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Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere and even the best drivers can get into an at-fault scenario on the road. How you deal with the aftermath and whether you’re responsible for paying for the entire portion of your repairs or replacements, comes down to whether or not you have collision insurance added to your insurance policy. From multi-vehicle accidents to single-vehicle collisions, collision insurance provides drivers with a financial safety net when it comes to repairing their vehicle.
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Collision car insurance is a type of optional coverage that covers damage to your vehicle that arises following an at-fault accident. It does not cover medical expenses or legal fees incurred from an accident. However, it will cover repair and replacement costs if your car is damaged, whether you accidentally hit another vehicle, hit a stationary object like a guardrail or lose control and flip into a ditch. The only costs you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket are your deductible when filing a claim, which is an amount of money you agree to pay when purchasing your insurance coverage.
Collision insurance coverage is different from liability insurance because (1) it’s not legally required for you to drive your vehicle and (2) it only pays for damage to your vehicle that you cause, not anyone else’s repairs. In other words, without collision insurance coverage on your plan, the only scenario in which your vehicle repairs or replacement costs would be covered is if you were hit by an at-fault driver. Otherwise, any damage to your vehicle you cause will be paid for out of pocket.
Vehicle repair costs are skyrocketing across Canada, largely due to inflation, advanced vehicle technology, rising labour costs and a shortage of available car parts. Collision coverage helps pay for your repairs or vehicle replacements, preventing you from absorbing the financial shock if you’re at fault for an accident. And while collision insurance is optional compared to other coverages like third-party liability, accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage, many drivers find it worthwhile given the high cost of vehicle repairs or replacement.
All drivers in Canada must carry valid auto insurance to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. However, because insurance is regulated by the provincial governments, the types of coverage and coverage minimums required will vary based on where you reside.
Third-party liability insurance
Accident benefits coverage
Uninsured automobile coverage
Direct compensation- property damage coverage
Comprehensive coverage
All perils
Specified perils
Loss of use (rental car)
Waiver of depreciation
Roadside assistance
Accident forgiveness
Liability car insurance helps pay for the cost of at-fault collisions that result in property damage or bodily injury to third parties. For example, you accidentally rear-end someone on the way to work or you back into someone while reversing from a parking stall. Should a lawsuit be filed against you, liability insurance can help pay repair bills or medical expenses incurred by the other party, including legal fees and settlement amounts. Liability insurance is mandatory in all provinces and territories, but coverage minimums do vary.
Accident benefits coverage helps pay for medical or rehabilitative care if you, your passengers or pedestrians are injured in a car accident, regardless of fault. This coverage is mandatory in most provinces under private insurance systems (including Ontario and Alberta under current frameworks), but specifics may change with provincial reforms. It reimburses the policyholder for medical treatment such as physical therapy or prescription medication. It may also cover funeral expenses and lost income.
This coverage is generally mandatory in most provinces, including Alberta, though structure and benefits vary by jurisdiction. It may cover your vehicle repairs if you get into an accident with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured. It also extends to hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Direct compensation-property damage (DCPD) coverage kicks into gear when an at-fault driver damages a policyholder’s vehicle. Rather than having to deal with the other driver’s insurance company, DCPD allows you to go through the claims process and be compensated by your own provider, ensuring you don’t experience any delays in your payout.
Comprehensive coverage protects drivers from non-collision damages, including theft, vandalism, fire, falling/flying objects, severe weather conditions and animal collisions. The only costs you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket when filing an insurance claim are your deductible. Note that, similar to collision coverage, if you have a vehicle lease or borrowed money from a financing company, you may be required to purchase comprehensive coverage.
All perils coverage combine collision and comprehensive coverage, subject to specified exclusions. While this endorsement comes with higher premiums, those with new cars often opt for this type of policy, as it offers better protection.
Specified perils only cover damage to your vehicle from perils specifically mentioned in your car insurance policy, offering lesser protection, but more affordable premiums, making it a good option for those with older vehicles with lower repair costs.
