Car Insurance Brampton

Factors that may affect your Brampton insurance rate

Several factors can impact how much you pay for car insurance. Your age, marital status, driving history, annual mileage, and more, can all serve to raise or lower your insurance premiums. To learn more about the factors that will determine your Brampton car insurance rate, keep reading:

1. Provincial laws

Each Canadian province sets its own regulations relating to car insurance, including the minimum amount of coverage required. The minimum coverage in some provinces is higher than in others, and the higher it is, the more expensive your insurance is likely to be. For example, in Ontario, drivers are required to carry $200,000 in third party liability coverage.

2. Age

Age can be an indication of driving experience (more on that below). From an insurance company’s perspective, the younger you are, the less driving experience you have, and the more likely you are to get into an accident. For this reason, young drivers typically pay the highest premiums. Conversely, the data suggests that as drivers age, their reactions may not be as quick, , so elderly drivers in Brampton may also see higher car insurance rates.

3. Location

Your geographic location can also affect your car insurance rate. Where you live and work (if you drive your car to and from work) will all be taken into account when determining your insurance premium. For example, drivers that live in high-density urban areas like Brampton typically have higher premiums than motorists who live in rural parts of Ontario. This is because there is more traffic on the roads in urban areas, which increases the chances of an accident.

Further, if you live in an area of the province prone to climate related incidents, you may be required to pay more for car insurance.

4. Type of car

Car insurance providers will ask for the make and model of your vehicle when determining your insurance premium. This is because most insurance companies believe there is a correlation between the type of car and the odds of that car being stolen. They also need this information to understand how much it would cost to repair or replace the vehicle should it be damaged or stolen. Generally speaking, your insurance rate could be higher if you own a new vehicle or a luxury vehicle such as a sports car, however, it can be lowered if your car is equipped with safety features.

5. Annual mileage

How often you drive your car can affect your Brampton car insurance rate. If you are an infrequent driver who only drives on the weekends or a couple of times each week, then your odds of getting into an accident are reduced, along with your insurance premium.

However, if you drive well above average amount of time, or you frequently drive at night and/or on highways, your chances of getting into an accident rise, and so too will your insurance premium.

6. Marital status

An insurance broker may ask about your marital status when providing an auto insurance quote. Why? It comes down to the data. Your marital status is just another factor used to determine your level of risk along with the other factors mentioned.

7. The most important factor is driving history

While the factors above will all help determine your Brampton car insurance rate, there is one factor that reigns supreme: driving history. To keep your rates as low as possible, driving safely is critical. People who drive the speed limit and drive defensively are more likely to have a clean driving record. And a clean driving record is one of the top ways to lower your premiums.

In contrast, if you’ve racked up multiple speeding tickets, had an accident, or have been charged with a DUI, your insurance premiums are likely going to be higher. So do what you can to drive safely and stay out of trouble on the road.

Finally, it’s worth noting that having an accident is on your record, even if you were not deemed at fault for the accident, which may raise your rates.

8. The longer you’ve owned your car, the better

Believe it or not, another important factor in calculating your car insurance rate in Brampton is the duration of car ownership. On the declarations page of the policy, you must include a list of names of those who also drive your vehicle (this is most often a partner or teenage/adult child). If all of you have shared the same car for years without any accidents, this speaks to your driving skills and responsibility, and your insurance provider will take this into account. On the other hand, if you frequently purchase new cars and each member of your household has their own car, you’re likely to pay more for auto insurance.

How to get cheap car insurance in Brampton

Never pay more than you have to for Brampton car insurance thanks to the tips below. Working alongside BrokerLink’s most experienced Insurance Advisors, we’ve compiled this list of ways to save money on car insurance:

1. Combine different insurance policies

Bundling insurance policies is a great way to save you money on car insurance. Several insurance providers will offer a significant discount (up to 15%) to customers who purchase more than one policy from them. So if you need home insurance; insurance for leisure items like a cottage, boat, or ATV, or business insurance on top of car insurance, consider purchasing them all from the same place.

