Car Insurance in North Bay

Mandatory car insurance coverage in North Bay, Ontario

Car insurance is not optional in Canada. This means that if you plan to drive in North Bay, you will need to purchase auto insurance coverage. The specific types of coverage you are required to have depend on where you live. In the case of Ontario, there are four coverage types that all drivers must purchase. Learn more about each coverage below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability car insurance, or third party liability insurance, is the first type of car insurance coverage that is legally required in North Bay. It comes into play when a driver gets into an accident that they caused. Under this portion of your policy, your provider may help pay for costs associated with the accident, like legal fees, medical expenses, repair bills, and more. As a motorist in Ontario, your policy must include no less than $200,000 in liability insurance.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is the second type of mandatory car insurance coverage in Ontario. It pertains to medical expenses incurred following a car accident. No matter which driver caused the collision, accident benefits coverage will kick in to pay for the cost of medical attention following an accident. Specifically, accident benefits can reimburse policyholders for medical expenses not covered by health insurance, such as prescription medication. It is worth noting that this coverage can reimburse policyholders even if they were not the ones that required medical attention. You can receive a payout to help cover medical expenses incurred by someone else involved in the collision, like another driver or a pedestrian.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage pertains to property damage and is also mandatory in Ontario. With this type of coverage, if you are involved in an accident that you did not cause and that accident resulted in property damage to your vehicle or another person’s property, you can receive compensation from your insurer up to the policy limit to cover the cost of repairs.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage is the fourth and final type of coverage that all North Bay drivers must have. If you get into a collision with a driver who does not have adequate insurance, whether they are uninsured or underinsured, you can receive compensation through the uninsured automobile portion of your car insurance policy. This type of mandatory coverage can also help if you are involved in a hit-and-run.

Additional auto insurance coverage in North Bay

As a North Bay driver, you will need to purchase a policy that contains the four types of coverage listed above. But that doesn’t mean that all Ontario car insurance policies only contain these four types of coverage. There are several other additional coverages available to motorists, like collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. We provide a rundown of some of the most popular types of optional auto insurance coverage in Ontario below:

Collision coverage

If your vehicle collides with another vehicle or object on the road, collision car coverage can help pay for the cost of any subsequent repairs needed. This type of coverage can be used whether you caused the accident or not. Please note that for many drivers, collision coverage is optional. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, it may be mandatory according to your lease or financing agreement.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage is one of the most popular types of optional auto insurance for a reason, and that reason is peace of mind. As the name implies, comprehensive car insurance covers drivers and their cars against a broad set of risks. More specifically, this coverage will protect your vehicle from damage when it is parked. The types of damage it protects against vary but can include theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, and collision with an animal.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers in North Bay 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.

How North Bar car insurance rates are calculated

Many factors can determine how much you pay for your auto insurance policy in North Bay. Insurance companies consider more than just your age or driving record, they will also consider factors like your past claims history, how frequently you drive, and the type of vehicle you own, among others. For further insight into how North Bay car insurance rates are calculated, check out the following list:

• 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

Save money on North Bay car insurance

Who doesn’t want to save money on North Bay car insurance? Here at BrokerLink, we aim to provide affordable car insurance solutions to all North Bay customers. We never want you to spend more money than you have to for auto insurance protection. Keep reading for some insight into the best ways of saving money on North Bay car insurance:

Work with a BrokerLink insurance advisor

Working with a BrokerLink insurance advisor is the first and best way of saving money on North Bay car insurance. BrokerLink insurance advisors are fully licenced and know the ins and outs of the local insurance industry. This means that they have tons of expert tips on ways to save money and know all about the different car insurance discounts out there. They also take the time to research and compare options, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re always getting the best policy at the lowest price. In addition to car insurance, a BrokerLink insurance expert can also help you find Ontario motorcycle insurance, Ontario boat insurance, and more.

Enrol in a driver’s education course

Signing up for a driver's education course in Ontario is another great way to save money on car insurance. When you enrol in an approved driving school, you learn defensive driving tips that shape you into a safe and responsible driver. Insurance companies recognize this and will offer you a car insurance discount if you complete one of these courses.

Install a telematics device in your car

Have you heard about telematics discounts? Some insurance companies offer telematics discounts to drivers who want to save money on car insurance. With a telematics discount, you will be rewarded for your safe driving habits. The safer you drive, the lower your rates will be. To qualify, you will need to install a telematics device in your car, or a similar mobile application on your phone, that monitors you as you drive. For example, it will keep track of your speed, acceleration rate, braking, distance, hard cornering, and more. The more responsible of a driver you prove to be, the better your discount. Learn more about safe driving tips by contacting BrokerLink.

Bundle insurance policies

Buy more and you could save big. Insurance companies often offer bundle packages, where customers can qualify for a discount by purchasing more than one insurance product. For example, if you have two cars you need to insure, buying a car insurance plan for each of them from the same provider can save you money, as can buying your car insurance and home insurance policies from the same provider. Ask a BrokerLink insurance advisor about bundling today.

Buy a safe vehicle

If you are in the market for a new car, remember that the car you drive can impact your rates. Thus, if you want to keep rates low, consider choosing a vehicle with a high safety rating. Cars with high safety ratings are seen as more reliable, and your insurance premium may be less because of this. We also recommend researching the theft rate of any vehicle you are considering buying. If your car has a high rate of theft, this can cause insurance rates to go up. If you are unsure about a particular vehicle, you can always call your insurance broker for a quote before you buy, that way there are no surprises on your next bill.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is proud to be a member of the North Bay community. We love getting involved in the local community because we believe that working together is the best way to uplift those around us. Learn more about BrokerLink’s core values by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At North Bay 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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North Bay auto insurance FAQs

Will I qualify for a car insurance discount if I install snow tires on my car?

