We regulate auto insurance in Nova Scotia. Until 2008, this role belonged to the Nova Scotia Insurance Review Board, as per the Automobile Insurance Reform Act. Then, the responsibility was transferred to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, which has since become the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
The Board reviews requests from auto insurance providers to change their rates or system for classifying risks, ensuring prices are just and reasonable. The Board ensures compliance with the Insurance Act by making rules, publishing policy guidance, ordering investigations and actuarial reports, and imposing administrative and monetary penalties when needed. It also makes regulatory decisions.
Auto insurance providers are required to submit any changes to their rates and risk classification systems to the Board for approval. At a minimum, providers must make a rate filing application at least once every two years for regular passenger vehicles and every three years for other vehicles.
You can find the Insurance Act and related regulations on the Statutes, Rules & Regulations page. Board decisions and rulings from its predecessor boards are available in the Decision Archive.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Barry Cotnam, Managing Director, Advisory Services (barry.cotnam@novascotia.ca).
Occasionally, the Board publishes Information Bulletins to explain important topics. You can find current and past bulletins by clicking HERE.
Information and forms for insurance providers applying to the Board are available by clicking HERE.
Reports
- Report to the Governor in Council on a Study into the Use of Gender as a Rating Factor in Automobile Insurance in Nova Scotia – dated Nov. 1, 2004
- Report to the Governor in Council on Rates and Availability of Fire, Other Property and Liability Insurance for Homeowners, Tenants, Non-profit Organizations and Small Businesses – dated Nov. 1, 2004