Car Insurance in Kitchener

Uninsured motorists in Kitchener

Car insurance is mandatory in Ontario. So if you choose to drive without insurance in Kitchener, you are breaking the law. As such, if caught, you could face serious consequences that may include hefty fines and license suspension.

Specifically, for a first offense in Ontario, you can be fined anywhere between the minimum of $5,000 and the maximum of $25,000.

For second or repeated offenses, you can be fined up to $50,000. There is also a 15% surcharge on any fines incurred.

As you can see, the consequences of driving without insurance in Kitchener make doing so not worth the risk. So if you’re a Kitchener resident currently driving without car insurance (whether you’ve never purchased insurance or your last policy expired), contact BrokerLink today. One of our insurance experts can help you find a policy that not only complies with provincial law but also meets your needs.

Why purchase Kitchener auto insurance?

Ontario drivers may be wondering why they should purchase Kitchener auto insurance. Beyond being mandatory, there are plenty of benefits to be derived from this type of insurance. We break down the top four reasons to buy Kitchener auto insurance below.

You’re protected in case of bodily injury

Car accidents can easily lead to injuries. Luckily, most car insurance plans include bodily injury coverage, so if you require medical attention following an accident, you can seek compensation from your insurance company to help cover the cost of medical expenses. (This is crucial as healthcare policies rarely cover all medical expenses, such as prescription medication or rehabilitation.)

You’re protected in the event of an accident

Car insurance offers financial protection should you get into an accident. Auto accidents happen to the safest of drivers, and they may result in serious damage to your vehicle. If you have Kitchener car insurance, your insurance provider can help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged in a collision.

You’re protected in case of theft

If you include comprehensive coverage in your Kitchener car insurance policy, then another benefit of car insurance is that you will be protected against theft. With comprehensive coverage, your insurance provider will help pay for the cost of replacing a vehicle when it is stolen. This type of coverage may also protect your car against vandalism, fire, and water damage.

You’re in compliance with the law

Last but not least, purchasing Kitchener car insurance means you are in compliance with the law - and this benefit can’t be overlooked. Getting behind the wheel without insurance can have serious consequences, financially and otherwise. For example, if caught driving uninsured, you could temporarily lose your driver’s license and be fined up to $50,000. Avoid the risk of getting caught by purchasing quality car insurance that at least meets the minimum requirements in Ontario.

Four components of compulsory auto insurance in Kitchener, Ontario

Car insurance is far from simple. Any given car insurance plan is made up of several coverage types, some of which are mandatory and some of which are optional. The Ontario government has made four types of car insurance coverage mandatory, which means they must be included with your policy in order for it to be valid. We explain the four compulsory components of Ontario car insurance below. Please note that these coverages are required in all circumstances, no matter whether you own, lease, or finance your vehicle.

Third party liability coverage

Third party liability coverage protects Kitchener motorists if they get into an accident that they are liable for. In the event that you cause an accident that results in bodily injury or property damage, liability coverage can help pay for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and even any applicable court or legal fees. In Ontario, drivers must hold a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage at all times.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation coverage protects the policyholder should they get into an accident that was not their fault. This type of coverage offers compensation if you suffer an accidental injury or your vehicle is damaged in the crash. In the case of direct compensation, your insurance company will often reimburse you directly for the damages.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is another mandatory component of Ontario car insurance plans. It helps cover the costs of medical expenses following a collision, whether these medical expenses are incurred by the driver, passenger, or any pedestrians involved in the accident. Accident benefits can be claimed no matter which party was at fault for the accident.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage protects you and any passengers in your car if you’re involved in a collision with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured. This type of mandatory coverage can also help if you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run.

