Types of mandatory auto insurance coverage in Gander
Car insurance in Gander isn’t just important, it’s mandatory. Designed to safeguard all drivers and passengers on the road, Gander drivers must take care to purchase coverage before getting behind the wheel. Specifically, all drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador must have policies that include the following four coverage types:
Third party liability coverage
Liability insurance is the first mandatory coverage type in Gander. It is intended to protect drivers who are at fault for accidents. Specifically, third party liability coverage can help pay for legal, medical, and repair fees if you are involved in an at-fault collision.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage will compensate drivers for the cost of medical expenses associated with an accident. In other words, if you are involved in an accident and that accident causes bodily injury to yourself or another, and medical attention is required, accident benefits can help pay for any fees not covered by private health insurance.
Direct compensation - property damage coverage
With direct compensation - property damage coverage (DCPD), you can be issued a payout directly from your insurance company if you get into an accident that you did not cause, and that accident resulted in property damage to your vehicle.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover policyholders who get into collisions with drivers that do not have insurance or do not have adequate insurance. They can also reimburse you for costs associated with an accident with an anonymous driver, in the event that you are the victim of a hit and run.
Types of optional car insurance coverage in Gander
Now that you know the mandatory types of auto insurance, let’s dive into the optional types of car insurance for Gander drivers. Keep in mind that just because the following coverages are optional does not mean they are any less beneficial. There’s a reason why so many Gander motorists choose to purchase collision, comprehensive, and accident forgiveness coverage:
Collision coverage
Collision car coverage is a type of optional car insurance that deals with property damage from collisions. In essence, if you get into a car accident and your vehicle is damaged, you can receive money to cover the cost of repairs under the collision coverage portion of your policy. Though this might sound a bit like direct compensation - property damage coverage, this only comes into play if you did not cause the accident whereas collision coverage can be claimed no matter if you were at fault or not.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive car coverage, or parked car insurance, can protect your vehicle from all kinds of risks. The benefit of adding comprehensive coverage to your policy is that it offers protection against non-collision incidents, whereas most other types of car insurance only cover the costs associated with collisions. Thus, with comprehensive coverage, you can receive a payout from your insurance company if your car is damaged for all sorts of reasons, from fire and wind damage to water damage, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and more. It depends which perils you include in your policy, but if you choose to include several perils or purchase all perils coverage, you will be covered in a wide variety of unforeseen circumstances. Please note that if your Gander car is leased or financed, you may not have a choice about purchasing comprehensive and collision coverage.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Gander 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.
How auto insurance premiums work in Gander
A key part of understanding how auto insurance premiums work in Gander is knowing what factors insurance companies look at when calculating rates. That is why the BrokerLink Gander team has compiled this list of details that an insurance agent is likely to ask about when assessing your risk level and corresponding premium. While insurance companies might weigh these factors differently, they are likely to be considered:
- 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
Don’t hesitate to reach out to BrokerLink today if you want to find out how much a Gander car insurance policy will cost you.
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Want to save money on Gander car insurance? Follow these tips!
Finding car insurance on any budget just got easier. Thanks to the BrokerLink team, you can now save money on car insurance in all kinds of ways. Keep reading for a list of money-saving tips:
- Select high deductible amounts for your policy rather than low ones.
- Make all insurance payments by the deadline and contact your provider in advance if you are in danger of non-payment.
- Seek help from a licensed Gander insurance broker who can help you navigate the process of buying insurance.
- Sign up for an approved driver’s education program or defensive driving program in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Drive less frequently by carpooling, taking public transit, walking, or cycling.
- Install a telematics device in your car or download a similar application onto your phone to qualify for a telematics discount.
- Install winter tires on your car before the cold weather sets in.
- Obey the rules of the road at all times and you could qualify for a safe driver discount.
- Equip your car with an anti-theft device to reduce the odds of it being stolen.
- If you’re buying a new car, consider a hybrid or electric car.
- Ask an insurance broker about the insurance discounts you may be eligible for.
- Buy multiple auto insurance policies or bundle car insurance with home or business insurance.
- Choose to drive a vehicle that is reliable, has a low rate of theft, and has a high safety rating.
We’re in your community
BrokerLink is more than an insurance broker. We aim to make a difference in the communities we operate in, and that includes Gander. You will find us engaging with the local community by attending and participating in all kinds of charitable and fundraising events. Find out more about what sets BrokerLink apart from other insurance companies in your area by getting in touch today.
Local Newfoundland and Labrador insurance links
If you’re a member of a group or association, you may be eligible for more discounts.
Contact us
At Gander BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, travel plans, 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 Gander FAQs
Will I qualify for a Gander auto insurance discount if I install winter tires on my car?
Yes, you may qualify for a winter tire discount if you install snow tires on your car. Let your insurance company know if you plan to install winter tires on your vehicle over the cold months and ask what conditions you have to meet to qualify for the discount. Insurance companies usually have a specific set of criteria that you must meet, such as all four snow tires being the same model or having the snow tires installed by a set date each year. As long as you meet the necessary conditions, you will likely receive a cheaper rate on your Gander auto insurance policy.
How do I renew car insurance in Gander?
Renewing car insurance is a fairly quick and simple process. Find out how by contacting your local insurance broker or agent, as processes may vary between insurance companies. That said, typically, the best thing you can do is call your insurer to let them know that you want to renew your policy upon the expiry date. Some policies automatically renew, meaning you won’t have to do anything to renew your policy, though it’s good practice to call and confirm renewal with your insurer. If your policy already expired, be sure to get in touch with your provider as soon as possible. The expired car insurance renewal process might look a little bit different, and if there was a long gap in coverage, your rates may be higher, so you should prepare for that.
