Car Insurance in Bradford

Mandatory Car Insurance in Bradford, Ontario

Car insurance is compulsory in Bradford and throughout Ontario as it is mandated by the provincial government. Therefore, Bradford motorists must have valid, up-to-date car insurance policies at all times. A valid car insurance policy in Ontario is one that complies with the province’s minimum coverage requirements. These requirements include 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.

Further, to buy car insurance in Bradford, 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 or adult child. If you have questions about mandatory insurance coverage in Bradford, get in touch with BrokerLink today.

Uninsured Driver in Bradford, Ontario

As mentioned, auto insurance is mandatory in Ontario. Therefore, driving without insurance is illegal. If caught driving without insurance in Bradford or anywhere else in Canada, you could face serious penalties. More specifically, 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 temporarily suspended.

At the end of the day, driving without insurance is simply not worth the risk. So if you don’t currently have car insurance, contact BrokerLink and we will help you find a policy with the right Ontario auto insurance coverage.

Basic Auto Insurance Coverage in Bradford

All Bradford drivers must have an auto insurance policy that meets the minimum coverage requirements stipulated by the province of Ontario. Standard car 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 and the protection it offers:

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. Bradford drivers are required to purchase auto insurance policies with no less than $200,000 in third party liability coverage.

Direct Compensation - Property Damage Coverage

A 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 car 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 Car Insurance Coverage in Bradford

Beyond the standard (mandatory) coverage listed above, Bradford motorists can also add several other types of coverage to their policies. While not required by law, these coverages offer added protection and peace of mind. A few examples of optional car insurance coverages available to Bradford drivers are as follows:

Collision Coverage

If you get into an accident with another car or object on the road, no matter which driver is at fault for the accident, collision coverage can help cover the costs. Under the collision coverage portion of your policy, your insurance company can help pay for any property damage that resulted from the collision, such as a damaged vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage

For added peace of mind, Bradford drivers may choose to include comprehensive coverage in their car insurance policies. While standard auto insurance coverage in Ontario provides some protection against accidents, it does not protect drivers from many other circumstances on the road. For example, if your car is stolen, basic car insurance won’t help. But if you purchase comprehensive coverage, you can be protected against everything from theft and vandalism to water damage, fire, and more. This means that if your car was stolen, your insurance company would help cover the costs of replacing it, rather than having to pay for a new one entirely out-of-pocket.

Accident Forgiveness Coverage

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 Insurance Companies Calculate Car Insurance Rates in Bradford

Insurance providers in Ontario consider a multitude of factors when calculating auto insurance premiums. Some of these factors are within a driver’s control, like the make and model of their car or their insurance claims history, while others are not, such as their age or gender. Bradford drivers might find it useful to understand which details matter most when it comes to calculating Ontario car insurance rates. For this reason, the BrokerLink team has outlined some of the most important factors affecting car insurance premiums below:

• 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
• Gender
• Marital status

Saving Money on Bradford Insurance Just Got Easier

Insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, as insurance experts, BrokerLink can ensure you never overpay for car insurance again. Our knowledgeable insurance advisors know the ins and outs of the industry. They will unlock auto insurance discounts you didn’t even know you were eligible for and shop around to ensure you receive a competitive rate. Plus, our advisors are always available to share our top tips for saving money on Bradford car insurance, a few of which are broken down below:

Increase Your Policy Deductible

A general rule of thumb in the insurance industry is that raising your policy deductible can lower your premium. A deductible is the amount of money the policyholder is responsible for paying toward an insured loss before the insurance company steps in. All insurance policies have a deductible and it’s up to you to decide what yours will be. Although raising it is likely to reduce your insurance rate, you should only do so if you can afford it. Get in touch to speak with a BrokerLink insurance advisor to learn more about the consequences of raising your car insurance deductible.

Choose Annual Over Monthly Insurance Payments

Our second tip for saving money on Bradford car insurance is to pay for your policy annually rather than monthly. Most insurance companies give you the option of paying in one annual installment or twelve monthly installments. However, the issue with paying in twelve monthly installments is that many insurers charge administrative fees for every payment made. Therefore, paying for your policy in one annual installment usually ends up being less expensive than paying monthly.

Bundle Multiple Insurance Policies Together

Tip #3 for saving money on Bradford car insurance is to bundle multiple insurance policies together. Insurance companies often reward policyholders who purchase more than one policy from them. So if you are looking to insure multiple cars in your household (e.g. your car and your spouse’s car) or buy car insurance on top of another type of insurance, such as business insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, or recreational vehicle insurance, we recommend purchasing it all from the same provider. Doing so could result in savings of up to 15% per policy. Contact BrokerLink to learn more about the auto insurance savings that may come with bundling policies.

