Cap on auto-insurance injury claims penalizes some: N.B. consumer advocate

New Brunswick's consumer advocate for insurance is calling for changes to the province's auto-insurance legislation.

Ronald Godin said Thursday the $2,500 cap on awards for minor injuries is penalizing some people who have been seriously hurt.

Godin said changes are needed because some injuries that result in partial impairment for life are considered minor under the law as it stands.

There are almost 200 lawsuits before the courts challenging the legislation.

Godin said he isn't calling for elimination of the cap, because that could cause insurance premiums to jump dramatically.

But, he said, it shouldn't have to be all or nothing, and those with serious injuries should be compensated.

Consumer Affairs Minister T.J. Burke said he has no plans to change the law until a series of test cases make their way through the courts.