Compulsory car insurance in Perth, Ontario
What does compulsory car insurance look like in Perth, Ontario? All Ontario drivers are required to carry four types of coverage. These types of coverage are mandatory if you want to drive legally in the province. Failure to purchase a policy with these types of coverage is illegal.
A BrokerLink insurance advisor will ensure that the Perth car insurance policy you choose complies with local laws. Remember that if you want to continue driving, you must renew car insurance every year. Most policy terms are one year in length, which means you will need to review it annually in order to maintain valid coverage and ensure that your policy is still meeting your insurance needs.
What happens if I drive without car insurance in Perth?
Driving without car insurance is illegal. Doing so puts you at great financial risk and in breach of the law. Car insurance is mandatory in Perth, and driving without it is a serious offence that can result in all kinds of penalties.
Ontario has some of the harshest punishments for uninsured drivers. For example, you can receive a fine of up to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for a second offence, in addition to a 25% surcharge on any fines incurred.
Plus, drivers may have their vehicles impounded and their licence suspended for up to a year. As such, your best bet is to purchase a valid Perth car insurance policy. You can visit our location on Perth Street to purchase a car insurance plan today.
More information on mandatory car insurance coverage in Perth
Certain types of car insurance coverage in Perth are mandatory, meaning you do not have a choice as to whether you want to purchase it. To explain what these types of coverage protect against, we provide a breakdown of each below:
Third party liability coverage
Liability coverage can help you avoid the high costs of an accident. If you get into an at-fault accident, this type of coverage can pay for medical fees if someone is injured, repair bills if someone’s car is damaged, or even legal fees if a liability claim is brought against you.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage is for when an accident results in bodily injury. If you or a passenger or pedestrian involved in the accident requires medical attention, including rehabilitative care, accident benefits can cover the cost. Examples of types of medical expenses that accident benefits insurance may cover include prescription medications, physical therapy, lost income, and funeral fees.
Direct compensation coverage
With direct compensation coverage, you can file a claim directly with your provider and receive a payout to cover the cost of vehicle repairs if your car is damaged in a collision. Please note that you must not have been at fault for the accident to be eligible for direct compensation coverage.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Lastly, uninsured automobile coverage is also required in Perth. It is designed to protect drivers who are involved in an accident with another motorist who does not have car insurance, does not have sufficient car insurance, or who is anonymous because they illegally fled the scene of the accident. Uninsured automobile coverage may pay for medical fees, repair bills, and more.
Optional auto insurance coverage for motorists in Perth, Ontario
Mandatory insurance coverage isn’t the only coverage available to Perth motorists. Rather, Perth policyholders have a wide range of coverages to choose from. For example, you can add other types of coverage to your policy if you want extra protection when driving, whether from collisions or against theft, vandalism, and more. We outline some of the most common optional car insurance coverage types in Perth below:
Collision coverage
Collision car coverage can protect you if your car suffers extensive damage in a car accident and needs to be repaired or replaced. Whether you caused the accident or not, and whether the accident was with another car, an animal, or an object on the road, collision coverage can be claimed. Make sure that the coverage limit you choose reflects the value of your car.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive car coverage is a second type of auto insurance coverage that many Perth drivers like to purchase. This is one of the few types of coverage that protects against non-collision-related circumstances. Examples of circumstances that comprehensive insurance covers are vehicle theft, a car being damaged in a fire, or a falling tree branch.
Comprehensive coverage offers financial security should a loss or damage occur to your car that is caused by an insured peril. Insured perils vary but usually include theft, vandalism, falling and flying objects, explosions and riots, fire, and weather-related incidents.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Perth 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 recommended for Perth drivers who drive brand-new cars. This type of coverage will translate to a much larger insurance payout if your new car is severely damaged and needs to be replaced.
Otherwise, standard car insurance policies in Perth feature actual cash value coverage, which accounts for depreciation and will result in a much smaller insurance payout.
Loss of use coverage
Loss of use coverage can also be important for Perth drivers. It provides both convenience and financial security, as, with this type of coverage, you can be reimbursed for the cost of getting around while your car is unusable.
For example, if your car is damaged in an accident and needs to go into the shop for a week to be repaired, loss of use coverage will pay for you to take ride-shares or rent a car until your vehicle is up and running again.
Find a personalized Perth auto insurance policy
If you are a Perth motorist who is looking for a new car insurance policy, the best thing that you can do is work with an insurance broker in Ontario. Ontario insurance brokers at BrokerLink are all fully licensed and have years of experience matching customers with personalized auto insurance plans. We know that everyone's insurance needs are different, and we take this into account when matching you with a policy.
At the end of the day, we want to make sure that all customers are satisfied and protected by their coverage. We also want to ensure that you never pay more for car insurance than necessary. The reality is that insurance companies determine premiums.
That said, an insurance broker can help you keep rates low by giving you advice on the different ways that you can save money on car insurance. We can also provide customers with free car insurance quotes. Reach out to BrokerLink today to find out how an insurance broker at BrokerLink can help you save money on Perth car insurance.
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What factors impact Perth auto insurance premiums?
Each Perth driver has their own premium. This is due to the fact that auto insurance premiums are calculated using a wide range of factors, from a driver’s age and driving record to their home address and the type of vehicle they drive. Therefore, you will seldom find two drivers who pay the same amount of money for car insurance, even in the same city. A list of factors that most insurance companies will consider when calculating your rates is as follows:
- 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)
Since so many factors are used to determine rates, the best thing you can do is request a free quote to find out how much car insurance will cost you. BrokerLink offers free insurance quotes to all customers. Our quotes are known to be extremely accurate and reliable.
