Why get car insurance in London, Ontario?
It is extremely important to have car insurance; London drivers cannot legally operate their cars on public roads without car insurance. Simply put, it is mandatory to carry car insurance. As mentioned previously, you could face severe fines if you get behind the wheel of your car without proper coverage. In the province, there is mandatory coverage you must carry, and you will have the option to purchase additional coverage options, such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, etc.
We have compiled a few pros to having car insurance. London drivers may find it beneficial to know that:
1. Your vehicle will be protected if you get into an accident
Car accidents are very common and can happen at any time. They may be your fault, or you may have no fault in the accident whatsoever. Another driver may end up making a mistake that you have no control over, and unfortunately, that may lead to serious damage to your car. Collision insurance is specifically designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacements, up until your policy's limits.
2. You'll be protected if you are injured in an accident
If you were to get into a car accident and get injured, there might be a lot of costs you don’t expect. Things like physical therapy might not be provided by OHIP. Your coverage may be able to help with these costs. In London, car insurance is designed to include accident benefits coverage, but you can enhance this coverage by a certain amount if you so choose.
3. You could be covered if your vehicle is damaged by something other than a car
There are many natural causes that can ultimately cause damage to your car, including things like bad weather, animals and tree branches. Damage from natural events is no one’s fault, but it can be very costly to repair. If you have comprehensive insurance, damages from nature, falling objects, and even wildlife may be covered by your auto insurance.
4. You could be covered in the event of a theft or vandalism
If someone were to steal your vehicle, break-in, or vandalize it, your insurance can help you with the repair or replacement costs. This is part of comprehensive insurance, which is an optional addition to an existing car insurance policy in London.
Mandatory Car Insurance in London, Ontario
In Ontario, you are required to carry auto insurance. In London, ON, there are a few specific coverages you must have on your policy. On top of those coverages, you can purchase optional coverage to include things like collision, comprehensive, etc. The following types of coverage are mandatory in London:
Liability
If you are found at fault in an accident, liability insurance helps pay for other drivers’ property and bodily injuries. Liability coverage may also help to cover any legal fees you incur as a result of an accident.
Accident benefits coverage
There are costs associated with an accident other than repairing physical damage to cars or property. Anyone involved in the accident including yourself, your passengers, drivers and passengers in another vehicle and pedestrians might require medical or rehabilitative attention following the accident. Accident benefits coverage will cover these costs.
Direct compensation property damage
Direct compensation takes effect when you or your car is damaged in an accident where you are not at fault. It is called direct compensation because you deal directly with your insurance provider to acquire any compensation following a claim.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Even though car insurance is mandatory in London, Ontario, some people choose to drive without it. Uninsured automobile coverage offers protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is at fault and is either uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage.
Guide to Determining Car Insurance Rates in London, Ontario
It’s hard to give an estimate of what you will pay for your insurance in London, Ontario. This is because many different factors go into each individual car insurance rate. At BrokerLink, we go through our clients' individual information to make sure that they receive all of the possible savings offered for their circumstances.
Here are a few of the most common factors that car insurance companies consider when determining rates in London:
- Your age - Younger drivers tend to have higher premium rates because they fall into a demographic with more accidents. As you get older, your insurance rate will most likely go down.
- Your driving record - Having a clean driving record can save you money! This is because insurance providers see you as a low-risk client. On the other hand, having a bad driving history can make your premiums go up significantly.
- Your insurance history - If you are someone who has made a lot of claims in the past, your insurance provider may view you as a higher risk. Vice versa, if you are claims-free, you may qualify for lower car insurance rates.
- Where you live - The area in which you live can affect the price of your premium. This is because an auto insurance company will weigh your likelihood of making a claim based on crime rates, accident statistics, and traffic trends by the area in which you live.
- The make and model of your vehicle - Some types of cars tend to be more costly to insure than others. There are many reasons for this. Some cars are statistically more likely to be stolen, and some have more expensive and/or less common parts.
- The level of coverage you choose - The level of coverage you choose to have on your vehicle will impact the price of your premium. The more coverage you opt to purchase, the higher your car insurance premium will end up being.
For cheaper car insurance, all you need to do is enlist the help of a BrokerLink insurance advisor. We'll help you compare car insurance options between numerous providers so that the car insurance premium you end up being assigned is the one you're comfortable with.
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How to Reduce Your London Auto Insurance Premiums
If you are not satisfied with your rates for car insurance, London BrokerLink's advisors have your back. We are dedicated to delivering second-to-none experiences, and we believe part of that experience is helping you find the best price.
As mentioned previously, enlisting the help of a car insurance broker from BrokerLink is a great way to have someone in your corner who knows you and knows your insurance. In addition, see our short guide to how to reduce your London car insurance rates:
Compare quotes with BrokerLink
Shopping around is the first and foremost way to get cheaper car insurance in London, Ontario. Get more than one insurance quote with BrokerLink and compare car insurance quotes by price. Our brokers can give you deeper insights on coverage options, discounts, and more.
Choose a higher deductible amount
Different insurance companies may allow you to increase your deductible amount for lower premiums. As an example, if you have a $250 deductible on your collision insurance, you may wish to up that to $500 or even $1,000 to qualify for lower premiums. Always remember to keep this amount within reason; you'll have to pay it out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.
Take a defensive driving course
Certain defensive driving courses will reward you with a discount on your car insurance. London drivers should always check with their providers to see which courses are approved before investing any money into them, of course. Young drivers who may already be seeing inflated rates due to their inexperience would benefit the most from these courses, as they not only may grant you an insurance reduction but can also lessen your odds of needing to make a claim from a collision.
