The fact that SGI recently applied for a modest rate increase earlier this month didn't receive a lot of attention at first.
But now that it has become known the increase included a massive hike on motorcyclists in the province that fact has thrust the application into the spotlight.
As has been reported, SGI is asking the province's rate review panel to remove the cap on how much motorcycle rates can be increased. If successful, SGI would then increase rates by an average of 73 per cent. The bigger the engine, the larger the rate hike.
The rationale behind the move is that injury claims from incidents involving motorcycles are much higher than those for automobiles. SGI has stated that the rest of their customers are subsidizing motorcyclists.
There are a few things that smell foul about this move, but a couple in particular stand out.
First off, to increase fees that much in one fell swoop is unfair and tantamount to gouging. If SGI feels the increase is needed to balance matters, why not do it in stages? Why slap riders with such a massive increase in one year?
What also stands out is whether or not SGI is going after the right people.
Although it makes sense that motorcycle injury claims would be higher, the more pertinent question is are motorcycle riders more reckless than people in automobiles?
SGI would likely have the statistics to answer that question, but at first blush the answer is no. With nothing other than a helmet between themselves and the pavement, riders have no other choice than to be careful.
Yes, there are a lot of riders who fly around like idiots and cause accidents. But that can be said for a lot people in automobiles. The bulk of motorcyclists are people who simply enjoy going for a ride and rarely, if ever, are involved in an accident. Furthermore, if you were to look at a lot of accidents involving bikes, it's not a stretch to say many of them were caused by others, not the riders themselves. We had two glaring examples in Estevan this past summer.
So for SGI to tar one segment of its customer base with such a broad brush is just wrong. Why not hit those who are responsible for the accident harder? Perhaps there should be some punitive measures for irresponsible riders who are repeat offenders. It seems something of a case-by-case approach would be much more prudent than just sticking it to an entire group.
Fortunately this request is still in the application stage. Motorcyclists have ample time to make their feelings known to the government, and already there are petitions circulating on the Internet and a number of groups who have spoken out. They may not be a large group, but we have no doubt that riders throughout Saskatchewan will make their voices heard.
We just hope the government has the good sense to listen.
