Will having a heart attack affect my car insurance?

Canadians with a heart or circulatory condition are at high risk of experiencing a heart attack. However, many don't know what having a heart attack means for their car insurance. Will your car insurance rates be affected? Do you need to inform your car insurance provider of your medical conditions in the first place? Stick around to learn the answers to these questions below.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a type of medical condition involving the heart and circulatory system throughout the body. There are numerous types of heart problems under the umbrella of heart disease, including ones that individuals are born with, or ones they develop over their lifetime, such as heart failure.

What is considered a heart or circulatory condition?

So, what is considered a heart or circulatory condition beyond heart failure? Common heart diseases include irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, which occurs when your arteries contract and narrow, cardiomyopathy, which is a heart disease that targets the muscles of the heart, and heart valve issues, to name a few.

How is heart disease diagnosed?

To diagnose a heart or circulatory condition in patients, there are numerous tests available. Some include:

Coronary angiography

A coronary angiography is an X-ray of the heart that shows which arteries may be narrowed or blocked completely.

Medical fitness test

Other circulatory diseases can be diagnosed through a fitness test that monitors how your heart reacts to increased stress and exercise.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram measures irregularities in a patient's heartbeat, along with electrical signals sent to the heart.

Beyond these medical tests, MRI scans and CT scans are also used in the diagnosis of heart problems.

How is heart disease treated?

Patients suffering from medical conditions pertaining to the heart have several treatment options to mitigate symptoms and the risk of a heart attack. These include:

• Blood pressure medications.
• Bypass surgery.
• Blood thinners.
• Heart valve repair surgery.
• A surgery to instal a pacemaker.
• And more.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

If you have never had a heart attack before, you may not know what symptoms to pay close attention to. Note that if you experience these symptoms, it may significantly inhibit your ability to drive safely. Should you believe you are having a heart attack, immediately stop driving and call an ambulance for medical assistance. Here are the symptoms you need to pay attention to if you have a heart condition:

• Chest pain: Chest pain can manifest as a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing.
• Breathing problems: Shortness of breath, whether you're driving, sitting, or walking.
• Discomfort: Pain can travel through your head, neck, arms, and jaw.
• Nausea: You may also feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy.
• Tiredness: Extreme tiredness and overall fatigue are also common symptoms of a heart attack.
• Sweating: Cold sweats can also manifest.

Again, if you become aware of any of these symptoms and have health conditions involving the heart, seek medical attention immediately.

Will my car insurance provider increase my insurance premium following a heart attack?

So, what happens after you have a heart attack? Will your car insurance provider increase your insurance rates? It depends. Because having a heart attack can seriously affect your ability to drive safely and puts other road users at risk, informing your car insurer that you've had a heart attack is recommended, as medical conditions should always be disclosed to your car insurance provider.

That being said, your car insurer is not allowed to use medical conditions as a factor when determining your insurance premium. The only way a heart attack could impact your car insurance is if you suffered from a heart attack while driving and caused a collision, then later filed a claim for damages.

Can certain medical conditions lead to a driver's licence suspension?

While heart problems or other medical conditions like diabetes can't be used when determining car insurance rates, they can impact your driving licence. The Ministry of Transportation mandates that all medical conditions be disclosed when renewing your driving licence, including heart failure. So, if you have a heart attack or suffer another medical emergency that impacts your ability to drive safely, your doctor is legally required to report your medical fitness to the Ministry.

Should your medical fitness determine that you are at risk of driving safely due to your medical conditions, you could have your licence suspended.

What happens if I receive a medical driver's licence suspension?

So, what happens if your driving licence is suspended by the Ministry of Transportation? First, you'll receive a letter in the mail stating that your driving licence has been suspended. At this time, you can file an appeal with the advisory committee. However, you will need to visit your doctor and undergo several fitness tests to determine whether your health has improved, and you can begin driving again.

Once you file your appeal, they will take your new medical records into consideration and either reinstate your driving licence or deny it. Based on the results, you can either continue driving or seek further treatment for your health conditions.

What should I do if I've been in a car accident?

Unsure what to do if you're in a car accident? Here's what you need to do:

1. Ensure you are physically okay

First things first, you need to make sure you, your passengers, and others involved are okay. If you're experiencing heart failure or other medical emergencies, proceed to step two.

2. Contact 911 if needed

Whether you're suffering a heart attack or other health emergency, immediately contact 911. There is a possibility that you could lose consciousness. You need to be able to communicate with the authorities where you are located and whether you require police, fire, or an ambulance.

