Car Insurance Thorold

Mandatory auto insurance coverage in Thorold

Car insurance is not optional in Ontario. Rather, it is compulsory, meaning all Ontario drivers are required to hold valid, up-to-date car insurance at all times. The provincial government has also dictated that car insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirements, which includes having $200,000 in third party liability coverage at all times. Failing to obtain car insurance, or purchasing car insurance with less than $200,000 in liability coverage, can result in a hefty fine. If caught driving without insurance in Ontario, drivers can be charged up to $25,000 for a first offense and up to $50,000 for a repeat offense. For this reason, we strongly suggest buying quality auto insurance.

Further, several components make up a car insurance policy. In Ontario, there are multiple types of coverage that drivers are required to have included in their policy (including the third party liability coverage mentioned above). To ensure you purchase a policy that not only provides adequate protection but that meets the requirements set by the province, be sure to purchase car insurance that has the following four types of coverage:

Liability coverage

Liability coverage is a key element of any auto insurance policy in Thorold. This type of coverage offers protection against the cost of bodily injury or property damage, should you be involved in an accident that you are at fault for. Liability coverage can help pay for medical expenses if you were injured in the accident, vehicle repairs if your vehicle was damaged, as well as legal representation or court fees. As mentioned above, Ontario drivers are required to carry $200,000 in third party liability coverage at all times.

Direct compensation

If you get into a car accident you are not at fault for, you can use direct compensation to cover the associated costs.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage protects you and any passengers in your vehicle should you get into a collision with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Accident benefits coverage

If you, a passenger, or a pedestrian requires medical attention following a collision, no matter who was at fault for the collision, accident benefits coverage can help cover the costs.

How are Thorold insurance premiums calculated?

Car insurance companies consider all kinds of factors when determining auto insurance rates. A driver’s age, marital status, driving record, claims history, annual mileage, and more, are all taken into account by insurers. So Thorold drivers are prepared when buying car insurance, we’ve compiled a list of the most common factors that impact insurance premiums:

• Location
• Age
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Type of vehicle you drive
• Claims history
• Annual mileage
• Prior insurance coverage
• Your deductible
• Local laws
• How you use your vehicle
• Marital status

How to get cheap car insurance

While purchasing auto insurance is a smart choice, it can be expensive to do so. On average, car insurance costs Ontario drivers between $1,300 and $1,800 annually, with young drivers, those with bad driving records, and those who live in major cities typically paying the highest premiums. However, there are ways to minimize the cost of car insurance. A list of tips on how to get cheap car insurance in Thorold can be found below.

• Choose annual over monthly payments
• Purchase car insurance for more than one vehicle (savings of up to 20%)
• Buy multiple insurance policies together (i.e. buy home insurance + car insurance or business insurance + car insurance etc.) and purchase them from the same provider (savings of up to 15%)
• Install winter tires on your vehicle (savings of up to 10% in Ontario)
• Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle (savings of up to 5%)
• Increase your deductible
• Enroll in driving school (for young drivers)

4 pieces of advice for young drivers in Thorold

Driving for the first time can be scary. Between the passing cars, varying speed limits, and busy intersections, getting behind the wheel can be a stressful experience, especially for young drivers. To make your first few driving experiences go as smoothly as possible, we’ve compiled four tips to help young drivers adjust to the road in Thorold.

Attend driving school

Our #1 piece of advice for new drivers? Attend a driving school. Receiving formal instruction from a professional is one of the best ways to develop safe driving habits and hone your skills. Most Ontario driving schools provide a mix of in-class and in-car experience. Enrolling in a driving course not only gives young drivers a chance to practice with someone other than their parents, but it can reduce the cost of car insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who can prove they attended driving school.

Give yourself extra space

Whenever you’re on the road, remember that space is your friend. The more space you have, the more time you have to make a decision, and the less likely you are to get into an accident. Aim to leave two car lengths between you and the car in front of you at all times.

Drive slowly

Our third piece of advice is to slow down. 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).

Be aware of your surroundings

Drivers should be aware of their surroundings at all times, and one way to achieve this is by checking your mirrors. Every few seconds, glance into your rear-view and side mirrors and take note of any vehicles behind you. Further, when looking ahead, don’t focus solely on the car in front of you. Rather, scan all lanes so you're aware of cars beside you, as well as ahead of you.

The right approach to insurance

Make shopping for car insurance easier than ever before by working alongside a reputable insurance broker like BrokerLink.

BrokerLink offers a hassle-free auto insurance experience to all Thorold drivers. We take the time to understand your lifestyle and driving habits, all so that we can find you the most comprehensive car insurance coverage at the best possible price.

Choose to take advantage of BrokerLink’s unparalleled resources and expertise, and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Get a free Thorold car insurance quote today

Interested in learning more about Thorold car insurance? We can help!

Here at BrokerLink, we specialize in Ontario car insurance, which means we know the ins and outs of the industry and can ensure you receive the most competitive policy out there.

Plus, we work for you, the customer, not the insurance companies. We are always available to take your calls, answer your emails, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also take the time to walk you through your policy, ensuring you understand every detail.

To discuss BrokerLink’s services, learn more about Ontario car insurance, or receive a free quote, get in touch today.

Give us a call and speak directly to a broker, visit us in person at one of our many locations in Ontario, or contact us online.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch to begin your car insurance journey. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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