Yes, Ontario insurance companies are legally required to offer a car insurance discount to drivers who install winter tires on their vehicles. That said, you must comply with the insurance company’s conditions. These conditions vary but may include all four tires being the same make and model or that the tires be installed by a certain date and removed by a certain date each year.

How do I find the best auto insurance policy in North Bay?

You will need to shop around and compare your options in order to find the best auto insurance policy in North Bay. Also, the best policy varies from policyholder to policyholder as it depends on your unique needs and budget. Generally speaking, the best policy for you will be the one you can afford and that also offers great coverage.

What is a car insurance deductible and how do they work?

A car insurance deductible is the amount of money the policyholders must pay towards an insured loss before the insurance company steps in and covers the remaining portion, up to the coverage limit. Deductibles work as follows: Let’s say you get into an accident that you caused and it results in $3,000 worth of vehicle damage. The next step would be to file a car insurance claim with your provider. They will review it and if it is approved, you must pay your deductible before they issue a payout to cover the cost of the repairs.

If your payout was issued via the third party liability coverage portion of your policy, and your deductible for that coverage was $1,000, you would pay the $1,000 deductible. From there, your insurer would issue a payout for the remaining $2,000 needed to cover the total cost of repairs. Please note that car insurance policies can have multiple deductibles since you can have a different deductible for each type of coverage on your plan. Further, the higher the deductible, the cheaper your policy will be. So if you want to save money on car insurance, consider choosing a higher deductible rather than a lower one.

Will an at-fault collision impact my car insurance premium in North Bay?

Being involved in an at-fault collision can impact your auto insurance premium. Specifically, it can result in an insurance premium increase. However, the amount that your premium will increase by depends on the circumstances of the accident, especially how “at fault” you were. Please note that if your policy contains accident forgiveness coverage and this was your first at-fault accident, your insurance premium will not increase due to the accident.

Will my auto insurance policy protect me if items are stolen from my car?

Auto insurance policies typically do not cover policyholders for items stolen from their car, unless these items are permanent fixtures in their vehicle, such as an installed stereo system or steering wheel. That said, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer can reimburse you for any damage caused to your vehicle during the burglary incident. For example, if the burglar smashed your car window to steal an item inside, your insurance company may help pay to repair the broken window.

How do I know what type of car insurance coverage is right for you?

You will need to think long and hard about the risks that you face as a driver, as well as your budget. The car insurance needs of each driver vary, which is why there are so many types of coverage out there. As a driver in North Bay, you will need to purchase coverage that meets the minimum coverage requirements set by the provincial government of Ontario. But beyond that, it is up to you to decide the limits for each of those coverages and whether you wish to purchase any additional coverage, like collision, comprehensive, or accident forgiveness coverage.

How can I renew my North Bay car insurance policy?

Renewing a car insurance policy is relatively simple. In fact, many car insurance policies renew automatically upon the expiry date. If you want to make sure that your car insurance plan renews, contact your insurance company. You can usually renew your policy by visiting your local insurance office, contacting them by phone, or logging into your account online on the insurance company’s website. Before renewing, make sure to review your policy as you may wish to update it from the year prior. You may even decide that you would like to cancel your policy rather than renew it. If so, cancelling your policy at the end of the term can also usually be done in person, online, or over the phone.

Do I need to buy car insurance if I want to drive in North Bay?

Yes, car insurance is a legal requirement everywhere in Ontario. Thus, you cannot legally get behind the wheel unless you have a valid car insurance policy and a valid driver’s licence.

How can I find cheap North Bay car insurance?

There are a few ways that North Bay motorists can find reasonably priced car insurance. You can bundle multiple insurance policies together, select a higher deductible for your policy, install winter tires on your car, equip your car with an anti-theft device, enrol in a driver’s education course, and drive safely to maintain a clean record. Another way to ensure you are getting the best coverage at the lowest price is to obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare your options.

Do I need an Ontario driver’s licence to purchase auto insurance in North Bay?

Yes. In order to purchase a car insurance policy in North Bay, you will need to show proof of a valid Ontario driver’s licence. You also need a valid driver’s licence to register your car in the province.

Does North Bay car insurance cover me if I drive in another province?

Yes, North Bay car insurance will cover you if you drive in another province in Canada. That said, if you are permanently moving to another province, you will need to inform your insurance provider. Depending on your insurance company and whether they operate in the province you are moving to, you might be able to stay with the same provider. Regardless, you will need to update your policy so that it has your new address and complies with car insurance regulations in your new province of residence. Please note that location is a major factor in determining car insurance rates, so your premium may change if you move provinces.

What are the consequences for driving without car insurance in North Bay?

Driving without insurance is an illegal act. Therefore, if you are caught doing so, there can be serious legal consequences. For instance, you can be fined up to $25,000 for a first offence and up to $50,000 for a second offence in Ontario. Your driver’s licence may also be suspended for anywhere from 30 days to an entire year, and your vehicle may be impounded for up to three months. Given that the average cost of car insurance in Ontario is between $1,300 and $1,700 annually, not to mention the many other benefits car insurance offers, purchasing a policy is the best option.

Are car insurance quotes free in North Bay?

Yes, many insurance providers offer free car insurance quotes to North Bay customers. To request a free quote, contact an insurance office near you. Be prepared to provide some information about yourself, your driving habits, and your car. The more information you provide, the more accurate your free quote will be.

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