Loss of use coverage ensures you’re not paying out of pocket for alternative forms of transportation if your car is stuck in the shop for repairs after a covered event. Rental cars, rideshares and taxis can get expensive. But if you have loss of use coverage in place, your insurance company will reimburse you for these expenses until you can get your vehicle back.
Waiver of depreciation endorsements ensure policyholders are compensated for the agreed-upon value of their vehicle following theft or write-off, instead of its depreciated value. While this endorsement tends to increase your car insurance premiums, it does ensure you’ll receive a greater payout than you would if depreciation were considered, making this optional endorsement especially valuable for those who recently purchased a new car.
Roadside assistance is your emergency aid if you’re ever stuck on the side of the road due to an unexpected breakdown. Whether it’s due to a flat tire or you ran out of gas, roadside assistance covers towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, battery boosts and key lockouts.
One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is an optional endorsement that helps protect your driving record and prevent premium increases after your first at-fault claim.
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Finding the right coverage for your vehicle shouldn’t come with outrageous costs. Here are some tired and true ways you can save money on your insurance rates without cutting back on your coverage.
Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same provider may allow you to save up to 15% on your premiums.
If your household owns more than one vehicle, you can benefit from bundling your vehicles under a single car insurance policy. Most providers offer discounts when you insure more than one vehicle with them.
Canadian winters are no joke. While some provinces like Quebec and British Columbia require drivers to install winter tires during certain months of the year, those living in other provinces can benefit from equipping their vehicles with snow tires regardless, as most providers offer a 5% discount for doing so.
Going to driving school can help you save money on your car insurance plan. Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, you can benefit from a defensive driving course. Show your insurance company proof and you could get a discount on your insurance. Just make sure the course is approved by your province or insurer.
Telematics/usage-based insurance programs track your driving behaviours using a mobile app or an installed vehicle device. It monitors your acceleration, braking, cornering and other driving habits and rewards safe driving behaviours with significant savings on premium costs.
Some insurance companies in Canada offer good student discounts to those enrolled in college or university courses for maintaining a certain GPA throughout the semester.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), auto theft losses have increased by 200% over the past 10 years. To reduce your chances of being a victim of theft, consider installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle. Devices like steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, dash cameras and engine immobilizers can qualify you for a discount of 5%.
Drivers with no claims history are often rewarded with lower premiums, as they are considered lower risk.
Consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle. You won’t just save on gas. Many insurance companies offer discounts to those who drive eco-friendly cars.
Being a safe driver pays off more than you think. Insurance companies will often reward low-risk drivers with clean driving records with significant savings on their insurance premiums. The longer you go without at-fault accidents and other traffic convictions on your record, the more you’ll keep in your pocket.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket to your insurance provider when filing a claim, like under your collision insurance coverage. Deductibles range from $500 to $1000, and by opting for a higher deductible, you’re technically agreeing to take on more of a financial burden if a claim arises. But, in return, your insurance company will lower your premium costs. The key here is to balance savings and costs, but only opt for a higher amount if you can comfortably afford to pay more in the future.
Most insurance companies will add a 3% to 5% administrative fee to your premiums when you choose to pay monthly. This is mainly because it costs them money to process each of your payments. Therefore, if you pay your premium upfront, the surcharges will be removed from your rates, helping you keep more money in your pocket.
If you live in a province that operates under a private insurance system like Alberta or Ontario, you can benefit from shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance companies. While you may be with the same insurance provider for years, you may find better rates and coverage somewhere else, which is why you should always take the time to check before you’re up for a renewal.
Insurance brokers work independently from insurance companies, which means they have the ability to shop around on your behalf, compare insurance rates, unlock discounts and customize a plan that fits your needs and driving habits. You can access their services free of charge, either online or over the phone.
Your auto insurance needs can change throughout the year. To ensure your plan reflects these changes and your current needs, review your policy documents before they’re up for a renewal. Doing so can help you drop policies you no longer require and identify potential coverage gaps that may need filling moving forward.
