Car Insurance in Petawawa

Is car insurance mandatory in Petawawa?

In short? Yes. Car insurance is a requirement no matter where you drive in Ontario. Driving without it is illegal. Driving with a policy that does not meet Ontario’s minimum coverage requirements is also illegal. Thus, you must make sure that your policy features the following four types of coverage, each of which is compulsory in Petawawa:

• Third party liability coverage (a minimum of $200,000 of it)
• Accident benefits coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage coverage
• Uninsured motorist coverage

How compulsory car insurance coverage works in Petawawa

Now that you know car insurance in Petawawa is mandatory, you might be wondering how it works. There are four types of auto insurance that all drivers must have, and each is designed to protect policyholders from different risks of the road. From bodily injury and property damage to hit and runs, we explain how compulsory car insurance works in Petawawa below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is a type of car insurance that covers you when you are liable for a car accident. In essence, if you cause a car accident, you can claim third party liability insurance to help cover the costs that stem from it. For example, if the other driver is injured and required medical attention or their car is dented and needs to be repaired, it is the liability coverage portion of your Petawawa insurance policy that would pay for these costs. Third party liability insurance can also cover legal fees, including defence and settlement fees.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage covers Petawawa drivers if someone requires medical attention following a collision. For example, if the policyholder, another driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian involved in the accident is injured, accident benefits can help pay for any medical expenses incurred. While Ontario health insurance will likely pay for a good chunk of these expenses, additional expenses may not be covered, like rehabilitation or prescription medication, and that’s where accident benefits come in. Accident benefits coverage can also pay for loss of income that relates to bodily harm after a car accident.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

If you get into a car accident and your vehicle is damaged as a result, you can claim direct compensation - property damage coverage. This type of coverage is relatively simple. As long as the accident was not entirely your fault,, you can receive a payout that covers the cost of vehicle repairs, less your policy deductible and up to the coverage limit, directly from your insurance company.

Uninsured motorist coverage

With uninsured motorist coverage, you will be covered if you get into an accident with a driver who falls into one of the following three unique categories:

• An uninsured motorist: a motorist who does not have any car insurance whatsoever, and is therefore driving illegally
• An underinsured motorist: a motorist who does not have sufficient auto insurance coverage to pay for the cost of the damages from the accident
• An unidentified motorist: a motorist who you never learn the identity of because they fled the scene of the accident, e.g. in the case of a hit and run

How optional auto insurance works in Petawawa

As with mandatory car insurance coverage, optional auto insurance also serves to protect drivers. However, it protects them in different ways, such as by protecting your vehicle from damage while parked or covering the cost of alternate transportation if your car is being repaired. Further, unlike mandatory coverage, optional coverage is not a legal requirement in Ontario, which means Petawawa drivers have a say in whether or not to add the following types of coverage to their policies. Although the following four types of auto insurance coverage are optional, many policyholders choose to add them to their plans due to the extra protection and therefore peace of mind they provide:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage is almost like an extension of direct compensation - property damage coverage in that it covers drivers whose cars are damaged in accidents. However, collision coverage will cover you no matter if you caused the accident or not, whereas direct compensation only covers drivers who are not at fault for the accident. In addition, you can be reimbursed under the collision coverage portion of your policy in a wider variety of circumstances, such as if you got into an accident with an animal or object on the road.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is unique in that it offers protection to drivers against risks other than collisions or upsets. This type of coverage is also known as parked car insurance as it covers drivers whose cars are damaged or stolen while parked. Note that damage to your vehicle will only be covered if it was caused by a peril that is named in your policy. Comprehensive coverage in your Petawawa auto insurance policy includes fire, vandalism, theft, wind, water damage, and falling objects. Buying all perils coverage is also an option if you want the broadest amount of protection, as this combines collision and comprehensive under a single deductible.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Petawawa 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 can provide peace of mind to Petawawa drivers when their vehicles are damaged and being repaired in the shop. Depending on the extent of the damage, a mechanic may take days or even weeks to order parts and repair your car. During this time, you would be left without a vehicle. Unless you have a second car in your household, you might be forced to take other modes of transportation during this time. Renting a car or taking taxis can add up quickly. But with loss of use coverage, your insurance provider would help cover the costs of alternate transportation while your car is out of commission. Whether that means taxis, Uber or a rental car.

