Car insurance in Bonavista

What car insurance do I need in Bonavista?

As a Bonavista driver, car insurance is not optional. Specifically, all Newfoundland drivers must have policies that feature the following types of coverage. It is illegal to drive without a plan that contains the coverages listed below:

Third party liability coverage

Bonavista motorists must have no less than $200,000 in liability insurance, which is a type of car insurance that safeguards drivers against the cost of property damage or bodily injury following an accident. Liability coverage is for when the policyholder causes the accident.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is another mandatory coverage type and it applies when you are involved in an accident that results in bodily harm. If medical attention is required following the collision and medical expenses are incurred, accident benefits will help pay for it.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage compensates policyholders if they get into an accident and their car was damaged, so long as they did not cause the accident. The insurance company will either offer a payout for a total loss of the vehicle or pay for the repairs in the event that the vehicle can be repaired.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for the cost of a collision, should you get into an accident in Bonavista with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, meaning they have no insurance or insufficient insurance. It can also cover you if you get into a hit and run and are unable to learn the identity of the other driver involved.

What other types of auto insurance can I add to my Bonavista car insurance policy?

Other types of auto insurance that you may wish to add to your Bonavista car insurance plan include collision coverage, accident forgiveness coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Adding any of the optional coverages below can provide peace of mind by instantly giving you more protection on the road:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage deals with property damage from a collision. So for example, if your car is dented after you collide with another car on the road, whether you are responsible for the accident or not, collision coverage can help pay for the cost of repairs. It can also pay to repair your car if it gets damaged from colliding with an animal or grounded object on the road.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage protects vehicles from damage caused by insured perils, which may include fire, falling objects, theft, vandalism, windstorms, water, and more.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Bonavista 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.

Understanding auto insurance premiums in Bonavista

Understanding how auto insurance claims are calculated is crucial before purchasing car insurance. It will also give you a better idea of how much you can expect your car insurance policy to cost, which is something that every policyholder wants to know. While each insurance company weighs the following factors differently, the list below outlines which details matter most when it comes to car insurance rates in Newfoundland:

• 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

Get a free and accurate Bonavista car insurance quote by calling BrokerLink today or using our online quote tool.

Tips for saving money on auto insurance in Bonavista

Find affordable car insurance in Bonavista, Newfoundland by following the tips below:

• Choose high policy deductibles over low ones
• Make all insurance payments on time
• Enlist the help of a licensed Bonavista insurance broker
• Enrol in an approved driver’s education program
• Keep annual mileage low
• Install a telematics device in your car
• Swap out summer or all-season tires for winter tires
• Drive safely and responsibly, obeying the rules of the road
• Install an anti-theft device in your car
• Drive a hybrid or electric car
• Take advantage of insurance discounts
• Combine insurance policies
• Choose a car with a high safety rating

How to file an auto insurance claim in Bonavista

If you buy Bonavista auto insurance, there may come a time when you need to file a claim. Whether you got into an accident, your car was stolen, or it was damaged by severe weather, if you want to receive compensation from your insurance company, you will need to submit a claim. The BrokerLink team explains the process of filing a claim with your car insurance provider below:

Reach out to your insurance company

Step number one is to reach out to your insurance company. They will provide you with further information, such as whether you are covered for the incident in question, and if so, how to proceed with filing a claim.

Gather your evidence

Step number two is to start gathering evidence to support your claim. Evidence comes in many forms, from documents to photos and video footage. For example, if you are filing a car accident claim, it’s a good idea to submit as many photos and videos as you have of the incident, along with basic information, like the date, time, and location of the accident. You will also need to submit information like your policy number and the insurance company name and policy number of the other driver involved in the collision, if applicable.

Fill out your claim forms

From there, your insurance company will likely provide you with a few forms to complete, which will ask for further information about the incident. Be sure to fill out each section as accurately as possible.

Answer the insurance adjuster’s questions

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. It is the adjuster's job to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. From there, they will write up a report and make a recommendation as to whether or not your claim should be approved, and if so, for how much. During the investigation, try your best to cooperate at all times. Answer any questions the adjuster has and provide them with any additional information or documentation they request. The more you cooperate, the faster and smoother the entire process will be.

Await the final decision

Once the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim has completed their investigation, your insurance company will contact you to let you know whether your claim has been approved or denied. It can take up to 30 days to receive a verdict from your insurer. If your claim was approved, they will let you know how much the payout will be and how you will receive it. Many insurance companies now offer direct deposit.

Still have questions about the process of filing a car insurance claim in Bonavista? Reach out to BrokerLink. One of our licensed insurance advisors would be happy to answer your questions and give more details on the claims filing process in Newfoundland.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink aims to give back to the Bonavista community whenever and wherever possible. You will find us participating in socially responsible initiatives all through the year. At every turn, the BrokerLink team prioritizes generosity, integrity, and community above all else.

Contact us

At Bonavista BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, travel plans, special events, 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 Newfoundland and Labrador. 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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Car insurance Bonavista FAQs

Do snow tires result in a car insurance discount in Bonavista?

Many insurance companies in Newfoundland offer winter tire discounts to policyholders, as a way of incentivizing them to install snow tires on their cars during the winter months. Snow tires improve traction, making it safer to drive on icy or snowy surfaces. Thus, when you have snow tires on your car, you may be less likely to get into an accident. As such, your insurer may reward you with a discount. If you are interested in a winter tire discount, contact an insurance broker near you to find out which companies offer them and what conditions need to be met to qualify.

How do I renew car insurance in Bonavista?

