New Brunswick approves use of electronic proof of auto insurance

The New Brunswick Registrar of Motor Vehicles has approved the use of an electronic version of the motor vehicle liability insurance card within the province – making New Brunswick the latest Canadian jurisdiction to adopt the use of the so-called eSlips.

The new mandate, in effect since the start of February and pursuant to section 279 of NB’s Motor Vehicle Act, allows auto insurers operating in New Brunswick to issue an insurance card in electronic format to their policyholders, with the policyholder’s consent. It also allows drivers to show proof of insurance using an electronic mobile device.

While auto insurers are now allowed to issue eSlips to their NB customers, the Registrar stressed in a release that the customer must first consent to receive the electronic proof, consistent with electronic transaction laws. In addition, insurers and agents must advise customers that the use of electronic proof is optional.

The province’s decision to approve eSlips has been lauded by the Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO). Together with industry stakeholders, CSIO built the My Proof of Insurance (MPOI) solution to facilitate the delivery of electronic policy documents, which include eSlips.

“I applaud the New Brunswick Registrar of Motor Vehicles for creating an added convenience for the province’s residents by approving electronic motor vehicle liability insurance cards,” said CSIO president and CEO Catherine Smola in a statement. “CSIO is proud that MPOI is trusted by brokers and insurers across the country to help deliver a seamless customer experience.”

Smola added that CSIO is continuously enhancing its digital document delivery system and is “committed to supporting organizations who wish to add MPOI to their digital offerings.”

In other CSIO-related news, the organization in November announced that its Commercial Lines (CL) working group has finalized requirements to quote and bind small business insurance for customers in real estate. The CL data standards automate small business commercial quotes, which enable fast delivery of data in minutes.