Car insurance in Windsor

Compulsory car insurance coverage for Windsor drivers

Car insurance is not an option in Windsor. According to the provincial government of Ontario, it is compulsory, which means if you want to get behind the wheel in Windsor, you must have valid auto insurance coverage. There are four specific types of coverage that all Windsor motorists must have, and they are outlined below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance, also known as third party liability insurance, is one of the most important types of mandatory auto insurance coverage. Windsor drivers must have no less than $200,000 of it in their policies at all times. It protects policyholders if they get into an at-fault accident. Specifically, third party liability insurance can help pay for legal fees, and repair fees associated with the at-fault accident.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is also compulsory in Ontario and it is designed to protect drivers if they get into a collision that causes bodily harm. Whether the harm was done to the policyholder or someone else involved in an accident, like a pedestrian, passenger, or the other driver, accident benefits insurance can cover the cost of medical attention. This type of coverage often pays for medical fees not covered by health insurance, including the likes of rehabilitation or prescription medication.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage is another required car insurance coverage type in Ontario. In contrast to accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage protects you if you get into an accident and your vehicle is damaged. Under this portion of your policy, you can be reimbursed for the cost of any necessary vehicle repairs directly by your insurance company.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage aims to protect policyholders against hit and runs and the reality of getting into an accident with a driver who does not have car insurance. With this type of compulsory coverage in your policy, you can receive a payout, even if you get into an accident with a driver who is underinsured, uninsured, or unidentified.

Optional car insurance coverage for Windsor drivers

Mandatory car insurance in Ontario is designed to protect Windsor drivers, their vehicles, and other drivers on the road from risk. However, mandatory car insurance coverage is fairly basic, which is why many motorists opt to include additional coverage or at the very least, higher coverage limits, in their policies. Some of the most commonly added optional coverages for Windsor car insurance policies are as follows:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage compensates policyholders for the cost of repairs if they get into a collision with another car or object while driving. Regardless of who was at fault for the accident, collision car coverage can still be claimed. Please note that collision coverage is optional for many Windsor drivers, but it can be mandatory in certain situations, such as if you lease or finance your vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is another type of coverage that is usually optional but can be mandatory if you lease or finance your vehicle. No matter whether you are obligated to purchase it or not, adding it to your policy is usually a smart choice as it is the only type of auto insurance coverage that protects your vehicle while parked. It is often referred to as parked car coverage and can protect you in the event that your car is damaged or stolen. The specific types of damage that comprehensive car insurance protects against depend on which perils are listed in your policy, but the most common are fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, water damage, and collisions with animals.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Windsor 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, or temporary vehicle replacement coverage, covers transportation costs in the event that your vehicle is damaged and is temporarily out of commission. For example, if you got into a car accident and your car was dented, you would have to take it to a repair shop. Depending on demand, it could take that auto body shop a week or more to repair your vehicle. During this time, if your policy included loss of use coverage, your insurance company would help pay for any alternative modes of transportation you were required to take. For example, while your car is being fixed, you might choose to take public transit or Ubers instead. You may also choose to rent a car until yours is functional again. With loss of use coverage, your insurance company would reimburse you for these added transportation costs up to the policy limit.

Auto insurance rates in Windsor

How much is car insurance per month in Ontario? This is a question on many drivers’ minds. The answer? It varies. Auto insurance rates in Windsor differ between policyholders because there are so many factors that come into play. An insurance company will consider all kinds of details when calculating your premium, from how old you are and the neighbourhood you live in to your personal driving record and claims history. For a complete list of factors that insurance companies take into account when determining your auto insurance rates, keep reading:

• 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

To learn more about how insurance companies calculate Windsor auto insurance premiums or to receive a free car insurance quote, contact BrokerLink.

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Save big on Windsor car insurance

Stop spending and start saving on Windsor car insurance by checking out the following tips. The BrokerLink Windsor team came together to create this list of expert tips, each of which will help you reduce your premium and keep Windsor car insurance costs low:

Get tips from a Windsor insurance broker

Asking a licensed insurance broker in Windsor for help is the first step to saving money on insurance. BrokerLink has an entire team of insurance brokers ready to find great coverage at a competitive rate that is tailor-made for you. We can also inform you about the various car insurance discounts out there and other strategies to help you minimize insurance costs in Windsor.

Select high policy deductibles

The higher your policy deductibles, the cheaper your Windsor car insurance premium will be. So assess your financial health and figure out what deductibles you can afford. From there, choose the highest that you are comfortable with. Remember that in the event of a claim, you will need to pay your deductible before the insurance company pays the rest, so don’t choose an amount that is out of reach.

Sign up for driving lessons

Signing up for driving lessons with an approved driver’s education program in Ontario is another way to save money on car insurance. If you can show an insurance company proof that you completed a recognized driver’s ed course in your province, you will likely qualify for a discount.

Install a telematics device in your car or download a telematics app onto your smartphone

Telematics car insurance discounts are a great way to save money on Windsor car insurance - if you can demonstrate good driving habits, that is. Telematics devices and mobile applications track your driving habits, like braking, accelerating, cornering, and more. The better and more responsibly you drive, the lower your car insurance rates will be. If you are interested in joining a telematics program, contact your local insurance provider for more information. We also recommend refreshing your memory on some of the most important safe driving tips before installing a telematics device in your car.

