Why get car insurance in Clarence Rockland, Ontario?
The first reason that Clarence Rockland drivers should purchase car insurance is that it is illegal not to. Car insurance is mandatory throughout Ontario, which makes uninsured driving illegal. If you are convicted of driving without insurance, your driver’s licence could be suspended and you could face fines of up to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for a second offence.
Beyond the legal ramifications that may come with not buying insurance, there are many other reasons that motorists in Clarence Rockland should buy insurance. For example, car insurance offers financial protection in the event of an accident, theft, bodily injury, and more. Without auto insurance, you would have to pay for the costs of an incident out-of-pocket, and this could take a serious toll on your finances. Get in touch with a BrokerLink Clarence Rockland insurance advisor to learn all the ways that auto insurance can benefit you.
What does mandatory car insurance coverage look like in Clarence Rockland?
Mandatory coverage in Clarence Rockland is that which complies with provincial law. There are four types of insurance coverage that Ontario drivers are required to purchase if they want their policy to be valid, and they are as follows:
Liability car insurance
Liability car insurance comes into play if you are found at fault for an accident. Specifically, your insurance company may compensate you for the cost of bodily injury or property damage to a third party, as well as legal fees if a lawsuit arises from the accident.
Accident benefits car insurance
Accident benefits coverage pertains to the medical expenses associated with a car crash. While other types of coverage can compensate the policyholder for legal fees or repair bills, accident benefits can help cover the cost of medical attention or subsequent rehabilitative care for anyone involved in the accident, whether it’s the policyholder, a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver.
Direct compensation - property damage car insurance
Direct compensation - property damage coverage is also compulsory and is useful when you or your vehicle is damaged in an accident that is not your fault. This type of coverage is called direct compensation because as the policyholder, you deal directly with your insurance company to receive compensation following a claim.
Uninsured automobile car insurance
Uninsured automobile car insurance is the last type of mandatory coverage in Ontario. Since some people choose to drive without insurance, or without sufficient insurance, you need coverage to protect you if you get into an accident with such a driver. That is where uninsured automobile coverage comes in. This coverage can protect you if you are the victim of a hit and run or if you get into an accident with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or does not have adequate coverage.
Car insurance add-ons in Clarence Rockland
Clarence Rockland car insurance is more than liability, accident benefits, direct compensation, and uninsured automobile coverage. Although these might be the coverage types you hear about the most, there are several other optional coverages available to Clarence Rockland drivers. Depending on your circumstances, you might find that adding one or all of these optional coverages to your policy is worthwhile. Some of the most common car insurance add-ons in Clarence Rockland are as follows:
Collision car coverage
If you get into an accident with another car or even an object on the road, collision car coverage can reimburse you for the cost of repairs to your car, no matter who was at fault.
Comprehensive car coverage
Comprehensive car coverage fills the gap that other car insurance coverage leaves. While other coverage types offer a degree of protection against collisions, they generally don’t protect against non-collision-related incidents, such as the theft of a car. But comprehensive coverage does. By adding this optional coverage to your Clarence Rockland auto insurance plan you can be protected from all kinds of perils. For example, if your car is damaged by fire, wind, water, or a falling object while parked, comprehensive coverage can reimburse you for the necessary repairs. Similarly, if your car is stolen or vandalized while parked, the cost of replacing or repairing it may also be covered under the comprehensive coverage apportion of your policy.
Accident forgiveness car coverage
One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Clarence Rockland drivers 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 varies by province.
