The Benefit of Having Car Insurance in Ottawa
Having proper car insurance is an important part of being a driver in Ottawa. As you know, it is against the law to drive without insurance. If get behind the wheel while you are uninsured, you can face severe fines and even jail time if you are caught. Having multiple instances of being caught without insurance can actually snowball into much larger fines, which in turn raises your price of insurance. There are a lot of reasons why it would be unwise NOT to purchase car insurance if you own a car.
Depending on the level of coverage you choose, here are a few benefits to having car insurance in Ottawa:
Your car will be protected in an accident
Car accidents are very common, and can happen any time. Sometimes they can be your fault, and others will have no fault whatsoever. Another driver might make a mistake that you have no control over, and unfortunately that may lead to serious damage to your vehicle. Having a good car insurance policy will help you to repair your car, and even replace it, so that you don't find yourself having to cover the costs yourself.
You'll be protected if you are injured in an accident
If you were to be hurt in a car accident, it is likely that your medical insurance will cover the majority of any medical expenses. However, you might need physical therapy, or have additional costs that your medical insurance just doesn't cover. Your auto insurance may provide help in these circumstances.
You’ll be covered in the event of damages from natural causes
There are many natural causes that can cause damage to your car. Things like bad weather, tree branches and animals. It's no one's fault but it can be very costly to repair. Your car insurance could be able to cover this type of damage.
You'll be covered in the event of a theft
If someone were to steal your vehicle, or break in and take your personal belongings inside the car, insurance can help you with replacement costs.
You’ll get a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired
Some insurance policies allow for you to get a rental car while your car is in the process of being repaired.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Find Affordable Car Insurance In Ottawa
Every single insurance policy has a different cost. This is due to that fact that many different factors influence each car insurance rate. At BrokerLink, we go through our clients' individual information to make sure that they receive all of the possible savings offered for their circumstances.
Here are a few of the most common factors car insurance companies consider when determining rates in Ottawa:
Your Age
Younger drivers tend to have higher premium rates because they fall into a demographic with a lot more accidents. As you get older, your insurance rate will most likely go down.
Your Driving Record
Having a good driving record can actually save you money! This is because insurance providers see you as a low risk client. On the other hand, having a bad driving record can make your premiums go up significantly.
Where You Live
The area in which you live in can affect the price of your premium. Ottawa’s rates are actually quite low compared to other cities in Ontario, so your premium may be less here than in other areas.
The Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Some types of cars tend to be more costly to insure than others. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that some cars are more prone to theft, and some have more expensive and/or less common parts.
The Level of Coverage You Choose
The level of coverage you choose to have on your vehicle will impact the price of your premium.
Mandatory Car Insurance in Ottawa
Mandatory coverage is the minimum coverage required in order to legally drive a vehicle on the road in Ottawa. This is the law, and it is designed to protect not only you, but also those around you. It applies whether you lease, finance or own your car. The following types of coverage are required to have on your insurance policy in Ottawa:
Liability
Liability insurance is an essential part of any car insurance policy. It helps to pay for other drivers’ property and bodily injuries if you’re found at fault in an accident. This coverage may also help to cover any legal fees you might incur as a result of an accident.
Accident benefits coverage
Unfortunately, costs associated with an accident don’t end right after the accident occurs. You, or the other people involved such as passengers or pedestrians, might require medical or rehabilitative attention following the accident. Accident benefits coverage will cover these costs.
Direct compensation
This coverage compensates you when you or your car is damaged in an accident where you are not at fault. It is called ‘direct compensation’ because you deal directly with your insurance provider to acquire any compensation following a claim.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Not everyone is a responsible driver. Even though insurance is mandatory in Canada, some people choose to get behind the wheel without it. Uninsured automobile coverage protects you and any of your passengers if you are involved in an accident with a driver who is at-fault and is either uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage.
FAQ's on Ottawa Car Insurance
Are all not-at-fault car accidents automatically covered under direct compensation?
Not all not-at-fault car accidents are covered under direct compensation. A good example would be a hit-and-run accident, which are typically shouldered by collision insurance. Another example is when you got involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver and you're not at fault. In this case, you can fil the claim under the uninsured section of your car insurance policy.
I've been involved in car accidents before, but was never at fault. Will that affect my insurance rates?
Being involved in a past car accident doesn't automatically increase your insurance rates. If you were never at fault in those past accidents, then you don't need to worry about increased rates. This is because most insurance companies usually check for past at-fault accidents. You can expect them to examine your driving record over the last six years, although some might review as far as a decade back.
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