Processing SGI auto claims now a one-stop shop

There will be one less bump in the road for Saskatchewan drivers going through the auto-claims process.

Drivers will be able to get everything from damage claims to repairs done at one of the accredited auto shops, in a one-stop shop. As it stands now, drivers have to first take their car to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) claim centre.

This new program is expected to save time and cut down on congestion entering the SGI claims centre, especially after storms. Minister responsible for SGI, Don McMorris, points to the influx of damaged vehicles arriving after the hail storm in Kerrobert, and in the summer of 2013 when thousands of vehicles parked outside Mosaic Stadium were damaged in a hail storm during the game. That resulted in about 10,000 auto claims to SGI.

“Everyone then goes from there Monday morning and wants their vehicle adjusted,” said McMorris.

There are more than 200,000 auto damage claims filed in Saskatchewan every year. McMorris explained having additional accredited auto shops spreads the work out, saving time for the customer.

There are 20 repair firms already doing damage estimates in the province with most of the new accredited firms expected to be estimating by the end of the year. When that starts, they will mostly be in charge of the minor damage like fender benders.

These repair firms must properly train their appraisers on how to do a damage estimate and the government will do annual reviews.

When drivers go to file their claim, the process will remain the same. They’ll go to the SGI website where they’ll be asked where they want the damage estimate to be done. They’ll select a shop and the adjuster will notify the customer whether it qualifies to perform the estimate.