Manage your policy and information directly with our self-serve options.
Haven't set up your account?
Quickly pay your invoice online using our secure payment system.
Manage on the go, download the BrokerLink Insurance App
Get reliable car insurance coverage tailored to you with Brokerlink.
Every driver makes mistakes. Wouldn’t it be helpful if your first accident didn’t impact your premium as much? Accident forgiveness is an optional coverage you may be able to add to your auto insurance policy. It can help prevent your premium from increasing after your first qualifying at-fault accident. That said, accident forgiveness doesn’t apply to every situation; there are specific conditions and limits you’ll want to understand. Keep reading to learn more.
BrokerLink compares rates from a wide range of providers, ensuring you get the best deals available.
Accident forgiveness is an optional endorsement you can add to your insurance policy. It’s designed to help prevent your premium from increasing following your first eligible accident, for which you’re found partially or fully at fault. Normally, at-fault accidents can increase your insurance premiums and may remain on your driving record for several years. But with an accident forgiveness endorsement in place, you may be able to avoid a rate increase following one minor accident.
Insurance providers offer accident forgiveness endorsements as an incentive to those who drive safely. Statistically speaking, safe drivers are less likely to be involved in crashes and file insurance claims, so rewarding drivers who remain accident-free is a great way for insurers to retain low-risk customers for a long time. That said, not all insurance providers offer accident forgiveness endorsements and rules can vary between provinces. For example, some insurers may require drivers to maintain an accident-free period of several years before they qualify. It’s also typically limited to one qualifying accident and eligibility rules may change if you switch providers.
Most drivers are unaware of just how much their premiums can increase following an at-fault accident. Depending on how many previous accidents you have on your driving record, your premiums can increase anywhere between 25% to 50% for the next several years, which can add up over time.
Accident forgiveness can help protect you from this type of increase. While you’ll still need to pay a deductible to your provider and go through a normal claims process, your insurer may not increase your premium based on your accident. For careful drivers with clean records, adding accident forgiveness to their plans is a cost-effective way to stabilize their rates and protect themselves from higher premiums in the future should an at-fault accident occur.
One thing to keep in mind is that accident forgiveness is not retroactive. This means you’ll need to add this endorsement to your plan before an at-fault accident happens, not afterwards.
While accident forgiveness coverage is an optional policy Canadian drivers can opt into when purchasing a car insurance policy, there are mandatory policies drivers must carry, as well as other optional plans they may wish to consider. Remember, car insurance is legally required for drivers across Canada, though the types of coverage and coverage minimums required can vary based on where you live.
Third-party liability coverage
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist insurance
Direct compensation - property damage
Collision coverage
Comprehensive coverage
Loss of use coverage
All perils
Specified perils
Roadside assistance
Waiver of depreciation
Third-party liability coverage protects policyholders if they cause an accident that injures or damages the property of a third party. Should a lawsuit be filed, this insurance coverage can help pay for repairs, replacements, medical expenses, legal fees and settlement amounts, up to your policy limits. Third-party liability is mandatory across all provinces in Canada, but coverage minimums vary. For example, in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta, drivers must carry $200,000 in coverage, while those in Quebec only require $50,000.
Accident benefits kick into effect if you, your passengers or pedestrians suffer bodily injuries in a car accident, regardless of fault. Should injuries occur, accident benefits can help pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, caregiver fees and funeral benefits. Some level of accident benefits coverage is mandatory in most provinces and territories; however, the scope of mandatory benefits and limits varies. This coverage is mandatory in all provinces and territories, except Newfoundland and Labrador.
Uninsured motorist insurance protects you if your vehicle is damaged by an at-fault driver who is uninsured, underinsured or unidentified (hit-and-run), helping reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses. This coverage is included or required in most provinces, though how it’s structured can vary.
If an at-fault driver hits and damages your vehicle, direct compensation-property damage (DCPD) takes effect. DCPD permits policyholders to manage their insurance claims with their own provider rather than with the other driver’s insurance company, which can help streamline repairs and compensation. DCPD is mandatory in Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Collision coverage provides compensation for damages if your vehicle collides with another driver, a stationary object or if your car rolls over. While this coverage is optional, you may be required to carry it if your vehicle is leased or financed. Given that vehicle repair costs have steadily increased by 28% since 2022, as a result of inflation, supply chain issues and other factors, collision coverage is recommended, as it helps ensure your primary out-of-pocket expense is your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage protects you against vehicle repairs and replacements that arise from non-collision incidents, including theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather conditions and wildlife impacts. In 2025 alone, severe weather-related claims in Canada reached a record-breaking $2.5 billion, highlighting why many Canadians choose to add comprehensive coverage. Again, you may also be required to carry this if your vehicle is leased or financed.
