Car Insurance in Cambridge, Ontario

Car Insurance in Ontario is the Law

Car insurance in Ontario is government-regulated. This means every vehicle owner and operator requires insurance. The minimum coverage requirements in Ontario include:

• Third-party liability coverage, which covers you if you are held responsible for causing injury or damage to personal property
• Statutory accident benefits coverage, which provides you benefits if you’re injured in an accident no matter who’s at fault
• Direct compensation/property damage coverage, which reimburses you for damages to your vehicle whether you or a third-party is responsible
• Uninsured automobile coverage, which protects you in the case you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident or you’re injured or your property is damaged by an uninsured driver.

Make sure to discuss these and other coverages with your broker to see what coverage amounts best suit you and your lifestyle!

Car Insurance Premiums in Cambridge, Ontario

If you live in Cambridge, you should be happy to know that you’re paying some of the lowest rates for car insurance in the entire province of Ontario; even less than the neighbouring cities of Kitchener and Brantford. Although there is some variation in car insurance premiums between different postal codes in the city, the differences are not as significant as they are in places like Toronto and cities throughout the GTA. As your broker, we will do our best to ensure you have the right coverage whether you use your vehicle to commute to work daily or you’re just using it to enjoy all of Cambridge’s local attractions.

Optional car insurance coverage for Cambridge drivers

Now that you understand what standard car insurance coverage is in Cambridge, it’s important to learn about the additional coverage types available to Ontario drivers. While the standard coverage types listed above are required by law, the optional coverages below are not. That said, they can be extremely beneficial to drivers. A few of the most popular optional car insurance coverages are listed below.

Collision coverage

If you get into an accident with another vehicle or object on the road, no matter who is at fault for the accident, collision coverage can help cover the costs. 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 vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage

Drivers may choose to include comprehensive coverage in their Cambridge car insurance policies for the peace of mind it offers. Although standard auto insurance coverage in Ontario protects against collisions, it does not protect drivers from the many other circumstances on the road. But comprehensive coverage does. With this type of optional insurance coverage, you and your vehicle can be protected against theft, vandalism, water damage, fire, and more.

Accident forgiveness coverage

The last optional type of coverage that may appeal to Cambridge drivers is accident forgiveness. This type of coverage can be beneficial for new or high risk drivers as it prevents your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident.

How Cambridge car insurance rates are calculated

Multiple factors affect the cost of car insurance in Cambridge. For example, insurance companies may take into account a driver’s age, location, and marital status when calculating insurance premiums. Cambridge drivers might find it helpful to learn about the factors impacting their auto insurance costs, so we’ve put together a list of the most common factors below.

Provincial laws

Each Canadian province and territory is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations on car insurance, and this includes minimum coverage requirements. The minimum coverage requirements in your province is one factor that can determine the cost of your car insurance policy. If the province in which you reside has a higher coverage requirement, your policy may cost a bit more. For example, in Ontario and Alberta, drivers are required to carry no less than $200,000 in third party liability coverage at all times.

Age

Nearly all Cambridge car insurance companies will use your age to determine your premium. The younger a driver is, the less experience they have and are therefore the more likely to get into an accident. This is why young drivers often pay the highest rates for car insurance. Another age group that may pay more for auto insurance is seniors over the age of 60.

Driving history

Another important factor insurance companies use to determine the cost of car insurance is a person’s driving history. Driving history is a combination of one’s driving experience and driving record. Having years or decades of driving experience can work to your advantage but only if you have a clean record.

A clean record is one without speeding tickets, collisions, DUIs, or demerit points. The more incidents you have on your record, the greater the odds that you will pay more for car insurance. It’s important to note that traffic tickets usually remain on your record for three years, which means you could pay an increased premium for all three years.

Ultimately, if you focus on driving safely and obeying the rules of the road, your ample driving experience and clean driving record could reward you with a reduced auto insurance rate.

Location

Your geographic location can also impact your auto insurance premium, which is why Cambridge auto insurance brokers will ask for your address when providing you with a free quote. Typically, drivers who live in or near high-density urban areas like Toronto will pay more for car insurance than those who live in rural parts of Canada. This is because urban areas are more populated which means more traffic on the road, increasing your odds of getting into a collision. Further, if you live in a part of Ontario prone to climate related weather incidents, such as floods, your auto insurance rate could be affected.

Type of vehicle

The make, model, and year of the vehicle you drive is another common factor that may be used to determine your insurance premium. Many Cambridge car insurance companies will use this information to assess how likely your car is to be stolen and how much it will cost to replace or repair it in the event of damage or theft. Expensive vehicles, such as luxury sports cars, tend to cost more to insure because, if damaged or stolen, they would cost more to repair or replace. In contrast, drivers of older, affordable cars may benefit from cheaper car insurance rates. The exception to this rule is if you have a new or expensive vehicle that is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and anti-theft devices. Having such features on your car can lower your insurance premium.

Annual mileage

The amount of time you spend on the road can impact your insurance rate. If you are an occasional driver who only drives on weekends or a few times a week, your insurance may cost less. However, if you spend an above-average amount of time on the road - perhaps you have a long daily commute to work or your job involves transportation - then your insurance premium may be higher. The same goes if you spend a lot of time driving at night, on major highways, or during rush hour.

