability. Three quarters of Albertans (75 per cent) consider the right to sue someone for compensation when they cause harm or injury to be important (score of 7-10 out of 10, mean of 8.0), while more than four in five Albertans (82 per cent) emphasize the importance of holding people legally and financially responsible for their actions when it causes injury or harm (score of 7-10 out of 10, mean of 8.3).

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This study is consistent with the Government of Alberta’s own research. A survey conducted in June 2024 by The Strategic Counsel on behalf of the Government of Alberta showed 73 per cent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that “The ability to sue an at-fault party is important to hold them accountable.”

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“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. “They are skeptical that the proposed changes will lower their premiums.”

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Changing how automobile insurance works in Alberta is not a pressing issue for Albertans (52 per cent say it is not urgent/somewhat not urgent). Their top issues of concern revolve around core public priorities such as healthcare (51 per cent), cost of living (25 per cent), education (22 per cent) and affordable housing (19 per cent). Less than one per cent cited automobile insurance as a priority.

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“These are significant changes to auto insurance that will directly affect the rights of Albertans. We commissioned this research to better understand Albertans’ perspectives and ensure those views are part of the conversation,” said Robert D.L. Bassett, President of the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch (CBA Alberta). “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.”

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CBA Alberta represents more than 5,500 lawyers across the province. Its members practice in all areas of law related to auto insurance, including those who represent injured Albertans and those who work for insurance companies.

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“This research highlights just how strongly Albertans value accountability and the ability to seek recourse when they’ve been harmed,” said M. Jenny McMordie, KC, co-chair of CBA Alberta’s working group on auto insurance reform. “These findings point to a need for further consultation. We urge the government to take the time to work with legal professionals and others with direct experience in the system to ensure the changes are fair, effective and in the public interest.”