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What is collision coverage?
In contrast to liability car insurance or accident benefits coverage, collision coverage is not mandatory in Canada. Although it is designed to protect policyholders against damages from collisions, it doesn’t work the same as other types of mandatory coverage.
Collision coverage is a type of property damage coverage. It does not cover medical expenses or legal fees incurred from an accident. However, it will cover repair and replacement costs if your car is damaged in a collision.
Collision insurance matters because basic coverage in Ontario only covers property damage when the policyholder is not at fault for an accident. When a policyholder is held liable for a collision, basic liability coverage won’t protect them. In other words, the policyholder has to pay to repair or replace their vehicle out of pocket. On the other hand, collision coverage allows you to file a collision claim with your insurance company and gives you a payout to cover these costs.
What does collision insurance cover?
The majority of collision insurance policies cover vehicle repairs if your vehicle is damaged in a collision. Collision insurance offers broader coverage than other types of property damage coverage, such as direct compensation coverage. It doesn’t matter whether you were at fault for an accident or not when you have collision insurance. In contrast, direct compensation property damage coverage only covers you if you are not held liable for the accident. Collision coverage helps pay for the following:
- Property damage from at-fault accidents
- Property damage from single-vehicle collisions
- Property damage from multi-vehicle collisions
- Property damage after colliding with an animal
- Property damage after colliding with a grounded object (e.g. a tree, median, lamppost, etc.)
At-fault accidents happen. This is true for even the best drivers. These Alberta wildlife collision statistics show the risks of single-vehicle collisions for Albertan motorists.
Knowing the common causes of collisions can help you avoid an accident in your home province, but it doesn’t guarantee it—that’s why collision insurance matters. If something unexpected happens and you get into an at-fault accident, you’ll need an auto insurance policy with the right coverage.
Is collision coverage mandatory in Canada?
No, collision coverage is not a government-mandated type of car insurance in any Canadian province or territory. Unlike uninsured automobile insurance or third-party liability coverage in Ontario, it’s not illegal to drive without collision insurance.
However, if you lease or finance your car, your leasing or financing company may require you to have collision coverage. If this is the case, you may be contractually obligated to add collision coverage to your policy until the lease is up.
Types of auto insurance coverage in Ontario
Now that you know how to protect your new car with collision and comprehensive coverage, let’s discuss the different types of auto insurance available in Ontario. While adding collision insurance to your car or motorcycle insurance plan is optional, there are specific types of coverage that are legally required to drive in Ontario. Beyond these, there are also additional coverage options to consider. Collision insurance is one of the many optional types of car insurance coverage available. However, it’s not the only one. Let’s learn more about each one to help you find the best coverage available.
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Tips to find cheap car insurance in Canada
Adding collision coverage to your car insurance policy will increase your rates. However, there are ways to counteract this. BrokerLink has compiled a list of tips to help your financial situation and save money on your insurance policy below:
Discounts
Bundle and save
Bundling multiple insurance products can lead to major savings. You can bundle home and auto insurance or auto and recreational vehicle insurance. Contact BrokerLink to learn more about how you can save money on your car insurance.
Put winter tires on your car
Installing winter tires on your car can reduce your auto insurance rates. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who add snow tires to their cars during the winter. Sometimes, you have to meet certain conditions like installing the tires by a certain date and having all four tires be the same model.
Attend driving school
Going to driving school can help you save money on your car insurance plan. Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, you can benefit from a defensive driving course. Show your insurance company proof, and you could get a discount on your insurance.
Become a safer driver
Follow our safe driving tips to reduce your rates. If you drive safer, you will have a clean driving record and lower premiums. Maintaining a clean driving record can make you eligible for a safe driver discount.
Go hybrid or electric
Consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle. You won’t just save on gas. Many insurance companies offer discounts to those who drive eco-friendly cars.
Savings Options
How much should my collision coverage deductible be?
Deductible amounts make a difference in car insurance, so you should be cautious when choosing your deductible.
Generally, you should expect to pay more for your car insurance if you have a lower deductible and vice versa. In other words, a high deductible will reduce your auto insurance rates. If you can afford a higher deductible, you should get one because it reduces the amount you pay for collision coverage. Collision coverage deductibles range from $500 to $2,000, but will vary depending on your insurance company. There are a few factors to consider when choosing your deductible. Think about the following:
- The value of your vehicle
- The age of your vehicle
- How expensive your vehicle is to repair or replace
- How much money you can afford to pay out of pocket if necessary
- Your driving record
If you need help choosing a collision coverage deductible, contact BrokerLink today. One of our licensed car insurance brokers would be more than happy to offer a professional opinion on the right deductible amount for your vehicle, driving habits, and budget.
Collision coverage vs. comprehensive coverage
Let’s clarify — collision coverage is not the same as comprehensive car coverage. Similarly to collision coverage or accident forgiveness coverage, comprehensive coverage is optional.
Despite this, comprehensive coverage is different from its counterpart. It doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle if you get into an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a street sign. On the contrary, it covers damage to your vehicle that happens outside of collisions. Comprehensive coverage instead covers the following perils:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Falling and flying objects
- Glass damage
- Fire
- Explosions and riots
- Weather-related events (e.g. floods or high winds)
The difference between collision and comprehensive coverage is damages will be covered if caused by an insured peril. When this happens, you can file a comprehensive claim with your insurance company. From there, you will receive a payout to cover repairing or replacing your car.
What is the difference between liability insurance and collision coverage?
Liability coverage and collision coverage both protect against the costs associated with at-fault accidents. Despite this, they are different.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in every Canadian province and territory. In other words, it’s a legal requirement. Several provinces stipulate the amount of liability coverage you must carry (e.g. a minimum of $200,000 in Alberta and Ontario).
Additionally, liability coverage pays for medical expenses, repair bills, and legal fees associated with at-fault accidents. It also pays for the costs of the accident incurred by the victims. In other words, it won’t cover the expenses of the at-fault party.
In contrast, collision coverage is not government-mandated and doesn’t have a minimum coverage limit. It also only covers property damage, not medical expenses or legal fees. Collision insurance covers the accident costs incurred by the policyholder, whether they were at fault or not. It does not cover any expenses by the person who isn’t the policyholder.
These two types of coverage complement each other. Both are recommended and help prevent financial loss that can occur after colliding with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance pays for what third-party liability coverage doesn’t.
When should I remove collision coverage from my policy?
Collision insurance coverage is important, but it doesn’t make sense to keep it for every policyholder. It’s more helpful for those with high-value vehicles. After a few years, the cost of collision coverage could be 10% or more than your car’s worth, which is when it’s no longer required.
If this is the case, a BrokerLink insurance advisor can help remove any unwanted coverages. From there, your car insurance premium will likely go down.
In some cases, collision coverage can come in handy, though. When you lease or finance your car, have a long history of collisions, or prefer the added peace of mind, it might be worth it. You never know when you could get into a hit-and-run accident with an unidentified driver. That’s why knowing how to report a car accident is so important.

Contact BrokerLink to learn more about collision insurance
Whether you want to learn more about how collision coverage works or require an expert opinion on whether collision coverage is worth adding to your car insurance policy, BrokerLink can help.
Our team of licensed insurance brokers can review your policy and let you know what types of optional coverage suit your needs. We can also recommend coverage limits and deductibles. As a full-service auto insurance brokerage, we can shop around for you and find the most affordable collision coverage for your needs.
Contact BrokerLink to request a free car insurance quote. Call, email, or visit one of our locations across Canada. You can get a free quote in as little as five minutes!
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