3. Move your vehicle

In the event you do not believe you are seriously injured and require medical assistance, move your vehicle off to the side of the road if you can. This will ensure that you do not impede traffic or cause another accident from occurring.

4. Exchange information

Next, get out of your vehicle and exchange information with the other parties involved. You'll want to get their name, address, a copy of their driver's licence, photos of their licence plate, and the contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened.

5. Document evidence

Afterward, you'll need to take videos and photos of the damage, along with the surrounding area. This is extremely important as your insurance company will rely on this evidence to determine fault and your compensation. The more evidence, the better.

6. Contact your insurance company

Once you are home and have taken your vehicle to a mechanic, if needed, you'll need to call your insurance company within 24 - 48 hours. The earlier the better. On your call, you'll inform an insurance agent that you've been in a collision. During this time, the agent will ask you a series of questions. You should prepare to be on the phone for at least 15 minutes.

7. Get your claim number and adjuster

Now that you have contacted your insurance company, you'll be provided a claim number to take down. This claim number and the name of the adjuster will be emailed to you. In most cases, a physical copy will also be mailed to your home address.

8. Speak with your adjuster

In a couple of days, you will receive either a call or an email from your adjuster looking for a time to speak with you. During your scheduled call, you'll speak to them about what evidence you have. They will also advise you on what steps you need to take moving forward.

9. Get a quote for repairs

Likely, you'll be asked to take your vehicle to a mechanic and get a quote for repairs. You'll either be able to take your car to a mechanic of your choice or choose from a list your adjuster has provided you of local businesses who have worked with your insurance company before.

10. Visit a doctor

If you do have some sort of discomfort, you may also be advised to visit the doctor and get a diagnosis for your pain. From then on, you may need to visit a physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or other specialist who will help in your recovery.

11. Get your vehicle repaired

Once approved by your adjuster, you can go ahead and get your vehicle repaired. Note that you may have to pay a deductible to your insurance provider, depending on what insurance policy you file your claim under.

During this time, you'll continue going to your therapy sessions and likely submit your receipts to your adjuster.

12. Close your claim

After some time, your adjuster will approach you with an offer to settle your insurance claim. This will include compensation for your repairs if you paid out of pocket, and your rehabilitation costs. Remember that you are not obligated to accept the first offer your adjuster presents to you. You do have the authority to negotiate a different settlement price if you feel the original offer was not fair.

Once you accept the offer from your adjuster, they will send over a release, which is a contract that states, once signed, you will no longer be able to seek compensation for your claim. After you sign the contract, your claim will be closed, and you will receive your settlement funds via cheque in the mail.

Worried about how a heart attack might impact your car insurance rates? Don’t stress—BrokerLink is here to help you navigate your options and find the best coverage for your needs. Contact BrokerLink today to get a personalized quote and discover how you can still save on car insurance after a cardiac event!

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Is it possible to invalidate your car insurance?

Yes, invalidating auto insurance is possible. In fact, there are numerous scenarios that could lead to your insurance claim being denied by your insurer. Common reasons for this include:

• Not staying up-to-date on your monthly insurance payments.
• Lying about the circumstances surrounding your claim.
• Filing too many previous insurance claims with your insurer.
• Driving with an expired or suspended driver's licence.
• Failing to notify your insurer about any modifications you've made to your vehicle.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• You were engaging in an illegal act at the time of your collision.

To prevent this from occurring, it's essential that you remain honest with your insurance provider from the start. Insurance companies are very good at detecting lies and other forms of fraud. By being truthful, making your payments on time, and following the rules of the road, you can avoid insurance claims altogether while keeping other road users safe.

Should I call my car insurance company after a minor accident?

Calling insurance after a minor accident is always recommended, and for many reasons. One of the most important reasons to do so is that injuries are not always apparent in the immediate aftermath of a collision. Your symptoms and diagnoses could occur days or weeks later. Without a claim open, you'd be responsible for all medical and rehabilitation costs, which could be quite expensive, depending on what you're experiencing.

At the same time, while your vehicle may appear fine, over the next couple of weeks, you could come to realize that there is actually something wrong with your vehicle that needs costly repairs. Again, in this type of situation, if you do not contact your insurance company regarding the incident, then you will be responsible for paying all of the repair or replacement costs on your own.

Ultimately, your car insurance is there to help protect your interests and finances following the unexpected, even if the initial incident appears minor. To ensure you receive the protection you pay for, always contact your insurance company.

