Car Insurance in LaSalle

What types of car insurance do I need in LaSalle?

With so many types of auto insurance out there, it can be difficult to discern the best types for you. Let’s start with mandatory coverage. In Ontario, drivers are required to purchase certain types of coverage. Specifically, third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. We delve into each of these coverage types below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is a must when buying LaSalle car insurance. It is one of the most important types of mandatory car insurance coverage as it protects drivers if they get into an accident that they are liable for. The costs associated with an accident can be high, but with liability insurance, your insurer will help pay for expenses, like legal, medical, and property damage fees.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage can compensate policyholders if they get into an accident and someone involved in the accident requires medical attention. For example, if someone, including the policyholder, suffers a concussion or a broken bone, accident benefits can help pay for any medical fees not covered by private health insurance. Examples of medical fees that your Ontario health insurance plan may not cover include prescription medication and physical therapy.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage (DCPD) coverage helps drivers if their vehicle is damaged in an accident. However, you must not have been responsible for the accident to claim this type of coverage. Assuming you were not at fault for the collision, you can receive a direct payout from your insurer for the cost of the repairs.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is specifically designed to protect drivers who get into accidents with the following types of drivers:

• Uninsured drivers: those who do not have any car insurance and are breaking the law by driving uninsured
• Underinsured drivers: those who do not have high enough coverage limits to pay for the cost of the damage
• Unidentified drivers: those who flee the scene of the accident

What other types of car insurance are available to LaSalle drivers?

As a LaSalle motorist, you might decide that mandatory coverage isn’t enough. If so, you would be like many other Ontario drivers who choose to add extra coverage to their policies. Insurance companies have all kinds of optional coverages that policyholders can add to their plans for extra protection. We explain some of the most common types below:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage is designed to offer extra coverage in the event of property damage to your vehicle. No matter what damage is incurred, if your car is damaged in a collision, your insurance company will help pay for it. With this type of coverage, you are even protected against collisions with animals and objects, not just cars. Collision coverage is usually optional but could be mandatory in LaSalle if you drive a leased or financed car, though it is up to the financing contract to determine this.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage offers LaSalle drivers peace of mind, as with it, you can relax knowing that if your car is damaged while parked, your insurance policy will cover you. Specifically, comprehensive insurance provides coverage if your car is damaged by perils that are named in your policy. Named perils often include fire, theft, vandalism, water damage, windstorms, falling objects, and more. Keep in mind that you will only be covered for damage that is caused by risks listed in your policy.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in LaSalle 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.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage may also be worthwhile to LaSalle drivers. With this coverage, you can be reimbursed for the cost of alternate transportation if your car is temporarily unusable. For instance, if you get into a collision and your car is damaged, loss of use coverage will pay for the cost of taking public transit, renting a car, or hiring ride shares while your car is in the shop.

Factors that influence LaSalle car insurance rates

LaSalle car insurance rates vary between drivers. So if you’re wondering, “How much is car insurance per month in Ontario?,” your best bet is to contact BrokerLink and request a free quote. Not only can a BrokerLink car insurance specialist provide you with a free car insurance quote but they can also offer insight into how insurance companies calculate rates. To get started, the BrokerLink team has compiled a list of some of the main factors influencing car insurance premiums in LaSalle, Ontario:

• 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

Request a free car insurance quote over the phone, in person, or on our website using BrokerLink’s online quote tool today.

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Safe driving tips in LaSalle

The right driving habits can not only keep you safe on the road but they can also help you save money on insurance. BrokerLink has compiled a few of our top safe driving tips below, but don’t hesitate to reach out for even more helpful advice:

Double-check weather and driving conditions first

Before leaving home, make sure that you check the weather forecast and driving conditions. It only takes a few seconds but doing so can be a huge help. After all, driving in inclement weather can be dangerous and weather conditions can change quickly. So if the forecast is calling for heavy rain, snow, or a thunderstorm, consider adjusting your driving plans accordingly. The same goes for if you search up driving conditions and discover a nearby car accident or construction zone. By double-checking this before leaving the house, you can plan a detour that will help you avoid driving through a hazardous area.

Avoid distractions and be vigilant

Avoiding distractions is crucial when driving, especially considering that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions. To make sure that you are 100% focused on the road, put your smartphone away, adjust the radio or GPS before pulling out of the driveway, and avoid drinking, eating, or smoking while driving. Further, if you find yourself growing sleepy, pull over safely as soon as possible.

Follow Ontario traffic laws

Following the letter of the law is critical. Not only will doing so help you avoid penalties, such as fines, demerit points, and even jail time, but it will also keep you safe and increase the odds of a clean driving record. So make sure that you obey all road rules, like driving the speed limit and merging safely and correctly. Familiarize yourself with Ontario’s traffic laws by visiting the Ministry of Transportation’s website.

Always drive the speed limit or below it

Speeding instantly makes driving more dangerous. The faster you are driving, the less time that you and other drivers have to react, and the higher your odds of getting into a car accident. Thus, we strongly recommend driving the speed limit. In some cases, it is even a good idea to drive below the speed limit, such as if you are driving through a construction zone or in adverse weather conditions, like rain, fog, hail, ice, or snow.

Use your signal when turning or merging

Signals exist for a reason. Use yours anytime you are turning or merging to let other drivers know what you plan to do. This will help you avoid an accident.

