Multiple
Quick
Quote

Auto Insurance in Brantford

With Highway 403 running right through the city, it’s simple for residents of Brantford, Ontario to connect to the cities and towns nearby, such as Hamilton, Cambridge or Burlington, or travel a little farther to Niagara Falls, London or Toronto. Whether you drive an SUV, crossover, truck, sedan, coupe, convertible or a station wagon, we can help you insure it. Talk to one of our insurance brokers to find the best policy for you. So the next time you’re cruising by the Grand River or simply stopping at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, you’ll be able to drive confidently knowing you’re properly covered.

Is auto insurance compulsory in Brantford?

Yes, auto insurance is compulsory in Brantford, Ontario. Auto insurance is provincially regulated, which means each province and territory determines its own regulations regarding auto insurance. All Canadian provinces and territories have made auto insurance mandatory, including Ontario. Therefore, Brantford drivers must have valid, up-to-date auto insurance policies at all times.

Further, your auto insurance policy must comply with the minimum coverage requirements set by your province. The Government of Ontario stipulates that all drivers must carry a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage, in addition to uninsured automobile coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and accident benefits coverage.

To purchase auto insurance in Brantford, drivers must have a valid driver’s license. They must also be prepared to provide a driver’s abstract (a record of your driving history), as well as information about any other people who may be driving your vehicle, such as your spouse. If you have questions about mandatory insurance coverage in Ontario, contact BrokerLink today.

Uninsured motorists in Brantford, Ontario

Car insurance in Brantford is mandatory. Therefore, driving without insurance is illegal. If caught driving without insurance in Brantford or anywhere else in Ontario, you could face serious penalties.

For example, Ontario drivers can be fined between $5,000 and $25,000 for a first offense and between $10,000 and $50,000 for a second offense. Plus, there is an extra surcharge that the driver is also required to pay, and your driver’s license may be suspended.

As we see it, driving without insurance is simply not worth the risk. If you require car insurance, BrokerLink can help. Whether your policy is about to expire or you wish to purchase your first-ever policy, one of our friendly insurance advisors can help you find the right coverage.

Basic auto insurance coverage for Brantford drivers

At a minimum, Brantford motorists must purchase a car insurance policy that meets the coverage requirements set by the province of Ontario. Basic auto insurance policies in Ontario consist of the following four types of coverage: third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured automobile coverage. Keep reading to learn more about each type of coverage, including the protection it offers, below.

Third party liability coverage

Third party liability coverage provides protection if you get into an accident that injures another person or results in property damage to another person’s property. Under this portion of your policy, you can receive compensation to pay for medical expenses associated with bodily injuries or repairs of a damaged car, as well as any legal fees or court fees up to the coverage limit.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage protects an insured car and its contents from the costs of property damage. This type of coverage only applies if the policyholder is not at fault for the accident that caused the damage. This type of coverage gets its name from the fact that the insurer typically provides direct payment for the damage caused (such as to repair or replace a vehicle). To receive compensation under the direct compensation portion of your policy in Ontario, the incident must meet the following criteria: it happened in Ontario, it involved multiple cars, and it involved at least one car that participates in the province’s auto insurance program.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage protects you and any passengers in your vehicle if you get into an accident with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured. This type of coverage also protects in the event of a hit-and-run. Uninsured automobile coverage covers medical expenses relating to injuries, car repairs due to damage, lost wages, and more.

Accident benefits coverage

If you, a passenger, or a pedestrian requires medical attention following a collision, accident benefits coverage comes in handy. Protection is offered regardless of which party was at fault for the collision and can help cover loss of income, medical expenses, such as prescription medications, physical therapy, or rehabilitation, and more.

Optional auto insurance coverage for Brantford drivers

The coverage types above are not the only ones available to Brantford drivers. Insurance companies offer a wide range of additional coverage options to the benefit of Ontario drivers. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular types of optional auto insurance coverage in Brantford.

Collision coverage

This type of coverage protects the policyholder if they get into an accident with another vehicle or object on the road, regardless of who caused the accident. Under the collision coverage section of your policy, you can receive compensation to help pay for any property damage that resulted from the accident, such as a damaged car.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects against a wide range of unforeseen circumstances beyond collisions. If you choose to include comprehensive coverage in your Peterborough auto insurance policy, you and your vehicle can be protected against theft, vandalism, water damage, fire, and more.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Accident forgiveness is another type of optional car insurance coverage Brantford drivers may benefit from. 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 and accident forgiveness coverage only applies to your first accident, not any subsequent accidents.