Whether you request a free quote over the phone, in person, or on our website, you must answer a few questions about yourself, your driving habits, your lifestyle, and your vehicle type.
The more information you provide, the more accurate your quote will be. Please note that all BrokerLink insurance quotes are 100% obligation-free. You have nothing to lose by requesting a free car insurance quote today!
Start saving money on Perth car insurance today
Stop overpaying for car insurance coverage by working with a BrokerLink insurance advisor. We aim to make auto insurance more affordable for all Perth drivers. When you reach out to us, one of our licensed insurance advisors will give you valuable tips and advice on how to save money on insurance. Don’t believe us? Get started by reading through the list of money-saving tips below:
Pay upfront for your Perth car insurance plan
First, we recommend paying upfront for your Perth car insurance policy. Although you will likely have the option of paying for your policy annually (upfront) or monthly, the latter may be more expensive. If you would prefer to pay monthly, make sure that you ask your insurance company if any additional charges come with monthly payments. Some insurers charge extra transaction fees for monthly policies.
Consider increasing your Perth car insurance deductible
Premiums and deductibles go hand in hand, so if you want to keep your Perth car insurance premium low, one way to do so is by increasing your deductible. The higher your deductible, the less financial responsibility the insurance company has in the event of a claim, and the more they will reduce your premium.
If you can raise your deductible by $500 or $1,000, you could significantly lower your premium. Contact BrokerLink to find out exactly how your car insurance rates could be impacted if you raise your deductible.
Insure two or more vehicles together
Did you know that insuring two or more cars by buying multiple auto insurance policies can result in significant savings? Many insurance companies offer discounts to those who buy two car insurance policies from them at the same time. Plus, doing so means that you only have one car insurance renewal date to keep track of, which is also more convenient.
Bundle your home and auto insurance policies in Perth
If you own or rent a home in Perth, then you may also be in the market for home insurance. Consider buying your home insurance policy at the same time as your car insurance policy, and you could save big. Many insurance companies offer what are known as bundles, which are insurance packages that contain multiple insurance products. Home and auto insurance bundles are one of the most popular options and can result in a significant discount on both policies.
Install snow tires on your car
Since 2017, insurance companies in Ontario have been required to offer car insurance discounts to policyholders who install winter tires on their cars. Snow tires are not mandatory anywhere in the province.
However, they do make driving in snowy conditions much safer, as they increase traction and braking time. Thus, insurance companies will reward drivers who take the safety precaution of installing winter tires on their vehicles. Just make sure that you comply with your insurer’s requirements for the discount, such as installing your snow tires by a certain date or making sure all four tires are the same model.
To gain the discount, the insurance company may ask you to provide a copy of the receipt or workorder showing that the tires have been installed, failure to provide this may mean forfeiting the discount.
Remove auto coverage that no longer makes sense
Every time your policy is up for renewal, you should review it with an insurance broker and decide if or how you want to amend it. There are many ways to amend a car insurance policy, such as by lowering or raising coverage limits or removing or adding different types of coverage.
The reality is that car insurance needs change over time. An insurance broker can give you advice on what types of coverage to cut or reduce if you want to save money on your policy.
Enrol in an approved driving program in Ontario
Completing a driving education course can result in car insurance discounts in Ontario. If you attend a recognized driving school or sign up for a defensive driving course in Perth, you could save money on car insurance.
Adopt safe driving habits
The safer you drive, the less likely you are to get into a car accident, and the lower your premium is likely to be. Adopt these safe driving tips if you want to keep your premium as low as possible. If you maintain a clean record due to your safe driving skills, you could even qualify for a safe driver discount. Alternatively, if you get into lots of accidents and need to keep filing auto insurance claims, your rates are likely to be much higher.
We’re in your community
BrokerLink is in the Perth community. We don’t just provide excellent insurance services to Perth customers, we take the time to get to know our customers and engage with the Perth community. BrokerLink participates in a wide range of local and charity endeavours to better the community around us. Contact BrokerLink to learn more about our values as a company.
Contact us
At Perth 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 visit us in person. 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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FAQs about Perth car insurance
What types of car insurance can an insurance broker in Perth help me find?
You might be surprised to learn just how many types of car insurance a broker in Perth can help you find. Whether you’re looking for standard coverage or an enhanced policy, a broker can help you find it. In addition, insurance brokers are trained to help customers find everything from motorcycle insurance to first-time car insurance.
Do insurance companies offer free car insurance quotes in Perth?
Yes. Many insurance companies and insurance brokerages offer free car insurance quotes to Perth drivers. Get in touch, be prepared to answer a few questions, and get ready to receive your free estimate.
How can I find cheap car insurance in Perth, Ontario?
You can lower your Perth car insurance rates by asking a broker about relevant car insurance discounts. For example, there are all kinds of discounts out there, from telematics and winter tire discounts to employment and education-based discounts, hybrid and electric car discounts, or even discounts for senior drivers. Inquire with your local insurance broker or insurance company about car insurance discounts that may apply to you.
If I get into a collision in Perth, how will my premium be impacted?
It depends on the coverage you have and the circumstances of the accident. If you are at fault for the accident and your policy does not cover accident forgiveness, your rates will likely increase the next time your policy is renewed. However, if this was your first at-fault accident and you have accident forgiveness coverage, if you choose to use your accident protector, your rates will stay the same. Alternatively, if you were not at fault for the accident, your rates will likely remain unaffected. Your rates may still increase due to inflation or rate changes in insurance companies, however there would not be a surcharge for your accident.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
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