Car Insurance in Barrie

Is car insurance mandatory in Barrie?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory for all motorists in Barrie. Specifically, Barrie drivers must have policies that contain the following four types of coverage:

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

Can I drive without car insurance in Barrie?

No, driving without car insurance in Barrie would be illegal. If caught, you could be subject to the following penalties:

• A fine of $5,000 to $25,000 for a first 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

Given how serious the penalties for driving with insurance are in Ontario, the best course of action is to purchase a valid car insurance policy and to make sure it remains valid at all times. Contact BrokerLink for more information on how mandatory coverage in Ontario works and for help finding a policy that complies with local requirements.

Compulsory car insurance coverage types for Barrie drivers

To help you understand why car insurance is so important and how it helps protect you, your vehicle, and other drivers on the road, we outline the four types of mandatory Ontario car insurance coverage in greater detail below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability car insurance is required of all Barrie drivers and it comes into play if you get into an accident that you cause. If such a situation arises, your insurance company would help pay for any associated legal fees, medical expenses, vehicle repair bills, and more, under the third party liability portion of your Barrie car insurance plan. Please note that in Ontario, drivers must carry a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses if someone requires medical attention following an accident. With accident benefits coverage, it doesn’t matter who caused the accident or who requires medical attention, whether it be the policyholder, a pedestrian, or the other driver involved in the accident. Accident benefits coverage extends to medical costs that are not covered by health insurance, like rehabilitation or prescription medication.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage covers drivers when they get into an accident and their vehicle is damaged. To qualify for this type of coverage, you cannot have been liable for the accident. Direct compensation insurance gets its name from the fact that when you claim this type of coverage, the collision that you did not cause and your car is damaged. With this type of coverage, your insurance company usually issues the payout directly.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage is also mandatory and it is useful if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured. It will also come into play if you get into a hit and run accident and the driver is never identified.

Optional Barrie auto insurance coverage

If you are looking for broader protection from your car insurance policy, you will want to consider the following three types of coverage. They are among the most popular optional coverages in Barrie, and they provide protection against a wider range of risks than the mandatory coverages listed above.

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage helps cover the cost of repairing your damaged vehicle if it needs to be repaired following a collision with another car or object while driving. You can qualify for this type of Ontario car insurance coverage no matter whether you caused the accident or not. Please note that while this is typically an optional type of coverage, it may be mandatory if you lease or finance your car.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage protects cars from damage caused by fire, wind, theft, falling objects, and more. It is sometimes referred to as parked car insurance, as unlike the other types of coverage discussed, it protects your vehicle against non-collision-related incidents. With comprehensive car insurance, you are only covered for damages that result from named perils listed in your policy so be sure to choose these named perils wisely. You can also purchase all perils coverage to be protected against the widest set of risks. As with collision coverage, comprehensive coverage may be mandatory if your Barrie car is leased or financed.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Barrie 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 much does car insurance cost in Barrie?

Barrie drivers might be surprised to learn just how many factors come into play when an insurance company calculates your car insurance premium. Due to the number of factors that influence auto insurance rates, estimating the cost of car insurance is difficult without knowing more about you and your driving history. To get a better sense of how much a car insurance plan will cost you, contact BrokerLink for a free quote. In the meantime, read through this list of factors that insurance companies commonly use to determine premiums in Barrie:

• 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

Reduce your Barrie car insurance premium today

Do you want tips on how to lower your Barrie car insurance premium? BrokerLink is here. Over the years, our licenced brokers have amassed all kinds of tips to help our customers save money on auto insurance. We share a few of them below:

Reach out to a BrokerLink insurance advisor in Barrie for help

First and foremost, we recommend contacting an insurance broker. Insurance brokers at BrokerLink have years of experience not only matching customers with quality coverage but also saving them money. We want car insurance to be as affordable as possible, and we make sure of this by shopping around on your behalf and giving you tips on ways that you can cut insurance costs.

Sign up for an approved driving program in Ontario

Signing up for an approved driving program in Ontario is a great way to save money on car insurance. If you can show proof that you completed a driver’s education course, your insurance company may give you a discount on car insurance. Although drivers of any age can enrol in these courses, young drivers may benefit even more from such a discount given that their premiums are usually higher.

Take advantage of the safety and savings that winter tires offer

Did you know that winter tires offer both safety and savings? That’s right, insurance companies in Ontario provide car insurance discounts to drivers who take the added safety precaution of installing winter tires on their vehicles. To qualify, you will need to meet certain conditions, which a BrokerLink insurance advisor can inform you of. They may vary between insurance companies but are typically fairly standard, such as making sure your winter tires are installed by a specific date each season.

Buy an eco-friendly or safe vehicle

If you are purchasing a new car, think carefully about the kind of car you buy, as the type of vehicle you drive has a major impact on your insurance rates. For example, many insurance companies offer discounts if you drive an eco-friendly car, like a hybrid or electric vehicle, which means now might be a great time to consider an EV. Similarly, cars with higher safety ratings and lower rates of theft may also help you qualify for a cheaper premium.

