Car insurance in Simcoe

Compulsory auto insurance in Simcoe, Ontario

The first thing Simcoe drivers need to understand is that having car insurance is compulsory not only in Simcoe but throughout all of Ontario. This means that in order for licenced drivers to drive a car on the road, they are required to have a valid auto insurance policy. In Ontario, a valid auto insurance policy is one that meets the province’s minimum coverage requirements for car insurance, such as a minimum of $200,000 in:

• Third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured automobile coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage coverage
• Accident benefits coverage

Moreover, Simcoe drivers must have a valid driver’s license to purchase car insurance. They must also be ready to give their insurance agency a record of their driving history (also known as a driver's abstract) and any information regarding whom else may be driving their vehicles regularly, such as a spouse or adult child.

Get in touch with BrokerLink today to speak with an insurance broker regarding further questions about mandatory Simcoe car insurance coverage.

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Driving without auto insurance in Simcoe

Driving a vehicle without insurance in Simcoe is illegal. If a driver is pulled over anywhere in Norfolk County, or anywhere else in Ontario, and does not have insurance, they could face serious repercussions, including the following:

• Be fined between $5,000 and $25,000 for a first offence.
• Be fined between $10,000 and $50,000 for a second offence.
• Lose their licence for a minimum of 30 days to up to one year (suspension).
• Have their vehicle impounded for up to three months.
• Be required to pay an extra 25% surcharge on top of their fine in accordance with the Provincial Offense Act.

At the end of the day, driving without auto insurance is just not worth the risk. So, if you are looking for car insurance, contact BrokerLink, and we can help you find a policy with the right coverage.

Standard Simcoe car insurance coverage

All vehicle owners with a valid licence in Simcoe must have a car insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements set by the Ontario provincial government. In a standard Simcoe auto insurance policy, you will receive four mandatory coverage types: third-party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured automobile coverage. Read more below about each type:

Third-party liability coverage

Liability coverage provides protection if you get into an accident that injures another person or results in property damage to another person’s property. Under this portion of your policy, you can receive compensation to pay for medical expenses associated with bodily injuries or repairs of a damaged car, as well as any legal fees or court fees up to the coverage limit. Simcoe drivers are required to purchase auto insurance policies with no less than $200,000 in liability coverage.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage protects an insured car and its contents from the costs of property damage. This type of coverage only applies if the policyholder is not at fault for the accident that caused the damage. This type of coverage gets its name from the fact that the insurer typically provides direct payment for the damage caused (such as to repair or replace a vehicle). To receive compensation under the direct compensation portion of your policy in Ontario, the incident must meet the following criteria: it happened in Ontario, it involved multiple cars, and it involved at least one car that participates in the province’s car insurance program.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage protects you and any passengers in your vehicle if you get into an accident with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured. This type of coverage also protects in the event of a hit-and-run. Uninsured automobile coverage covers medical expenses relating to injuries, car repairs due to damage, lost wages, and more.

Accident benefits coverage

If you, a passenger or a pedestrian, require medical attention following a collision, accident benefits coverage comes in handy. Protection is offered regardless of which party was at fault for the collision and can help cover loss of income and medical expenses, such as prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and more.

Optional auto insurance in Simcoe, Ontario

In addition to the required basic auto insurance policy, drivers in Simcoe can also opt to purchase several other types of coverage. While Ontario does not require you to purchase these, they can offer added protection and peace of mind. Some of the more popular optional coverages in Simcoe, Ontario, are as follows:

Collision coverage

If you get into an accident with another car or object on the road, no matter which driver is at fault for the accident, collision coverage can help cover the costs. Under the collision coverage portion of your policy, your auto insurance company can help pay for property damage that resulted from the collision, such as a damaged vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage

For added peace of mind, Simcoe drivers may choose to include comprehensive coverage in their auto insurance policies. While standard car insurance coverage in Ontario provides some protection against accidents, it does not protect drivers from many other circumstances on the road. For example, if your car is stolen, basic car insurance won’t help. But if you purchase this coverage, you can be protected against everything from theft and vandalism to water damage, fire, and more. This means that if your car was stolen, your auto insurance company would help cover the costs of replacing it, rather than having to pay for a new one entirely out-of-pocket.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One final type of optional auto insurance coverage popular among Simcoe drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your 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 varies by province.