Loss of use coverage comes in handy when your vehicle is being repaired following a covered event and you still have places to be. Whether you decide to hop on public transit, use a ride share app or rent a car, your incurred costs may be covered by your insurance provider until you get your car back.
All-perils insurance combines both collision and comprehensive coverage, offering policyholders the broadest form of protection on and off the road. You’ll receive coverage for all perils, excluding the ones specifically listed in your plan, making it a great option for those with recently purchased vehicles.
Specified perils only protect against perils specifically listed in your policy documents. While it does offer less protection to policyholders, it often yields low premiums and is ideal for older vehicles or cars left in storage for the majority of the year.
Roadside assistance is great for drivers who commute to work daily, enjoy taking road trips or those travelling long distances. Should you find yourself stranded on the side of the road due to a vehicle breakdown, roadside assistance can assist you and help cover costs like towing, battery recharges, fuel top-ups, tire changes and key lockouts.
Waiver of depreciation can make a world of difference in terms of your insurance payout when your vehicle is stolen or written off, especially if you just recently purchased a new car. After one year, your car’s value may decrease by around 20% of what you originally paid, meaning you’d receive a smaller payout from your insurer. With this endorsement, your insurance provider may compensate you for the original purchase price of your car, rather than its depreciated value.
Let us be your resource for all things car insurance
BrokerLink helps drivers compare accident forgiveness options from leading insurers, with guidance tailored to their record, vehicle, coverage needs, and province.
32737+ Reviews
Average rating of 4.6
Prompt, helpful with advice and finding the right insurance for my small business.
"I had a wonderful experience with Broker's intact at the Calgary branch of BrokerLink. They were incredibly patient and took the time to explain the differences between my old policy and the new one...
The people I have dealt with are always very helpful and quick with answers to my questions and/or changes to my policy.
Fast, efficient, knowledgeable service. Helpful staff.
Everything went perfectly including prompt follow up.
If you need a broker, this is the best place to deal with! Amazing staff!!
Very fast and effective service. Was insured within 24 hours of initial call. Fantastic service.
Friendly staff very quick turnaround with assistance anytime I’ve ever needed it. I feel very well taken care of by my insurance company.
My experience with broker link has been very positive one of the best experiences I've actually ever had with the insurance company my representative was very knowledgeable very understanding and I wo...
Excellent service, quick, efficient, and professional. Highly recommended.
What a wonderful place of friendly workers always with smiles and happy to help. She sure did wonders on savings me and my hubby on our house and garage insurances next is our vehicles in a couple o...
Your price for my insurance is the best overall and the service for handling my problem was great.. I am a very satisfied customer and I recommend Broker Link with anyone.
Friendly, hassle free service. I'm impressed. Would highly recommend.
Omg... 10 out of 10.. in customer service, helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this company for anybody's insurance purposes.
Lovely service, great communication and very helpful!!
insurance companies
We shop among Canada’s leading insurance companies to offer you a range of options.
customers
Trusted by Canadians to protect what matters to you for more than 30 years.
employees
Ready-to-serve insurance specialists for your needs.
Car insurance is the type of expense you can’t opt out of. But there are ways you can cut back on your rates without compromising your coverage:
Consider bundling your car and home insurance policy with the same provider, which may qualify you for a discount of up to 15%, depending on your insurer.
If you have more than one vehicle in your household, you can benefit from insuring them under a single policy. Insurance providers may offer a multi-vehicle discount of up to 15%.
If you live in a province that experiences heavy snowfall throughout the wintertime, you can benefit from installing winter tires on your vehicle. Not only will it improve your stopping distance and reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident, but it may qualify you for a discount on your insurance rates.
Telematics/usage-based insurance programs reward drivers who exhibit safe driving habits with discounts on their insurance premiums by monitoring their behaviour, such as acceleration, braking, cornering and the time of day they use their vehicle, through a mobile app or tracking device in their vehicle. The safer you are behind the wheel, the more you are able to save, depending on the program.
Most insurance companies offer discounts to students in college or university for maintaining a certain grade point average (GPA) throughout the semester. Eligibility requirements and savings will vary between providers.
In the first half of 2025, auto theft claims caused $361,542,076 in insured losses. To lower your chances of theft and qualify for a 5% discount on your premiums, consider installing anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, engine immobilizers and dash cameras.
If you’ve remained accident-free and have no claims on your insurance history, you can qualify for a claims-free discount. The more years you go without a claim on your file, the more you may save over time.