Optional auto insurance coverage for Kitchener drivers

Standard car insurance in Ontario includes the four coverage types listed above. But these are not the only coverages available to Kitchener drivers. Insurance companies offer a wide range of optional coverages to the benefit of policyholders. Though not all coverages apply to every type of driver, there may be some types that you can benefit from. Keep reading to discover a few of the most popular types of optional auto insurance coverage among Kitchener drivers.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage protects the policyholder if they get into an accident with another vehicle or object on the road, no matter who is liable for the accident. Under the collision coverage section of your policy, you can receive compensation to help pay for any property damage that resulted from the collision, like vehicle repairs.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects against a wide range of risks that standard auto insurance coverage in Ontario does not. For example, if you choose to include comprehensive coverage in your Kitchener car insurance policy, you can be protected against theft, vandalism, fire, water damage, and more. Comprehensive coverage may provide Kitchener drivers with greater peace of mind while on the road.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One last type of optional car insurance coverage is accident forgiveness. If you purchase this type of coverage, your insurance provider cannot raise your premium after your first at-fault accident. Accident forgiveness coverage can be especially beneficial for new or high risk drivers, but it’s important to note that it only applies to the first collision, not any subsequent collisions.

What factors determine Kitchener car insurance rates?

Canadian insurance companies take several factors under consideration when calculating insurance premiums. A driver’s age, marital status, driving record, and location can all influence how much car insurance costs. Kitchener drivers might find it helpful to know these factors so they can understand why their insurance premium is what it is. Without further adieu, some of the most common factors that determine car insurance rates in Kitchener are as follows:

Driving history

One of the main factors used to determine the cost of auto insurance is a person’s driving history. Driving history consists of driving experience and driving record.

More driving experience may result in lower premiums. It is a lack of experience that raises the insurance premiums for young drivers.

However, experience alone does not equal lower car insurance rates. Rather, drivers must possess adequate driving experience and a clean driving record. If you drive the speed limit and generally obey the rules of the road, you are likely to have a clean driving record. But if you speed, drive recklessly, or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then you are far more likely to have a poor driving record rife with tickets, accidents, DUIs, and demerit points.

Kitchener drivers with stellar records are often rewarded for it by paying less for car insurance. So the best thing you can do to save money on Kitchener auto insurance is to maintain a clean record by driving safely and responsibly.

Age

From an insurance provider’s perspective, there is a direct correlation between age and driving skills. Therefore, the younger you are, the less driving experience you have, and the greater risk you pose on the road. This is why new drivers often pay the most for auto insurance in Kitchener. Another age group impacted is the elderly, with seniors over the age of 60 often paying higher rates for auto insurance.

Location

When calculating your auto insurance rate, an insurance provider will ask for your address. Why? Location matters. Where you plan to drive your vehicle affects your risk level. Drivers who live in populous urban areas, such as the Greater Toronto Area, are more likely to get into accidents given the increase in traffic. In contrast, drivers who reside in rural parts of Canada with less traffic are viewed as less likely to get into an accident and may receive a cheaper rate because of it.

Lastly, if you live or work in an area prone to climate related incidents, such as floods, your insurance premium may be affected.

Vehicle, make, model, and year

Did you know that the car you drive can impact your insurance rate? It’s true. Typically, newer, more expensive cars cost more to insure. This is because such cars are at a greater risk of theft, and if stolen (or even damaged in a collision), it would cost the insurance company more money to replace or repair them. The exception to this rule is if your car is equipped with anti-theft devices or other safety features.

How frequently you drive

How frequently you drive is another factor that can impact your insurance premiums. For example, if you have to drive every day as part of your job, or you drive at night and on major highways frequently, you will likely pay more for car insurance.

However, if you are an occasional driver who only drives on weekends or a couple of times per week, your insurance premiums may be lower because your odds of getting into an accident are also lower.

Marital status

Marital status is one last factor that can influence your Kitchener car insurance rate. Data suggests that married people are more responsible and financially stable, which insurance companies take into consideration when calculating insurance premiums.

Get cheap Kitchener car insurance with these money-saving tips

Car insurance should never break the bank. That is why BrokerLink always strives to find comprehensive policies at affordable rates for our clients. No one should ever have to pay a premium for car insurance. To help you find cheap car insurance in Kitchener, BrokerLink’s expert insurance advisors have put together a list of their top money-saving tips below.

