How to fix an incorrect address on car insurance

Life changes can lead to moves across Canada when you least expect them. With so many to-dos on your list, one of the last things you're probably worried about is having a different address on your insurance policy. That being said, using the wrong address on your policy can lead to several consequences whether you're doing so intentionally or unintentionally. To learn how to change the address on your car insurance, keep reading.

Does the address on my car insurance policy need to match my current address?

While using a different address for car insurance is possible in some scenarios, in others, it isn't. For example, if you're listed as the primary driver on the insurance and your child is a secondary driver living at university, chances are the addresses won't match. However, as a policyholder, you cannot intentionally use someone else's home address in an attempt to get cheaper rates or provide insurance companies with false information in an attempt to commit insurance fraud.

Further, let's say you're moving from British Columbia to Ontario. In this case, you would need to update the address on your insurance, given that you are moving provinces.

How do I change my name on my car insurance?

When it comes to changing your car insurance name, the best thing you can do is go to a service centre in town and request a chance on your driver's licence and insurance. For a name change after marriage, you'll need to bring a copy of your marriage certificate with you to the centre so they can process the change.

Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in Ontario?

Yes, your vehicle registration and car insurance policy must be under the same name if you are the primary driver. If you have young drivers on your auto insurance policy, you can list them as secondary drivers, which you would not need on the registration. It's also essential that the vehicle registration address matches the one listed on your driver's licence. Otherwise, you could face heavy penalties from your car insurance company.

Can your address affect your insurance rates?

Because Canada ultimately has a vast and diverse landscape, your home address can affect your insurance. For example, you may experience higher insurance rates if you live in a busy city with a higher crime rate and more traffic compared to someone living in a more rural address. That being said, if you live in a province or territory with a private insurance system, you'll be able to compare rates from different insurance providers. By comparing costs, you'll be able to find the best insurance policies while saving money on your insurance premiums.

Consequences of address misrepresentation on your car insurance

While you may be tempted to use a different address on your car insurance to avoid higher premiums when you're up for an expired car insurance renewal, there are several consequences of doing so if a policyholder omits information intentionally, including the following:

Insurance fraud

In severe cases, you could be charged with insurance fraud. If you are convicted of fraud charges, you could be forced to pay insurance fraud costs and receive jail time. Because fraud is a Criminal Code offence, you will also have a criminal record moving forward, which could affect several aspects of your life in the future.

Higher premiums

Another consequence you could experience if your insurance address is incorrect is higher rates for coverage in the future. This infringement will also be listed on your insurance history, which could affect you even if you choose to go with a different provider.

Cancellation of your insurance policy

Your insurance company could also refuse to insure you entirely if they confirm that you've been intentionally lying to them about your addresses. When this happens, you could lose coverage and put yourself at risk of driving without insurance, which could lead to other consequences as well.

Denial of your insurance claim

Further, if you decide to file claims with your provider while your address is incorrect, your insurance company could deny your claim. Depending on how severe the accident is, you could put yourself in serious financial debt should you need to pay for the insurance costs out of pocket.

Denial of auto insurance coverage in the future

Lastly, because your insurance history has been tainted, insurance companies may refuse to insure you altogether in the future, making you unable to legally drive on Canadian roads.

How to fix your wrong address

If you want to avoid your insurance providers accusing you of policy fraud, changing your address as soon as possible following your move is essential. Luckily for you, making changes to a car insurance policy is relatively easy and straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

1. Notify your insurance company right away

If your home address is different from the one listed on your auto insurance policy, the best thing you can do is inform your insurance provider immediately. Keep in mind that if you have a different address due to a move, insurance companies typically offer customers a grace period of 30 days to provide their new address before consequences occur.

2. Provide your new address to your insurance provider

Once you've contacted your insurance provider, you'll be connected with an insurance agent. Let them know that your current car insurance address is wrong and that you would like to provide them with the correct address.

3. Confirm any car insurance policy adjustments

Once your insurance provider has confirmed that changing your address is complete, ask them to confirm the changes for you. Typically, they'll send over a confirmation email or letter in the mail that outlines the changes to your auto insurance.

4. Get a new copy of your updated car insurance documents

The last thing you need to do is re-print your auto insurance with the new address listed on your policies. Remove the documents with your old address from your vehicle and replace them with your new auto insurance documents.

Protect yourself with quality car insurance from BrokerLink

To ensure you and your loved ones are protected while you're behind the wheel, having the right types of auto insurance in place is essential in the event something unexpected happens. At BrokerLink, we help customers like you secure car insurance from some of Canada's top insurers at an affordable rate, including the following:

• Third-party liability car insurance
• Uninsured motorist insurance
• Accident benefits coverage
• Collision car coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage
• Accident forgiveness

With years of experience in locations across Canada, there's a chance BrokerLink may be in your neighbourhood! If we're nearby, come in and work with a broker face-to-face to get discounts for multiple auto insurance policies! If you aren't in the area, you can always contact us over the phone during business hours.

Alternatively, you can get a competitive car insurance quote using our free online quote tool right from your phone--or whatever device you're using!

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