Car Insurance in Barrie

Do I need car insurance in Barrie?

In short, the answer is yes! If you’re driving in Barrie, you need certain types of insurance coverage. Without insurance, you are risking your safety and that of other drivers on the road. Barrie drivers require policies that consist of the following four types of coverage:

• Third-party liability coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage coverage
• Accident benefits of coverage
• Uninsured automobile coverage

What happens if I drive without car insurance in Barrie?

Driving without auto insurance in Barrie is illegal. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could be subject to the following penalties:

• A fine of $5,000 to $25,000 for the offence and a 25% surcharge
• A fine of $10,000 to $50,000 for a second offence and a 25% surcharge
• The suspension of your Ontario driver’s licence for anywhere from 30 to 365 days
• Your car being impounded for up to three months

Driving without auto insurance in Barrie comes with severe penalties, so you need to find an insurance policy as soon as possible. Speak with a broker from BrokerLink to learn more about mandatory coverage for Barrie residents. We will help you find a car insurance policy that suits your needs.

Compulsory car insurance coverage types for Barrie drivers

When it’s time to find car insurance, consider your needs. Auto insurance rates can vary depending on several factors, so your Barrie insurance broker should be there for you if you’re involved in an accident:

Third-party liability coverage

As any Barrie insurance broker will tell you, every driver requires liability car insurance. This type of auto insurance will come into effect if you end up in a car accident. In the event of a collision, your Barrie car insurance provider will help pay for expenses such as legal fees, medical expenses, vehicle repair bills, and more under the third-party liability portion of your Barrie car insurance plan. Remember, in Ontario, drivers require a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability insurance coverage.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage provides financial assistance to pay for medical expenses if someone requires medical attention after a car accident. When you have accident benefits coverage, it doesn’t matter who caused the car accident. Whether the insurance policy holder, pedestrian or the other driver involved in the accident needs help, your Barrie auto insurance will cover it. It extends to medical costs not covered by health insurance, including rehabilitation or prescription medication.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Barrie insurance companies should also provide direct compensation, such as property damage coverage. This type of auto insurance covers drivers if they get into an accident that damages their car. It’s important to note that this type of auto insurance only comes into effect if you are not liable for the accident. If you claim direct compensation insurance, you can’t be the driver who caused the collision that damaged your car. Any insurance broker will tell you that your insurance company will issue the payout directly.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage is also mandatory, and it is useful if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It will also come into play if you get into a hit-and-run accident and the driver is never identified. Maintain a good driving record as long as you remain with the same insurance company.

Various types of Barrie car insurance are available, which can make finding the coverage you need challenging. However, with a BrokerLink Broker by your side, you can easily find the right type of insurance coverage for you. We will offer multiple auto insurance policies to help you make a decision.

Optional Barrie auto insurance coverage

While it’s essential to compare car insurance quotes to find the best type of coverage for you, considering these additional types of coverage is a good idea. Barrie insurance brokers will recommend the following three types of coverage to protect yourself in the event of an accident. While having any of these types of car insurance isn’t mandatory, they are in your best interests:

Collision coverage

If your vehicle is damaged in a collision with another car or object while driving, collision car insurance has you covered. It doesn’t matter if you caused the accident or not—you can still qualify for compensation with this optional type of coverage. Remember, this type of auto insurance coverage might not be mandatory, but it may be required to lease or finance your car.

Comprehensive coverage

Auto insurance companies like BrokerLink also offer comprehensive car coverage that can pay for damage caused by fire, wind, theft, objects, and more. You can think of it as parked car insurance because it protects your vehicle against non-collision-related incidents. Always review your policy to ensure you have the best car insurance for your needs because your insurance premiums will only pay for the types of damage listed in your policy. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage may be mandatory if you lease or finance your Barrie vehicle.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Lastly, there’s accident forgiveness, which isn’t one of the mandatory coverages. This type of insurance provides the best coverage if you get into a car accident for the first time. It protects your driving record and prevents higher premiums if you file an at-fault accident claim. However, coverage varies from province to province.

Despite being optional, these types of coverage can help you save money in the long run, especially if you end up in an accident. Why take the risk when you don’t have to? By seeking out an insurance broker, you can find an insurance company that offers coverage that suits your needs.