How car insurance rates are determined in Clarence Rockland, Ontario
Car insurance providers in Ontario typically consider a multitude of details when determining rates. From your age and gender to where you live, you might be surprised to learn just how many factors come into play. For more information on how insurance companies calculate premiums, contact BrokerLink. In the meantime, here is a list of factors that you can expect your car insurance rate to be determined by:
- Where you live (and regularly commute)
- Age
- Model and make of vehicle
- Past claims
- Average mileage
- Driving experience
- Driving record
- Insurance history
- Deductible amount
- Regulatory Bodies
- How you use your vehicle
- Marital status
- Gender
How to reduce car insurance premiums in Clarence Rockland
If you aren’t satisfied with your current car insurance rate and want to find a better one, we can help. BrokerLink has been helping Clarence Rockland customers find the best possible auto insurance rates for years, and we have narrowed down a list of our top money-saving secrets to help you reduce your Clarence Rockland car insurance premiums. Without further ado, check out this brief guide to cutting car insurance costs in Clarence Rockland, Ontario:
Compare insurance estimates with a BrokerLink insurance advisor
Comparing insurance quotes is the only way to ensure you're getting a reasonable and competitive rate on your car insurance policy. But doing so can be tedious unless you enlist the help of a professional. BrokerLink Clarence Rockland has a team of insurance advisors at the ready. Any one of them would be happy to compare your policy options and provide insight into car insurance coverage, discounts, and more.
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Select a higher deductible for your policy
Our second tip is to choose higher deductibles for your car insurance policies. Many insurance companies allow policyholders to raise their deductibles as a way of lowering their premiums. For example, if you have a $500 deductible on your comprehensive insurance, you could consider raising it to $1,000 to qualify for a cheaper rate. For expert advice on car insurance deductibles, get in touch with BrokerLink.
Enrol in a defensive driving class
The safer you drive, the cleaner your driving record is likely to be, and the lower your car insurance rates will become. One of the best ways to practice safe driving is by enrolling in a defensive driving class. Graduating from a defensive driving course in your province can make you eligible for a car insurance discount (just make sure to inquire with a broker about which programs are approved). For safe driving tips that could help you save money on car insurance, contact BrokerLink.
Qualify for a telematics discount
Some car insurance providers in Clarence Rockland may offer usage-based or telematics insurance to customers. With this type of insurance, you would install a telematics device in your car. This device tracks the way you drive. Specifically, your speed, acceleration rate, braking, distance, hard cornering, and more. The safer and more responsibly you drive, the cheaper your car insurance rate will be. In essence, usage-based insurance is a fantastic option for good drivers.
Drive less frequently
Another way to qualify for a reduced car insurance rate in Clarence Rockland is to drive less frequently. Low-mileage drivers may be rewarded with car insurance discounts. Keep in mind that the threshold for this discount is fairly low, usually hovering around 11,000 kilometres annually. However, if this sounds like you, be sure to notify your insurance provider as it could save you a lot of money on car insurance.
Bundle insurance products through one insurer
Bundling insurance products is a common way of saving money on car insurance. To be eligible for an insurance bundle, you would need to buy two or more insurance products from the same provider. This could look like two car insurance policies (one for each car in your household) or two different types of insurance policies, such as home insurance + auto insurance. Not all policies are eligible for bundling, so make sure to inquire with an insurance broker if you are interested in this option.
Maintain a clean driving record
The cleaner your driving record, the lower your car insurance rates are likely to be. Therefore, one of the best things you can do if you want to save money on Clarence Rockland auto insurance is to drive safely and avoid any infractions. The more accident-free years you achieve, the cheaper the rate you will qualify for.
Consider various factors before buying a new car
Finally, if you want to find cheap car insurance in Clarence Rockland, be sure to consider several factors before buying a new car. As you know, the make, model, and year of the vehicle you drive can have a significant impact on your premium. Generally speaking, cars with higher safety ratings and lots of safety features, such as anti-theft devices, may benefit from lower premiums. Further, cars that are more expensive or luxurious may lead to higher rates as the cost of repairing a broken part or replacing the entire vehicle would be more expensive for the insurance company. We also urge Clarence Rockland motorists to research the most frequently stolen cars in Ontario, as buying one of these could also lead to higher insurance costs.
We’re in your community
BrokerLink is honoured to serve the Clarence Rockland community. We aim to provide the best possible insurance coverage to all Clarence Rockland residents. Learn more about how BrokerLink can help you with your insurance needs by getting in touch today.
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If you’re a member of a group or association, you may be eligible for more discounts.
Contact us
At Clarence Rockland 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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Clarence Rockland auto insurance FAQs
If I install winter tires on my car, will I be eligible for a car insurance discount?