Consider usage-based insurance
Usage-based insurance, or telematics, is an option that some auto insurance providers offer. It works by recording your driving behaviour through a telematics device, which tracks things like driving speed, distance, acceleration rate, braking, hard cornering, etc. and grants you insurance reductions for good driving behaviour. It's a great exchange if you're a good driver.
Drive less
Some car insurance providers will reward low mileage drivers with considerable discounts. Unfortunately, the threshold for this discount is rather low and you'd have to be someone who works remotely and seldom uses their vehicle to qualify, as the cap for "low mileage" is usually around 11,000km/year. If you're near that limit, you can reduce your kilometers even further by opting to take public transport, carpooling, etc.
Bundle policies through the same insurer
Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who purchase two or more policies through them. If you have more than one vehicle, you should also consider insuring that vehicle through the same provider as well. Insurance providers may also reduce rates for long-time customers who have stuck with them for 3 or more years.
Keep up a solid credit record
Establishing and maintaining a solid credit history is a true and tried way to cut your insurance costs. Not all insurance providers offer this kind of opportunity, but if you have a good credit score, you can permit your insurer to use your credit information to price your policy. You can ensure you're on the path to a decent credit score by paying your bills on time, keeping your credit balance low, and avoiding obtaining any more credit than you need.
Consider the make and model of your car
Some vehicles come with significantly lower price tags when it comes to insurance. Typically, vehicles with good safety features (and a better safety rating to boot) that are inexpensive to repair tend to cost less to insure. If your budget is tight, keep mind of this when you are purchasing your car insurance. London drivers should also pay mind to the top most stolen vehicles in Ontario; cars that have a higher theft rating can also cost more to insure.
Local Ontario Insurance Links
If you’re a member of a group or association, you may be eligible for more discounts.
Find cheap car insurance in London, Ontario
For drivers in London, car insurance is mandatory, but getting the best possible coverage is critical to protecting your investments. A BrokerLink insurance advisor can help you get cheap auto insurance without giving up on quality protection. Don’t do it alone! You can get a licensed professional to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. Call today and get free London car insurance quotes.
About BrokerLink
At London BrokerLink, we are here to help you with any insurance needs that you may have. We find solutions no matter what it is you need insured, be that your home, your car, business, recreational items, or even pets, we'll help you find the best coverage possible.
We're in your community
It's a big part of who we are to get involved in the community. We live and work within your community and always love meeting our neighbours.
Why work with a BrokerLink broker
If you're looking for an insurance broker in London, BrokerLink is here to help. BrokerLink has been helping Canadian drivers find the best insurance at competitive rates since 1991. We live in the communities we serve, which means we know what coverage will make the most sense for you and your family. As one of the largest insurance brokerages in all of Canada, you can have the confidence that we can protect your most valuable assets.
An auto insurance quote is just a few clicks away. Get affordable car insurance in London with the help of BrokerLink.
Contact Us
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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London Car Insurance FAQs
If you are unsure about something to do with your auto insurance policy, not to worry.
At BrokerLink, we're in your community. We want to serve our neighbours by offering them unparalleled insurance advice, whether that's helping them obtain the cheapest auto insurance or assisting them in choosing between coverage options.
Below, see our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about auto insurance in London:
Will putting on my winter tires qualify me for an auto insurance discount?
Equipping winter tires at a specific time of year (usually in the range between October-December) may qualify you for an auto insurance discount, depending on your provider. This discount isn't always an option for every provider, but be sure to ask. It can help you save money - up to 5% off your premiums!
Who are the best car insurance companies in London, Ontario?
The best car insurance company is the one that you can get the best possible rates from without sacrificing any of the coverage you need.
What are deductibles?
A deductible is the portion of the claim that you will have to pay. Your deductible may be different for different components of your auto insurance in London and the amount may range between $250 to $1,000 and onwards. As an example, if you got into a claim where there were roughly $2,000 in damages and you had a $500 deductible, you would have to pay $500 before your auto insurance company would pay the remaining $1,500.
Deductibles also directly impact your auto insurance premiums. The higher your deductible amount, the lower your insurance premiums may be. Because your deductible is an out-of-pocket expense, be sure that the amount you choose is within reason for your budget.
How does an at-fault accident affect my London car insurance rates?
If you are involved in an automobile accident where you were deemed to be at-fault, you can expect your auto insurance rates to increase. Auto insurance companies may assign different levels of fault to each or every driver involved in the accident. In many situations, both drivers will have some level of fault. Unless you have accident forgiveness, your auto insurance rates will increase upon renewal time.
Does auto insurance cover me if my belongings are stolen from my vehicle?
In most instances, personal belongings that you carry in your vehicle would be covered by your home, condo, or tenant insurance. If your vehicle was damaged during the break-in, the comprehensive portion of your car insurance in London would cover the damages (if applicable.)
How much auto insurance coverage do I need?
Everyone's situation is different. Your insurance policy may look very different than your neighbour's. It boils down to how you use your vehicle, who uses your vehicle, what you use your vehicle for, and the make/model and condition of your car.
Does my London car insurance automatically renew?
Unless otherwise requested, your London car insurance will renew automatically. However, it's a good idea to review your new policy before your time is up to ensure you're happy with the new terms. If you don't like the new rates or if you disagree with something, you'll have to find new coverage before your current policy expires. A lapse in coverage can have significant consequences and make it difficult to acquire insurance in the future, not to mention that driving without valid insurance is illegal in every province in Canada.
Will it affect my insurance premiums if I let another person borrow my car?
It could. If that person gets into an accident and doesn't have a "Non-owned auto liability" endorsement, that accident will be covered by your insurance. If that person was at-fault, that might be factored into your future insurance premiums. At-fault accidents can increase your rates substantially, depending on the percentage of "at-fault" the person was deemed by the insurance company.
For more FAQs, visit the BrokerLink FAQs page.
More Ways to find a great car insurance rate in Ontario