How much does car insurance cost in Barrie?

What may surprise many Barrie drivers is the factors car insurance companies consider when calculating your rates. The price of car insurance often varies depending on various factors and is difficult to estimate without knowing a little more about you and your driving history. You should contact BrokerLink to determine what car insurance plan is right for you. Here are the aspects that Barrie insurance companies consider when determining your premium:

• 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

Many factors affect your insurance premium. Some aspects are beyond your control, but that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for other discounts. That’s why you need a good insurance broker by your side. The right broker will advocate for you and assist you with your journey to find affordable car insurance. Your broker can also shop around for you, saving you time.

How do I lower my Barrie car insurance rates?

Do you want to lower your car insurance premium? Why not reach out to BrokerLink? Our team of licensed brokers has several tips to help customers save on auto insurance every day. We will help you find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Barrie that offer you the necessary coverage. Here’s what you need to know:

Reach out to a BrokerLink insurance advisor in Barrie for help

The first step to lowering your insurance rate is contacting a Barrie car insurance broker. Barrie car insurance brokers at BrokerLink understand how to provide customers with cheap car insurance while providing the quality coverage they deserve. We want to help you find the right car insurance company and shop around to find the auto insurance policy that suits you and your needs. When you choose us, your insurance costs will be lower, and you’ll feel safer on the road.

Sign up for an approved driving program in Ontario

Enrolling in an approved Ontario driving education course can help reduce insurance costs. Your insurance company may lower your car insurance rates by proving you finished a driver’s education course. Barrie drivers of all ages can take these courses. However, young drivers may benefit even more from the discount provided because their car insurance rates are usually higher.

Take advantage of the safety and savings that winter tires offer

Winter tires aren’t only safe but can help you save money on your car insurance in Barrie. Ontario insurance companies provide discounts to drivers who take the safety precaution of adding winter tires to their vehicles. You must meet certain conditions to qualify, but there’s no need to worry because a BrokerLink insurance advisor has all the information you need. Car insurance quotes may vary depending on the insurance company, but the effect on your auto insurance in Barrie will generally be the same. Remember to have your winter tires on by a specific date each season.

Buy an eco-friendly or safe vehicle

Before buying a car, think about the effect it could have on your insurance rate. The type of vehicle you buy can be the difference between lower and higher premiums. Did you know many car insurance companies will offer a discount if you drive an eco-friendly car, such as a hybrid or electric one? There’s no better time to consider an electric vehicle. Cars with higher safety ratings and lower theft rates can also lower your insurance costs.

Maintain a clean driving record

Your driving record and driving history can affect your car insurance in Barrie. Insurance companies offer discounts if you do not have any (or very few) driving infractions like accidents or traffic tickets. If you have a clean driving record, your insurance will be lower than those with driving infractions on their records. Being a safe driver is important and improves your driving skills while saving you money. Adopting these safe driving tips will lead to lower Barrie car insurance rates.

Install an anti-theft device in your car

Installing an anti-theft device in your vehicle will lower your Barrie car insurance quotes. These security systems deter crime and help you get cheap car insurance in Barrie.

Choose higher car insurance deductibles

When choosing the deductible for each type of car insurance on your policy, look for the ones on the higher end of the spectrum. Premiums and deductibles correlate, meaning car insurance quotes will vary depending on the deductible you choose. Think about it this way: the higher the deductible, the cheaper the policy, and vice versa.

Don’t miss your insurance payments

Missing your Barrie car insurance payments or paying them late has severe consequences, including policy cancellation. Non-payment is often the culprit behind cancelled car insurance policies. When this happens, it’s hard to get lower car insurance rates in the future or to obtain insurance in general. If you struggle to pay your insurance on time, notify your insurance provider immediately. Explain your situation so we can arrange a new payment plan.

We’re in your community

Here at BrokerLink, we live to serve. Whether we are giving back to the local community in Barrie or helping customers find tailor-made insurance coverage, we are here to help. We will guide you every step of the way, from teaching you how to calculate mileage to determining the right policy for you. Reach out to BrokerLink today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Contact us

At Barrie BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

If you’re driving in Barrie, you need an insurance company that will be there for you. At BrokerLink, we are committed to helping our customers find cheap car insurance rates with quality coverage that suits their needs. Are you looking for a policy that will keep you safe on the road at an affordable price? Go online, call or visit our Wellington Street location to speak with one of our Barrie insurance brokers today. We will give you a free quote.

