• some_kind_of_guy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    edit-2
    2 days ago

    I would think it would disincentivize driving?

    Drive less > less chance of accident > fewer payouts > bigger refund check > adjust forecast lower for next year > lower premiums > GOTO 1

    Or maybe it’s closer to zero sum. because some think that way while some asshole cough Alberta uses the money on extra tires and gasoline to drive even more.

    • siipale@sopuli.xyz
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 day ago

      Why would you pay for a car to not drive it but instead collect the refunds? It would be cheaper to not have a car. I think it would incentivize driving more as the premiums are low and when that causes premiums to rise higher it would disincentivize owning a car.

    • Brave Little Hitachi Wand@feddit.uk
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      2 days ago

      Not surprising that the refund check doesn’t reduce driving in practise. If memory serves - you can’t reward a behaviour into extinction, just like you can’t punish a new behaviour into existence.

      At least, that’s if you credit what they teach in applied behaviour analysis courses. I don’t get to use my degree much, except at times like this.