If you want to renew car insurance in Bonavista, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider directly. Different insurance companies have different renewal processes, so you will need to contact your provider to find out the next steps. Typically, renewing a car insurance policy is easy. You simply have to inform your insurer that you would like to renew it, which can usually be done over the phone, on the internet through your online account, or in person. If your policy has expired the process may be slightly different. For expired car insurance renewal, you will still need to notify your insurance company, and it should be done as soon as possible, as the longer your gap in coverage, the higher your rates may be.

If I get into a collision, will it affect my Bonavista car insurance premium?

A collision could impact your car insurance premium, though it depends on the circumstance of the collision and the coverage included in your policy. For example, if your Bonavista car insurance policy contains accident forgiveness coverage, then your insurer is not allowed to raise your rates following your first at-fault accident. So if this accident was your first at-fault one, then your rates will not increase due to the accident. However, this does not mean that your rates will not change based on new rating criteria year over year. Further, if you weren't at fault for the collision, then your rates are unlikely to change. They generally only increase if you caused the accident in question. Please note that if you get into an at-fault accident in Newfoundland, the incident may remain on your record for up to six years.

If personal belongings are stolen from my car, will my insurance company pay to replace them?

No. Car insurance does not cover personal belongings that are stolen from your car. If you add comprehensive coverage to your policy, you can receive money to replace your vehicle if it is stolen, but it won’t cover you for specific items that are stolen from your car. Your car insurance plan can also reimburse you for the cost of any necessary repairs to your vehicle following a break-in, such as a broken window. It may be worth looking into whether another type of insurance would cover belongings stolen from your car. For instance, depending on the terms and coverage in your home insurance plan, your property insurance may cover you.

What are the best ways to save money on Bonavista auto insurance?

Paying for your policy annually instead of monthly, bundling insurance policies, picking high rather than low policy deductibles, swapping your summer tires for winter tires, installing an anti-theft device on your car, buying a safe and reliable car, and keeping your driving record clean can all result in lower premiums. Find more safe driving tips here.

Can I buy a Bonavista car insurance policy without a valid driver’s licence?

No. An insurance company will ask for a copy of your Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence when you go to purchase insurance. If you do not have a valid driver's licence, you will not be able to purchase auto insurance coverage. The same goes for registering your vehicle. You can only do this if you have a driver’s licence.

Will my friend be covered by my car insurance policy if they get into an accident in my car?

Most likely, yes. Assuming you gave your friend permission to drive your car, they are not listed as an excluded person on your Bonavista car insurance policy, and they were not doing anything illegal at the time of the act, your car insurance coverage should extend to them. If they caused the accident, it is your third party liability coverage that would kick in. However, if they caused the accident, then that driver’s liability insurance might pay for any applicable costs.

Will my Bonavista car insurance protect me if I drive outside Newfoundland?

Yes, so long as you are only driving your car outside the province temporarily. For example, if you are travelling for work or going on a vacation, you can drive your car in another Canadian province and your coverage will follow you. However, if you are leaving Newfoundland permanently, such as to move to a new province, you will need to notify your insurer as your existing coverage is unlikely to protect you. If your current provider offers coverage in your new province, you may be able to keep your policy, though it will likely need updating to ensure it complies with the minimum coverage requirements where you are moving. If your current provider does not offer coverage where you are moving, you will need to cancel your policy and purchase a brand-new policy.

What penalties will I face for driving without auto insurance in Bonavista?

If you are caught driving without insurance in Bonavista, you could face serious penalties. Why? Uninsured driving is illegal everywhere in the province, which means that if you engage in this behaviour, you would be committing an illegal act. In Newfoundland, penalties range from fines of between $1,000 and $5,000, the cancellation of your vehicle registration, the impoundment of your car, and up to six demerit points. As you can see, driving without insurance is not worth the risk. Make sure you purchase car insurance coverage that complies with the province's minimum coverage requirements.

Are Bonavista car insurance quotes free?

They can be. Many insurance companies and brokers offer free car insurance quotes to customers. Do some research to determine which insurers in your area offer complimentary quotes. From there, choose your preferred way to contact them. You can usually get a free quote by phoning the insurance company or visiting them in person. Some even have free online quote tools on their website, allowing you to receive your estimate on the internet.

What is the average cost of car insurance in Newfoundland?

Newfoundland car insurance rates are below the national average and typically hover around $1,100 per year. That said, rates change all the time, with insurers constantly underwriting behind the scenes. Plus, insurance rates are different for every policyholder as they are dependent on so many factors that are unique to each person. A few factors that an insurance company will use to calculate your premium include your age, annual mileage, gender, location, the type of car you drive, how you use your car, and more.

How much third party liability coverage do I need in Bonavista, Newfoundland?

Bonavista drivers are legally required to have a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability insurance. This means that before getting behind the wheel, you must purchase a car insurance plan that includes no less than this amount of liability insurance. That said, many drivers opt to purchase extra, like $500,000 or $1,000,000 in liability coverage, due to the many benefits it provides. Remember that if you do not purchase auto insurance or purchase less than $200,000 in third party liability, you are breaking the law and can be subject to serious penalties.

Will my credit score affect my Bonavista car insurance premium?

Your personal credit score has the ability to affect your Bonavista insurance premium, but it isn’t guaranteed. Not all insurance companies will look at your credit score. However, if they do, they will likely be doing so to gain a better understanding of your overall financial responsibility, which in turn, helps them assess your risk level. If credit score is considered, typically higher credit scores result in lower premiums and lower credit scores result in higher premiums. It is important to note that even if an insurance company asks for your credit score, it will be one of many factors they consider when calculating your premium. Several other factors are likely to be ranked more heavily, like your age, location, insurance claims history, the type of car you drive, etc.

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