Car ownership duration

The length of time you’ve owned your vehicle is another factor that Cambridge auto insurance providers may consider. If you’ve driven the same car for many years without incident, the insurance company may take this as a testament to your responsibility and could lower your premium as a result. This is especially true if multiple people in your household have shared the same vehicle for years and have maintained clean driving records during this time. Conversely, if you frequently purchase new cars or each member of your household has their own vehicle, your insurance rates could be higher.

Marital status

One final factor that may affect your auto insurance rate is your marital status. Statistics suggest that married couples are more responsible and may be less likely to get into car accidents. Therefore, marital status is a factor that may be considered when calculating your insurance premium.

How to save money on car insurance in Cambridge

Cambridge car insurance shouldn't break the bank. Luckily, BrokerLink is here to help you save money on car insurance. We work to find the right policy for you at the best price. To reduce how much you spend on Cambridge car insurance, consider the following tips 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

Partner with a Cambridge insurance broker

One of the best ways to save money on Cambridge car insurance is to contact an experienced broker from BrokerLink. Our team consists of car insurance experts. We know the ins and outs of the industry and can help you find a policy that suits your needs and budget. We have worked with Canadians far and wide and will have no trouble finding you a quality policy at an affordable price. We will obtain and compare quotes on your behalf, unlock discounts, and let you in on the industry’s best-kept secrets for getting cheap car insurance. Contact BrokerLink today to get started.

Tips for young drivers in Cambridge, Ontario

Driving isn’t easy, especially when you are first learning. Just like riding a bike, driving is a skill that takes time and patience to master. As a young driver in Cambridge, Ontario, it’s completely normal to be nervous. Try to keep in mind that with practice, you’ll become a better driver in no time. To help you improve your driving skills, we’ve put together a list of tips for new drivers in Cambridge.

Slow down

A tip for drivers of any age is to drive slowly. When you drive slowly and cautiously, you decrease the odds of getting into an accident. Always drive the speed limit and take your time when accelerating, braking, turning, parking, or changing lines. You’ll always want to take extra care when driving in poor weather like fog, rain, or snow, at night when visibility is reduced, or through a construction zone. When driving in any of these circumstances, we recommend driving below the speed limit.

Check your mirrors

Driving instructors will tell you to check your mirrors regularly. Why? It ensures you are aware of your surroundings. When you check your rearview and side mirrors, scan all vehicles and lanes around you. In addition, when looking through your windshield, don’t focus solely on the vehicle in front of yours. Instead, take note of all cars in the vicinity. Doing so will let you know of any vehicles or road hazards that are beside or behind you. Ultimately, the more aware you are of other drivers, the less likely you are to get into a collision.

Enroll in driving school

Whether you are a freshly licensed driver or simply in need of a refresher, consider enrolling in an approved Ontario driving school. There are driving schools across the province, any of which will help you hone your practical driving skills while simultaneously teaching you the rules of the road. Enrolling in driving school also provides an opportunity to practice driving with someone other than your family members, which can be nerve-wracking. An added bonus of driving school is that for young drivers, completing an approved course can save you money on car insurance. If you are looking to lower your insurance premium, consider attending a recognized driving school in Cambridge.

Leave ample space

Whenever you are behind the wheel, remember that space is your friend. Experts recommend leaving two car lengths between yourself and the vehicle in front of you at all times. This way, if you have to stop suddenly for any reason, you have enough room to do so without hitting the vehicle in front. In addition, if you are rear-ended at an intersection, this extra space will ensure you don’t bump into another car or pedestrian, causing even greater damage. Please note that if driving speeds are increased, such as on a highway, or you are driving in poor weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog, you should leave an even bigger distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you as braking times will be reduced.

Minimize distractions

One final tip for young drivers in Cambridge is to minimize distractions. It can be tempting to blast the radio, check your phone, or sip on a drink while driving, but doing so could have serious consequences. First, texting and driving is illegal in Ontario so put the phone down, even when you are stopped at a traffic light. Beyond being against the law, checking your phone, changing radio stations, or generally not paying attention to the road increases your odds of getting into a collision. When you are behind the wheel, your focus should be on the road and the road only. So before you put the car into drive, finish your drink, set the radio to a station you like, and put your phone somewhere you can’t see it.

Compare Cambridge car insurance quotes with trusted insurance brokers

Shopping for car insurance can be an overwhelming experience but it doesn’t have to be this way. By enlisting the help of a reputable broker from BrokerLink, you can make shopping for car insurance easier than ever before.

BrokerLink has an entire team of Cambridge insurance brokers ready to help you find your perfect car insurance policy. By letting us shop around for the best car insurance rates on your behalf, you can spend your free time doing whatever it is that you love. With the help of an experienced insurance advisor, your auto insurance experience can be entirely hassle-free, especially since we do all the legwork.

Save time and money by contacting a Cambridge insurance broker today.

Get in touch

Still have questions about Cambridge car insurance? Want to learn more about mandatory car insurance in Ontario, discuss the optional coverage types available to you, or request a free auto insurance quote?

Get in touch with BrokerLink today by phone, email, or in person at one of our many locations across Ontario. No matter how you choose to contact us, one of BrokerLink’s knowledgeable and friendly insurance advisors will be happy to assist you.

We also invite Cambridge drivers to request a free quote using our car insurance calculator. To request a Cambridge auto insurance quote online, all you need to do is answer a few basic questions about yourself and the type of vehicle you drive, and in less than five minutes, you’ll receive an accurate and competitive quote. It’s that easy!

So what are you waiting for? Jumpstart your Cambridge auto insurance journey by contacting BrokerLink today. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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