Car Insurance Pickering

Most Pickering drivers know they are required to carry current, up-to-date car insurance at all times, as car insurance is a legal requirement and is mandatory in the province of Ontario. However, even though auto insurance is compulsory, there are many benefits that come with purchasing it. From providing coverage in the event of an injury, to protection in the event of a collision, car insurance offers many benefits to drivers.

Despite how valuable car insurance can be, it isn’t the easiest item to shop for. With so many different insurance companies competing for your attention, trying to figure out which policy is the best one for you is no easy task. That is why we recommend enlisting the help of your local broker.

Insurance brokers work for the customer, not the insurance companies. Here at BrokerLink, we take the time to understand the needs of each customer, so we can find you the best possible car insurance within your budget. Our team of trusted insurance advisors won’t rest until you're satisfied with your Pickering auto insurance policy.

Get competitive insurance quotes in 5 minutes.

Choose your rate. Get insured. Get on the road.


Is car insurance required in Pickering?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Pickering. Auto insurance is provincially regulated, which means each provincial government in Canada dictates whether auto insurance is compulsory or not. In Ontario, auto insurance is mandated by law. This means that every vehicle registered in the province must be insured, and not just any car insurance will do. Rather, your insurance must meet the minimum requirements, which includes carrying $200,000 in third party liability coverage.

It’s also important to note that to obtain car insurance in Pickering, you must show proof of a valid driver’s license. An insurance provider may also ask for a driver’s abstract (a record of your driving history), as well as basic information about yourself and any other people who may be driving your car, such as your spouse.

Driving without auto insurance in Pickering

If you’re caught driving without car insurance in Pickering, you can face severe consequences.

Uninsured motorists in Ontario could be fined between $5,000 and $25,000 for a first offense and up to $50,000 for a second offense. There is also a 15% surcharge on all fines that the driver is responsible for paying.

In short, car insurance is legally required in Ontario, so driving without it means you’re in breach of the law. If caught doing so, you could be fined tens of thousands of dollars. For this reason, it’s wise to purchase car insurance and to renew it annually,as driving with an expired insurance policy is considered driving without insurance.

Mandatory car insurance coverage

Mandatory car insurance in Ontario consists of several types of coverage, from liability coverage to uninsured automobile coverage. Pickering drivers must ensure their car insurance policy meets the minimum requirements set by the provincial government. Compulsory coverage, (outlined in detail below), was put in place to protect everyone on the road and is required regardless of whether you lease or own your car.

Liability

Liability coverage helps protect you against the cost of accidental injury or property damage if you’re involved in an accident that is your fault. This type of coverage can help cover the costs of medical expenses for injuries, repairs for a damaged vehicle, and even legal representation and court fees. In Ontario, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage at all times.

Direct compensation

Direct compensation covers you should you be involved in an accident that you are not at fault for. In such a scenario, you would contact your insurance company directly and file a claim to receive compensation to cover the costs of your injury and/or any property damage.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage aims to protect you and any passengers in your vehicle if you get into an accident with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or underinsured.

Accident benefits coverage

If you, a passenger, or a pedestrian requires medical attention following a collision, accident benefits coverage can help cover the cost. Whichever party was at fault for the accident does not matter with this type of coverage. An insurance provider will provide compensation regardless of whether you are at fault or not. Each car insurance policy typically has a limit to the amount of accident benefits coverage that can be claimed, so knowing this limit is important.

How car insurance premiums are calculated

Insurers consider a multitude of factors when calculating insurance premiums. From your location and age to your marital status, the type of car you drive, and your past claims, there are several details you may be asked about when purchasing car insurance. Pickering drivers might find it helpful to understand the most common factors that affect auto insurance rates, so we’ve compiled the following list:

  • Where you live (and work - if you drive to work)
  • Age
  • Marital status
  • Make and model of vehicle
  • Past claims
  • Annual mileage
  • Prior insurance coverage
  • Your deductible
  • Local laws
  • How you use your vehicle

How driving history impacts auto insurance cost

As mentioned above, many factors go into calculating your insurance premium. However, there is one factor that may be most important: driving history. Driving history combines your past driving experience with your driving record.

Generally speaking, the more driving experience you have, the better. It’s a lack of driving experience that makes car insurance so expensive for young drivers. That said, not all driving experience is good experience, and this is where your driving record comes into play.

Even if you have several years of driving experience under your belt, it won’t mean much if you have a poor driving record. A poor driving record is one rife with speeding tickets, collisions, DUIs, and other sources of demerit points. The worse your driving record, the higher your insurance premium will be.

