Auto insurance requirements in Dundas, Ontario
Any discussion of car insurance must first begin with understanding the auto insurance requirements in Dundas. These requirements are not specific to Dundas or Hamilton. Rather, they apply to all of Ontario. Car insurance is provincially regulated, which means that the Government of Ontario gets to decide what coverage types are mandatory. An insurance broker in Ontario can explain all about required coverage. However, to get started, we outline the four types of compulsory coverage below:
To legally drive anywhere in Ontario, including in Dundas, you will need to make sure that your policy contains all four of these coverages. Even more, you need to have at least $200,000 in liability coverage at all times.
Keep in mind that failing to purchase insurance and continuing to drive or driving with an expired car insurance policy are illegal and can result in serious penalties. Make sure that you always renew car insurance before it expires.
The penalties for driving without car insurance in Dundas, Ontario
Make no mistake, the penalties for driving without car insurance in Hamilton, Dundas, or anywhere in Ontario are steep. In fact, Ontario has some of the harshest penalties for uninsured driving. Fines are just the tip of the iceberg. You can receive a fine of up to $25,000 for a first offence and up to $50,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
On top of that, you will be required to pay a 25% surcharge on whatever fine you incur. Next, your vehicle can be impounded and you can have your driver’s licence suspended for up to 365 days. As you can see, you risk losing a lot if you get behind the wheel without a car insurance policy in Dundas. Thus, you are far better off simply obeying the law and purchasing auto insurance coverage in the first place. Reach out to a BrokerLink insurance advisor to learn more about mandatory coverage in Ontario.
A breakdown of mandatory car insurance coverage in Dundas
Mandatory car insurance coverage in Dundas looks like this:
Third party liability coverage
The purpose of third party liability coverage is to help drivers pay for the cost of an accident they caused. For example, if you are found to be at fault for a collision, you can file a third party liability claim to help you pay for the associated costs, whether they be medical fees, legal fees, or even repair bills.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage can help you pay for the cost of medical or rehabilitative care if you are injured in a collision. For example, if you get a concussion or a passenger in your car breaks their leg, you can file an accident benefits claim to help pay for various medical expenses, including physical therapy, prescription medications, and more. It can even pay for lost income due to injury and funeral fees.
Direct compensation coverage
With direct compensation coverage, you can receive a payout directly from your insurer to cover the cost of vehicle repairs if your car is damaged in an accident. The only catch is that you cannot be found responsible for the accident.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Lastly, uninsured automobile coverage is intended to pay for the costs of a collision if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or who flees the scene (e.g. a hit and run). Like liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage can pay for everything from medical expenses to vehicle repair bills.
Extra protection for Dundas drivers
Dundas motorists might find it worthwhile to know about the optional coverages that can be added to car insurance policies in Ontario. Although the following coverages are not legally required, they are still important, so many customers choose to add them to their policies. From comprehensive coverage to accident forgiveness coverage, continue reading to learn more about some of the most popular optional coverage types in Dundas:
Collision coverage
Collision car coverage comes in handy if you get into an accident that results in extensive damage to your car. Collision coverage will reimburse you for the cost of repairs or even help pay to replace your car if it is totalled.
The good news is that collision coverage can be claimed whether you are at fault for the accident or not. Note that this type of coverage might be mandatory if you lease or finance your car, depending on the terms of your contract.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive car coverage is also optional but gives many drivers peace of mind. With his type of coverage, you can be protected against the risks that parked cars face. For example, your parked car could be stolen, vandalized, or damaged due to weather. Comprehensive coverage safeguards you against all of these risks and more. The insured perils that comprehensive insurance usually covers include theft, vandalism, explosions and riots, falling and flying objects, fire, weather-related incidents and natural disasters. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage may be mandatory if your car is leased or financed.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Dundas 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 help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province.
Waiver of depreciation
A waiver of depreciation is a smart type of coverage to add to your Dundas insurance policy if you drive a new car. With this endorsement as part of your policy, you will be issued a payout equal to the value of your car if it is totalled, as this waiver does not account for depreciation, unlike actual cash value coverage.
Loss of use coverage
Loss of use coverage may also be worthwhile for Dundas drivers as it can pay for you to take alternate modes of transportation while your car is in the shop. For example, if your car is damaged in an accident and needs to be repaired by a mechanic, this process could take days or even a week or more. During this time, you would be without your vehicle. Luckily, with loss of use coverage, you can file a claim and be reimbursed for the transportation costs incurred while your car is in the shop, whether they be rental car fees or taxi or rideshare bills.
The right approach to Dundas auto insurance
The best approach to Dundas auto insurance is to receive help from a trained auto insurance broker. Thankfully, BrokerLink has a whole team of Ontario car insurance experts at the ready. Any one of our licensed insurance advisors would be happy to guide you on your auto insurance journey. Give us a call and you’ll be matched with a dedicated broker who can provide you with a free car insurance quote in minutes.
We will also take the time to understand your insurance needs and explain how car insurance works, as well as differentiate between the types of coverage that are mandatory and those that are optional.
Once we have a better understanding of the type of policy you're looking for, we will reach out to our contacts at some of the largest insurance companies in Canada and request quotes on your behalf.
The next step involves comparing these quotes to find you the best possible coverage at the most affordable price. Start shopping for car insurance the right way by getting in touch with a BrokerLink insurance broker today.
How much does auto insurance cost in Dundas?
