Every insurer writing automobile insurance in the following jurisdictions is required to report data in accordance with the ASP Manual: Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon.

Statistical data captured through the ASP are used by both industry and government. The data is on an accident year basis where the information is based on when the incident occurred, regardless of when it is reported or paid. This provides an accurate and timely picture of experience to estimate future costs and is used in the process of determin­ing rates. As certain types of claims, such as claims for third party liability or accident benefits, take a long time to settle, insurers must revise estimates of claims liabilities on a regular basis. Claims costs in any financial period reflect claims payments made and adjustments to claims liabilities in the financial period, for accidents that occurred in the current and prior years. Therefore, typical accounting statements information does not provide the proper basis for estimating costs for determining rates. As statistical data are available at a fine level of detail, there can be a greater understanding of the automobile insurance product. For example, information on both the cost of claims and the number of claims is available from the ASP, as well as information based on the use of vehicle (e.g., private passenger or commercial) or by classification elements. Also, by having data available at an industry-wide level, there is a broader statistical basis on which to make estimations of costs.