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6 minute read Published on Jul 26, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Car insurance isn’t something you can purchase once and then forget about. It should reflect your current circumstances, not only for pricing matters, but also to ensure you’re correctly insured based on where you live, who drives and how you use your vehicle. When any of these seemingly unimportant factors change, so should your auto insurance policy.
The good news? Most updates are quick and easy to implement. The bigger issue is waiting or forgetting to make the appropriate changes in the first place. This guide breaks down what you should update, when to do so and what to tell your insurance provider or broker.
Your car insurance policy is based on risk information. When that information is outdated, two things can go wrong:
If your insurance company doesn’t have accurate details about your driving habits, address or listed drivers on the policy, your claim could be delayed or even denied entirely. This happens more often than you think and often occurs when people move, change vehicles or start using their personal vehicles for business purposes.
The next is your premium costs. You could be paying too much or too little, than what your actual risk assessment requires. For example, if you’re underreporting your annual mileage and this becomes known while you’re filing an insurance claim, you could be forced to pay the missed amounts or have your coverage invalidated.
Remember, most issues with car insurance coverage come from not disclosing information or disclosing it too late in the game. Insurance providers universally expect an update in your information after you’ve moved or when something else changes in your driving habits or vehicle.
You’ll want to update your current policy when you:
Any changes to the vehicle you drive must be reported to your car insurance company immediately, as your current coverage reflects details of your previous vehicle, not your current one. Let's take a closer look:
Your car insurance must be updated when purchasing a new vehicle, especially if you’re transferring your license plates. They’ll also require details about the vehicle make, model and year and its vehicle registration number (VIN).
Once your old car is gone, it needs to be removed from your auto insurance policy immediately. Leaving it on there means you’re paying for insurance you no longer require.
Lenders often require you to do the following to protect their investment:
Purchase collision and comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Choose specific deductible amounts.
Increase your coverage limits.
Never assume your car insurance automatically transfers. Any VIN changes, replacement vehicles or changes to vehicle class must be reported.
Making aftermarket modifications to your vehicle also needs to be disclosed to your insurance provider, even if they seem insignificant. Examples of modifications that should be reported include:
Accessibility equipment like steering wheel hand controls, lowered flooring and wheelchair lifts.
Performance or aesthetic changes (vinyl wraps, etc.).
Changes to your car’s suspension or oversized vehicles.
Aftermarket body kits.
Next, we'll look at specific modifications that can affect the cost of your insurance:
Winter tires (some insurance providers offer discounts!)
Anti-theft devices or GPS tracking systems (cost savings available).
Dash cameras.
Important: Failing to declare modifications to your insurance provider can lead to claims denials and coverage cancellations.
Your driving habits and how you use your vehicle also matter. Most companies request that you update your auto insurance policy when:
Begin towing a trailer, camper or boat.
You begin driving longer or shorter distances during your daily commute.
Use your vehicle for business purposes.
Drive for a ride share app or make food deliveries (even if you’re part-time).
Important: Personal car insurance policies do not extend to business use. You will need to purchase a separate car insurance specifically designed to protect your interests while performing job activities.
We'll continue looking at how changing the usage of your vehicle affects your insurance:
Insurers also care about who has access to your car. You’ll need to update your insurance policy if you add:
A partner or spouse.
You have a new driver in your household.
Live with a roommate who uses your car regularly.
You should also update your car insurance when removing drivers from your coverage:
Your child is moving out.
Following a separation or divorce.
Someone in your household no longer has access to your car.
Important: Even occasional drivers should be listed on your auto insurance as a precaution to protect any future claims.
Planning a move? Even if it’s a couple of blocks away from your old home, your auto insurance premiums can change. Your car insurance policy rates are influenced by factors like:
Local theft statistics.
Collision claim statistics.
Claim frequency rates by postal code.
Traffic patterns and population density.
Where you park also matters. Parking in a secure garage could lower your rates, while parking on the street or in your driveway could increase your risk exposure, necessitating more coverage.
Important: Even if you’re moving to a new location temporarily (like going to university), notifying your insurance company is recommended.
Annual mileage is another factor that directly impacts your insurance prices. Common scenarios that could change the amount of mileage you have in a year include:
Switching from an in-person role to a remote or hybrid position.
Starting or stopping carpooling.
Retiring and driving less.
Increasing your distance travelled due to work or family requirements.
Relying more on public transit to save money.
Important: Insurance providers calculate risk based on how much time you spend behind the wheel. The more time behind the wheel, the more your premiums will be and vice versa. As a rule of thumb, aim to reassess your mileage at least once a year or following a lifestyle change.
Even scenarios where you feel it’s unnecessary to inform your insurer about your car insurance are recommended. You may want to conduct a review of your car insurance before your renewal date, when:
You’ve gotten married, separated or divorced.
You just graduated or retired.
You’re adding or removing vehicles/adding drivers or removing them.
Changes to your driving record (traffic violations) or claims history.
You purchased a home and can now bundle your car insurance policy with your homeowners’ insurance to receive a discount.
Important: Lifestyle changes and milestones are more important than you think. They can help you unlock discounts or signal the need for additional coverage come renewal time.
Even if you think that nothing big has changed in your life, your car insurance should change over time. Consider looking at your coverage options when:
Your vehicle ages and its value declines.
You finish paying off an auto loan or lease agreement.
Your financial situation shifts.
Your risk tolerance changes.
When it comes to reviewing your insurance needs and ensuring you have the right coverage, pay close attention to:
Liability coverage limits.
Collision and comprehensive coverage.
Deductible amounts.
Endorsements like rental coverage and accident forgiveness.
Important: Remember, your current provider and current policy should reflect who you are and your situation right now. Not who you were two years ago.
Insurance rules and regulations vary across Canada:
Public insurance systems (British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan)
Mandatory coverage is overseen by the provincial government.
Private systems (Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic Canada)
More flexibility when shopping for coverage options.
Hybrid system (Quebec)
A mix of both private and public frameworks.
Important: If you’re moving to a different province, you will need an entirely new policy with a new insurance provider. Vehicle inspections and driver’s license changes are also legally necessary.
Some changes should never wait, especially when it directly impacts:
Your vehicle.
Drivers.
Addresses or garages.
Usage and mileage.
Business activities.
Here's what not to do:
Forgetting to remove sold cars or drivers.
Not disclosing business or ride share usage.
Under-reporting your mileage.
Waiting until your renewal time to update your coverage.
Failing to report modifications.
Assuming coverage instead of confirming with your provider.
Not asking how a change affects your rates and protection.
When in doubt, reach out to a BrokerLink advisor for assistance.
The first step to updating or switching car insurance companies is talking to your insurance broker. An insurance broker will take the time to get to know you and understand your specific circumstances so that they can help you find the right coverage for your car.
If you want to learn more, let BrokerLink be your resource for all things car insurance. From start to finish, our brokers handle the legwork to make sure you walk away satisfied. Get a quote online, give us a call or visit any of our locations across the country!
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