When buying a new truck, one factor that many people consider is reliability. Why? A reliable truck will keep you safer and last longer, and it can even save you money on truck insurance. Continue reading for a list of the most reliable trucks in Canada, as well as more information on the importance of driving a reliable vehicle.
A list of the most reliable trucks in Canada
If you want to know which trucks are the most reliable in Canada, keep reading:
2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
The 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD has long been known for its impressive reliability rating. It boasts four-wheel drive, towing capacity of up to 10,500 pounds, and a choice between a 6.6 litre turbo diesel or 6.0 litre V-8 engine.
2007 Toyota Tacoma
The 2007 Toyota Tacoma is another truck with a high reliability rating. The 2007 iteration of this truck can tow up to 6,500 pounds and comes with a 4.0 litre six-cylinder. It is also known for its impressive fuel efficiency and for being more than just a work truck.
2009 Honda Ridgeline
The 2009 Honda Ridgeline also tops the list of the most reliable trucks in Canada. This pickup truck has all-wheel drive, a 3.5 litre V-6 engine, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. It can also tow trailers and is known for its agility and cornering abilities.
2016 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma makes this list again - this time, it’s the 2016 version. This pickup truck boasts a fuel efficient 3.5 litre V-6 engine, 278 horsepower, a six-speed transmission, and up to 6,800 pounds of towing abilities. Designed a work truck, this is one of the most reliable trucks out there. To learn more about commercial auto insurance for work trucks such as this, contact BrokerLink.
2018 Toyota Tundra
The 2018 Toyota Tundra is often regarded as one of the most reliable trucks ever made. Known for its dependability, this truck features a 5.7 litre engine, a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The importance of reliability when buying a truck
When buying any type of car, including a truck, it’s important to look at the reliability and safety ratings. Why? They serve as an indicator of how long the truck will last, in addition to how well it will function. The more reliable a truck is meant to be, the less likely it is to break down or for a part to be recalled. Not only is a broken down truck a hassle, but it can end up costing you a lot of money to repair. Further, trucks with high safety ratings may be less likely to end up in accidents or at the very least, may not suffer from as serious damage if they are involved in collisions.
Although your truck insurance policy will likely cover the cost of the damage, you could still end up paying a considerable sum of money if you are involved in an accident - whether due to your deductible, a rise in your premium, or both. Speaking of truck insurance, another reason that reliability matters when buying a new truck is that the more reliable your truck, the more money you might be able to save on car insurance. Many insurance companies offer lower premiums to those who drive a model of truck with a high reliability rating as the odds of filing a claim may be lower.
Truck insurance in Canada
If you plan to buy and drive a truck in Canada, you will need to purchase a quality truck insurance policy. Auto insurance isn’t just a wise decision, it’s the law. In other words, you cannot legally drive a truck in any Canadian province or territory if you do not purchase an insurance policy that complies with local laws. For instance, in Ontario, if you want to drive your truck, you will need to purchase a policy that contains the following coverage types:
- Third party liability coverage
- Direct compensation - property damage coverage
- Accident benefits coverage
- Uninsured automobile coverage
Driving a truck without car insurance in Canada
If you decide to get behind the wheel of your truck without car insurance, you could face serious penalties. Penalties vary between provinces, but they could include tens of thousands of dollars in fines, the impoundment of your vehicle, the temporary suspension of your driver’s licence for up to one year, and even jail time.
It is also worth noting that the punishments for uninsured driving get even steeper if you are caught a second or subsequent time. Thus, purchasing truck insurance is the smartest decision you can make. Not only does it protect you from the dangers of the road but it offers financial security.
What does truck insurance cover?
