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REGINA- Saskatchewan drivers may see a greater discount on car insurance next year due to upcoming changes to the Safe Driver Recognition program.

On Nov. 24, the provincial government announced it approved the changes based on Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) recommendations.

The Safe Driver Recognition program recognizes drivers with good driving records by providing a discount on basic vehicle insurance. High-risk drivers pay more to insure their vehicles.

The upcoming changes include:

The safety rating scale will increase to +25. Safe drivers can earn a discount of up to 25 per cent on basic vehicle insurance.

Financial penalties will double from $25 to $50 per point for drivers in the penalty zone.

All at-fault collisions will result in loss of points. However, the program will look at the seriousness of a collision. A collision with a claim payout of under $700 will result in the loss of four points. Drivers who cause collisions with a claim payout of $700 or more will lose six points.

All manually-enforced speeding convictions will result in a loss of points.

The changes were suggested by SGI after it looked at customer feedback over the last few years.

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“Throughout the review of the Safe Driver Recognition program, there was a common theme we kept hearing – safe drivers deserve higher rewards and risky drivers deserve tougher penalties,” Minister responsible for SGI Don McMorris said.

“Well, you asked and we listened. The changes increase vehicle insurance discounts for the safest drivers and toughen penalties for unsafe driving.”

The changes will be implemented by mid-2016.