Maintain a clean driving record

If your record does not have any (or very few) driving infractions, such as accidents or traffic tickets, this will mean good things for your premium. Specifically, it will mean lower insurance rates than a driver with lots of infractions on their driving record. If you want help improving your driving skills, check out this list of safe driving tips. Adopting these tips can help you qualify for lower car insurance rates in Barrie.

Install an anti-theft device in your car

Keep your car safe from theft by installing an anti-theft device in your vehicle. These types of security systems not only deter crime but can also make you eligible for an auto insurance discount in Barrie.

Choose higher car insurance deductibles

When selecting the deductible for each type of car insurance coverage on your policy, try to choose ones on the higher end of the spectrum. Premiums and deductibles are directly related, which means the deductible you choose will have a major impact on your premium. The rule of thumb for car insurance deductibles is this: the higher your deductible, the cheaper your policy, and the lower your deductible, the more expensive your policy.

Don’t miss your insurance payments

Missing your insurance payments or frequently paying them late can have severe consequences, the worst of which is a policy cancellation. Non-payment is one of the most common causes of a cancelled policy, and it can make it much harder and more expensive to obtain insurance in the future. For this reason, if you are struggling to make your payments on time, we recommend notifying your insurance provider as soon as possible. Explain your situation and see if they would be willing to arrange a new payment plan with you. In many cases, insurance companies are more flexible than you think.

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. 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 you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Ontario. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs on Barrie car insurance

Can I get a free car insurance quote in Barrie?

Yes, you can obtain a free car insurance quote from many insurance companies in Barrie. Do a quick search online and it will reveal many places offering free insurance quotes near you. Nowadays, customers can obtain complimentary quotes in several ways, including online, in person, and over the phone.

Where can I buy car insurance in Barrie?

You can purchase car insurance through an insurance broker or directly from an insurance company in Barrie.

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

Car accidents typically remain on Ontario driving records for six years. Depending on the circumstances of the accident - namely, if you were at fault for it or not - your insurance premium may not be impacted. If you caused the accident, however, then odds are 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?

Depending on the terms of your policy, the cost of the damage caused in the process of your belongings being stolen may be covered. For instance, if the burglar broke a car window, your insurer might pay to help you repair it. However, car insurance coverage - even comprehensive coverage - does not typically extend to personal belongings, such as wallets or electronics, that are stolen from your car. You will likely need to pay to replace these items out of pocket unless they are covered by your home insurance policy.

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

A few types of optional car insurance coverage that are popular among Barrie drivers includes comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and accident forgiveness coverage.

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

The answer to this question will vary between customers. Ultimately, only you can answer as it depends on your budget and coverage needs. To determine if renewing your policy or cancelling it at the end of the term and finding a new one is right for you, think long and hard about whether your current coverage still makes sense and whether you’re paying the most competitive price for it. For the latter, you will need to reach out to other insurance companies or an insurance broker to help you obtain and compare other insurance products. This way, you can discover if another insurance company is offering better or the same coverage at a lower price. If you decide to renew your policy, take the time to make any adjustments that better align with your current insurance needs, such as adding or removing coverage or raising or lowering your deductibles. For help navigating the renewal process or to learn more about expired car insurance renewal, reach out to an insurance professional near you.

How can I find affordable car insurance in Barrie?

Finding affordable car insurance in Barrie is easier than you might think if you know what to do. For example, strategies like bundling multiple insurance policies into one, equipping your car with snow tires or an anti-theft device, buying a hybrid or electric vehicle or one with a high safety rating, and more can all save you money. You can also inquire about different insurance discounts you may be eligible for, as many insurance companies offer employment or education-based discounts.

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

Yes, you must first obtain a valid Ontario driver’s licence if you want to buy car insurance in Ontario. When purchasing insurance, you will need to provide a copy of your licence.

Am I covered if I drive to another province?

If you wish to temporarily drive in another province, such as if you are driving from Barrie to Montreal for the weekend, you will be covered by your policy. However, if you plan to permanently relocate to another province, you will need to inform your insurance provider and likely purchase a new policy. Where you live is one of the main factors that influences your premium. The province you live in also determines the type of coverage you need, as each province has its own unique coverage requirements.

Do I need to purchase car insurance in Barrie?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Barrie. Thus, if you want to get behind the wheel, you will need to purchase an auto insurance plan that complies with Ontario law. This means a plan that features no less than $200,000 in third party liability coverage, along with uninsured automobile coverage, accident benefits coverage, and direct compensation - property damage coverage.

What are the consequences of driving without insurance in Barrie?

The consequences of driving without insurance in Barrie are the same as anywhere else in Ontario. If caught, you could face a maximum fine of between $25,000 and $50,000, depending on whether it is your first offence or a second or subsequent offence. 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 as long as you give your friend permission to drive your vehicle and they are not an excluded person in your policy, your auto insurance coverage will extend to them while driving. This means that if they get into an accident while driving your car, they will be covered.

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