On December 20, the Guide to Compliance Audit Program and Use of FCSA Data was updated. A press release in summer 2018 had mentioned changes to the consultation procedure for the central registry (Fichier central des sinistres automobiles/FCSA).

Reminder

Following the adoption of Bill 141, the Automobile Insurance Act was amended to ensure that insurers (or brokers) could consult the FCSA without policyholders having to previously declare accidents listed in the registry.

Effective July 13, 2018, when an application is received to obtain or renew an auto insurance policy, brokers are not required to ask policyholders about their driving record prior to consulting the FCSA.

However, brokers must check with clients to ensure that any information obtained from the FCSA is accurate; they must also keep a record of the validation process. As applicable, in the event of an inspection, the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) must be able to verify that this requirement was adhered to.

The GAA issued a press release in this regard. To avoid any confusion, please note that the term "insurer" in this specific context also includes agents and representatives of the insurer, in addition to brokers who take out auto insurance contracts on behalf of the insurer.