Car Insurance in Whitby

Is car insurance mandatory in Whitby?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Whitby. However, not just any car insurance policy will do. Rather, your policy must comply with the Government of Ontario’s minimum coverage requirements. This means that it must contain the following four types of coverages:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance, or third party liability insurance, is an integral part of any insurance policy, including car insurance. It protects policyholders if they get into an accident that is their fault. Should this happen, your liability insurance coverage would kick in and pay for various costs associated with the incident, such as the cost of repairing your vehicle or another driver’s vehicle, the cost of medical expenses if the accident caused bodily harm to someone involved, and the cost of legal fees, settlements, and defence fees.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is the second type of mandatory coverage for Whitby drivers. It covers the cost of medical care if you get into a collision and that collision results in bodily harm or injury. In essence, accident benefits can reimburse policyholders for the cost of medical attention beyond what health insurance covers, such as physical therapy fees. It can also pay for loss of income due to injury in certain situations. Unlike liability coverage, accident benefits coverage can be claimed regardless of whether the policyholder caused the accident or not.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage (DCPD) coverage is the third type of mandatory coverage for Whitby drivers. Under this portion of your Whitby car insurance plan, you can receive compensation if you get into an accident and your vehicle is damaged. With direct compensation, the payout is usually made directly from the insurance company to you for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage safeguards Whitby drivers against the harsh reality of getting into a hit and run with a driver they don’t know the identity of. Similarly, it can also protect them should they get into an accident with a driver who does not have car insurance or does not have sufficient coverage to pay for the cost of the accident.

 

What other Whitby car insurance coverage should I add to my policy?

For many drivers, mandatory coverage isn’t enough. It’s a good start, but it offers fairly basic protection. That is why many Whitby drivers choose to add extra coverage to their policies. This is what’s known as optional coverage, and we’ve outlined some of the most popular forms of optional coverage in Ontario below.

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage will come in handy if you get into an accident with another vehicle, or object while driving. For example, if you accidentally collide with a guardrail and your car is damaged, the collision car insurance portion of your policy may reimburse you for the cost of repairs, less your deductible and up to the policy limit. Collision coverage is usually optional in Ontario but may be mandatory if you lease or own your car. It’s worth noting that this type of coverage can also be used whether the accident was your fault or not.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage, or parked car coverage, offers a unique form of protection in that it will pay for the cost of damage if your car is stolen or physically damaged by an insured peril. Insured risks or perils for comprehensive coverage may include falling objects, fire, theft, vandalism, windstorms, and water damage. As such, this type of optional car insurance coverage could help cover the cost of replacing your car if it was stolen or repairing it if a falling object, like a tree branch, fell on it and caused damage. In some cases, like if you lease or finance your vehicle in Whitby, comprehensive coverage might be required, so be sure to read the terms of your contract carefully. Further, for greater protection, you may choose to purchase all perils coverage, which combines comprehensive and collision coverage under the same deductible rather than two separate deductibles.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Whitby 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 is one last type of optional car insurance coverage worth considering. This coverage will pay for the cost of temporary transportation if your car is damaged and needs to be repaired. Depending on the extent of the damage and how busy your local auto body shop is, your car could take days or even weeks to be fixed. During this time, you might have no access to a vehicle, forcing you to take ride shares, public transit, or even rent a car. Loss of use coverage can help pay for whatever modes of transit you choose to take during this time. Keep in mind that loss of use coverage, as with any other type of car insurance coverage, has limits, so you will only be reimbursed for transportation expenses up to the policy limit.

How much does a car insurance policy cost in Whitby, Ontario?

No two Whitby drivers will pay the same for car insurance. Why? Due to the multitude of factors that are considered when an insurance company calculates your rates. To assess your risk, an insurer will ask about all sorts of details, like your age, driving record, average mileage, and more. Thus, since no two drivers are the same, no two premiums will be the same either. Below is a list of some of the biggest factors that you can expect a Whitby insurance agent to take into account when calculating your rates:

• 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

For an accurate idea of what your Whitby car insurance premium will be, contact BrokerLink Whitby to request a free quote from one of our licenced car insurance specialists today.

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Ways to save on Whitby car insurance

Thanks to BrokerLink, Whitby drivers can now save big on car insurance. As experts with years of experience in the Ontario insurance industry, we are always happy to share our knowledge and resources to help our customers get great rates for their policies. Below is a list of tips to help you find affordable auto insurance coverage in Whitby on any budget:

Seek help from a licensed insurance broker in Whitby

Insurance brokers like those at BrokerLink are not only licensed but they also have experience helping Whitby customers just like you find quality coverage. We can work within any budget and will prioritize affordable insurance above all else. Let us research insurance discounts you might qualify for and give you strategies on ways you can save.

Enrol in professional driving lessons

If you receive driving instruction from a professional, you can save big on car insurance in Ontario. All you have to do is enrol in an approved driver’s education course in your province, complete it, and show proof of completion to your insurance company. If you do this, you will likely be eligible for an auto insurance discount.

Obey the rules of the road

Driving safely in Ontario means obeying the rules of the road at all times. If you can do this, your odds of getting into an accident are lower. And as such, your claims history will be minimal, which can translate to cheaper rates. Contact BrokerLink to learn more safe driving tips that can help you save money on Whitby car insurance.

Reduce your annual mileage

Did you know that if you spend less time behind the wheel, you can actually save money on Whitby car insurance? It’s true. From an insurance company's perspective, driving equals risk, so the less frequently you drive, the less likely you will be to get into a collision, necessitating a claim. Thus, if you want to keep your Whitby car insurance premium low, consider swapping your car for a different mode of transit every once in a while, like cycling, walking, or public transportation. If these options don’t work for you, try carpooling or opt to work from home every once and a while. If you can keep your annual mileage under a certain threshold, you might even benefit from an occasional driver discount. Learn how to calculate mileage by contacting BrokerLink.

