Now a key player in the automobile insurance industry in Quebec, Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It was created at the end of the 1970s, at a time when the auto insurance plan was struggling. Costs were skyrocketing, investigations moved slowly and claims settlements were taking longer and longer to process. At that time, some 500,000 drivers were thought to have no auto insurance.

Given the situation, the government overhauled the auto insurance plan. It created Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), a corporation that oversees coverage for bodily injury, and asked private insurers to set up various mechanisms to improve insurance coverage for material damage. That is when GAA was created.

GAA’s activities cover four focus axes:

1. Guaranteeing access to insurance by providing assistance to drivers that are unable to get the mandatory insurance required by law.
2. Streamlining claims settlement through the Direct Compensation Agreement (DCA), Joint Report, and oversight of automobile damage appraisal.
3. Ensuring fair rates by managing the Fichier central des sinistres automobiles (FCSA) and the Automobile Statistical Plan (PSA).
4. Informing consumers via the Insurance Information Centre and information campaigns.

Streamlining claims settlement

Few are aware that GAA distributes the Joint Report. Long available in paper format, a mobile app can now be downloaded.

In addition, under the Direct Compensation Agreement, a proven tool that helps speed up claims settlement, each insurer indemnifies its policyholder by establishing his or her liability in an accident. 

And, in automobile damage appraisal, GAA sets the standards and procedures to determine how a vehicle must be repaired following an accident. GAA also certifies, trains and ensures oversight of appraisers’ work.

An enviable trackrecord

Using these different tools, mechanisms and activities, GAA was able to turn around the situation that existed at the time it was created. The work carried out by GAA, together with its members, the insurers, has allowed the industry to control costs and streamline claims settlement.   

As the industry continues to evolve, GAA is keeping on top of emerging technologies as it adapts its products and services to the new realities. The mobile app it developed for the Joint Report is just one example, and it is also preparing for the arrival of smart vehicles on our roads.

True to its mission, GAA will continue to actively participate in the industry’s development, and in doing so, safeguard the interest of consumers.

Find out more about GAA’s mandates and activities at gaa.qc.ca.