2. Insure all cars together

Buying multiple car insurance policies from the same provider will also save you money. In essence, the more money you spend with an insurance company, the more likely they are to give you a discount. So if you own more than one car, insuring them together can result in a serious discount of up to 15% or 20% on each vehicle’s car insurance.

3. Invest in winter tires

Brampton residents know how quickly the driving conditions change come winter. All of a sudden, the roads are covered in snow and ice, making it much more dangerous to drive around the GTA. To keep yourself safe over the winter, and reduce your car insurance rate, consider investing in winter tires for your vehicle. The province of Ontario offers an auto insurance discount to drivers who invest in winter tires (the exact discount varies by insurance company, but it could be up to 5%).

4. Review your coverage annually

Car insurance companies are known for changing their rates, which means you should never automatically renew your auto insurance plan without shopping around first. If your current insurance policy is about to expire, find out if your rate will increase and by how much. From there, contact an insurance broker who can help you compare quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Car insurance brokers are experts, so you can always trust them to provide an unbiased opinion. They will advise you to either stick with your current provider, or to let your existing policy expire and choose a policy from a new provider offering a better deal.

5. Work with a broker

Insurance brokers work for the customer by searching for a solution from a range of insurance companies.. When you choose to work with a reputable insurance brokerage like BrokerLink, we will work tirelessly to help you find the best possible insurance policy at the best possible price. Why? Because it’s our job. We are experts in the field and will ensure we find you the best rate possible. We take the time to shop around on your behalf, compare quotes, and discover all the possible discounts you’re eligible for. Ultimately, if you’re looking to save money on your car insurance in Brampton, working with a reliable broker like BrokerLink is the way to go.

6. Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle

Buying an eco-friendly vehicle, such as a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, has benefits that extend beyond the environment. Not only can buying such a vehicle save you money at the gas pump, but it can also save you money on your Brampton car insurance. Several major insurance providers in Ontario offer auto insurance discounts of up to 10% if you drive an environmentally-friendly car.

7. Increase your deductible

Generally speaking, the higher your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums. So if you’re looking to save money on car insurance, consider a higher deductible. In Ontario, the average deductible is $500, though most insurance providers will offer options of higher amounts. Increasing your deductible to $1,000 or more can save you money.

8. Pay annually

If your budget allows it, we always recommend paying your insurance annually rather than monthly. Paying monthly typically comes with administrative fees that end up costing you more.

9. Sign up for driving school

Attending driving school and receiving professional driving instruction is one way to lower your insurance premiums. Insurance providers understand that such training is likely to make someone a safer, more confident driver, and as such, they will lower your rate. In fact, the amount of money you’ll save on insurance is often more than enough to cover the costs of driving school in Ontario, especially if you’re a young driver purchasing insurance for the first time.

Is auto insurance compulsory in Brampton?

The short answer? Yes. Car insurance is regulated by provinces, which means each provincial government in Canada is responsible for deciding whether it is compulsory or not in their jurisdiction. In the case of Ontario, auto insurance is mandatory. This means that every vehicle registered in Ontario must be insured. In order to register a car, and even to purchase a car, proof of insurance is necessary.

It’s important to note that in order to purchase car insurance in Brampton you must also hold a valid driver’s license. Other information that may be required when buying auto insurance includes a driver abstract (which your BrokerLink Insurance Advisor can help you with), as well as basic information about anyone else who will be driving your car (for example, your partner or teenager).

Uninsured motorists in Brampton

The consequences of driving without insurance in Brampton are serious. As mentioned above, auto insurance is mandatory in Ontario, which means uninsured motorists are breaking the law and can face heavy fines if caught.

For a first offense, you can be fined anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000, in addition to a 15% surcharge. For a second offense, the fine can go up to $50,000.

In our opinion, driving without car insurance in Brampton is never worth the risk. So do yourself a favour and contact BrokerLink today to find a car insurance policy that’s right for you.