How car insurance companies calculate car insurance premiums in Simcoe, Ontario

Ontario insurance companies must examine a multitude of factors when evaluating auto insurance premiums. Insurers review all kinds of details, like location, marital status, gender and more. It may help Simcoe drivers understand their premiums better by learning which factors are most important. Below you will find BrokerLink's list of key factors that affect your insurance premiums in Simcoe the most:

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

Saving money on Simcoe car insurance just got easier

At BrokerLink, we think that car insurance should be as affordable as possible. That is why BrokerLink is committed to finding Simcoe drivers competitive and affordable policies. BrokerLink's insurance brokers have years of experience in the car insurance market, and thus, are able to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to get you the best rates. Plus, we love the chance to share with you our top money-saving tips, such as the ones listed below:

Increase your policy deductible

First things first, let's discuss raising your policy deductible. A general rule of thumb, increasing your policy deductible also lowers your insurance premium. As most insurance policies require a deductible and you get to decide how much yours will be, it is a quick and simple way to save money. Common deductible amounts include $250, $500, $1,000 and $2,000.

However, keep in mind that while increasing it will likely lower your insurance rate, please ensure you choose an affordable amount. Contact BrokerLink to find out more about the effects of increasing your Simcoe insurance deductible.

Pay annually instead of monthly

Another way to save is by paying for your policy once a year instead of every month. While we know it can be tempting to make smaller monthly payments, especially if you struggle at saving money, some insurers charge administrative fees for each payment. As many insurance companies give you the option of paying in one lump sum instead of twelve monthly installments, if you can manage to save up, you end up saving money by avoiding additional fees.

Bundle multiple insurance policies together

Another great way to save on car insurance rates in Simcoe is by bundling your policies together. This is because most insurance companies like rewarding their loyal customers in Norfolk County. In other words, policyholders who buy multiple policies from one insurance company are more likely to receive up to 15% discounts per policy. So if you are looking to purchase multiple policies, like home insurance, commercial insurance, cottage insurance and more, try bundling them together (e.g., auto and home insurance) with an insurance agency that sells many types of insurance. Or maybe you have several cars insured with multiple companies? If so, reach out to BrokerLink to inquire about shifting them all to one insurer so you can take advantage of our multi-car discounts.

Install winter tires on your car

Did you know you can save money on your car insurance just by installing winter tires on your car during the colder months? Simcoe drivers who use snow tires could be eligible for a car insurance discount of up to 5%. This is because many insurance companies acknowledge that, when compared with all-season tires, snow tires have superior capabilities. By using them during the cold months, you can reduce your odds significantly of getting into an accident. To learn more about a winter tire car insurance discount, reach out to a BrokerLink insurance broker today.

Buy a hybrid or electric vehicle

Another way you might not know that can save you money is owning an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid. This is because many insurance companies in Norfolk County and all across Ontario offer up to 10% discounts to hybrid or EV owners to help encourage more drivers to go green.

Enrol in driving school

Our last tip is geared towards young drivers—enroll in a recognized Ontario driving school. There are easily accessible recognized driving schools in Simcoe and all over Ontario. Graduating from one can help you save big on car insurance rates because insurance companies acknowledge that being taught to drive by a professional means you are likely more to be responsible, thus decreasing your odds of getting into a collision.

The benefits of working with a Simcoe insurance broker

By doing it all for you, insurance brokers make shopping for insurance and comparing quotes painless. Our expert BrokerLink insurance brokers help our customers save time and money by finding you the best policy for your needs. We pride ourselves on providing unbiased and professional advice to every customer. When you let a BrokerLink insurance broker do everything on your behalf, you can sit back and enjoy your hassle-free insurance experience.

Here are three reasons to work with a registered insurance broker in Simcoe today:

Brokers operate independently of insurance companies

The first reason is that insurance brokers operate independently of insurance companies. This means that BrokerLink can put our customers first, making you our priority. Our dedicated insurance brokers take the time to listen to your unique lifestyle in order to find an insurance policy that mirrors just that.

Brokers take care of everything

Next, an insurance broker will do all of the work for you. After you contact BrokerLink, your assigned insurance broker will begin contacting insurance companies, obtaining quotes and comparing coverages to find you the best option for your needs.

Brokers are insurance experts

Since 1991, the BrokerLink team has been dedicated to finding insurance policies that meet the needs and budgets of our customers. We are experts in all things Simcoe insurance and can ensure you receive the most competitive rate on your policy.

Contact BrokerLink for a free car insurance quote in Simcoe

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 broker 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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