Car Insurance in Newmarket

Stay safe with these expert-approved driving tips

Driving safe means driving smart, whether you’re driving in Newmarket or downtown Toronto. Knowing the rules of the road and abiding by them is key, as is brushing up on your knowledge of the best safe driving habits to adopt. For this reason, the BrokerLink team has created a list of safe driving tips to refresh your memory and improve your driving skills:

Look at the weather and road conditions before getting behind the wheel

We all know that weather and road conditions can change in the blink of an eye. So do yourself a favour and check them before leaving the house. If there is severe weather in the forecast, like a snow storm or thunderstorm, consider adjusting your plans and driving at a later date. Alternatively, if there is a lot of road work being done on a certain road or a car accident on a certain highway, plan accordingly and take a detour. Being aware of weather and road conditions before leaving the house can help you stay safe on the road, while also avoiding the headache of extra traffic.

Keep distractions at bay

Anytime you’re driving, your focus should be fully on the road. Otherwise, you put yourself at a much higher risk of getting into an accident. It is important to remember that distracted driving takes many forms, from texting on your phone (which is illegal in Ontario) to eating, drinking, smoking, or even tuning the radio to a different station. So do what you need to do before leaving the house to minimize any distractions while driving.

Adhere to all Ontario traffic laws

Ontario has all kinds of traffic laws in place, and they’re in place for a reason. They are specially designed to keep all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Thus, if you’re driving, make sure that you’re aware of traffic laws in Ontario and follow them. Not only can disobeying them put you in danger but it can also put you at risk of being pulled over and fined, or worse.

Drive at or below the speed limit

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in Ontario. Thankfully, there is an easy way to avoid speeding, and that is to drive the posted speed limit - or below it - at all times. As soon as you exceed the speed limit, you put yourself and others at risk. So take care to obey all speed limit signs, and in certain conditions, we even recommend driving below the speed limit. For example, if there is reduced visibility, such as if you are driving at night or through fog, on icy or snowy roads, in construction zones, or in areas with lots of pedestrians, it is best to exercise caution by driving slowly.

Increase visibility

Increased visibility is important when driving. Some of the most dangerous driving situations are when visibility is reduced due to factors outside of your control, like weather, sun glare, or the time of day. Take care to combat these dangerous conditions by wearing sunglasses and using your sun visor, turning on your high or low beams at night, and keeping all windows and mirrors clear of dirt and debris, like snow or ice.

File a Newmarket car insurance claim in five steps

If you get into a car accident in Newmarket, you will likely need to file a claim with your provider. If you’ve never done this before or it’s been a while, read through this guide:

Contact your Newmarket car insurance provider

The first step is to notify your insurance provider by getting in touch with them. This can usually be done over the phone or in person. Let them know what happened and ask what the next steps are. They will inform you how the claims process works at your insurance company.

Gather photo and video evidence

Step number two is to start putting together any evidence, information, or documentation you have relating to the accident. Photos and video footage are a great start. However, you can also assemble the police statement and witness statements if you have them, as well as general information about the road and weather conditions on the day.

Complete the claims forms

Complete any claims forms given to you by your insurance company. You will need to fill these out in order to submit your claim and move on to the next step.

Work with the insurance adjuster

Next, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to handle your claim. They will review the form you filled out and any evidence provided. From there, they may have additional questions for you. Cooperate with them by responding quickly and to the best of your knowledge.

Await your verdict

The final step is the hardest: the waiting game. Once the insurance adjuster has finished their independent investigation into your claim, they will make a recommendation to your insurance company. Your insurance company will review it and issue a verdict. They will either approve or deny your claim. If it is approved, they will let you know how much your payout will be and how and when you can expect to receive it.

Still have questions about how to file a car insurance claim in Newmarket? Contact BrokerLink for a detailed explanation of how car insurance claims work in Ontario and what you can expect after filing a claim.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink strives to be an integral part of the Newmarket community. We don’t just do this by providing customers with high-quality insurance solutions. We also do this by giving back whenever and however we can, whether it be raising money to fight cancer or providing financial relief in the wake of an environmental catastrophe. Find out more about BrokerLink’s values by reaching out to one of our insurance professionals today.