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FAQs on Barrie car insurance

You probably have many questions about car insurance in Barrie besides “How can I get cheap car insurance in Barrie?” Here are the answers to your questions about car insurance in Barrie:

Can I get a free car insurance quote in Barrie?

Yes! You can receive free Barrie car insurance quotes from many companies. Go online to find cheap car insurance near you. You can easily get complimentary quotes online, in person, or over the phone.

Where can I buy car insurance in Barrie?

You purchase car insurance through an insurance broker or a Barrie insurance company.

How long do car accidents stay on my driving record in Barrie?

Car accidents usually remain on Ontario driving records for six years. Your insurance premiums will change based on whether you are at fault or not. If you caused the accident, your insurance rates will increase unless it was your first at-fault accident and you have accident forgiveness coverage.

Am I covered by my Barrie car insurance policy if my personal belongings are stolen from my car?

The terms of your insurance policy will determine if the cost of the damage and your stolen belongings are covered. For example, if a burglar breaks a car window or steals your steering wheel, your insurer may help you pay to repair it. However, car insurance, including comprehensive coverage, does not typically extend to personal belongings, such as wallets or electronics stolen from your car. You will probably have to pay to replace these items out of pocket unless your home insurance policy covers them.

What optional types of car insurance are worth considering for Barrie drivers?

Comprehensive, collision, and accident forgiveness coverage are common types of optional car insurance coverage among Barrie drivers.

Is it better to renew my Barrie car insurance policy or find a new one?

The answer to this question varies from customer to customer. Only you can answer it, as it depends on your insurance premium budget. Determining if you will renew or cancel your policy at the end of the term is up to you.

Shopping around for Barrie car insurance quotes is fine. Consider whether the coverage still makes sense and whether you’re paying a competitive price. Contact other insurance companies or speak to a broker to obtain and compare different insurance products. It will allow you to find car insurance at a lower price possibly.

If you renew your insurance policy, take the time to make adjustments to better align with your needs, such as adding or removing coverage or raising or lowering your deductibles. If you need help navigating the renewal process or learn more about expired car insurance renewal in Barrie, speak with an insurance broker.

How can I find affordable car insurance in Barrie?

Finding affordable car insurance in Barrie is easier than you think. Think about bundling multiple insurance policies into one. Equipping your car with snow tires and installing an anti-theft device with a hybrid or electric with a high safety rating is a great way to save money and get a lower insurance rate. Ask about insurance discounts because many companies offer employment or education-based discounts.

Do I need a valid Ontario driver’s licence to purchase car insurance?

Yes! You need an Ontario driver’s licence to buy car insurance in Ontario. When purchasing insurance, you must provide a copy of your licence.

Am I covered if I drive to another province?

If you wish to drive in another province temporarily, you will be covered by your insurance policy. For example, you will be covered if you are driving from Barrie to Montreal for the weekend. However, if you are permanently relocating to a new province, you must inform your insurance provider and likely purchase a new policy. Your location is one of the main factors that influences your premium. Different provinces have their own unique coverage requirements. That means you will likely have to shop around to find the cheapest car insurance available.

Do I need to purchase car insurance in Barrie?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Barrie. If you are driving in Ontario, you will need an auto insurance plan that complies with Ontario law. That means your plan must feature no less than $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. Additionally, you will need uninsured automobile coverage, accident benefits coverage, and direct compensation - property damage coverage.

What are the consequences of driving without insurance in Barrie?

Driving without insurance has serious consequences in Barrie and anywhere in Ontario. If you are caught, you could face a maximum fine between $25,000 and $50,000, depending on whether it is your first offence or a second or subsequent one. The risks are too great. You could also have your driver’s licence suspended for up to a year and have your vehicle impounded.

Will a friend be covered if I let them borrow my car?

Yes. Car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. So long as you give your friend permission to drive your car and they are not an excluded person in your policy, your auto insurance coverage will extend to them while driving. In other words, it means they will be covered if they get into an accident while driving your car.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.