The province’s Consumer Advocate for Insurance is warning New Brunswickers to prepare for higher auto insurance bills this year.

Michele Pelletier says companies appearing before the insurance board are asking for double digit increases – in some cases 25 percent or more.

Pelletier says some of the factors being cited include the higher cost to repair vehicles following collisions.

“We know that cars are now much more sophisticated and with all of those sensors we have on our cars, it costs more to repair,” she states.

Pelletier says more severe weather especially winter storms is another factor and some companies say they are losing money.

Her advice is to shop around to get the best rates.