Car insurance in Arnprior

Compulsory car insurance for Arnprior motorists

When buying coverage in Arnprior, there are a few types of auto insurance that are mandatory. The following four coverages have been mandated by the Government of Ontario and are designed to protect all drivers on the road. When you purchase basic car insurance in Arnprior, your policy will contain these coverage types:

Third party liability coverage

Third party liability will cover you if you get into a car accident that you are responsible for. In other words, anytime you cause a collision, it is the third party liability portion of your policy that will help pay for the associated costs, whether they be medical expenses related to bodily harm, repair bills from property damage, or legal fees, including defence and settlement fees.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage kicks in if you get into a car accident and someone suffers bodily harm as a result. Whether it was you that was injured or a pedestrian, passenger, or another driver involved, accident benefits coverage can be claimed. Further, this type of coverage can pay for medical expenses not covered by Ontario health insurance, like prescription medication, physiotherapy or rehabilitation, as well as loss of income if the person affected lost out on work due to their injury.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage is for when your car is damaged in an accident. So long as you did not cause the accident in question, your insurance provider can issue a payout that covers the cost of vehicle repairs under the direct compensation - property damage portion of your Arnprior car insurance plan.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is intended to protect drivers from the unfortunate circumstance of getting into an accident with a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified. Uninsured drivers are those with no car insurance whatsoever, underinsured drivers are those who do not have enough coverage to pay for the cost of damages that stem from the accident, and unidentified drivers are those whose identity the policyholder does not know because they flee the scene, such as in the case of a hit and run accident.

Optional car insurance for Arnprior motorists

Now, let’s move on to optional coverage. As this category of coverage suggests, drivers in Arnprior have a choice as to whether they want to add any of the following coverages to their auto insurance policies. While adding extra protection to your car insurance plan is likely to increase your rates, it can also increase your peace of mind due to the broader range of risks you will be protected against. From collisions with animals to your car being stolen or damaged while parked, keep reading to learn more about collision, comprehensive, accident forgiveness, and loss of use coverage:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage provides additional protection to policyholders when they find themselves in car accidents that result in property damage. For example, if your car is damaged in any way following a collision, from dents and scratches to broken windows, collision coverage can reimburse you for the cost of repairs. This will be the case whether the property damage to your vehicle was caused by colliding with another car or an animal or object. Another advantage of collision car coverage is that it can be claimed, even if you caused the accident. While collision coverage can be optional, it can be important if your vehicle is financed or leased to ensure you are not required to carry it at a certain limit per your contract with the financing company or lessor.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is a popular type of optional auto insurance in Arnprior for a reason. It deals with loss and damage relating to your car when it is parked, which makes it unique among the types of mandatory and optional coverages in Ontario. When you choose to add comprehensive coverage to your Arnprior auto insurance plan, you can be compensated for damage to your car that is caused by an insured peril. For example, if you carry comprehensive coverage and your vehicle is stolen, your insurance company will help pay to replace it, less your deductible. Comprehensive coverage will also protect perils pertaining to fire, theft, glass damage, vandalism and collision with an animal.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Arnprior is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility varies by province.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage can be extremely worthwhile for Arnprior drivers, as it can cover the transportation costs incurred if you are ever forced to be temporarily without your car due to damage. For instance, if you get into an accident and your windshield is broken, you won’t be able to drive your vehicle until it is repaired. This could take a week or more in your local auto body shop. During this time, you would be without a car. Luckily, if you choose to add loss of use coverage to your auto insurance plan, your insurance company can compensate you for the cost of taking other modes of transit during this time, whether that be public transportation, renting a car, or hiring taxis. Loss of use coverage may be especially important for those who heavily rely on their vehicles to get around and do not have easy access to another vehicle.

Understanding how car insurance rates are calculated in Arnprior

How much is car insurance per month in Ontario? This is a question that many Arnprior drivers want the answer to. However, the answer begins with learning which factors influence auto insurance rates in Ontario. Although the average monthly cost of car insurance is between $150 and $450, this isn’t the case for everyone due to the fact that insurance companies consider so many different factors. Therefore, the reality is that the only way to know how much an Arnprior customer will pay for their policy is by obtaining a free quote. Contact BrokerLink today to request a complimentary, obligation-free, and accurate quote, or in the meantime, keep reading for a list of factors that impact Arnprior car insurance rates:

• Where you live (and where you regularly commute)
• Age
• Model, make, and year of vehicle
• Past claims
• Average mileage
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Insurance history
• Deductible amount
• Regulatory bodies
• How you use your vehicle
• Gender

Submitting a car insurance claim in Arnprior

Want to learn how to submit a car insurance claim in Arnprior? Many customers are intimidated by the process, but in reality, it’s relatively quick and simple. Read through the following guide to filing a car insurance claim in Arnprior so that the next time you have to submit one, you can rest easy:

Notify your insurance company

The first step is the easiest. To kickstart your claim, you must first contact your insurance provider or broker to inform them of the incident. Be prepared to provide them with a few basic details, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, along with the events that unfolded. For example, if you were involved in an accident that resulted in damage to your car or bodily injury, tell them that. Once you’ve answered your insurance company’s first round of questions, they will inform you of the next steps for filing a claim.

Gather your supporting documents and information

When you file a car insurance claim in Ontario, you will need to provide as much information as you can about the incident. Therefore, the second step is to start assembling your evidence. Some of the most common types of evidence submitted with car insurance claims include photos, videos, written records, police statements, and eyewitness accounts. You should also include the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved in the incident, if applicable.