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Mandatory auto insurance coverage in Brampton

Car insurance is mandatory in Ontario, but not just any car insurance will do. Rather, there are specific coverage requirements that all drivers must meet in order to legally drive in Brampton. The necessary coverage, which we will outline below, was put in place to protect all drivers, passengers, and cars on the road, and it is required whether you lease, finance, or own your vehicle:

Liability

Liability coverage helps protect you against the cost of accidental injury or property damage in the event you’re found at fault for an accident. It can also help cover the cost of legal defence and court fees. Liability coverage is mandatory in all Canadian provinces, though the minimum amount varies by province. In Ontario, drivers are required to carry $200,000 in third party liability coverage.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is necessary in case you, a passenger, or a pedestrian requires medical attention following a collision. It doesn’t matter which party is deemed at fault for the accident, you can still receive money from the insurance provider to cover the costs. However, there are limits to what’s covered and there is a specific coverage amount for each policy, and it’s important to understand these terms.

Direct compensation

Direct compensation, like liability, is another type of mandatory coverage. Direct compensation coverage provides you with compensation when you suffer an injury or your car is damaged in an accident that was not your fault. This type of insurance coverage gets its name from the fact that you deal directly with your insurance company to recover the money after filing a claim.

Uninsured automobile coverage

This type of coverage protects you and any passengers in your vehicle if you’re involved in a collision with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Compare car insurance quotes with a Brampton insurance broker

Shopping for car insurance might seem tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. Working alongside a reliable auto insurance broker like BrokerLink can save you valuable time and money. Our job is to do the heavy lifting for you, working hard to find you the best coverage at the best rates. We take the time to compare quotes from all Ontario car insurance providers and to discover certain discounts or rebates you may be eligible for.

Another advantage to working with a Brampton insurance broker is that we are experts in our field and can provide you with their unbiased opinions. If you don’t work in the insurance industry, you may find yourself struggling with industry jargon, or even having a hard time understanding how insurance works. That’s where we come in. BrokerLink uncomplicates the complicated by taking the time to explain all the car insurance jargon and coverage options available to you.

So whether you’re a new driver buying your first-ever auto insurance policy or you’re a seasoned veteran with a stellar driving record looking to lower your premiums, BrokerLink’s team of insurance advisors is here to help.

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Tips for new drivers in Brampton

Driving is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time, practice, and patience to master. It’s completely normal to be nervous as a first-time driver, just remember that practice makes perfect. The more you get out on the road, the more comfortable and confident you will become behind the wheel. We’ve put together a few tips below for first-time drivers in Brampton:

Enrol in a driving class

Practicing with your parents might be necessary, but it isn’t always the most fun. If driving with a parent makes you nervous, consider enrolling in a driving school, where a neutral, third-party can teach you the rules of the road. Beyond allowing you to practice driving with someone other than your family, enrolling in a formal driving class can lower your insurance premiums.

Leave ample space

The more space you have on the road, the better. Always leave two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. This is a good rule of thumb no matter the weather but is especially important on rainy or snowy days when brake times are often delayed. Leaving this extra space gives you plenty of time to stop safely. Plus, if someone were to accidentally rear-end you, you would be less likely to hit the vehicle in front of you.

Keep your eyes moving

Keeping your eyes on the road is important, but that doesn’t mean you should be staring at the vehicle in front of you in perpetuity. You want to be aware of everything on the road while driving, not just what’s in front of you. So, we recommend checking your rear-view and side mirrors every few seconds and scanning all other cars on the road, not just the one immediately in front of you.

Receive a free quote on your Brampton car insurance

BrokerLink is pleased to offer free car insurance quotes to all Brampton drivers. Our competitive quotes are obligation-free, meaning you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by requesting a free quote today.

To get started, contact us by phone, in-person, or online. From there, you will be matched with a trusted insurance advisor who will ask you some basic questions about yourself, your vehicle, and the type of car insurance you require. As several factors come into play when determining your Brampton car insurance rate, you may be asked about your location, driving history, age, marital status, annual mileage, and the make and model of your vehicle. Answering these in-depth questions will help us provide the most accurate and competitive rate possible. Finally, a BrokerLink insurance specialist will review your answers and get back to you with a free quote in no time.

At the end of the day, you can rest easy knowing BrokerLink has got you covered.

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