Increase your deductible

Generally speaking, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Therefore, if you’re looking to pay less for car insurance, one way to do that is by increasing your deductible. The average car insurance deductible in Ontario is $500. By raising your deductible to $1,000 or more, you could save money on Kitchener auto insurance. To learn more about whether increasing your deductible is right for you, contact BrokerLink. We can help explain what a deductible is, as well as the pros and cons of increasing yours.

Choose annual over monthly payments

One simple way to save money on car insurance is by paying for your policy annually rather than monthly. Paying monthly almost always costs more in the long run as insurance companies add administrative fees for each payment.

Insure multiple vehicles together

If your household has more than one vehicle, insuring them together can save you money. Insuring multiple vehicles at the same time with the same insurance company may make you eligible for a discount of between 15% and 20% per policy.

Bundle different insurance policies

Bundling insurance policies together is another way to save money on Kitchener auto insurance. The more insurance you buy from a provider, the more likely they are to give you a discount. So if you’re also shopping for home insurance, business insurance, or insurance for leisure items like a cottage, boat, or ATV, consider finding a provider that sells several kinds of insurance and buying all your policies from them. Doing so may save you up to 15% on each policy.

Install winter tires on your vehicle

Ontario winters are no joke. Driving in the winter becomes infinitely more dangerous as soon as snow and ice enter the picture. For this reason, insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who install winter tires on their vehicles. Snow tires are known for having superior capabilities in winter weather, reducing your chances of getting into an accident. Insurance providers recognize this and may reward you with savings of up to 5% on your car insurance policy.

Buy an electric vehicle

Reduce your carbon footprint, save money at the gas pump, and pay less for Kitchener car insurance by driving an eco-friendly vehicle. Car insurance companies across Ontario have begun offering discounts to drivers of hybrid or electric vehicles. Purchasing a green vehicle could save you up to 10% on auto insurance.

Enroll in driving school

Enrolling in and graduating from an approved driving school can reduce your car insurance rate. Insurance companies recognize that driving schools produce skilled and knowledgeable drivers who know the rules of the road and are more likely to obey them. For these reasons, they offer discounts to young drivers who can prove they completed an approved driving school. Since new drivers often pay the highest premiums, receiving formal instruction from a professional may be worth it for both educational and financial reasons.

Get in touch to receive a free Kitchener car insurance quote

Are you ready to take the plunge and purchase car insurance? You’ve come to the right place! BrokerLink is an expert in all things car insurance. We have been helping Canadians find quality car insurance policies for over 30 years, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Contact us by phone, email, or visit us in person at any of our Ontario locations, and one of our insurance advisors will be happy to assist you.

also invite all Kitchener residents to take advantage of our free car insurance quotes. You can request a free quote over the phone, in person, or online using our online quote tool.

After providing us with a few basic details about yourself and the car you drive, we will provide you with an accurate and competitive quote. Please note that all BrokerLink auto insurance quotes are 100% obligation-free.

Safeguard your vehicle with BrokerLink car insurance. Get in touch to begin your car insurance journey today.

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FAQ on Car Insurance in Kitchener, Ontario:

How much is car insurance in Kitchener?

Car insurance in Kitchener is considered to be quite average compared to most other cities in Ontario. It's hard to give an exact amount due to the factors that influence the cost of insurance.

Are older cars cheaper to insure?

Generally speaking, older cars are typically cheaper and easier to insure because they do not have as much replacement value. However, some newer cars have additional safety features that can lower your insurance bill. To get a quote that's specific to the vehicle you drive, call an insurance broker.

How can I save on car insurance in Kitchener?

Going with an insurance broker is a great way to save on insurance. Brokers are insurance experts, so we have the inside scoop on deals and promotions.

Is car insurance mandatory in Kitchener?

Yes, car insurance is required in Kitchener. In fact, it is required everywhere in Ontario, as car insurance is provincially regulated and the Government of Ontario has made it compulsory for all Ontario drivers. Therefore, in order to register your vehicle with the province, you must first purchase auto insurance.

Further, the provincial government has stipulated that certain coverages must be included with your car insurance policy for it to be valid. These coverages include uninsured automobile coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, accident benefits coverage, and a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage (though many Kitchener drivers opt for greater coverage than this).

For more FAQs, visit the BrokerLink FAQs page.