In contrast, if you have many years of driving experience coupled with a clean driving record, this indicates to the insurance provider that you are a safe driver who obeys the rules of the road, and for this, you will be rewarded. Typically, car insurance will cost less for Pickering drivers with stellar records.

How to pay less for car insurance in Pickering

Just because car insurance is mandatory, doesn’t mean it should break the bank. Here at BrokerLink, we understand that, which is why we do everything in our power to find you the most comprehensive coverage at the most affordable price. Below, we’ve compiled a few of our top tips for saving money on auto insurance in Pickering.

  • Purchase car insurance for more than one vehicle (savings of up to 20%)
  • Buy multiple insurance policies (home insurance, leisure vehicle insurance, business insurance, etc…) from the same provider (savings of up to 15%)
  • Install winter tires on your vehicle (savings of up to 10% in Ontario)
  • Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle (savings of up to 5%)
  • Increase your deductible
  • Enroll in driving school (for young drivers)
  • Pay car insurance annually rather than monthly

Work with a local broker

If budget is a major concern, you may wish to get in touch with your local insurance broker. BrokerLink’s team of experienced insurance advisors is always available to help you find the best deal on car insurance.

We have the resources and expertise to find you comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate. Plus, we do all the heavy lifting. If you decide to work with a broker, you can sit back, relax, and spend your free time exactly the way you want to spend it, rather than spending hours scouring the internet for car insurance. Your BrokerLink insurance advisor will search for coverage options and compare quotes, to find you the perfect car insurance policy.

Save time and money by partnering with BrokerLink and let us do all the heavy lifting.

4 tips for new drivers

Driving for the first time can be intimidating. Although the newfound sense of independence is certainly exciting, learning to navigate busy roads and highways can be a stressful experience. Whether you’ve yet to get behind the wheel or you’ve already obtained a learner’s permit, driving is a skill that takes time and dedication. Below is a list of tips for new drivers. We hope they help!

Attend driving school

The first tip for new drivers? Enrol in a driving school. Receiving formal instruction from a seasoned professional is one of the best ways to improve your driving skills. Most driving schools in Ontario combine in-class lessons with practical in-car experience. Thus, attending driving school allows you to learn all about the rules of the road, as well as gain experience driving around your community. Plus, it provides an opportunity to practice driving with someone other than your parents. One final benefit of enrolling in driving school is that doing so can save you money on car insurance (which can be expensive for young drivers).

Leave extra space

Whenever you’re on the road, give yourself as much space as possible. Leaving two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you is a good rule of thumb to follow. However, it’s important to remember that the faster you’re going, the more space you should leave. So while two car lengths is suitable for a residential street, it’s best to leave double that amount when travelling on highways. Space is also your friend when driving in adverse weather conditions or reduced visibility, such as on rainy, snowy, or foggy days, or at night on a poorly lit road.

Drive slowly

You’ve likely heard this one before. A key tip for drivers of all ages is to slow down. The slower you drive, the more time you have to make decisions, and the less likely you are to get into an accident. Try your best to drive the speed limit at all times, or below the speed limit if driving through a construction zone or in bad weather. Beyond driving slowly, we also recommend taking your time when accelerating, braking, and parking.

Check your mirrors

As a driver, you want to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is why it’s so important to check your mirrors regularly. Every few seconds, look in your rear-view and side mirrors. Additionally, when looking ahead, don’t just focus on the vehicle in front of you. Rather, do a general scan of all vehicles in the lanes ahead of and beside you.

Compare auto insurance quotes with the help of a Pickering insurance broker

Compare car insurance quotes quickly and easily with the help of a Pickering insurance broker. BrokerLink has locations all across the GTA, that are staffed with experienced insurance advisors ready to offer their resources and expertise.

If you find shopping for car insurance to be an overwhelming process, make it easier on yourself by partnering with a local broker. BrokerLink’s insurance advisors are experts in their field. They know the ins and outs of the industry and will do everything in their power to find you the best possible car insurance policy.

For a stress-free car insurance experience, BrokerLink is here.

Get in touch

Interested in learning more about car insurance? We’d love to hear from you.

The BrokerLink Pickering team is always available to take your calls, answer your emails, or chat in person. We can explain the various coverage options available to you, ensure you understand complicated industry jargon, and ultimately, help you find your dream car insurance policy.

Get started today by requesting a free car insurance quote. We offer complimentary auto insurance quotes to all Pickering drivers.

To request a quote online, click the “Get a quote” button in the top right-hand corner of this webpage. From there, you will be asked some basic questions about yourself, such as your age, location, and the make and model of the car you drive. Upon submitting your application, BrokerLink will provide an accurate and competitive quote in just 5 minutes. It’s that easy!

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