Install Winter Tires on Your Car

Another way to save money on Bradford car insurance is by installing winter tires on your vehicle. Snow tires are not mandatory in Ontario, but installing them with your car can make you eligible for an auto insurance discount of up to 5%. This is because insurance companies recognize that snow tires have superior capabilities to all-season tires and therefore reduce your odds of getting into an accident over the winter. If you are interested in a winter tire car insurance discount, speak to a broker today. A BrokerLink insurance advisor can inform you about the specific conditions that must be met to qualify for such a discount (e.g. some companies might stipulate that all four winter tires must be the same model or that the tires must remain on your vehicle for a set time period).

Buy a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

Buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) is another tip for saving money on auto insurance. Many auto insurance providers across Ontario have begun offering discounts to drivers of hybrid or electric vehicles as a way of incentivizing drivers to go green. Therefore, purchasing an EV will not only save you money at the gas pump, but it can also save you up to 10% on a car insurance policy.

Enrol in Driving School

Finally, enrolling in a recognized Ontario driving school is another money-saving tip for young drivers or even just drivers who haven’t driven in a while. There are many approved driving schools in Bradford, any of which can teach you the rules of the road and the fundamentals of defensive driving. Driving schools usually also incorporate in-car lessons, giving you an opportunity to practice with someone other than a family member. As insurers see it, graduating from a driving course in which you learned from a professional makes you a safer, more responsible driver and decreases your odds of getting into an accident. To reward you, they may offer you a driving school discount on your auto insurance policy.

Tips For Young Drivers in Bradford

Are you a young driver in Bradford? Follow the tips below to improve your driving skills:

Slow Down

One of the most important driving tips - no matter your age - is to slow down. The slower you drive, the less likely you are to get into an accident as driving slowly gives you more time to react. Always obey the speed limit and don’t rush when accelerating, braking, turning, parking, or changing lines. In addition, we recommend slowing down anytime you are driving during inclement weather like fog, rain, or snow, at night when visibility is reduced, or through a construction zone.

Leave Ample Space

Our second tip for young Bradford drivers is to leave ample space around you. We recommend two car lengths between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you on a regular road and four car lengths on a highway. Doing this will give you more time to stop suddenly if needed and can help prevent an accident.

Minimize Distractions

Finally, young drivers should always minimize distractions while on the road. Though it can be tempting to program your GPS, text and drive, or sip on a drink, doing so instantly increases your odds of getting into an accident (in addition to some of these actions, like texting and driving, being illegal in Ontario). Therefore, we suggest putting your phone away, finding a radio station before taking the car out of park, and finishing any snacks or drinks before pulling out of the driveway. This way, all of your focus will be on the road.

Compare Rates with Licenced Bradford Insurance Brokers

Save time and money by enlisting the help of a Bradford insurance broker. BrokerLink’s insurance brokers make shopping for car insurance hassle-free. We do all the work for you, provide unbiased, professional advice, and have the resources and expertise to find you a great policy at the drop of a hat. When you compare rates with a BrokerLink insurance advisor, you can sit back and relax knowing you’re in good hands. Check out a few reasons to work with a registered Bradford insurance broker today:

Brokers Operate Independently of Insurance Companies

First, insurance brokers work independently of insurance companies. This means that you can trust us to make you our top priority. Upon getting in touch, you will be matched with a dedicated insurance advisor who will take the time to understand your needs and find you a car insurance policy that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Brokers do The Work for You

The second reason to enlist the help of a Bradford insurance broker is that they do the work for you. Brokers offer a convenient service, contacting Bradford’s top insurance companies and obtaining quotes on your behalf. From there, they will compare policies and unlock discounts before presenting you with their top options.

Brokers Are Car Insurance Experts

One final reason to consult with a licenced Bradford insurance broker is owing to the expertise they possess. BrokerLink insurance advisors are fully licenced with years of experience helping Bradford residents just like you find quality auto insurance policies. BrokerLink has been in business since 1991, which means you can trust us to get the job done every time. Take advantage of our invaluable expertise and resources by getting in touch today.

Free Bradford Car Insurance Quotes Are a Click Away

Still have questions about Bradford car insurance? BrokerLink can help. Our licenced insurance advisors are available to take your call, answer your emails, or speak with you in person at any one of our Ontario locations. We can answer your car insurance questions, explain your coverage and policy options, and even provide you with a free quote.

Bradford drivers can also request a free auto insurance quote using our online quote tool. All you have to do is provide us with some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, such as its make and model, and we’ll get back to you with an accurate and competitive quote in minutes.

Protect yourself and your vehicle with Bradford car insurance by contacting BrokerLink today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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