Insurance companies like to reward drivers who have a clean driving record. That means no at-fault accidents or other major driving offences like traffic tickets or criminal charges. The longer you go without demerit points on your licence, the more you may save on your coverage. And with accident forgiveness on your plan, even if an at-fault accident occurs, you can maintain a clean driving record following your first incident.
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket when filing a claim before your insurance provider may help cover the remaining costs. Deductibles typically range between $500 and $1,000 and opting for a higher deductible can result in a slightly lower premium.
Most insurance companies add an administration fee to your insurance premiums when you choose to pay monthly. This is because it actually costs them money to process each of the payments. To avoid these added fees, consider paying your premium in one lump sum payment instead.
Even if you’ve been with your provider for numerous years, it doesn’t hurt to shop around and compare quotes if you live in a province with a private insurance system like Alberta, Ontario or Atlantic Canada. By comparing quotes from multiple insurers, it’s possible that you’ll uncover better rates elsewhere, without having to cut back on your insurance.
Insurance brokers like the ones at BrokerLink work separately from insurance providers in Canada. This means that they can shop around for quotes on your behalf, answer your questions, customize your coverage and help you save on your plan without cutting back on your protection. The best part of working with brokers is that you can do so free of charge, as they are paid directly by the insurance companies they refer you to.
Your driving habits may change throughout the year. Maybe you got a new job that requires you to drive further each day or you moved to a new permanent address. Whatever the change may be, reviewing your car insurance policies can help you identify coverage you no longer need and potential gaps you’ll need to fill moving forward.
Your insurance rates are determined by the amount of perceived risk you pose to your insurance company. The higher the risk you are perceived to pose, the higher the premiums may be and vice versa. Providers will consider the following factors when calculating your risk profile:
Those under the age of 25 are more likely to be involved in at-fault accidents and engage in risky driving behaviours than older, more experienced drivers, which often leads to higher insurance costs. The best way to lower your rates as a new driver is to avoid accidents and be a safe driver, so when you turn 25, your rates continue to decrease over time.
Those with at-fault collisions, traffic tickets and convictions pose a greater risk to other motorists than those without. The more accidents and convictions you have, the more your insurance costs will be.
Insurance providers also consider your postal code. Specifically, they’re looking at traffic congestion, auto theft rates and claims rates. If you happen to live in an area with higher claims and theft rates, you’re more likely to be quoted a more expensive insurance rate compared to someone living in a more rural area with lower traffic congestion, auto theft and claims.
The way insurance companies see things, the more accidents and claims you have on your insurance history, the more likely you are to file another claim in the future, which increases your overall risk profile. In contrast, those who have no claims on their history are considered lower risk, which often leads to better savings on their insurance rates.
Driving a luxury or newer vehicle with higher repair and replacement costs can increase your insurance rates compared to those driving older vehicles with lower repair and replacement costs.
Opting for optional coverage like accident forgiveness coverage and higher limits on mandatory policies will increase your rates. However, you will receive more financial protection should an accident occur, which most motorists see as being worth the investment.
The higher your deductible, the lower your rates will be, but the more you’ll pay out of pocket when filing a claim. In contrast, a lower deductible will increase your rates, but you won’t be responsible for high out-of-pocket expenses if you file a claim.
In addition to your eligibility, here are some common features of accident forgiveness coverage (which may vary by insurer):
The Accident Forgiveness Endorsement typically must be present on your insurance policy before an at-fault accident occurs.
Accident Forgiveness Endorsement may need to be renewed each year, as coverage is only valid for one term at a time.
Accident Forgiveness often applies only to the principal driver of the vehicle listed on the insurance policy.
After an at-fault loss while the Accident Forgiveness Endorsement is enforced, the endorsement must be present on your policy each year, so you remain eligible for the driving record protection.
The Accident Forgiveness Endorsement does not apply if:
There is any violation of the Statutory Conditions or policy conditions in relation to the auto accident.
You’re convicted of any criminal code offence or a major conviction.
Accident forgiveness varies by province. Here are some notable differences depending on where you live:
Province
How accident forgiveness works
British Columbia
ICBC may forgive one collision if you have been accident-free for the previous ten years, following 20 years of driving experience (at least 10 in British Columbia).
Alberta
AB-S.E.F. No. 39(A) may forgive your first at-fault accident, provided that you meet eligibility requirements (not been convicted of a Criminal Code offence related to driving, such as a DUI, careless driving, hit-and-run or distracted driving)
Ontario
Must be added to your plan before your first at-fault accident occurs. Eligibility requirements include no convictions of a Criminal Code offence (driving). Does not apply to commercial vehicles.
