Auto Insurance
What You Need to Know About Vehicle Insurance in Ontario
While you may think it is easy to purchase your auto insurance online, getting assistance from a broker can give you the peace of mind that you purchased the right coverage. At James Campbell Insurance, we want you to understand the coverage you’re spending your money on. With offices in both Uxbridge and Mount Albert, we are available to assist you with your automobile insurance.
In Ontario, your mandatory auto insurance coverages will need to include liability coverage, direct compensation coverage , uninsured automobile coverage and accident benefit coverage. These types of coverage are the bare minimum you will need to protect you and your loved ones.
- Liability coverage provides protection if you injure someone or damage any property. Payment will be made on your behalf by your insurance company up to the limit on your policy.
- Direct compensation covers damages to your car if you are not found at fault.
- Uninsured automobile coverage will cover any medical costs and damages if an uninsured driver is at fault.
- Accident benefits, no matter who is found at fault, will help you with certain medical costs and other expenses which you may be entitled to.
How Does Car Insurance Work in Ontario?
When you decide on the right insurance policy and deductible for you with your choice of insurance provider, you will then need to pay for an insurance premium each month. This premium will give you the financial protection you need against physical damage or injury which can occur due to automobile accidents. It will also help cover liability expenses if you damage property or injure someone else in a car accident. By opting for add-ons and special coverage options, you can also gain some extra protection if you need it.
What Affects My Auto Insurance Premiums?
One of the first factors that most individuals look for when they are shopping around for auto insurance coverage is the premium amount. As an auto insurance broker, James Campbell Insurance can help you find the best options based on what your current circumstance is and what your coverage needs are.
It’s important to note that the lowest premium is not always the best option for you. A lower premium can mean paying more money out of pocket down the line if you have an accident to report. No one plans to get into a car accident, and no matter how careful a driver you are, there will always be that chance of one occurring. To have long-term protection, it’s important to be knowledgeable about your options and choose the coverage that best suits your needs.
Here are several factors that can affect your car insurance premium:
- Your Vehicle: the make, model and year of your car will be taken into consideration when insurance companies are calculating your premium. The type of car you own will also inform the insurance company how much it would cost to repair damages or to replace.
- Your Driving Record: If you are someone with a perfect driving record, you can enjoy the lowest premiums. On the other hand, if your driving record is dotted with traffic tickets, or if you have filed a claim, your premiums will be higher.
- Where You Live: The area you live in will affect your rates, for example, your city, or whether you live in a high or low-density area, will have an effect on your premium.
- Your Age: Auto insurance brokers evaluate statistics on many risk factors, such as the number of motor vehicle accidents by age group. They use this data to calculate various risk factors.
- Your Driving Experience: Regardless of your age, the years of driving experience you have will also affect the way an insurance company assesses your risks of getting into an accident.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Ontario
These are a few simple guidelines to help you save on your car insurance:
- Bundle both your auto and home insurance with James Campbell Insurance so you can qualify for a multi-line discount.
- Choose to drive a “low-risk” vehicle. Low-risk vehicles are less likely to be involved in accidents or get stolen, so this means that your premium will be lower.
- Consider increasing your deductible. The goal of insurance is to cover you for damages that you wouldn’t be able to afford. That means if you can afford a $1000 repair you can raise your deductible to $1000 and end up paying less for your insurance.
- Take a driver’s training course if you are a new driver.
- Insuring all of your vehicles with James Campbell Insurance will allow you to take advantage of your multi-vehicle discount.
- Maintain a good driving record. The safer you are on the road, the more you can save.
Why Choose James Campbell Insurance for Your Auto Insurance Needs?
At James Campbell Insurance, we put you first. Our clients are our top priority and the backbone behind everything we do.
We can help provide you with protection from insuring your first car, your first home or business or even giving you protection during your retirement travels. Whatever you need coverage for, we’ve got your back. We will make sure that you are ready to live a life free of stress or worry so you can focus on life’s important moments each and every day.
James Campbell Insurance Brokers have been taking care of our members for over 40 years. This is why we are able to make insurance easy by offering you the right solutions at the right times. Our solutions are tailored to fit your individual needs, no matter what they may be.
FAQs
Most tickets will stay on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction.
Claims stay on your driving record for 6 years.
No, the color of your vehicle does not affect the rates.
If you lend your vehicle, you essentially lend your insurance. A claim in your vehicle will be rated as if you were driving the vehicle. It is always important to verify that the individual has a valid driver’s license before letting them drive your vehicle.
No, you cannot. To insure anything, you need to have insurable interest meaning your name must be on the ownership.
These Ontario Policy Change Forms provide you with the following;
OPCF 20 – This change form provides coverage for transportation replacement. For example, if you have been in an accident and your vehiclecannot be driven, you will have coverage to rent a vehicle up to the limit on your policy.
OPCF 27 – This change form provides you with comprehensive and collision coverage if you damage a rented vehicle. Your liability coverage and accident benefits coverage on your auto policy would apply to the rented vehicle. This coverage is only applicable while you rent or borrow a vehicle in Canada and the United States.