As with car insurance, truck insurance in its most basic form protects drivers against collisions. A basic truck insurance policy in Ontario includes all four mandatory coverages. Make sure to learn what the truck insurance or fleet insurance requirements are in your province to ensure your policy is valid. Continue reading for an explanation of how the four types of mandatory truck insurance work:
Third party liability coverage
Liability insurance is a mandatory coverage type in Ontario. It is designed to protect drivers who get into at-fault accidents. If you cause an accident that results in bodily harm or property damage, you can file a liability insurance claim that will help you pay for costs like legal fees, medical expenses, and vehicle repair bills. All Ontario truck drivers must purchase a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage is another type of compulsory truck insurance in Ontario. It comes into play if someone is injured or requires medical attention following an accident. In other words, if someone involved in the accident is physically harmed, the accident benefits portion of your policy will help pay for medical fees that are not covered by health insurance. Examples of what accident benefits may cover include prescription medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, loss of income, and funeral fees.
Direct compensation - property damage coverage
Direct compensation - property damage coverage is for when your truck is damaged following an accident. This type of coverage can be claimed as long as you are not found to be at fault for the accident.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Finally, uninsured automobile coverage can pay for a wide range of costs following an accident if you get into a collision with a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or who fled the scene. For instance, if you find yourself in a hit and run and your car is damaged or you are injured, you can file an uninsured automobile claim to receive compensation to help cover the cost of medical attention or repair bills.
What other types of truck insurance coverage are out there?
Mandatory coverage is the most basic form of insurance coverage you can purchase for your truck. The reality is that most insurance companies in Canada offer a wide range of other coverages to drivers. These coverages provide additional protection against even more risks. We outline a few of the most common types of truck insurance coverage below:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage can help pay to repair your truck if it is severely damaged or even totalled in an accident. In other words, collision coverage is an extra form of protection against property damage from accidents. It can be claimed no matter who is found to be liable for the accident, and no matter if the damage was caused by colliding with another car, an animal, or an object while on the road.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage is also optional but can be worthwhile for truck drivers. It protects against the risks that your truck faces while parked. These risks may include damage caused by fire, explosions and riots, falling and flying objects, vandalism, theft, and weather-related incidents, such as heavy rain and hail. If, for example, your truck was stolen, comprehensive coverage would help you pay to replace it. Similarly, this coverage would help pay to repair your car if it was damaged in a house fire while parked in your garage. Read the list of insured perils that comprehensive coverage includes carefully to find out what specific risks you are protected against.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One more type of optional truck insurance coverage popular among truck drivers is accident forgiveness coverage. 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 varies by company and province.
Loss of use coverage
Loss of use coverage will help you if your car is damaged and is in the shop. While your car is being repaired by a mechanic, you might be without a vehicle. The cost of renting a car or taking taxis can add up quickly. Thankfully, if you have loss of use coverage in your truck insurance policy, you can file a loss of use claim that will reimburse you for the cost of taking alternative transportation during this time.
Commercial auto insurance
Lastly, commercial auto insurance is a type of auto insurance coverage that you may need to add to your policy if you drive a truck for business purposes. For example, if you use your pickup truck to deliver products to clients, transport materials to and from job sites, or visit customers’ homes, then you will need to purchase a separate commercial auto policy or an endorsement.
This is due to the fact that personal truck insurance policies only cover personal use, not business use. This means that if you got into an accident while transporting construction materials to a job site, your insurance policy wouldn’t cover you. You would need to have a separate commercial auto plan or a commercial auto rider to be covered for business-related use of your truck.
How much does it cost to insure a truck in Canada?
The cost of insuring a truck depends on many factors. That is why truck insurance rates vary so much between policyholders. Your age, where you live, the specific type of truck you drive, and your driving record are just a few factors that will influence how much you pay for truck insurance. For a complete list of factors that insurance companies consider, check out the following:
- 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
Tips to help you lower your truck insurance premium in Canada
One of the best ways to save money when buying a truck in Canada is to reduce how much you spend on truck insurance. Since truck insurance is mandatory, keeping your premium down is one way to lower the overall cost of truck ownership. Check out this list of broker-approved tips on how you can reduce how much you spend on truck insurance below:
Drive a reliable truck
Choosing a reliable truck model is the first way that you can keep your insurance rates low. Since these types of trucks tend to be safer, you may be less likely to get into an accident or for your truck to break down. As such, an insurance company is more likely to lower your rates.