Bundle Whitby auto and home insurance policies

Bundling insurance policies can be extremely effective if you're looking to save money on car insurance. With bundling, you need to buy more than one policy at the same time, like multiple auto insurance policies. So it really only works if you are already in the market for a second car insurance policy or another type of insurance policy, like home insurance or business insurance. Contact BrokerLink if you want to learn more about bundling, including what conditions you need to meet to qualify for a bundle, what types of insurance products are eligible for bundling, and which Ontario insurance companies offer bundle packages.

Prioritize safety when buying a new car

Buying a new car? If the cost of insurance matters to you, think carefully before making your purchase. Cars with higher horsepower and low safety ratings almost always cost more to insure than economical cars with lower top speeds. Hybrid and electric vehicles may also cost less money to insure due to the fact that many Ontario insurance companies now offer discounts for those who drive eco-friendly vehicles. Further, generally speaking, cheaper cars are less expensive to insure since the cost of repairing or replacing them would be less compared to a more expensive or luxurious car. One final car-related factor that comes into play is theft rates. Research the theft rate of the car you're considering buying to find out if it has a high rate of theft. If it does, your insurance rates could be raised as a result.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink Whitby comprises a team of trusted insurance brokers who have got you covered - literally and figuratively - every step of the way. We take a customer driven approach to insurance that prioritizes the customer’s needs at all times. Learn more about our other core values of community, generosity, integrity, and excellence by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Whitby BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, travel plans, special events, 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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Car insurance Whitby FAQs

If I add snow tires to my car in Whitby, will I qualify for a car insurance discount?

Winter tire discounts are one of the most common types of car insurance discounts in Whitby. In fact, they are mandatory in Ontario for policyholders who meet the conditions. So if you want to save money on Whitby car insurance and make driving through Ontario’s harsh winters safer, consider trading in your summer or all-season tires for winter tires and notifying your insurance company. Common conditions that must be met to qualify for a winter tire discount include installing your winter tires by a date pre-determined by the insurance company each year and ensuring all four tires are the same size and brand.

How can I renew my Whitby auto insurance coverage?

Renewing car insurance coverage in Whitby is fairly simple. All you have to do is notify your insurance company or broker that you would like to renew your policy, which can usually be done in one of three ways: over the phone, in person at your nearest insurance office, or online. Typically, renewals can be taken care of by logging into your account on your insurance provider’s website. Further, in many cases, insurance policy renewals are automatic upon the expiry date, making the process even easier. Please note that you can also renew expired car insurance in the ways mentioned previously. However, if your policy has expired, this means that you likely had a lapse in coverage, which can affect your rates.

If I cause a car accident in Whitby, will my auto insurance premium be raised?

Yes, in most cases, at-fault accidents result in increased insurance premiums. And these increased rates can last years, given that most accidents stay on your Ontario driving record for a minimum of six years. The one scenario in which your car insurance premium would not be affected is if you have accident forgiveness coverage as part of your policy, in which case your rates would not increase due to your first at-fault accident. This does not mean your rates will not increase the next year at all, as there are many factors that influence rate changes for auto policies. Note that if you get into an accident that isn’t your fault, your policy is likely to be unaffected.

Does Whitby car insurance cover personal belongings stolen from my car?

No. Comprehensive car insurance covers the theft of your vehicle, if someone steals the entire car. However, it will not cover the cost of personal belongings being stolen from your car, like a wallet from your backseat. This might be covered by your home or tenants insurance policy, if applicable, but you will need to review the terms of it to confirm. The good news is that if your car was damaged by the burglar when they stole a personal item from your car, such as if they smashed a window to reach in and take your wallet, your insurance company may pay to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle.

Do I need an Ontario driver’s licence before buying auto insurance coverage in Whitby?

Yes. A valid driver’s licence is a requirement if you want to purchase Whitby car insurance. You must hold no less than a G2 licence in Ontario. Please note that if you are insuring any other drivers in your policy, they will also need valid driver’s licences.

Can I drive outside Ontario with a Whitby auto insurance policy?

Yes, if you are only driving outside of Ontario temporarily. For instance, if you’re heading to Florida on a family vacation or visiting family in the neighbouring province of Quebec for a week, you will have no issue using your Ontario auto insurance coverage. However, if you plan to move to a different province or country, you will need to notify your insurer and likely update or cancel your coverage. Anytime your address changes you must tell your insurance company, given that location is one of the main factors impacting your premium. Further, since car insurance is mandatory in Canada, if you move to a new province, you will need to make sure that your policy still complies with local laws. Just because your policy meets the requirements in Ontario doesn’t mean it will also meet the requirements in your new province. Lastly, some insurance companies don’t operate across Canada or internationally, so depending on where you are moving, you may need to cancel your policy and purchase new coverage from a different company.

Is driving without car insurance illegal in Whitby, Ontario?

Yes. Since car insurance is mandatory across Canada, driving without it is illegal. Thus, the consequences for getting caught behind the wheel without insurance are serious. In fact, Ontario has some of the most severe penalties for uninsured driving. Fines can go up to $25,000 for a first offence and up to $50,000 for a second offence. On top of this, you would be required to pay a 25% surcharge. You can also have your vehicle impounded and your driver’s licence suspended. Therefore, driving without insurance is not a smart choice in Whitby.

Are Whitby car insurance quotes free?

They can be! In fact, many insurance companies and brokers offer free quotes to Whitby drivers. If you are interested in receiving a free auto insurance quote, call your local insurance agent or broker and ask if they offer free estimates. You can also conduct a quick internet search, which will likely bring up several free online quote tools to help you get started.

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