Drive less often

Driving less often can also save you money on Windsor car insurance. As insurance companies see it - the less time you spend on the road, the less likely you are to get into an accident, prompting an insurance claim. Thus, if your annual mileage is below average, you might be eligible for a cheaper car insurance plan. Taking it a step further, if your annual mileage is so low that you qualify as an occasional driver, you could receive a majorly discounted car insurance policy.

Bundle insurance policies

Bundling insurance policies is an ideal way of saving money on insurance if you have more than one policy to buy. In other words, if you are already looking for home insurance or motorcycle insurance on top of car insurance, or multiple auto insurance policies, bundling is likely the way to go. When you purchase an insurance bundle, you can save a significant amount on each policy. Plus, you will only have one expiry date to keep track of which makes it quick and convenient.

Prioritize reliability and safety

When purchasing a new car, think carefully about which make and model you want to buy before buying it. Why? The type of car you drive has a direct impact on how much you pay for car insurance. If you prioritize a car with a high safety and reliability rating, your auto insurance rates are likely to be lower than if you purchase a car with a lower safety rating or one with a high horsepower engine, like a sports car. In addition, the more expensive the car you buy, the more expensive your policy is likely to be, as the cost of repairing or replacing it in the event of damage or theft would be higher.

Buy a hybrid or electric vehicle

Another type of car insurance discount available to Windsor drivers is the hybrid and electric vehicle discount. To qualify for this discount, all you need to do is drive an eco-friendly vehicle, like a hybrid or electric car. So if you’ve been debating whether to go green and purchase an EV as your next vehicle, ask an insurance broker about the car insurance discount you can qualify for by doing so.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is honoured to be a part of the Windsor community. We were built on the pillars of community, excellence, and generosity, and we will continue to operate with integrity across Canada. Learn more about our high-quality insurance services and the work we do in the community by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Windsor 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. Whether you’re looking for Toronto car insurance or car insurance in another part of the province, such as Windsor, we are here. 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 Windsor FAQs

Does adding snow tires to my car result in a car insurance discount in Windsor?

Yes, adding winter tires to a car in Windsor can result in a car insurance discount. Insurance providers in Ontario are required to offer winter tire auto insurance discounts to any customer who meets the conditions. These conditions vary but typically, customers are simply required to have their winter tires installed by a certain date. All four winter tires may also need to be the same make and model. Make sure to notify your insurer about your winter tires if you wish to qualify for this type of discount.

How do I renew my Windsor car insurance policy?

Renewing car insurance in Windsor is easier than you might think. You can sign up for automatic renewals, which means that your coverage will automatically renew at the end of the term. Typically, policies will renew for another year. You can also call your insurance agent or broker in advance of your policy expiry date and let me know that you wish to renew your policy. Please note that it is important to contact your provider in advance of the end of the term. Otherwise, you may be dealing with expired car insurance renewal, which is still possible but is a bit more complicated and can lead to an increase in your premium.

If I get into an at-fault accident in Windsor, will my auto insurance premium go up?

In most cases, yes, the cost of car insurance will go up if you get into an at-fault accident. One exception to this is if you have accident forgiveness coverage in your policy, and this was your first at-fault accident. In this scenario, your premium would be unaffected due to the incident. However, if you got into a second or subsequent at-fault accident, your insurance premium would increase.

If my wallet is stolen from my car, does Windsor car insurance cover me?

If a personal belonging, such as a wallet, was stolen from your vehicle, your Windsor car insurance policy is unlikely to cover you. While some types of auto insurance coverage - namely comprehensive coverage - can protect you in the event that your vehicle is stolen, no type of car insurance coverage is designed to protect against personal belongings being stolen. However, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your policy, your insurance company may pay to repair your vehicle if it is damaged by a burglar in the process of stealing your belongings. Further, we recommend consulting your home insurance policy, as the contents coverage portion of that policy may cover personal items stolen from your car when your car is parked on your property.

Am I required to have an Ontario driver’s licence if I want to buy auto insurance in Windsor?

Yes, all insurance agents will ask for a copy of your driver’s licence when purchasing insurance. Your driver’s licence needs to be valid in order for you to purchase car insurance. If you want to list other drivers on your policy, be prepared to provide copies of their driver’s licences as well.

Can I drive outside Ontario with Windsor car insurance?

Yes, so long as you only travelling outside of Ontario temporarily. For example, if you are visiting another Canadian province on a family vacation, your Ontario car insurance should be sufficient. However, if you move provinces, you will need to notify your insurance company and update your coverage. At a minimum, you will need to inform them of your change in address, which is likely to impact your rates.

Depending on the minimum coverage requirements in the province you are moving to and the coverage currently included in your policy, you may also need to adjust your coverage. In some cases, if the insurance company you are currently with does not offer insurance in your new province of residence, you will need to cancel your policy altogether and purchase a new one.

What happens if I drive without car insurance in Windsor, Ontario?

Driving without insurance in Windsor is illegal, which means the consequences of getting caught are serious. While the specific penalty you receive is ultimately at the discretion of the police officer who pulls you over, the maximum fines for uninsured driving in Ontario go up to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for a second offence. On top of any fines incurred, you are required to pay a 25% surcharge. You can also have your driver’s licence temporarily suspended for anywhere from 30 to 365 days and have your car impounded.

How can I get a free car insurance quote in Windsor?

You can get a free insurance quote in Windsor by contacting a licensed insurance broker or agent. Many insurance companies and insurance brokers offer complimentary car, home, and business insurance quotes to Windsor customers. All you have to do is get in touch and ask, and you can receive a free quote in as little as five minutes.