How insurance premiums are calculated in Brantford

Insurers consider a wide variety of factors when calculating car insurance premiums. Some of these factors are within a driver’s control, like the make and model of their vehicle or their driving record, while others are not, such as their age. Brantford drivers may find it useful to understand which details come into play. The factors below can all determine the cost of your Brantford car insurance policy:

  • Where you live (and work - if you drive to work)
  • Age
  • Make and model of vehicle
  • Past claims
  • Annual mileage
  • Driving experience
  • Driving record
  • Prior insurance coverage
  • Your deductible
  • Local laws
  • How you use your vehicle
  • Marital status

How to get cheap car insurance in Brantford, Ontario

Car insurance should never break the bank. That is why BrokerLink always strives to find the best policies at the most competitive rates for our clients. We never want you to pay more for auto insurance than you have to. Our expert insurance advisors will make sure of this by comparing rates and unlocking discounts on your behalf. We are also pleased to share some of the industry’s best-kept secrets for finding cheap auto insurance in Brantford. Check them out below:

  • Purchase car insurance for more than one vehicle from the same provider (savings of up to 20%)
  • Buy multiple insurance policies (home insurance, business insurance, leisure vehicle insurance, etc.) from the same provider (savings of up to 15%)
  • Install winter tires on your vehicle (savings of up to 10% in Ontario)
  • Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle (savings of up to 5%)
  • Increase your deductible
  • Enrol in driving school (for young drivers)
  • Pay car insurance annually rather than monthly

Work with a Brantford insurance broker

One final tip for saving money on Brantford auto insurance is to partner with an insurance broker. Reputable brokers from BrokerLink can help you find a quality car insurance policy within your budget. We know the ins and outs of the industry and will ensure you never overpay. For comprehensive coverage at a low rate, get in touch with BrokerLink today.

Top three tips for new drivers in Brantford

Driving is no walk in the park, especially when you’re first starting out. While exciting, learning how to navigate the road can also be overwhelming. To help young drivers hone their skills and become safe and responsible motorists, we’ve put together the following list of tips. Check out our top three tips for new drivers in Brantford below.

Avoid distractions

Minimizing distractions while driving is a crucial part of road safety. After all, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. So anytime you are in the driver’s seat, try to refrain from eating, drinking, chatting on the phone, or searching for something in your bag. Adjusting the GPS, channel surfing the radio, and texting your friend should all be reserved for when the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off. Not only are these actions dangerous, but some of them, such as texting, are illegal. To keep everyone safe on the road, avoid distractions so you can turn your attention to the road at all times.

Leave extra room

Young drivers should always remember to give themselves extra space on the road. We recommend a distance of two car lengths between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Maintaining this distance will give you more time to successfully stop or manoeuvre without hitting anyone around you in the event of an emergency. This distance should be even greater when travelling at high speeds, such as on a highway, or in inclement weather when brake times may be delayed. At the end of the day, the more space between you and other vehicles on the road, the less likely you are to get into a collision.

Check your mirrors

Drivers of all ages should strive to be aware of their surroundings while driving. To do this, check your mirrors regularly. Frequently glancing into your rear-view and side mirrors every few seconds will make you aware of any cars, pedestrians, and hazards behind or beside you. Being aware of all vehicles and hazards on the road will allow you to make smarter, safer decisions for yourself and other drivers.

Get in touch to learn more and receive a free quote on your Brantford auto insurance

Ready to take the plunge and purchase Brantford auto insurance? The BrokerLink team is here!

Whether you have questions about mandatory coverage in Ontario, you want our advice on the best policy for you and your family, or you want a free quote, the best way to do so is by contacting us by phone, online or in person at one of our local branches near you!

BrokerLink offers free car insurance quotes to all Brantford residents. Simply use our online quote tool, provide some basic information about yourself, and you’ll receive an accurate and competitive quote within minutes.

Looking for Brantford car insurance quotes? Get in touch with BrokerLink to learn more about Brantford car insurance today.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]