Drive in the right lane

A safe driving habit that all LaSalle motorists should adopt is driving in the right lane. After all, the right lane is for driving and the left lane is for passing. This means that you should only be in the left lane when you are trying to pass or overtake another vehicle. If you do not need to do this or have just finished passing another vehicle, safely merge back into the right lane.

Improve visibility as much as possible

The more visibility you have, the safer you will be. So take care to improve visibility while driving as much as possible. This means keeping your windshield clean, clearing debris like snow or ice from the windows before driving, and wearing sunglasses or using a sun visor when driving on days with high glare. Further, if you have vision issues and require prescription glasses to drive, make sure to wear them at all times.

How to file a car insurance claim in LaSalle

So you need to file a car insurance claim - what’s next? If you recently got into an accident or your vehicle was damaged in LaSalle, then the next step is to submit a claim to your insurance company. Since this process can be complicated, we recommend enlisting the help of a BrokerLink insurance broker who can help you navigate it from start to finish. In the meantime, below is a breakdown of what you can expect when filing an auto insurance claim in LaSalle:

Get in touch with your insurance provider

Anytime you need to file a car insurance claim, the first step is always going to be to contact your provider. The claims process differs between insurance companies, so you will need to contact yours to find out exactly how the process works. An insurance agent will ask you several questions about the incident and then provide you with clear directions on what to do next.

Collect your evidence

When filing a car insurance claim, your insurance provider will ask for details about the event. The more information you can provide, the better. So the second step is to start collecting your evidence. Make a file that contains any and all information you have about the incident. This may include witness statements, photos, videos, a written record detailing road and weather conditions at the time of the incident, and a police statement, if applicable.

Fill out your insurance company’s forms

Your insurance company will likely send you several forms to fill out to complete your claim. Fill them out in a timely manner and to the best of your ability.

Answer the insurance adjuster’s questions

After completing the necessary forms, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim through your insurance company. Depending on the information provided on the form, the insurance adjuster may or may not have additional questions for you. If they have other questions or need to request additional evidence, cooperate as best you can. Respond to their enquiries as quickly as possible and be respectful. The quicker you get back to them and the more information you can provide, the sooner you will receive a verdict on your claim.

Receive compensation from your insurance company

The final step in the process of filing a car insurance claim is receiving the verdict. If your claim is denied, you will not receive a payout. However, you might be able to appeal the decision. If your claim is approved, your insurance company will notify you, confirming how much money you will receive and how and when it will be sent to you. Nowadays, many insurance companies use direct deposit rather than cheques for insurance claims.

For help filing a car insurance claim in LaSalle or anywhere in Ontario, don’t hesitate to contact BrokerLink.

We’re in your community

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Since 1991, BrokerLink has made it our mission to provide more than just insurance solutions. That is why you will find us at your local charity marathon, fundraiser, or community event. Learn more about the ways that we give back to our LaSalle customers by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At LaSalle 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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Auto insurance LaSalle FAQs

Am I eligible for a snow tire discount on car insurance?

Winter tire discounts are one of the most common types of car insurance discounts for a reason. Not only do they help drivers save money on auto insurance but insurance companies across Ontario are legally required to give this discount to any customer who meets their conditions. To find out if you meet your insurance company’s conditions, get in touch with them directly.

How can I renew my LaSalle auto insurance plan?

Renewing car insurance can be done by contacting your insurance agent or broker. Either insurance professional can help you with this task, which is relatively simple. A broker can also review your coverage for you and make a recommendation as to whether it’s worth renewing your current policy or finding a new one. But generally speaking, so long as your policy hasn’t expired, renewing it can take as little as 15 minutes and can even be done online. Expired car insurance is still possible but the process might be lengthier and more complicated.

If I rear end someone while driving, will this affect my LaSalle car insurance premium?

Yes. In fact, any at-fault accident is likely to impact your car insurance premium. The main exception to this is if you paid to add accident forgiveness coverage to your policy. An insurance company is not allowed to increase your premium after your first at-fault accident if you have accident forgiveness coverage. However, if you don’t have this type of coverage or you do but it is your second at-fault accident, then the insurance company can raise your rates and they are likely to do so. Remember that accidents stay on driver’s records for up to six years in Ontario, so one at-fault accident could mean an increased car insurance premium for six years. Meanwhile, car accidents that you are involved with but that you do not cause are unlikely to affect your premium.

Do I need an Ontario driver’s licence to buy car insurance in LaSalle?

Yes, you need a driver’s licence to purchase car insurance. Without one, an insurance agent will not sell you a policy. You also need a driver's licence to register your vehicle with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, which is another requirement to drive in the province.

Can I drive without car insurance in LaSalle?

No, unless you want to break the law. Car insurance is mandatory, which means that it is a legal requirement. If you choose to drive without a valid insurance policy, you are at risk of all kinds of penalties. Fines in Ontario for uninsured driving can go up to $50,000. On top of that, there is a 25% surcharge. Beyond fines, other penalties include the impoundment of your vehicle and the suspension of your driver’s licence for up to a year. Thus, you should never drive without car insurance in LaSalle or anywhere in Canada.

How can I save money on car insurance in LaSalle?

Policyholders can save money on LaSalle car insurance by taking advantage of car insurance discounts, choosing high deductibles over low ones, adjusting their coverage each year, making all insurance payments on time, keeping their driving records clean, and installing anti-theft devices in their cars. Bundling insurance policies is another great way to keep insurance rates low, though it only works if you are in the market for multiple insurance products. With bundles, you can buy two of the same type of policy, like two car insurance plans, or two different policies, like car insurance and home insurance or car insurance and business insurance.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.