FSRA is pleased to announce its latest Test and Learn Environment (TLE) for auto insurance territory rating changes. As of January 3rd, 2024, the Territories TLE will officially be open for rate filing applications from regulated auto insurers.
A recent FSRA review of the Territory Rating bulletin highlighted an opportunity to modernize the current approach to territory ratings. In response, the Territories TLE is being launched to allow for new and more innovative methods for designing territories and determining rates.
TLEs are a critical component of FSRA’s pursuit of responsible innovation and provide a safe testing environment for assessing the market’s response to innovation while ensuring consumers are protected through built-in regulatory guardrails.
The Territories TLE is an opportunity for auto insurers to propose and test territory rating changes within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for Private Passenger Vehicles (PPA) over a minimum two-year period. In turn, this initiative will also allow FSRA to proactively monitor the impact of territory rating changes and ensure intended consumer outcomes are achieved.
FSRA’s role is to facilitate innovation while managing risk to consumers. In alignment with FSRA’s Innovation Framework, this activity-based TLE is a proactive 'inside-out' examination of our regulatory frameworks that leverages expertise across FSRA to enable innovation-friendly regulating. This innovation opportunity has been assessed using the standardized Innovation Process and five-step Risk Assessment (per FSRA’s Innovation Framework). It has been determined that testing and validation through the TLE is appropriate to evaluate the anticipated consumer benefits and monitor the impacts and intended outcomes. In taking this approach, FSRA has established the terms and conditions and testing plan requirements in the Territory Filing Specifications.
How do auto insurers apply?
Interested auto insurers will need to apply through the usual rate filing application process (Private Passenger Automobile Filing Guidelines - Major).
Please note: auto insurers who opt to participate in FSRA’s Territories TLE will be able to submit applications for territory rating changes that do not adhere to the territory rating specifications outlined in the Private Passenger Automobile Filing Guidelines - Major, with approval being subject to FSRA’s discretion.
What are FSRA’s expectations in the Territories TLE Applications?
Auto insurers are expected to demonstrate:
- increased accountability for managing the consumer experience
- enhanced communications with consumers for greater transparency and interpretability
- consideration of fairness in terms of consumer outcomes in addition to actuarial soundness
Please note: Rule 2022-001, Part 10 – Innovation Office fees will not apply to the Territories TLE.
Exiting the Territories TLE
Auto insurers who voluntarily exit the Territories TLE or are requested by FSRA to do so must file changes using the Private Passenger Automobile Filing Guidelines - Major. Auto insurers exiting the Territories TLE are accountable for managing their customer experience and associated consumer impacts. Auto insurers are also expected to communicate their plans and the resulting impacts to FSRA.
Subsequent data collection to validate TLE testing criteria
Following auto insurers’ entry into the Territories TLE, FSRA will gather data and evidence to evaluate the outcomes resulting from territory rating changes over the testing period. This evaluation includes examining shifts in quote volume, new business volume, retention rates, improved rating accuracy, and reduced subsidization, among other criteria.