What factors impact Petawawa car insurance rates?

Are you curious about which factors influence auto insurance rates in Petawawa? The reality is that tons of factors have the ability to affect how much you pay for auto insurance in Petawawa. Some of these factors are within your control but many are out of them. Understanding which factors come into play can not only help you make sense of your own premium but will also explain why insurance rates can differ so significantly, even among motorists in Petawawa. Below is a list of factors that your insurance agent is likely to consider before setting your premium:

• 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

Contact BrokerLink to request a free car insurance quote today. A car insurance quote will instantly let you know how much you can expect to pay for an auto insurance plan when it comes time to buy coverage.

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How to lower your insurance premium in Petawawa, Ontario

Car insurance might seem expensive in Ontario, but there are always ways that you can cut costs. The BrokerLink team is dedicated to helping Petawawa customers find auto insurance coverage on any budget, which is why we are always happy to offer money-saving tips. Below is a list of broker-approved strategies for lowering your Petawawa auto insurance premium:

• Pay for your insurance policy yearly instead of monthly and make all payments on time.
• Do not purchase coverage you don’t need, e.g. comprehensive or collision coverage for an old car of little value.
• Choose the highest deductible amounts that would be financially feasible for you in the event of a claim.
• Sign up for a defensive driving course or driving lessons offered by an approved driver’s education company.
• Drive less by carpooling, walking, cycling, or taking public transit where possible, all of which reduce your odds of getting into an accident.
• Increase traction when driving on snow or ice by adding winter tires to your car.
• Obey all traffic laws, such as posted speed limits, to reduce the odds of a driving infraction and increase the odds of a clean driving record.
• Make your car less of a target for thieves and less likely to be successfully stolen by installing an anti-theft device in it.
• Drive an environmentally-friendly car like a hybrid or electric car to qualify for a Petawawa auto insurance discount.
• Speaking of car insurance discounts, ask a broker about the types of car insurance discounts offered by Ontario insurance companies, like occasional driver, telematics, winter tire, or employer discounts.
• Receive a major discount by buying multiple auto insurance policies bundling insurance policies.
• Choose a vehicle that is known for its safety and reliability rather than its speed capabilities.
• Seek help from a licensed insurance advisor in Petawawa who will compare policies for you, give you tips on how to save money, and unlock discounts on your behalf.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink takes a customer-first approach to car insurance. We want our customers to be 100% satisfied with their insurance policies. We also want our customers to feel supported, which is why we get involved in each community we operate in, including Petawawa. Learn more about BrokerLink’s insurance services and our core values of respect, generosity, integrity, and community by reaching out to us today.

Contact us

At Petawawa 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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FAQs about auto insurance in Petawawa

How can I renew my auto insurance policy in Petawawa?

If you want to renew car insurance in Petawawa, there are a few ways you can do it, but they all involve contacting your insurance provider. Depending on the company, you can likely contact them by phone, email, or in person to let them know that you want to renew your policy for another year. At this time, you can update your coverage if necessary and ask about any changes to your premium, if applicable. When you first purchase your policy, make sure that you set a reminder about the renewal date, as it is always best to renew your policy before it expires rather than after it expires. Expired car insurance renewal is still possible but it can take longer. Plus, if you wait too long to renew your policy after it expires, it will show up as a gap in coverage on your policy, which can lead to a higher premium. For help with the insurance renewal process, reach out to an insurance broker or agent in your area.

If I get into a car accident in Petawawa, will my insurance premium go up?

It could, but it depends on a couple of circumstances. First, it depends on whether you were liable for the collision or not. If you are deemed to be at fault for the accident, then your insurance rates are very likely to increase when your policy next renews. The only exception to this is if your policy contains accident forgiveness coverage. When you purchase accident forgiveness, your car insurance premium will stay the same following your first at-fault accident. However, if the accident you just got into was a second or subsequent at-fault accident, then your rates will still increase. Lastly, if the accident you were involved in was not your fault, then your premium will likely not be affected.

