At Ontario West\/Bill Blaney Insurance Brokers (OWBBIB), our team will guide you to find the most impactful way to save money on your auto insurance. The following are some key examples of how to reduce your premiums:<\/p>
Higher Deductible:<\/strong> One of the best ways to save money on car insurance is to select a higher deductible. The deductible is the portion of the claim that you agree to pay. In most cases, the higher the deductible the lower the premium.<\/p>Minimize Claims:<\/strong> Another way to save is not to make a lot of small claims. The more claims you put through, the more you will be seen as a risk to insure.<\/p>Discounts:<\/strong> Some insurance companies will offer discounts for placing more than one line of business with their organization. Others will give discounts if you have installed protection devices into your auto. There are also group discounts or rates available from some companies to members of an eligible organized group.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n What is a deductible?<\/span>\n \n
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Your car insurance deductible is the amount you agreed to pay in the event of a loss when you make a claim. The amount you pay is calculated based on many other factors, e.g., value of the vehicle, rate groups, and the number of claims associated with the coverage purchased.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n What is Pleasure use and Commute use?<\/span>\n \n
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Pleasure or commute use is a rating indicator of how you use your vehicle and how often. The simple way to determine whether you use your car for pleasure or commute is to ask yourself where you drive and how regularly.<\/p>
If you go to work or school every morning and come back using your car, that is classified as commute use.<\/p>
If you are only using the vehicle to run errands, go shopping, etc. on a sporadic basis, this would be classified as pleasure use.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n If I lend my car to a friend and they get in an accident, do my rates go up?<\/span>\n \n
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If you've given someone permission to use your vehicle, and they get into an accident, it will be your insurance rates that are affected.<\/p>
\u201cIf you lend your car, you lend your insurance\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n Does my automobile insurance policy cover me anywhere in the world?<\/span>\n \n
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No, your automobile policy covers you for incidents occurring in Canada, the United States, and on a vessel travelling between ports of those countries.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n What happens if I get a new car over the weekend and my insurance company is closed until Monday morning \u2013 can I drive it and is it covered?<\/span>\n \n
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A newly acquired automobile is automatically covered for up to 14 days; however, the newly acquired vehicle is only covered for what your existing vehicle is currently covered for.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n What type of insurance do I need if my vehicle is being financed or leased?<\/span>\n \n
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If you recently purchased a vehicle that is either being financed or leased, then you may be required to carry full coverage. This would need to consist of Liability, Collision and Comprehensive (or All Perils), with a minimum deductible of $500, in most cases.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n Do I need to add my son or daughter when they get their license?<\/span>\n \n
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Yes, only when they have successfully completed the graduated licensing program from G1 to G2. Please contact your broker once they have been awarded with a G2 license to have them added as a listed driver on your insurance plan.<\/p>
If they have completed a certified Driver\u2019s Education Course, please make sure to indicate that as well, as it may assist the insurance rating.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n Am I covered if I am the victim of a hit-and-run?<\/span>\n \n
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If the driver of the vehicle who hit your car cannot be identified, your claim will be paid out under the Collision portion of your automobile insurance policy and subject to your deductible depending on your provider. However, if your auto policy does not have Collision coverage, you may have to pay for the damages out of pocket.<\/p>
If the driver who hit your car can be identified: report the incident to the police or a collision reporting centre (if damage is greater than $2,000) as well as to us, as soon as possible. If the driver has insurance, the loss will be paid out of Direct Compensation section of your insurance policy.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n What is \"no-fault\" insurance, and how does it work in Ontario?<\/span>\n \n
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\"No-fault\" insurance means that each driver\u2019s insurance company will cover their policyholder's claim, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. This speeds up the claims process and ensures everyone receives the necessary support from their own insurer.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n How does Direct Compensation \u2013 Property Damage (DCPD) coverage work?<\/span>\n \n
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DCPD coverage applies if you\u2019re not at fault for an accident. Your insurance will cover the repair costs for your vehicle to the extent you were not responsible, even if the other driver is at fault. It only applies if an accident occurs in Ontario with an insured vehicle.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n What should I do if I'm in a car accident?<\/span>\n \n
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If you are in an accident, follow these steps:<\/p>
Stop your vehicle immediately.<\/li> Ensure safety and check for injuries. If there are injuries, do not move the victim(s) and call 911. Follow directives accordingly.<\/li> Exchange information with the other driver(s), such as name, address, phone number, insurance company and policy number.<\/li> Take pictures and video of the scene and damage. Make note of the damage to both vehicles and names of passengers, their position in the vehicle(s), as well as licence plates of vehicles at the scene.<\/li> Report the accident to the police if: the damage exceeds $2,000; someone is injured; or a crime is involved.<\/li> Notify your insurance broker or company promptly and provide any required details. Discuss the claims process and next steps.<\/li><\/ol><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n How do I file a claim, and how long does it take to settle?<\/span>\n \n
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Contact your insurance broker or company promptly to file a claim. Provide necessary details and documents, such as accident reports and photos. Settlement time varies depending on the claim's complexity but can take a few days to several weeks.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n Am I covered if items are stolen from my car?<\/span>\n \n
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No, your auto policy covers only items usual to and attached to your car, not the possessions you keep in it. To have coverage for theft of items inside your car, you need to have adequate coverage through your home or tenant insurance policy. If you aren\u2019t sure that you have the right coverage in place, contact us, and we will review your policy with you to ensure you are adequately insured.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n Does my policy provide a rental car if I need one?<\/span>\n \n
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If you have the OPCF-20 (Loss of Use) endorsement added to your policy; in the event of an insured loss (such as a collision, hail, fire, theft or additional upset) you will be provided a rental vehicle for use while your vehicle is not drivable and while repairs are being completed. The endorsement has a maximum amount payable or allotment of days. A rental car is available without collision in a not at fault loss once a third party is identified, found responsible, and insured.<\/p>
The OPCF-20 does not provide coverage if you are renting a vehicle for your own personal use.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \n Will my insurance premium increase after an accident?<\/span>\n \n
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Your premium may increase if you\u2019re found at fault in an accident. However, some insurers offer accident forgiveness protection for additional premium, which may prevent a rate increase if it\u2019s your first at-fault accident. Always check your policy details to understand how accidents might affect your premium.<\/p><\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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