Nova Scotia
Known as the “forgive and forget” endorsement. Drivers must have no at-fault accidents in the previous six years to be eligible for this endorsement. It is not available to occasional drivers, those convicted of a Criminal Code driving offence or if any mandatory or policy conditions involving the accident are broken.
Are you interested in adding accident forgiveness to your policy? A BrokerLink broker is here to help.
Whether it’s your first time buying car insurance or you’re looking to upgrade your coverage before your renewal as a high-risk driver or student, an experienced BrokerLink broker can help you shop around, compare rates and save on your coverage without cutting back on your protection. Contact BrokerLink over the phone or by email to speak with a broker directly or get a free quote using our online quote tool.
Get an auto insurance quote
Check out our wide range of resources, offering valuable information and tools, all in one convenient place.
Check out blog
Service and claims
Visit a branch
About us
Accident forgiveness coverage typically applies to your first qualifying at-fault accident.
Depending on where you reside and what insurance provider you work with, adding accident forgiveness to your plan will cost you anywhere from $60 to $100 a year.
An at-fault accident is when you’re considered responsible for an accident that you’re involved in. Insurance companies will look at evidence and provincial regulations to determine fault.
This endorsement only applies to the primary driver listed on the plan; no other listed drivers.
If this is part of your coverage agreement, you will still have to pay the deductible to have your car repaired, but it will vary depending on your policy.
Explore our other insurance products to find additional coverage options that fit your needs. Discover more ways to protect what matters most.
Home Insurance
Business Insurance
Apartment & Tenant Insurance
Condo Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
Boat Insurance
Insurance bundle
ATV Insurance
Pet Insurance
Life Insurance
Travel Insurance
Browse additional resources to help you find the right coverage at the best price
Airdrie
Banff
Beaumont
Bentley
Brooks
Calgary
Camrose
Canmore
Cardston
Chestermere
Cochrane
Cold Lake
Drumheller
Edmonton
Edson
Fairview
Fort McMurray
Fort Saskatchewan
Grande Prairie
High River
Hinton
Lacombe
Leduc
Lethbridge
Lloydminster
Medicine Hat
Millet
Morinville
Okotoks
Peace River
Red Deer
Sherwood Park
Spruce Grove
St. Albert
St. Paul
Stony Plain
Strathmore
Sylvan Lake
Taber
Vauxhall
Vermilion
Wetaskiwin
Whitecourt
Manitoba
Brandon
Dauphin
Morden
Portage la Prairie
Selkirk
Steinbach
Thompson
Winnipeg
Winkler
Newfoundland & Labrador
Bay Roberts
Bonavista
Clarenville
Corner Brook
Gander
Grand Falls-Windsor
Labrador City
St. Johns
Stephenville
New Brunswick
Campbellton
Dieppe
Fredericton
Grand Falls
Miramichi
Moncton
Saint John
Amherst
Antigonish
Bedford
Bridgewater
Dartmouth
Fall River
Halifax
Kentville
Liverpool
Middleton
New Glasgow
Springhill
Stellarton
Sydney
Tatamagouche
Truro
Yarmouth
Ajax
Arnprior
Aurora
Barrie
Barry's Bay
Belleville
Bradford
Brampton
Brant
Brantford
Brockville
Burlington
Cambridge
Chatham
Chelmsford
Clarence Rockland
Caledon
Cobourg
Collingwood
Cornwall
Dryden
Dundas
Elliot Lake
Elmira
Espanola
Essex
Fort Erie
Georgetown
Gravenhurst
Grimsby
Guelph
Haldimand County
Halton Hills
Hamilton
Huntsville
Innisfil
Kawartha Lakes
Kenora
Kingston
Kingsville
Kitchener
LaSalle
London
Manotick
Marathon
Markham
Midland
Milton
Mississauga
Napanee
Newcastle
Newmarket
Niagara Falls
Norfolk County
North Bay
North York
Oakville
Orangeville
Orillia
Oshawa
Ottawa
Owen Sound
Parry Sound
Pelham
Pembroke
Perth
Petawawa
Peterborough
Petrolia
Pickering
Port Colborne
Prince Edward County
Quinte West
Richmond
Richmond Hill
Sarnia
Sault Ste. Marie
Scarborough
Shelburne
Simcoe
St. Catharines
St. Thomas
Stratford
Strathroy
Sudbury
Tecumseh
Temiskaming Shores
Thorold
Thunder Bay
Timmins
Toronto
Uxbridge
Vaughan
Wasaga Beach
Waterloo
Welland
Whitby
Windsor
Woodstock
Saskatchewan
Humboldt
Martensville
Moose Jaw
North Battleford
Prince Albert
Regina
Saskatoon
Swift Current