ah Claims tell poor story in first ICBC CLAIMS §$ statistics for the first six months of 1991 indicate that we’re still headed in the wrong direc- tion as far as road safety is concerned. Ken Hardie INSURANCE CORPORATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AUTOTGPIC There have been 430,854 claims reported during the first six months of 199], up 13,136 over the same period fast year. Over 11,000 of them are for damaged vehicles while injury-related claims have risen by over 1,900. However, not all the news is bad. It appears we have had fewer fatalities, probably because so many people buckle up. Plus, col- lision claims are down by nearly 1,000 (in spite of all that snow we had in January and February), and there were far fewer claims for broken windshields. One area of concern is the number of comprehensive claims, mainly for crime related losses. The explosion of theft, vandalism Cabriolet enjoyable to drive From page 25 flush with the upper surface of the body. Though the folded top sits up high, it doesn’t impede rearward vision significantly. There is also surprisingly little wind buffeting in the front seats at highway speeds. All Golf Cabriolets have an in- tegral roll bar just behind the front seats that provides security and safety in the event of a roll over. Though Golf Cabriolets are relatively small cars, they have a good record of passenger protec- tion in collisions. The Golf Cabriolet is powered by the same engine used in the Golf hatchback, a 1.8 litre four- cylinder with 94-horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a_ three-speed automatic is optional. Like all Golfs and Rabbits, the Golf Cabriolet is fun to drive because of its stable, predictable handling, positive and accurate steering, and responsive engine. The throw from first to second gear is a little vague but otherwise this is an enjoyable driver's car. Base models, fike the one 1 tested, have standard reclining Recara seats which offer excellent side, thigh and back support. The tear seat can be folded forward to increase the size of the trunk area. Standard features on the Cabriolet include dual front headlamps for low and high beams, power steering, AM/FM stereo cassette player, and a full set of five analogue gauges, ta- chometer, voltmeter, oif pressure, oil temperature. and coolant temperature. Also worth mentioning — is Volkswagen's six-year Guaranteed Mobility program, If your VW breaks down, you can cail a toll- free number to have it fixed on the spot or tawed to the nearest 26 - Friday, July 12, 1991 — North Shore News AUTOMOTIVES records “BOW-WOW” HAS LANDED IN NORTH VANCOUVER! WITH 19 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN AUTO PARTS WE HAVE OPENED OUR NO. 6 BRANCH TO SERVE THE NORTH SHORE BETTER & FASTER. HELPFUL SERVICE IS WHAT MADE BOW-WOW! LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR SPECIAL AUTO PARTS NEEDS. WE SOURCE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AT 1075 MARINE DRIVE PH.984-2788, BESIDE CAPS CYCLE half and fire losses alone accounts for 98% of the claims increase, and further highlights the need to make sure vehicles are locked and valuables removed. Our six-month statistics show some interesting trends in the kind of coverage being purchased. More people are choosing a higher limit for their third party legal liability coverage. Over 23% of B.C. motorists now carry at least $2 million, up from 19% just a year ago. Underinsured Motorist Protection has now been added to over 80% of Autoplan policies, meaning more families now have extra protection in the event of in- juries caused by a motorist with low liability coverage. ICBC’s short term policies of six to If months are more popular this year, with almost 77% of motorcyclists taking advantage of this option. No conclusions can yet be drawn from our six month claims statistics, especially with regard to premiums for 1992 — there is still time to prevent the accidents that drive up insurance costs. The rise in the amount of auto insurance purchased suggests most people are aware of the growing tisk of being involved in an acci- dent. So, while we emphasize that defensive and careful driving is the best protection, the next best is to consult an Autop’an broker and arrange the coverages you need. | CARD ARE WELCOME g DOGS ARE WELCOME VW service shop or equivalent. If you're more than J20 km away from home, you receive a free night’s lodging, and a free loaner car if your car can't be repaired the same day. ° PIRNOIPATHION The Relentless Pursuit | Of: Perfection comes to the corner of 12th and The Lexus represents a new vision of iuxury performance and design. It’s only fitting that its new home should be the same. Kingsway Lexus Toyota’s Lexus showroom is a contemporary study in understated elegance. From its classic interior columns to its bird’s eye mapie walls and soaring glass partitions. Here you'll be surrounded by luxury even before you enter a Lexus automobile. And our knowledge, professional sales representatives have been hand picked for their exemplary reputations for customer service. KINGSWAY UZ42