Calculating car insurance in Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County drivers may find it helpful to understand exactly how insurance premiums are calculated. When determining car insurance rates, insurers consider a multitude of factors. Although each insurance company may weigh each detail differently, below is a list of the most common factors influencing how much you pay in car insurance:
- Location
- Age
- Make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Past claims
- Annual mileage
- Prior insurance coverage
- Your deductible
- Local laws
- How you use your vehicle
- Marital status
Driving history = driving experience + driving record
As mentioned above, there are many factors that car insurance companies consider when calculating premiums. Annual mileage, location, marital status, and age can all determine how much you spend on auto insurance. But there is one factor that reigns supreme when it comes to calculating your insurance premium and that is your driving history.
Driving history combines one’s driving experience and driving record. From the insurer’s perspective, the more driving experience a person has, the better their driving skills, and the lower their insurance premium will be. This logic is the reason young drivers often pay the highest insurance premium - because they have very little experience under their belts.
However, in order to qualify for a lower insurance premium, ample driving experience must be coupled with a clean driving record. A clean driving record means a record without tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other illegal incidents that result in demerit points. The better your record, the less you will pay for insurance.
Conversely, if your record is full of speed tickets and collisions, then you will almost certainly pay more in car insurance.
Therefore, if you’re looking to save money on Prince Edward County car insurance, do yourself a favour and follow the rules of the road.
How to pay less for auto insurance in Prince Edward County
Car insurance can be expensive, but there are ways to save money if you know what to look for. Experts like BrokerLink are always happy to offer their guidance when it comes to paying less for car insurance. Our top tips for finding a car insurance policy that won’t break the bank are below. Saving money on car insurance just got easier!
- Purchase car insurance for multiple vehicles together (savings of up to 20%)
- Buy multiple insurance policies (travel insurance, home insurance, etc…) from the same provider (savings of up to 15%)
- Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle (savings of up to 5%)
- Increase your deductible
- Enroll in driving school (for young drivers)
- Pay auto insurance annually rather than monthly
- Install winter tires on your car
Is car insurance mandated in Prince Edward County?
The short answer? Yes. In Canada, the government of each province and territory gets to decide whether car insurance is mandatory. In Ontario, car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers. Prince Edward County car insurance must include several types of coverage, including $200,000 in third party liability coverage.
Uninsured motorists in Prince Edward County
Since car insurance is compulsory in Ontario, Prince Edward County drivers who choose to drive without insurance are breaking the law - and as such can be subject to severe fines if caught.
Specifically, if caught driving without insurance in Ontario, you can be fined between $5,000 and $25,000 for a first offence. If caught a second time, the maximum fine doubles to $50,000. To make matters worse, there is a 15% surcharge applied to all uninsured motorist fines.
Ultimately, driving without insurance in Prince Edward County is simply not worth the risk. So if you have yet to purchase car insurance or your existing policy is about to expire, contact a local broker to find out your options. A broker will explain the coverage options available to you, ensure you understand the mandatory coverage required in Ontario, and will help you find an affordable car insurance policy that meets your needs.
The 4 components of mandatory car insurance in Ontario
Car insurance policies are complex, consisting of several types of coverage. The four types of coverage below are an essential part of all car insurance policies in Ontario and are designed to protect all drivers, passengers, and cars on the road. Please note that no matter whether you lease, finance, or own your vehicle, all Prince Edward County drivers are legally required to hold valid car insurance that features the following types of coverage.
Third party liability coverage
Third party liability coverage protects the policyholder against the cost of bodily injury or property damage following a collision that they are at fault for. Beyond paying for medical expenses and vehicle repairs, liability coverage can also help cover the costs of legal counsel and court fees if necessary. In Ontario, drivers must carry a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage at all times.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage comes into play when you, a passenger, or a pedestrian require medical attention following an accident. No matter who is liable for the accident, you can still recover compensation thanks to accident benefits coverage. When choosing an auto insurance policy, pay close attention to the accident benefits section in order to understand the limits of this type of coverage.
Direct compensation
Unlike third party liability coverage, direct compensation coverage comes into play if you get into an accident that was not your fault. Like liability coverage, direct compensation can help you cover the costs associated with bodily injury or property damage. For this type of coverage, you are responsible for filing a claim directly with your insurance provider to recover compensation (hence the name “direct” compensation).
Uninsured automobile coverage
This type of coverage protects you and any passengers in your vehicle if you’re involved in an accident with an at-fault motorist who is either uninsured or underinsured.
4 tips for young drivers in Prince Edward County
Driving can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time behind the wheel. But it’s important to remember that driving is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice and patience to master. So if you’re a young driver in Prince Edward County with limited experience, don’t get discouraged. With time and dedication, you will become a confident and responsible driver. In the meantime, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you adjust to the road.
Keep your eyes moving
Keeping your eyes on the road is important, but so too is being aware of your surroundings. And the only way to do this is by moving your eyes. Check your rear-view and side mirrors regularly to get an idea of the cars beside and behind you. In addition, don’t keep your eyes locked on the one vehicle in front of you. Instead, scan for cars in all lanes ahead of you. A good driver is aware of what’s happening ahead of them, beside them, and behind them at all times. The more aware you are of other vehicles on the road, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident.
Enroll in driving school
Enrolling in driving school is one of the smartest choices you can make as a new driver. There are driving schools all across Ontario, most of which offer a mix of in-class and in-car lessons. Attending driving school is a great way to learn more about the rules of the road and the driving habits you should aspire to adopt. Attending driving classes also gives young drivers an opportunity to practice driving alongside someone other than their parents, which can be intimidating. Lastly, attending a driving school in Ontario can save you money on car insurance, which is helpful for young drivers whose insurance premiums are often the highest.
Drive slowly
Our third tip is to slow down. Whenever you’re on the road, try to remain calm and take your time. Whether you’re accelerating, braking, turning, or parking, there’s no reason to rush. In addition, always drive the speed limit (or below it in a construction zone or poor weather conditions). The slower you drive, the more time you will have to react, and the less likely you are to get into an accident.
Give yourself ample space
One final tip for young drivers in Prince Edward County is to give yourself ample space on the road. Aim to leave two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you, increasing this distance if driving on the highway or in inclement weather. This way, if you have to stop suddenly, you have plenty of space to do so safely.
The right approach to car insurance
Getting comprehensive coverage at a competitive rate takes hard work, time, and dedication - three things that not everyone can spare. That’s why we’re here.
As one of the leading insurance brokerages in Ontario, BrokerLink is always available to offer our resources and expertise. Our team of skilled and friendly insurance advisors is ready to dedicate their time to finding you your perfect car insurance policy.
We will work tirelessly, obtaining quotes from competing auto insurance providers and comparing them to ensure you receive the best coverage at the best possible price. If it’s amazing results you’re after, look no further than BrokerLink.
Let us be responsible for every step of the process, helping you navigate the minefield of your insurance policy with ease.
At the end of the day, you can always count on BrokerLink to make shopping for car insurance an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Learn More About Prince Edward County Car Insurance By Getting in Touch Today
Still have questions about Prince Edward County car insurance? We can help!
To learn more about auto insurance in PEC, get in touch today.
The BrokerLink team is always on hand to take your calls, emails, or chat with you in person at one of our many nearby locations in Ontario.
If you make us your go-to resource for car insurance, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
We will explain the various coverage options available to you and help you compare quotes, all in an effort to find you the perfect auto insurance policy.
We also offer free car insurance quotes to all Prince Edward County drivers. Providing accurate and competitive quotes is our specialty here at BrokerLink.
To take advantage of our 100% obligation-free quotes, speak with a broker today or use our online calculator.
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