Fill out any necessary claims forms

If your insurance company gives you a form or multiple forms to fill out, complete them as quickly as possible. They will usually just ask for basic information, like your policy number and the details of the event.

Work together with the insurance adjuster

Once you’ve submitted all the necessary forms, your insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to handle your case. The insurance adjuster’s job is to investigate your claim and make a recommendation to your insurance company. This part of the process can take some time, so be patient. Sometimes, an insurance adjuster has questions for the claimant or needs additional information or evidence. So if the insurance adjuster reaches out to you, cooperate as best you can and respond in a timely fashion.

Wait to hear from your insurance company

The last step of the process is simple but difficult at the same time. You wait. Remember that the entire claims process can take up to 30 days or longer depending on whether or not there are a large number of claims, such as during the winter or hurricane season. However, eventually, your insurance company will contact you with their final decision. Their decision will clearly state if your insurance claim has been successful, i.e. if it has been approved or not. If it has been approved, they will let you know how much your payout will be, what method it will be paid out to you by, and when you can expect to receive it.

If you get into an accident and need help navigating the claims filing process, don’t hesitate to contact BrokerLink. One of our experienced insurance brokers would be pleased to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is only as good as its core values, which is why we are constantly striving to embody our five core pillars: integrity, generosity, respect, excellence, and customer-driven. We were founded on these values, and we aim to instill them in every community we work in, including Arnprior. Learn more about BrokerLink’s community efforts outside of the insurance industry by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Arnprior BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Ontario. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs about Arnprior car insurance

Do all types of car accidents impact auto insurance premiums in Arnprior?

No. Typically, only at-fault accidents impact auto insurance rates. Specifically, if you get into a car accident that you are liable for, your insurance premium is likely to increase the next time your car insurance policy renews. On the other hand, if you get into an accident that you did not cause, such as if another driver rear-ended you when you were stopped at a red light, your insurance premium would likely be unaffected. Thus, whether or not the policyholder was liable for the car accident will determine if your car insurance premium goes up or stays the same. It is worth noting that if you have accident forgiveness coverage as part of your Arnprior car insurance policy, then your rates may also stay the same, so long as this was your first at-fault accident.

Do I need an Ontario driver’s licence before purchasing auto insurance in Arnprior?

Yes. You will not be able to purchase Arnprior car insurance unless you have an Ontario driver's licence first, so make sure to obtain one before contacting an insurance provider.

What happens if I get caught driving without insurance in Arnprior?

Ultimately, what happens if you get caught driving without auto insurance in Arnprior varies, as it is up to the officer who pulls you over. That said, there are a number of very serious penalties you could incur if you choose to drive without insurance in Ontario. Since driving without insurance is illegal, the consequences for it include fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, your vehicle being impounded, and your driver’s licence being suspended. Typically, the consequences are harsher for those who are caught driving without insurance a second or subsequent time than if it is your first offence. However, even for first offences, Ontario has some of the harshest penalties of any province in Canada. For example, the maximum fine for a first offence is $25,000 in Arnprior.

Do winter tire car insurance discounts exist in Arnprior?

Yes. In fact, Ontario insurance companies are required to offer winter tire discounts to any customers who meet their conditions. This is in an effort to encourage drivers to install snow tires on their vehicles during the winter when driving conditions are undeniably more dangerous. Winter tire discounts vary among insurance providers, as do the conditions that must be met to qualify for them so it’s best to contact your insurer directly to learn more.

How can I lower my car insurance premium in Arnprior?

You can lower your Arnprior car insurance premium by taking any of the following steps: choosing a high deductible amount for your policy, paying for your policy upfront through a yearly plan instead of through a monthly one, shopping around and comparing your options before purchasing coverage, driving less, driving safely, and finding out which car insurance discounts you may be eligible for, like winter tire, telematics, occasional drivers, anti-theft device, or hybrid or electric vehicle discounts.

Another way that many Arnprior drivers save money on auto insurance is by bundling insurance policies. You can do this by buying at least two insurance products from the same provider. Many insurers let you mix and match products, so while you could opt to buy multiple auto insurance policies, you could also buy auto insurance coverage and business insurance coverage, home insurance coverage, or recreational vehicle coverage, among others.

What are the best safe driving tips for Arnprior drivers?

Some of the top safe driving tips for motorists in Arnprior include obeying traffic laws, using your signal any time you are turning your merging, driving the speed limit at all times (or below it when driving in inclement weather, busy pedestrian areas, at night, or through construction areas), checking the weather and road conditions before leaving the house, minimizing all distractions while driving, giving other drivers their space by keeping multiple car lengths between you, and increasing your visibility by keeping all mirrors and windows clean and wearing sunglasses on days with high glare.

Should I renew my Arnprior car insurance policy?

As your policy term comes to an end, many Arnprior drivers wonder if they should renew their coverage. The reality is that only you can make this decision. However, if you plan to continue driving, then keep in mind that you must have a valid car insurance policy at all times. Thus, if you choose not to renew your existing plan, you must still purchase another from a different provider in order to keep driving legally. The best way to decide whether to renew your policy or find a new one is to review your existing coverage and premium, and then obtain quotes from other insurance companies and compare them. If you find that another insurance company is offering the same or better coverage at an even more affordable price, it might be worth the switch.

Alternatively, if your current provider is still offering a competitive rate and you’ve had a positive experience with them thus far, it might make sense to renew your current plan. Renewing car insurance is usually a fairly quick process, beginning with you contacting your provider and letting them know of your plans to renew. If your policy has already expired, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the expired car insurance renewal process.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.