Report from the Benefits Committee Chair Dean McMullen

In order to ensure the best benefits program is available to ARTA members, at the best price, the Benefits Committee has undertaken three initiatives. The entire benefits program is being marketed to six insurance companies to ensure that the negotiated rates with our insurer are the best the market place offers.
A subcommittee has been studying alternate financial arrangements that can be made with the insurer and the program administrators. A second subcommittee is exploring the whole health issue of "wellness." Program and cost implications of such wellness areas as smoking, nutrition, weight control, fitness and socialization will be explored. These subcommittees will report prior to the ARTA AGM in October.
Successful negotiations for next year's benefits plan rates have been finalized. Members will receive the rates well in advance of renewal time. Two of the three plans will experience no increase in premiums while Extended Health Care with Travel will experience a modest increase of less than three percent.

Questions and Answers
on Auto Insurance from Johnson Inc.

1. What factors affect the cost of my car insurance?

The key aspects insurance companies consider when calculating an individual's rate are: type and age of car, whether use of car is for pleasure or business, whether use is mainly in the city or the country, your age, your driving record, your insurance claims record, and other drivers in the household who use the car.

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ARTA © 2005

2. What is a deductible?

The deductible is the portion you agree to pay on any damage to your car before your insurance comes into effect. A common collision deductible, for example, is $250. This means that you would pay the first $250 of the repair and the insurance would pay the balance.

3. How important is responsibility or fault in a car accident?

Responsibility is important under Third Party Liability coverage. In these claims, the person held responsible for an accident may be required to pay for damages to the other driver's car, or other property damaged in the accident, and for any injury claims resulting form it. For this reason, you should ensure you have adequate Third Party coverage.

4. How long after an accident can I make a claim?

Although it is recommended you notify your insurer as soon as possible, if you are making a claim, your policy states that a written declaration must be made within 90 days of the loss or damage.

Johnson Inc. Offices in Alberta

Red Deer
504-4901-48 Street
Tel: 403-343-2091
Red Deer. T4N 6M4
Toll free: 1-877-343-2091
Fax: 403-309-3626

Edmonton
West Chambers Building
Tel: 780-413-6612
Suite 301,
12220 Stony Plain Rd.,
Toll free: 1-800-661-1973
Edmonton. T5N 3Y4 Fax: 780-420-6082

Calgary
Suite 300, 736-8 Ave, SW
Tel: 403-263-6424
Calgary, T2P 1H4
Toll free: 1-800-661-1233
Fax: 403-262-3054

Lethbridge
480 Scenic Drive S.,
Tel: 403-317-3695
Lethbridge. T1J 4S3
Toll free: 1-866-837-3965
Fax: 403-317-3699