Car Insurance in LaSalle

Safe driving tips in LaSalle

The right driving habits can not only keep you safe on the road but they can also help you save money on insurance. BrokerLink has compiled a few of our top safe driving tips below, but don’t hesitate to reach out for even more helpful advice:

Double-check weather and driving conditions first

Before leaving home, make sure that you check the weather forecast and driving conditions. It only takes a few seconds but doing so can be a huge help. After all, driving in inclement weather can be dangerous and weather conditions can change quickly. So if the forecast is calling for heavy rain, snow, or a thunderstorm, consider adjusting your driving plans accordingly. The same goes for if you search up driving conditions and discover a nearby car accident or construction zone. By double-checking this before leaving the house, you can plan a detour that will help you avoid driving through a hazardous area.

Avoid distractions and be vigilant

Avoiding distractions is crucial when driving, especially considering that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions. To make sure that you are 100% focused on the road, put your smartphone away, adjust the radio or GPS before pulling out of the driveway, and avoid drinking, eating, or smoking while driving. Further, if you find yourself growing sleepy, pull over safely as soon as possible.

Follow Ontario traffic laws

Following the letter of the law is critical. Not only will doing so help you avoid penalties, such as fines, demerit points, and even jail time, but it will also keep you safe and increase the odds of a clean driving record. So make sure that you obey all road rules, like driving the speed limit and merging safely and correctly. Familiarize yourself with Ontario’s traffic laws by visiting the Ministry of Transportation’s website.

Always drive the speed limit or below it

Speeding instantly makes driving more dangerous. The faster you are driving, the less time that you and other drivers have to react, and the higher your odds of getting into a car accident. Thus, we strongly recommend driving the speed limit. In some cases, it is even a good idea to drive below the speed limit, such as if you are driving through a construction zone or in adverse weather conditions, like rain, fog, hail, ice, or snow.

Use your signal when turning or merging

Signals exist for a reason. Use yours anytime you are turning or merging to let other drivers know what you plan to do. This will help you avoid an accident.

Drive in the right lane

A safe driving habit that all LaSalle motorists should adopt is driving in the right lane. After all, the right lane is for driving and the left lane is for passing. This means that you should only be in the left lane when you are trying to pass or overtake another vehicle. If you do not need to do this or have just finished passing another vehicle, safely merge back into the right lane.

Improve visibility as much as possible

The more visibility you have, the safer you will be. So take care to improve visibility while driving as much as possible. This means keeping your windshield clean, clearing debris like snow or ice from the windows before driving, and wearing sunglasses or using a sun visor when driving on days with high glare. Further, if you have vision issues and require prescription glasses to drive, make sure to wear them at all times.

How to file a car insurance claim in LaSalle

So you need to file a car insurance claim - what’s next? If you recently got into an accident or your vehicle was damaged in LaSalle, then the next step is to submit a claim to your insurance company. Since this process can be complicated, we recommend enlisting the help of a BrokerLink insurance broker who can help you navigate it from start to finish. In the meantime, below is a breakdown of what you can expect when filing an auto insurance claim in LaSalle:

Get in touch with your insurance provider

Anytime you need to file a car insurance claim, the first step is always going to be to contact your provider. The claims process differs between insurance companies, so you will need to contact yours to find out exactly how the process works. An insurance agent will ask you several questions about the incident and then provide you with clear directions on what to do next.

Collect your evidence

When filing a car insurance claim, your insurance provider will ask for details about the event. The more information you can provide, the better. So the second step is to start collecting your evidence. Make a file that contains any and all information you have about the incident. This may include witness statements, photos, videos, a written record detailing road and weather conditions at the time of the incident, and a police statement, if applicable.

Fill out your insurance company’s forms

Your insurance company will likely send you several forms to fill out to complete your claim. Fill them out in a timely manner and to the best of your ability.

Answer the insurance adjuster’s questions

After completing the necessary forms, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim through your insurance company. Depending on the information provided on the form, the insurance adjuster may or may not have additional questions for you. If they have other questions or need to request additional evidence, cooperate as best you can. Respond to their enquiries as quickly as possible and be respectful. The quicker you get back to them and the more information you can provide, the sooner you will receive a verdict on your claim.

Receive compensation from your insurance company

The final step in the process of filing a car insurance claim is receiving the verdict. If your claim is denied, you will not receive a payout. However, you might be able to appeal the decision. If your claim is approved, your insurance company will notify you, confirming how much money you will receive and how and when it will be sent to you. Nowadays, many insurance companies use direct deposit rather than cheques for insurance claims.

For help filing a car insurance claim in LaSalle or anywhere in Ontario, don’t hesitate to contact BrokerLink.

We’re in your community

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Since 1991, BrokerLink has made it our mission to provide more than just insurance solutions. That is why you will find us at your local charity marathon, fundraiser, or community event. Learn more about the ways that we give back to our LaSalle customers by getting in touch today.