Do accidents impact car insurance premiums in Gander?
Yes. Your driving record is one of the main factors that influences your Gander car insurance premium. If your driving record has several infractions, accidents, or tickets, your rates are likely to be higher. However, with collisions, this is typically only the case for at-fault accidents. For example, if you accidentally rear-end someone because you weren’t paying attention, this will go on your driving record and is likely to lead to an insurance premium increase the next time your policy renews. However, if you get into an accident that was caused by the other driver, your rates may not be affected at all. Your rates also won’t be affected if you get into an at-fault accident and your policy contains accident forgiveness coverage, as with this type of coverage, your insurer is not allowed to raise your rates after your first at-fault collision.
If personal belongings are stolen from my car, will my insurance company pay to replace them?
It is unlikely that your insurance company will pay to replace personal belongings, such as a wallet or electronics, that are stolen from your car. Car insurance aims to protect your vehicle from damage, not the items inside of it. So while certain coverages, namely comprehensive coverage, can protect you if your entire car is stolen or if your car is damaged in someone’s attempt to steal something from your car, it won’t cover you for the cost of replacing items that are stolen from inside of it. You can check to see if your home insurance plan covers you just in case.
How can I keep car insurance costs low in Gander?
You can keep Gander insurance costs low by choosing a yearly payment schedule instead of a monthly one, bundling insurance policies, choosing the highest deductibles you can afford to pay, diving an eco-friendly car or one that has a low theft rate and high safety rating, installing winter tires and an anti-theft device on your car, and diving safely to keep your record as clean as possible. Learn more safe driving tips here.
Can I buy a car insurance policy in Gander if I don’t have a driver’s licence?
No. You will need to obtain a valid driver’s licence before you can purchase car insurance in Gander.
Will my friend be covered by my Gander auto insurance plan if they get into an accident in my car?
Chances are, yes. However, it depends on the circumstance of the accident and the coverage included in your policy. But assuming they had permission to drive your car and are not an excluded person on your policy, your coverage should extend to them.
Will my Gander car insurance follow me if I leave Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes, if you are leaving the province temporarily, such as to go on vacation, but no, if you are leaving the province permanently, such as to move to another province. Anytime you intend to drive outside of your home province, it's worth checking with your insurance provider to ensure you will still be covered.
What could happen if I drive without auto insurance coverage in Gander?
If you drive without car insurance in Gander and are pulled over, you could be in serious trouble. The penalties that uninsured motorists in Newfoundland and Labrador may face include between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines, the impoundment of their vehicle, six demerit points, and the cancellation of their vehicle registration. Given these severe penalties, the wisest choice is to purchase an auto insurance plan that complies with local laws.
Where can I buy auto insurance in Gander?
You can purchase a car insurance plan from an insurance company or an insurance agent in Gander. This can usually be done by giving them a call, visiting your local insurance office in person, or even logging onto the insurance company or broker’s website. If you aren't ready to purchase Gander car insurance, you can also reach out to your local broker or agent to simply request a quote or ask any questions you may have. Many insurers offer free quotes to customers.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Gander?
The average cost of car insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador is $1,100 per year. However, insurance companies are constantly underwriting behind the scenes, meaning that average rates are prone to change, no matter where you live in Canada. Since rates fluctuate and are dependent on so many factors, the best way to find out how much Gander car insurance coverage will cost you is to contact an insurance professional for a free quote. They can give you a better idea of which factors influence rates, along with an accurate and competitive estimate.
Do I need liability coverage in Gander and if so, how much?
Yes, all Gander drivers need to purchase car insurance that contains third party liability insurance. In Newfoundland and Labrador, motorists are required to carry a minimum of $200,000 in liability coverage at all times, though many choose to purchase a higher coverage limit. Since auto insurance is a legal requirement in the province, if you choose to drive without or with less than $200,000 in third party liability coverage, you will be breaking the law. If caught, this could have serious consequences ranging from fines to vehicle impoundment.
Will an insurance company look at my credit score when calculating my Gander car insurance premium?
They might. It depends on the insurance company. Some insurers will ask for your credit score to help them evaluate your financial responsibility. From their perspective, the higher your credit score, the more responsible you are, and the less likely you might be to get into an accident on the road. For this reason, if an insurance company chooses to consider your credit score, having a higher one can lead to lower rates, whereas a lower credit score can increase your premium. That said, even if your insurance company asks for your credit score, it is one of many factors that they will assess when setting your premium - and likely not one of the important ones. Factors like your age, location, driving record, selected deductible amounts, and the type of car you drive are far more likely to have a significant influence on your Gander car insurance premium than your credit score.
Are car insurance quotes free in Gander?
Yes, many insurance companies and brokerages provide free quotes. Ask around to confirm which companies offer this and be prepared to provide the necessary information. For example, when obtaining a car insurance quote, you will likely need to answer questions about your insurance history, the type of vehicle you drive, where you live, your driving record, and more.
Can I buy Gander car insurance online?
Yes, many insurance companies and brokers now offer a plethora of online services, including the ability to purchase a policy entirely online. To do so, visit an insurance company’s website, peruse your options, select your coverages, deductibles, and limits, and pay for your policy. Buying insurance online is perfectly safe and extremely convenient. Nowadays, you might even be able to purchase a policy in less than 15 minutes. Of course, if you prefer to connect with an insurance professional, you can also buy insurance over the phone or in person. Other online services insurance companies offer include adding drivers to policies, renewing insurance, and more.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
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