Increasing the Reporting Threshold for Non-Injury Collision
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urge the Province of Alberta to further increase the reporting threshold for non-injury collisions from $2,000 to $5,000.
WHEREAS in 2011 Alberta Transportation changed the reporting threshold for non-injury collisions from $1,000 to $2,000;
WHEREAS this was the first change in 20 years;
WHEREAS this new threshold was intended to better reflect the current cost of vehicle repairs but is still not reflective of the current costs as escalated over a 20 year period; and
WHEREAS policing responses to non-injury collisions comprise a significant portion of policing resources that could be better utilized in improving public safety.
In 2011 the Province amended the Collision reporting thresholds for the first time in over 20 years by increasing the reporting for a non-injury collision to $2,000 from $1,000. This was done in conjunction with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
This level of response is a significant drain on policing resources as time is invested in processing these reports for insurance purposes. In many cases, the damage to a newer vehicle can be quite minimal and yet meet this threshold.
While the initial intent of the 2011 increase was to reflect the current cost of vehicle repairs. it is our belief that this threshold is still not reflective of the current cost of vehicle repairs and are recommending a resolution be forwarded to the AUMA to lobby the provincial government to increase non-injury reporting thresholds.
AUMA accepts this response.