Install winter tires on your truck
Installing winter tires on your truck is another way to save money on car insurance. A winter tire discount is offered by many insurance companies across Canada. They are offered because winter tires make driving in snowy or icy conditions much safer. Thus, by installing snow tires on your truck, you reduce the odds of getting into an accident during the winter months. Insurers will reward you for this safety by offering you a discount, so long as you meet their conditions.
Bundle truck and home insurance policies
Insurance bundles, such as those that combine both home and truck insurance policies, can result in major savings. In fact, some of the largest insurance discounts come from bundling. Whether you’re looking for a standard homeowner’s insurance plan or a tenant insurance plan on top of your truck or car insurance plan, you can save big on them both by purchasing a bundle. Some insurers also offer bundles for car insurance and recreational vehicle insurance plans. Reach out to BrokerLink for more information on how bundling works and how much you can save.
Install an anti-theft device in your truck
By installing an anti-theft device in your car, especially one with GPS tracking capabilities or an audible alarm, you can qualify for a truck insurance discount. Plus, your truck will be less likely to be targeted by thieves, and if it is stolen, the odds of recovery will be higher. An anti-theft device is a win-win for everyone.
Pick high truck insurance deductibles
The deductibles you choose is one important factor that influences your truck insurance rates. Since deductibles partially determine how much an insurance company is required to pay you in the event of a claim, they are more likely to lower your rates if you agree to pay more.
If you choose a higher deductible, you are agreeing to pay more if an incident occurs, which means the insurance company won’t have to pay as much in the event you are involved in an incident.. They will reward you with a lower premium for your truck insurance policy.
Don’t forget to pay for your truck insurance
If you want to minimize the cost of owning a truck, don’t fall behind on your truck insurance payments. Set reminders and alarms so that you always pay for your policy by the deadline. Non-payment is one of the most common reasons that insurance companies increase premiums or outright cancel policies. If your truck insurance plan is cancelled, you may have trouble finding a new company that will insure you.
If you do manage to find one, you can pretty much guarantee that your insurance rates will be higher. So do yourself a favour and make your payments on time. If you are at risk of falling behind, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to see if you can work out an alternative payment schedule.
Ask a truck insurance broker at BrokerLink for help
One final tip if you want to pay less for truck insurance in Canada is to work with a broker who will ensure you get the most competitive rate for your policy. BrokerLink’s licensed insurance advisors will search long and hard to get you the best possible deal on your policy. They can also uncover discounts you didn’t know you were eligible for, ensuring you never overpay for truck insurance again.
Contact BrokerLink
If you want to make sure that you purchase a reliable truck but want more information on the importance of reliability, get in touch with BrokerLink today. We can explain why reliability matters and how purchasing a safe and reliable truck can even help you save money on vehicle insurance.
We can also offer you a free insurance quote to give you an idea of how much a truck insurance policy will cost you for a specific make and model of truck. Give us a call, visit us in person, or use the online quote tool on BrokerLink’s website to request your free quote today.
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FAQs on reliable trucks
What are some of the most reliable trucks in Canada?
The most reliable trucks in Canada include the Toyota Tacoma, the GMC Sierra, the Toyota Tundra, the Chevrolet Silverado, the Chevrolet Colorado, the Nissan Frontier, the GMC Canyon, the Ford Ranger, the Nissan Titan, and the Honda Ridgeline.
Where can I find truck insurance in Canada?
You can purchase truck insurance from an insurance company or through an insurance broker. Nowadays, you can likely purchase your policy over the phone, in person, or online from the comfort of your own home.
What types of truck insurance can I purchase through a broker?
There are many types of truck insurance that can be purchased through an insurance broker. For example, you can purchase basic truck insurance, like third party liability coverage and accident benefits coverage from a broker. However, you can also purchase additional coverage, such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, waiver of depreciation coverage, roadside assistance coverage, loss of use coverage, and accident forgiveness coverage, among others.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
