Car Insurance in Newmarket

Types of mandatory auto insurance coverage in Newmarket, Ontario

Newmarket policyholders have the choice between many types of auto insurance. However, what you may not realize, is that they’re not all optional. In fact, three types of car insurance in Ontario are mandatory, which means you need to add them to your policy if you want you to legally drive anywhere in Ontario. To help you understand how important these compulsory coverages are, we explain how each can protect you below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is designed to cover Newmarket drivers if they get into accidents that they are responsible for. In other words, if you cause an accident and there are serious repercussions, like an injured person or damaged vehicle, liability insurance will help cover these costs. Specifically, third party liability insurance can help reimburse motorists for legal fees, medical expenses, vehicle repair bills, and more.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage also deals with the aftermath of vehicle collisions. However, this type of coverage specifically reimburses policyholders for medical expenses stemming from a car accident. For example, if someone is injured in an accident, whether it be the policyholder, a pedestrian, a passenger, or another driver, accident benefits can pay for medical fees that are not covered by Ontario health insurance.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage also covers drivers when they get into collisions. However, this type of mandatory car insurance coverage will only cover you if the other driver you get into the accident with is uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified. An uninsured driver is considered to be someone who does not have any car insurance coverage, an underinsured driver is considered to be someone who does not have enough coverage to pay for the cost of damages stemming from the accident, and an unidentified driver is considered to be someone who flees the scene and whose identity is therefore unknown.

Types of optional car insurance coverage in Newmarket, Ontario

When it comes to auto insurance, optional coverage can be just as important as mandatory insurance. There’s a reason that so many Newmarket drivers choose to purchase coverage that goes above and beyond the province’s minimum requirements. Below is a list of four types of coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies if they wish:

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Under the direct compensation - property damage coverage portion of your Newmarket car insurance policy, you can receive a payout directly from your insurance company to cover the cost of vehicle repairs if your car is damaged in an accident. This way you can deal with your own agent or broker instead of having to deal with a different agent or broker.

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage offers extra protection to drivers who get into accidents that damage their cars. With collision insurance, your insurance company will issue a payout for the cost of any necessary vehicle repairs following a collision with another car, animal, or grounded object on the road. Another benefit of collision car coverage is that it can be claimed regardless of whether the policyholder caused the accident or not. Please note that if you rent or lease your car in Newmarket, it is a good idea to review the terms of your lease agreement, as collision coverage may be required.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is a second type of optional car insurance coverage in Ontario and is one of the most popular types. It safeguards drivers against vehicle damage and theft while their cars are parked. For example, if your car was stolen or damaged by a fire, falling tree branch, or water while parked in your driveway, it is the comprehensive coverage portion of your Newmarket auto insurance plan that would cover you. Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage is only as effective as the perils you choose to include with it. You will need to select the risks that you want coverage against, with some of the most common being fire, wind, water, falling objects, theft, and vandalism.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in Newmarket is accident forgiveness. 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 and eligibility varies by province.

Loss of use coverage

Loss of use coverage offers many benefits to Newmarket motorists. Namely, it can cover you for the cost of transportation if your car is rendered temporarily unusable due to damage. For instance, if your vehicle was dented in a car accident and it needed to go into the repair shop for a week, loss of use coverage would reimburse you for any transportation costs incurred during this time, whether that be the cost of taking taxis or ride shares, renting a car, or buying a bus pass.

The cost of car insurance in Newmarket

The cost of car insurance in Newmarket can be tricky to explain given how many factors come into play. So if you want to know, “How much is car insurance per month in Ontario?,” we recommend reaching out to a BrokerLink insurance advisor and asking for a free quote. Any one of our licensed brokers would be pleased to provide you with a free quote. They can also offer further insight into how Ontario insurance companies calculate premiums to help you understand why your quote is what it is. To give you a better idea of how rates are determined for car insurance, read through the following list of factors that an insurance agent will consider when evaluating your risk as a policyholder:

• Where you live (and where you regularly commute)
• Age
• Model, make, and year of vehicle
• Past claims
• Average mileage
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Insurance history
• Deductible amount
• Regulatory bodies
• How you use your vehicle
• Gender

Please note that all BrokerLink car insurance quotes are 100% obligation-free. They can also be obtained online, over the phone, or in person by visiting one of our 200+ locations across Canada.

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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.

Contact us

At Newmarket BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Ontario. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs about Newmarket car insurance

Can I get a snow tire discount on car insurance in Newmarket?

Yes, so long as you meet the conditions laid out by your insurance company. Ontario insurance companies are legally required to give customers winter tire discounts, as long as they meet the requirements. If you are interested in a winter tire discount, contact your insurance provider today. They can inform you of how the discount works and how much money you can save on insurance by installing snow tires on your vehicle.

How does renewing car insurance work in Newmarket?

Renewing car insurance works the same in Newmarket as it does anywhere else. You first need to reach out to your insurance company to let them know that you want to renew your policy. Usually, informing them of your desire to renew is all you need to do, though in some cases, they may wish to have a discussion with you about your policy. Your premium may also change, and they will let you know your new premium at this time. In an ideal world, your car insurance policy would be renewed before it expires. However, expired car insurance renewal is possible at most insurance companies. It just may take longer and can lead to more expensive rates.

If I get into an at-fault car accident, how will my Newmarket auto insurance premium be affected?

It varies between policyholders. If your policy contains accident forgiveness coverage and this was your first at-fault accident, then your Newmarket car insurance premium will remain unaffected. With accident forgiveness, your insurer is not allowed to raise your rates after your first at-fault accident. However, if you do not have accident forgiveness or this was a second or subsequent at-fault accident, your insurance rates are very likely to go up when your policy next renews. Car accidents stay on driving records for six years in Ontario, so your Newmarket auto insurance premium may be higher for up to six years following the accident. Keep in mind that this only applies to at-fault accidents, so if you get into an accident that you did not cause, your rates may not change at all.

Do I need to have a valid Ontario driver’s licence to buy auto insurance in Newmarket?

Yes. An insurance agent will not sell a Newmarket car insurance policy to you without a valid Ontario driver’s licence. You will also not be able to add a driver to your policy unless they have a valid Ontario driver’s licence.

What are the penalties for uninsured driving in Newmarket?

The penalties for uninsured driving in Newmarket are severe. These penalties are set provincially, and the Government of Ontario has some of the harshest consequences for uninsured driving of any province in Canada. If you are caught driving without insurance, i.e. breaking the law, you could be fined up to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for a second offence, in addition to a 25% surcharge. Your vehicle could also be impounded and your driver’s licence may be suspended for anywhere from one month to an entire year. Thus, it is imperative that you purchase a Newmarket car insurance policy before driving.

What are some ways that policyholders save money on Newmarket car insurance?

Customers in Newmarket can save money on auto insurance by asking about the various discounts that they may be eligible for. There are so many types of car insurance discounts in Ontario, from occasional driver and telematics discounts to winter tire and hybrid or electric vehicle discounts. Ultimately, you will never know if you don’t ask. Further, combining coverage by bundling insurance policies can also result in a major discount. To bundle insurance policies, you must purchase two or more products at the same time. This can be multiple auto insurance policies or one car insurance and one business, home, or recreational vehicle insurance policy.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.