November 20, 2009 Organization

Montréal – The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) has launched a program to audit compliance with use of the Fichier central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA), an automobile claims database. This program will come into effect on January 1, 2010.

FCSA
Set up in July 1, 1990, the FCSA contains information on all automobile insurance claims made by Québec drivers within the past six years, regardless of location of loss and type of claim (accident, theft, vandalism, etc.).

The FCSA enables insurers to view their clients' automobile claims history so that they can set fair premiums.

Inspection mandate of Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA)
To ensure that damage insurance firms and insurers consult the FCSA database only for purposes of classification or setting rates when issuing or renewing an automobile insurance policy, the AMF has granted an inspection mandate to the GAA. In doing so, the AMF seeks to ensure that the FCSA is not used to investigate or settle claims or to solicit clients, thereby further safeguarding consumers' personal information.

The GAA will carry out inspections in accordance with the FCSA Compliance Audit Guide, which is duly approved by the AMF, and pursuant to the Automobile Insurance Act. The GAA must file quarterly inspection reports with the AMF that include a list of non-compliant insurers.

The FCSA Compliance Audit Guide (pdf - 103 KB)This link will open in a new windowUpdated on November 20, 2009(in French only) is available on the AMF website.

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec’s financial sector.

— 30 —

Information:

Media only:
Sylvain Théberge: (514) 940-2176

Information Centre:
Québec City: 418-525-0337
Montréal: 514-395-0337
Toll-free: 1-877-525-0337