Does Petawawa car insurance cover me if my car is stolen?

Maybe. It depends if your Petawawa car insurance coverage includes comprehensive coverage. If you have comprehensive coverage and theft is a named peril, then your insurance company can help you pay to replace your vehicle if it is stolen. Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage only covers your entire car being stolen, not specific belongings being stolen from your car, like a phone or wallet. However, these items may be covered under a home or tenants insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage can also reimburse policyholders for damage to their vehicles that is caused by other perils, like vandalism, fire, water, or falling objects, to name a few.

Will I need to show my driver’s licence when buying car insurance in Petawawa?

Yes. You cannot buy car insurance without a driver’s licence in Ontario, which is why your insurance agent or broker will certainly ask to see a copy of your driver’s licence. You will also need to show copies of driver’s licences for any other drivers you wish to include in your policy.

Does my Petawawa auto insurance policy cover me if I leave Ontario?

Maybe. If you are leaving the province temporarily, then you will likely be covered. On the other hand, if you are leaving the province permanently, such as if you are moving, then your policy will need to be updated or cancelled to arrange for coverage in your new area. If you are planning to move, notify your insurance company as quickly as possible and research the insurance options available to you in your new home. Make sure that you avoid a gap in coverage by having your new policy begin the day that your existing policy ends.

What are the consequences if I am caught driving without car insurance in Petawawa?

The consequences for driving without car insurance in Petawawa vary and are ultimately at the discretion of the officer who pulls you over. However, the possible penalties for uninsured driving in Ontario are as follows:

• Maximum fines of between $25,000 and $50,000
• A 25% surcharge on any fines incurred
• The impoundment of your vehicle
• The suspension of your driver’s licence for a period of 30 to 365 days

How much will I pay for auto insurance in Petawawa?

Have you ever wondered, “How much is car insurance per month in Ontario?” You are not alone. Research shows that Ontario drivers can expect to pay between $125 and $158 per month for car insurance. However, rates vary depending on where you live in the province and other factors like your age, driving record, gender, average mileage, and more. Request a free quote from an insurance company or broker near you if you want to find out how much Petawawa car insurance will cost.

Do I need third party liability coverage if I want to drive in Petawawa?

Yes. Third party liability coverage is one of the four mandatory coverage types in Ontario, along with uninsured motorist coverage, accident benefits coverage, and direct compensation - property damage coverage. For your car insurance plan to be valid in Ontario, it must contain at least $200,000 in third party liability coverage. Liability coverage will protect you if you cause a car accident that results in bodily harm or property damage.

How do credit scores affect Petawawa car insurance rates?

Credit scores can affect your Petawawa car insurance premium by lowering or raising it. It depends on your credit score. High credit scores will make you look more financially responsible, and as such, an insurance company may lower your rates. Conversely, a low credit score will make you look more financially irresponsible, which can result in a higher premium. It is worth noting that not all Ontario insurance companies consider credit scores when assessing your risk. And even if they do, your credit score is one of a multitude of factors that will be considered, many of which are likely to be weighed more heavily than your credit score. For example, your age, driving record, location, your selected deductible amounts, and the type of car you drive are all likely to have a much larger impact on your final premium.

How can I renew my auto insurance policy in Petawawa?

If you want to renew car insurance in Petawawa, there are a few ways you can do it, but they all involve contacting your insurance provider. Depending on the company, you can likely contact them by phone, email, or in person to let them know that you want to renew your policy for another year. At this time, you can update your coverage if necessary and ask about any changes to your premium, if applicable. When you first purchase your policy, make sure that you set a reminder about the renewal date, as it is always best to renew your policy before it expires rather than after it expires. Expired car insurance renewal is still possible but it can take longer. Plus, if you wait too long to renew your policy after it expires, it will show up as a gap in coverage on your policy, which can lead to a higher premium. For help with the insurance renewal process, reach out to an insurance broker or agent in your area.

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