The answer to this question is difficult as rates vary significantly between policyholders. Car insurance is not a one-size-fits-all business. What this means is that a customer’s premium is extremely personalized. It is specific to them, their lifestyle, and their driving habits. To give you a better understanding of why this is, we provide a list of the different factors that insurance companies consider when calculating a customer’s rates:
- Where you live
- Age
- Gender
- Vehicle type
- How you use your vehicle
- Driving record
- Driving experience
- Past claims
- Prior insurance coverage
- Number of kilometers you drive
- Type of coverage on your policy
- Your deductible(s)
Given the long list of factors above, it’s easy to understand why one person’s premium will be different from another person’s. Thus, the best way to find out how much a Dundas car insurance policy will cost you is to contact an insurance advisor at BrokerLink and request a free quote. We will ask you a few questions to better understand you and your driving habits.
From there, we will provide you with an accurate or reliable insurance quote. Please note that since BrokerLink is an insurance broker, not an insurance company, we do not set rates. However, we can still provide you with an informative quote that will give you an idea of how much your coverage will cost you.
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Save money on your Dundas car insurance policy with these tips
Who doesn’t want to save money on car insurance? As insurance experts, the BrokerLink team knows all the ways that people can cut car insurance costs in Dundas. We provide a list of our top money-saving tips below:
Pay for your Dundas auto insurance policy annually
If you can afford to do so, choose annual payments over monthly payments. Why? Some insurers charge extra for the ability to pay monthly, usually in the form of administrative or transaction fees. If you would prefer to pay monthly, ask your insurance company if any extra fees come with doing so.
Raise your car insurance deductible
A second tip to cut car insurance costs in Dundas is to increase your auto insurance deductible. As mentioned above, the deductibles you choose for your policy will impact how much you pay for insurance.
Although many other factors will also impact your premium, your deductible is one of the most important factors, so be sure to choose this wisely. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be and vice versa.
Insure multiple vehicles together
Buying multiple auto insurance policies is another way to save money on Dundas car insurance. While this won’t make sense for those with one car, if you live in a two-car household or you have a recreational vehicle in addition to a regular car, this option could be worth looking into. Many insurance companies offer discounts to those who buy more than one car insurance policy at the same time.
Bundle your Dundas home and auto insurance policies
If you’re also in the market for home insurance, consider waiting and purchasing your auto insurance at the same time as your home insurance policy. Doing so could result in major savings. Many insurance companies in Ontario offer home and auto insurance bundles. Typically, both homeowner’s insurance and tenant insurance are eligible, as well as car insurance. Ask a BrokerLink insurance advisor for more information on how bundling works.
Ask about available car insurance discounts
It never hurts to ask! Some insurance companies offer car insurance discounts that customers don’t even know exist, so take the time to ask a broker or agent if there are any discounts out there that might apply to you. Examples of discounts that some insurers offer include education or employment-based discounts.
Get snow tires for your car
Buying and installing snow tires on your car in Dundas can also result in car insurance savings. For years now, Ontario insurance companies have been required to offer discounts to drivers who equip their cars with snow tires. This is because winter tires make driving during the cold months much safer, reducing the odds of a collision. Just make sure that you meet your insurance company's conditions for the winter tire discount, which may include installing the tires by a certain date each season and all tires being the same model.
Remove coverage you no longer need
Insurance needs change, especially as the years go by. If you find that you no longer need a type of coverage you once did, remove it from your policy. We recommend reviewing your coverage every time your policy is up for renewal and making any necessary changes then.
Enrol in an approved driving school in Ontario
Enrolling and completing an approved driving school in Ontario can make you eligible for a car insurance discount, allowing you to save money on your policy. This is a great way for young drivers to reduce their premiums, which are usually among the highest.
Build on your safe driving habits
Commit to driving safely and defensively, and you could benefit from cheaper rates. Since one’s driving record has a significant impact on how much they pay for car insurance, the safer you drive and the cleaner your record, the less your premium will be. For a list of safe driving tips, contact BrokerLink.
Drive a hybrid or electric car
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider a hybrid and electric car. Making the switch to an eco-friendly vehicle could result in insurance savings. Several other federal, provincial, and municipal government incentives, such as rebates, are offered to drivers of hybrid and electric cars.
We’re in your community
BrokerLink is proud to serve the Dundas community. We make a point of getting to know our customers and giving back to the local community. In other words, we are more than just an insurance broker in Ontario. Discover the different ways that we get involved in the communities we serve by getting in touch with BrokerLink today.
Contact us
Want to learn more? Let us be your resource for all things car insurance. From start to finish, our brokers handle the legwork to make sure you walk away satisfied. Get a quote today or give our brokers a call today, and we’ll find the car insurance coverage that works best for you.
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FAQs about Dundas auto insurance
If I get into an at-fault auto accident in Dundas, will my premium go up?
Most likely, yes. If you have accident forgiveness coverage and this is your first at-fault accident, then your premium might stay the same. But under any other circumstances, it will go up. You may not notice the increase right away, but you will notice it the next time your policy renews. On the other hand, if you get into an accident that you did not cause, then your insurance rates are likely to not increase due to the incident, however they may increase due to other factors such as inflation.
What types of auto insurance can an insurance broker in Dundas help me find?
Insurance brokers can help Dundas customers find a wide array of coverage. This includes mandatory coverage, such as accident benefits, third party liability, uninsured motorist coverage, and optional coverage, including but not limited to collision, comprehensive, waiver of depreciation, loss of use, roadside assistance, and accident forgiveness coverage.
Where can I get a free car insurance quote in Dundas?
You can get a free car insurance quote from many insurance brokers and insurance companies. Do some research and reach out to the top brokers near you to request a free quote. Complimentary estimates can usually be obtained online, over the phone, or in person.
How can I find cheap car insurance in Dundas?
The best ways to find cheap car insurance in Dundas are to inquire about discounts available at various car insurance companies. You can also install winter tires on your car, add an anti-theft and/or telematics device to your car, bundle home and auto insurance policies, buy multiple car insurance policies together, select higher deductibles, pay for your policy annually instead of monthly, or enrol in a driver’s education course.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
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