Car Insurance in Ottawa

Optional coverage in Ottawa

The below car insurance coverages are not required by law in Ontario but are recommended in most situations. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular types of optional auto insurance coverage amongst Ottawa drivers.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage protects the policyholder if they get into an accident with another vehicle or object on the road. It covers the driver no matter who is liable for the accident. While this might sound similar to accident benefits coverage (which is compulsory in Ontario), the key difference is that collision coverage helps pay for the costs of property damage (i.e. vehicle repairs), while accident benefits pay for the costs of bodily injuries (i.e. medical expenses).

Comprehensive coverage

Many Ottawa drivers choose to include comprehensive coverage in their car insurance policies for peace of mind. While the mandatory car insurance coverages in Canada offer protection in the event of an accident, they do not provide coverage relating to other circumstances on the road. This is where comprehensive coverage comes in. Comprehensive coverage can protect one’s vehicle against vandalism, theft, fire, water damage, and more.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Accident forgiveness is one last type of optional car insurance coverage. Including accident forgiveness in your Ottawa auto insurance policy prevents the insurance company from increasing your rate if you get into an at-fault collision. Please note that this type of coverage is only valid for your first at-fault accident, but it can still be useful for young or high risk drivers.

How to get cheap car insurance Ottawa

Finding cheap auto insurance in Ottawa, Ontario might seem impossible. But BrokerLink is here to let you in on a little secret: there are plenty of ways to pay less for Ottawa car insurance, even if you have a high premium. From insuring multiple cars together to purchasing an electric vehicle, check out this list of tips and tricks for getting affordable car insurance in Ottawa.

Insure all cars together

Did you know that purchasing more than one Ottawa auto insurance policy from the same company can save you money on car insurance? That’s right, the more policies you buy from a provider, the more likely they are to offer you a discount. So if your household has more than one vehicle, consider insuring them all with the same insurer. Doing so could save you up to 20% on each car insurance policy.

Bundle insurance policies together

BrokerLink’s second tip for getting cheap auto insurance in Ottawa is to bundle multiple insurance policies together. Similar to how buying more than one car insurance policy from a provider can save you money, so can buying various types of insurance from the same provider. For example, if you are also in the market for home insurance, travel insurance, business insurance, or insurance for your leisure vehicle (ATV, boat, snowmobile, etc.), consider buying them all from the same insurance company. Doing so could save you up to 15% on each respective policy.

Install winter tires on your vehicle

Ottawa residents know that with winter weather comes dangerous road conditions. However, winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario, which means choosing to install them on your vehicle could save you money on car insurance. Insurance companies recognize that snow tires reduce the risks of driving in the winter and they will reward drivers who install these tires on their cars. Discounts vary by province but drivers could save as much as 5% on their Ottawa car insurance.

Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle

Being good to the environment pays - literally! In recent years, insurance companies across Ontario have begun offering discounts to drivers of eco-friendly vehicles. So if you've been thinking of buying a Tesla, now is the time. Driving a hybrid or electric vehicle could make you eligible for a discount of up to 10% on your Ottawa auto insurance policy.

Pay annually vs. monthly

If it’s feasible, opt to pay for car insurance annually rather than monthly. Insurance companies often tack on an administrative fee for each monthly payment made, which makes paying monthly more expensive than paying annually.

Enroll in driving school

Attending an approved driving school in Ontario is one last way to save money on Ottawa car insurance. Insurance companies acknowledge that driving schools produce safer, more confident drivers, and as such, they may lower your insurance premium if you can prove you completed an official driving course. As insurance premiums are typically highest for young drivers, enrolling in driving school could be a wise decision.

Work with an Ottawa insurance broker

One last way to get cheap Ottawa auto insurance is to consult with an insurance broker. Trusted brokers from BrokerLink are experts in the field of car insurance. We know the ins and outs of the industry and can ensure you find a policy for the most competitive rate. Since 1991, we have been helping Canadians find quality car insurance within their budgets. So if affordable car insurance is your top priority, partner with us and we’ll make it our top priority as well.

Another advantage to working with a broker is that we do all the work for you. So while you’re relaxing, we’ll be working behind the scenes to find the right policy for you. Browsing coverage options, obtaining and comparing quotes, and unlocking discounts are our specialties. To save money on your Ottawa car insurance, contact BrokerLink today.

Four tips for young drivers in Ottawa

Driving can be a challenge, especially if you're new to it. But with time and practice, you’ll grow into a responsible and confident driver in no time. To help you hone your skills, we’ve put together the following list of tips for young drivers in Ottawa.

Avoid distractions

Our first tip for young drivers in Ottawa is to avoid distractions. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions, so when you are behind the wheel, try to avoid anything that could distract you from the road. Refrain from eating, drinking, channel surfing the radio, or turning around to chat with your friends or family in the backseat. Before you pull out of the driveway, find a radio station you like, set your GPS if necessary, and put your phone somewhere out of view and reach.

Keep your eyes moving

You’ve probably heard the phrase “keep your eyes on the road.” Though we understand the sentiment behind it, the reality is that to be a responsible driver, you must keep your eyes moving. Being aware of your surroundings is critical to avoiding an accident. So when you are in the driver’s seat, remember to scan all lanes ahead of you and check your rear-view and side mirrors every few seconds. While it can be easy to fixate on the vehicle directly in front of you, it is better to keep your eyes moving. This will ensure you know what’s going on behind, beside, and ahead of you at all times.

Drive slowly

Our third tip for young drivers is to drive slowly. Statistics show that teenage drivers are more likely to speed than older drivers. Speeding can be incredibly dangerous, as it gives you less time to stop safely. In contrast, the slower you drive, the more time you have to react to various situations on the road, reducing your odds of getting into an accident. Drivers of all ages should aim to drive the speed limit or below it when driving in poor weather, such as snow, rain, or fog, at night when there is reduced visibility, or through a construction zone.

Give yourself space

One final piece of advice is to give yourself extra space on the road. Young drivers should try to maintain a distance of two car lengths between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. This way, if you have to stop suddenly, you can do so without hitting the car in front of you. Similarly, if you are rear-ended at an intersection, this extra room can prevent you from bumping into the car ahead or rolling into the intersection. Giving yourself extra space is also crucial when driving at high speeds or in poor weather when brake times are reduced.

Compare car insurance quotes with an insurance broker in Ottawa

Let’s face it - shopping for auto insurance can be intimidating. With so many insurance companies competing for your business and the wide range of policy and coverage options on the market today, finding auto insurance that’s right for you can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By consulting an Ottawa insurance broker, you can make shopping for car insurance an entirely hassle-free process.

Here at BrokerLink, we do all the heavy lifting. So while you’re relaxing, we’ll be working to find the perfect policy for you and your family.

Save time and money by partnering with an insurance broker in Ottawa today.

Get in touch to find the best auto insurance in Ottawa

Still have questions about Ottawa car insurance? Want to learn more about compulsory car insurance in Ontario or discuss the coverage options available to you? The BrokerLink team is available by phone, email, or in person at one of our nearby locations. BrokerLink’s knowledgeable and friendly insurance advisors will be happy to assist you in whatever way they can.

Our insurance advisors are eager to share their resources and expertise to find the best car insurance for you. We take the time to get to know each of our customers so that we can match you with a policy that suits your lifestyle, driving habits, and budget.

So what are you waiting for? Start your Ottawa auto insurance journey now by contacting BrokerLink today.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]