What happens if you don't report a collision?

Not reporting a car accident to the police under certain circumstances can lead to serious consequences. However, the rules surrounding whether you are legally mandated to report the collision to law enforcement will depend on the severity of the situation and the province you live in. Common conditions that must be met in terms of mandatory reporting a car accident:

• Someone suffered injuries.
• Pedestrians were involved.
• Government vehicles were involved.
• There is property damage, other than the cars involved.
• There was a criminal offence committed, such as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• One of the drivers involved does not have valid car insurance.

Now, let's say one of these conditions is met, but you fail to report the collision to law enforcement. What happens now? For starters, you can anticipate monetary fines and demerit points on your driver's licence. In more serious scenarios, you can also have your driver's licence suspended for up to two years, and be criminally charged for leaving the scene of the accident.

It's important to stress that leaving the scene of a collision is a Criminal Code offence, which means you could have a criminal record. When in doubt, always contact authorities to err on the side of caution.

How long does an accident affect insurance rates?

Following an at-fault car accident, policyholders can anticipate an insurance premium increase. So, how long can you anticipate the collision to be considered when it comes to your car insurance? Generally speaking, an at-fault collision will impact your insurance rates for up to six years. This timeframe can vary based on the severity of the collision and the percentage of fault you were assigned by your insurance adjuster.

What are the most common car accident injuries?

Whether you've never been in a collision before or are simply curious, you may be wondering about what the most common car accident injuries are. Knowing what car accident injuries are common and how to identify them can help you in an emergency. Here's a closer look at what to look out for:

Whiplash

This injury occurs when the neck region is violently and unexpectedly thrown forward and backward. It might cause neck ligaments and muscle tissues to sprain, which can be uncomfortable and painful. One of the most prevalent signs of whiplash is neck stiffness or discomfort. This pain can range from minor to severe, making it challenging to move the head or neck from side to side or up and down.

Back and neck injuries

Back and neck injuries are typically caused by the force of impact in a collision, which causes an individual's body to buckle or jolt abruptly. As a result, the bones, muscles, and ligaments of an individual's neck or back are injured. Typical neck and back injuries following a collision include ruptured discs, which occur when the incredibly soft disc core bursts through a gap in the outer layer, placing tension on adjacent nerves.

Broken bones

Broken bone injuries are often common in car accidents, ranging from small fractures to full breaks. These are often identified using X-rays and can cause localized swelling, impairment of movement, and overall discomfort, depending on where the bone is located and how severe the break is.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries include sprains, bruises, strains, and stress fractures. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort and typically require physical therapy and chiropractic sessions to heal.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Lastly, traumatic brain injuries are also common. These injuries can be fatal or cause life-altering brain damage. Headaches, loss of consciousness, diminished memory, and dizziness are all warning signs of a brain injury.

Can fault in an accident be shared?

Yes, shared fault, also known as shared liability following a collision, is possible. In fact, some provinces like British Columbia operate under a no-fault insurance system. No, it doesn't mean that no one is responsible for the collision. Rather, it means that people involved in collisions can deal with their insurance company rather than the other drivers. Ultimately, this system ensures policyholders are quickly compensated for vehicle repairs.

What are common car accidents?

The most common types of car accidents that occur in Canada include:

• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles travelling in opposite directions collide at the front end of their vehicles.
• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions happen when two or more vehicles travelling in the same direction collide when a driver hits the front end of the vehicle driving in front of them.
• Side impact collisions: Side impact collisions, commonly known as T-bones, often occur at intersections when one driver collides with the side of another vehicle.
• Side-swipe collisions: Side-swipe collisions typically happen when a motorist veers out of their lane and into the next, hitting the car beside them.

What are the penalties for distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that impacts your ability to drive safely. For example, checking your phone, using your GPS, or eating. Penalties for distracted driving include a monetary fine and demerit points on your licence. If you have more than one instance of distracted driving, you may also receive a licence suspension and car impoundment.