When it comes to calculating your insurance costs, insurance companies consider several factors that create your overall driving profile. The higher your perceived risk as a customer, the more you can expect to pay for your coverage and vice versa. Some of the most common factors an insurance company will consider:
According to the CDC, teens between 16 and 19 years old are more at risk of being involved in a collision than any other age group. If you’re under the age of 25, you’ll be considered a high-risk customer. There’s no way around it. The more experience you have behind the wheel, the less likely you are to be involved in a collision and engage in risky driving behaviours. It’s not until you’ve proven that you are a responsible driver over a period of years that your rates will decrease, so driving safely and avoiding collisions is key.
If you have a history of at-fault accidents and traffic tickets, you’ll likely be considered a high-risk driver to your insurance company, which can translate to elevated insurance premiums between 25% and 50%. In contrast, those who are safe, responsible drivers with no accidents, tickets or convictions on their profile often qualify for the most affordable rates available.
Your postal code also matters. Providers will take into account claims and accident rates in your area to determine how at-risk you are of being in a collision. If you live in a metropolitan area, you’ll likely experience traffic congestion (which increases accident risk) and higher auto theft rates compared to someone living in a more rural area.
Insurers generally view a higher number of past claims as an indicator of increased future risk, which may = in higher future, which increases your premiums. In contrast, those without claims on their profile can expect savings.
If you own an expensive, luxury vehicle you’ll likely be quoted a higher insurance rate than others. This is because repair and replacement costs for luxury cars are more expensive than those for standard cars. Therefore, to offset their risk, insurance providers will increase your rates and often recommend that you add collision coverage to your insurance plan. You can use IBC’s online tool to see the frequency and cost of claims for different vehicles here.
When you purchase collision coverage and other policies, like third-party liability insurance, you will select a coverage limit. Your coverage limit will directly impact your car insurance premium. A higher limit will lead to a higher premium, but you shouldn’t set your limit too low. Your coverage limit should accurately reflect the value of your vehicle and the daily risks you’re exposed to. And remember, while opting for higher limits may cost more, you’ll receive more financial protection if you are involved in a collision.
The higher your deductible amount, the more you’ll pay out of pocket when filing an insurance claim for damage to your vehicle, but the lower your insurance premiums will be. In contrast, opting for a lower deductible means less money out of pocket, but higher premiums throughout the year.
Unsure whether collision insurance policies are worth the investment? Here’s a quick quiz to determine if it’s right for you:
You own a leased or financed vehicle: You’ll likely be required by your dealership or financing company to purchase collision insurance as a condition of your agreement.
You own an older, paid off vehicle: If your vehicle is older, you’ve paid it off and you have enough money to comfortably repair or replace your vehicle following a collision, you can consider dropping this policy to lower your insurance rates.
You drive in risky conditions: For those who frequently drive on the highway, long distances and during the winter, adding collision coverage to your plan makes sense.
The majority of collision insurance policies cover vehicle repairs if your vehicle is damaged in a collision. Collision coverage helps pay for damage resulting from:
At-fault accidents
Single-vehicle collisions
Multi-vehicle collisions
Collisions with objects (e.g. a tree, median or lamppost)
It does not cover:
Hit and run accidents (covered under uninsured automobile coverage)
Damage to other parties
Medical expenses
Non-collision damages (fire, theft, vandalism or weather-related events).
Collision insurance coverage is important, but it doesn’t make sense to keep it for every policyholder. It’s more helpful for those with high-value and newly purchased vehicles. After a few years, the cost of collision coverage could be 10% or more of your car’s value, which is when it’s no longer worth adding to your plan.
Therefore, depending on your financial situation and whether you’re comfortable paying for a replacement vehicle out of pocket, if you drive an older vehicle and are looking to save money on your insurance costs, you can determine whether or not to add the collision coverage portion to your auto insurance policy.
Are you considering adding or removing collision coverage from your insurance plan? A BrokerLink advisor can help you get it done! Contact BrokerLink over the phone or by email to speak with someone directly or get a free quote right now using our online quote tool!
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No. Collision insurance covers damage to your car that you’re responsible for. Hit and run accidents are covered under uninsured motorist coverage, which is mandatory in most provinces.
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