It is possible that by installing winter tires on your vehicle, you may qualify for a car insurance discount of up to 5%. However, there are a few conditions that apply. For example, some insurance companies stipulate that all four tires on the car must be the same model. Further, you may have to install and remove the tires by certain dates each year. Failure to comply with these conditions may make you ineligible for a winter tire car insurance discount.
What are the best auto insurance companies in Clarence Rockland?
The best car insurance company is the one that gives you the best coverage at the most reasonable rate. This will vary between policyholders. To find out which Clarence Rockland car insurance company best suits your needs, contact an insurance broker.
What is a car insurance deductible?
Understanding how deductibles work is crucial before purchasing an insurance policy, such as a car insurance policy. A deductible is the amount of money the policyholder will have to pay toward an approved claim. For example, if you have a claim worth $1,000 and your deductible is $250, you would need to pay $250 before the insurance company steps in and pays the remaining $750.
You may have multiple deductibles within one car insurance policy. For example, you may have one deductible for your accident benefits coverage and another for your third party liability coverage. Car insurance deductibles generally range from $250 to $1,000. Most of the time, policyholders have the freedom to choose the deductible they wish. However, it is important to note that higher deductibles often result in lower premiums than lower deductibles. So if you’re looking to save money on auto insurance, selecting a higher deductible is one way to do so.
How does an at-fault car accident influence my Clarence Rockland auto insurance premiums?
At-fault car accidents are likely to raise your Clarence Rockland auto insurance premium. That said, your rates may not necessarily increase substantially. It all depends on how “at-fault” you are deemed to be, and car insurance companies have different ways of assigning levels of fault. To avoid an increase in your insurance premium after your first at-fault accident, you may wish to consider adding accident forgiveness coverage to your car insurance policy. This type of optional coverage can protect your driving record and help you avoid your rates from rising after an at-fault accident.
Does my car insurance policy cover personal belongings stolen from my car?
If your car was parked at your home at the time the items were stolen, then chances are these items would be covered by your home insurance policy (whether that be a homeowner’s insurance policy, condo insurance policy, or tenant or renters insurance policy). In terms of damage to the vehicle itself, if your car insurance policy features comprehensive coverage, then any damage sustained by the physical vehicle (e.g. a broken window) would likely be covered by your car insurance plan.
How much car insurance coverage do I need?
The answer to this question varies from person to person. No two insurance policies are exactly the same, even among drivers of the same age, gender, or location. Your coverage needs ultimately come down to the make, model, and year of your vehicle, how often you use your vehicle, the number of people who drive your vehicle, and what you use your vehicle for. If you need help determining what types of coverage, or even what coverage limits or deductibles to include with your policy, get in touch with a local insurance broker.
Will my Clarence Rockland car insurance policy renew automatically?
In many cases, your car insurance policy will renew automatically. Most insurance policies do unless you specifically turn this feature off. You can do this by logging into your insurance provider’s website and de-selecting the automatic renewal button, or by calling your insurance provider and having them do it for you.
Generally speaking, even if you prefer the convenience of automatic renewals, we recommend reviewing your coverage annually. This way, if you aren't happy with the new rate offered to you or you want to update your coverage, you have an opportunity to do something about it. Just make sure that you don’t let your coverage lapse altogether, as driving without car insurance is illegal in Canada. Set a reminder for yourself to review your courage well before it expires. This way, if you decide to switch providers, you will have ample time to do so. If you need help with expired car insurance renewal, contact an insurance broker.
Will my car insurance premiums be impacted if I let someone else borrow my vehicle?
It depends. Your car insurance premium may be impacted if you don’t have a “non-owned auto liability” endorsement and the person you lend your car to gets into an auto accident. If the person was at-fault, your
insurance rates may be affected. At-fault accidents are known to increase premiums, though by how much depends on what percentage of “at-fault” the person is deemed by the insurance provider.
How do I get a Clarence Rockland car insurance quote?
To get a car insurance quote, contact an insurance broker or agent and request a complimentary quote.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
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