Protect yourself behind the wheel with high-quality car insurance

As you likely know, car insurance in Canada is legally mandated for all drivers, regardless of which province or territory they reside in. However, the types of auto insurance, along with their minimums, can vary by province. There are two types of insurance: mandatory and optional. Below, we’ll explain what each type of coverage includes:

Mandatory auto insurance (varies by province)

Here is a closer look at the mandatory car insurance policies required in Canada:

Third-party liability insurance

Third-party liability insurance is a type of car insurance policy that is mandatory in all provinces and territories across Canada. However, the required minimum driver's must purchase will vary. For example, the minimum third-party coverage mandated in Ontario is $200,000 and $500,000 in Nova Scotia. It's important to note that while these minimums are used as a baseline for drivers in each province and territory, most motorists opt for higher coverage limits to ensure they are sufficiently protected while behind the wheel.

The purpose of this liability car insurance is to protect the policyholder's interests and finances in the event they are responsible for causing bodily injuries or property damage to a third party while operating their motor vehicle.

In the event a third party files a lawsuit against you, your third-party car insurance will cover the cost of repairs, replacements, medical bills, funeral costs, legal fees, and other associated expenses related to your settlement, up to your policy limits.

Uninsured automobile insurance

Uninsured automobile insurance is another mandatory car insurance policy for drivers in all provinces. If you are involved in a collision with another at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured, this policy guarantees that you are fairly compensated for your vehicle repairs. Further, if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver, this insurance policy will also cover you.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is mandatory in all provinces except Newfoundland. With this car insurance plan, you, your passengers, and any pedestrians who are injured in a collision will receive compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other associated fees throughout your recovery. It's important to note that accident benefits coverage will kick into place no matter which party is found at fault for the collision.

Direct compensation - property damage

Direct compensation - property damage is mandatory for those in Alberta, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, while it is optional in all other provinces and territories. In the event you are involved in a collision with an at-fault driver, rather than dealing with their insurance company during your claims process, you'll be able to communicate with your own company. Not only does this eliminate the middleman, but it also ensures that policyholders are fairly and swiftly compensated for their losses.

Optional car insurance

Beyond the mandatory car insurance policies listed above, there are optional plans drivers can add to their standard insurance coverage to supplement their overall protection. Here's a closer look at these policies:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage is a type of policy that kicks in when you're involved in a collision where you are the at-fault driver. Without this insurance policy, you'd be responsible for paying all the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle out of pocket. With collision car insurance in place, you'll only need to pay a deductible to your car insurance company before it will cover the remaining expenses.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage works similarly to collision insurance. However, rather than covering the cost of repairs following an at-fault collision, it covers repairs caused by non-collision perils. While the types of perils may vary between providers, most commonly you'll be protected against theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire damage, severe winds, and other weather hazards. Again, you'll need to pay a deductible to your insurance company before it will cover the remaining costs.

Accident forgiveness

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Canadian drivers 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 varies by province.

How can I save on car insurance?

If you're due for an expired car insurance renewal and want to save on car insurance, here are some tips and tricks you can try to ensure your premium is as low as possible:

Shop around and compare quotes

If you live in a province with a private insurance system, one of the best things you can do is shop around and compare insurance quotes. By doing so, you can see what each insurance company is offering and how much they are charging, so you can pick the most affordable rate. Generally speaking, you can do this on your own or by working with a broker.

Pay your car insurance premium upfront

Insurance companies often add fees to those who pay their insurance premium monthly, given that it costs them money to process your payment each month. To avoid these fees, consider paying for your car insurance premium upfront, rather than over the year, to save money.

Increase your deductible

Premiums and deductibles are closely linked. Basically, the higher your deductible, the lower your insurance premium will be. If you can afford to do so, consider increasing your deductible amount. But remember, you would be responsible for paying a higher cost if you need to file a claim in the future.

Maintain a clean driving record

Maintain good driver habits and follow the rules of the road to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. Need a refresher? Brush up on safe driving tips! You can also check your driving record online to see if you have any demerit points or other violations on your record that may be impacting your premium.

Ask about available discounts

Did you know there are numerous discounts available to drivers that most of them don't know about? Whether it be the safe driver discount, the ones for installing winter tires or security features on your vehicle or being a member of a professional organization, there are numerous discounts available. So, don't hesitate to ask your insurance company or broker about whether you qualify for any.

How BrokerLink can help

At BrokerLink, we have years of experience helping Canadians purchase affordable car insurance. With access to multiple auto insurance policies from some of Canada's top insurance companies, our brokers can help customize your coverage to fit your needs and budget, access discounts, and more.

But that's not all. Whether you have further questions about medical conditions, are unsure how to navigate your insurance following a heart attack, have questions about ADHD and car insurance, need help renewing car insurance, or have other inquiries that need to be solved, rest assured that BrokerLink has your back every step of the way.

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