Car Insurance in St. John’s

Why buy car insurance in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador?

The streets of St. John’s, and the surrounding highways and byways of Newfoundland and Labrador, experience a wide variety of driving and weather conditions, so you really need to have the best car insurance for your needs. Here at BrokerLink, we are the experts at taking care of you and your insurance needs and finding the best rates and insurance solutions.

1. You are protected in case of bodily injury

Standard car insurance plans in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, can help if you are injured in a car accident by providing financial protection against bodily injury. Should you or someone else require medical care following a collision, medical expenses not covered under your health insurance policy (e.g., rehabilitation, prescription medications, or physical therapy) may be covered by your insurance company up to your policy limit.

2. You are protected in the event of a collision

Car crashes happen, and they can have catastrophic consequences. Fortunately, auto insurance may help shield you from any resulting financial expenses with the aid of add-on coverages like collision coverage, as the majority of car insurance policies cover the price of repairs or a temporary vehicle if it is damaged in an accident.

3. You are protected against theft

An optional coverage you can add to your auto insurance policy is comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage can help St. John’s drivers to protect their vehicles against different kinds of non-collision events, such as vandalism, theft, falling objects, floods, glass damage, hurricanes, earthquakes, and more, while subject to a deductible.

Compulsory auto insurance in St. John’s

Having auto insurance is mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador in order to drive your vehicle on the road. Drivers in St. John’s must meet the province’s minimum coverage requirements of $200,000 for third-party liability coverage, direct compensation-property damage coverage, and uninsured and unidentified automobile coverage in order to be legally able to drive a vehicle. Driving without insurance is not only a major risk, but it can result in fines, licence suspensions, and even jail time.

You must also have a valid driver’s licence in order to buy car insurance in St. John’s. Also, you should be prepared to disclose your driving record and any information about others who may use your vehicle regularly. Contact BrokerLink today if you have any inquiries concerning the legal requirements for insurance coverage in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Labrador.

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Uninsured driving in St. John’s

Driving a vehicle without insurance in St. John’s is illegal and has serious repercussions Uninsured drivers in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, could:

• Be fined between $2,000 and $4,000 for a first offence
• Be fined between $3,000 and $5,000 for a second offence
• Have your licence suspended for 90 days
• Have your vehicle impounded for up to three months

In the end, it’s simply not worth risking it. If you are in need of car insurance quickly, contact BrokerLink, and we will help you find a policy with the best coverage.

Standard auto insurance coverage in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

The documents that one receives with their insurance policy may read similarly to gibberish if you are trying to understand them. Here are some key terms to help you understand what these words mean:

Third-party liability coverage

Third-party liability coverage provides protection in the event of an accident involving another party or another party’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 up to the coverage limit. St. John’s drivers are required to purchase auto insurance policies with no less than $200,000 in third-party 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. Direct compensation 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 Newfoundland and Labrador, the incident must meet the following criteria: it occurred in Newfoundland and Labrador, it involved multiple vehicles, and it involved at least one vehicle that participates in Newfoundland and Labrador’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 uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver. This type of coverage also protects against hit-and-run incidents. Uninsured automobile coverage covers medical expenses relating to injuries, car repairs due to damage, lost wages, and more.

Additional car insurance coverage in St. John’s

Along with your mandatory standard auto insurance policy, drivers in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, can add other coverages to their policies. Even though these extra add-ons are not mandated by the province, they provide additional protection and security. A few examples of popular optional add-ons available in St. John’s are detailed below:

Accident benefits coverage

If you, a passenger, or a bystander, 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.

Collision coverage

If you get into an accident with another car or an obstruction in the road, no matter which driver is at fault for the accident, collision coverage can assist in covering the costs. Your insurance company may also help pay for property damage that resulted from the collision, such as a damaged vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage

For added security, St. John’s drivers may choose to include comprehensive coverage in their car insurance policies. While standard auto insurance coverage in Newfoundland and Labrador provides some protection against accidents, it does not protect drivers from many other circumstances. For example, if your car is stolen, basic car insurance won’t help. By protecting your asset with comprehensive coverage, you can be protected against perils from vandalism and theft to water damage, fire, and more. This means that if your car were stolen, your insurance company can 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 additional coverage popular among St. John’s drivers is accident forgiveness. If you are eligible, 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 due to an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage varies by province, and this does not mean your premium will not increase due to other factors.

How car insurance companies evaluate insurance premiums in St. John’s

Insurance providers must consider several factors when evaluating car insurance premiums in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. As such, it could be helpful for St. John’s motorists to take in which details insurers consider most. Thus, the experts at BrokerLink have assembled a list of important factors that affect insurance premiums in St. John’s below:

• Make, model, and year of the vehicle
• Vehicle usage, such as business use
• Claims history
• Prior insurance history
• Driving record
• Driving experience
• Annual mileage
• Deductibles
• Local laws or regulations
• Where you live (and work - if you drive to work)
• Age
• Marital status
• Gender

How to save money on St. John’s car insurance

BrokerLink is committed to helping St. John’s drivers find affordable and competitive automobile insurance. Our knowledgeable insurance brokers are well-versed in the car insurance market, thus allowing them to shop and compare several auto insurance quotes on your behalf. Find more financial advice from our insurance advisors below:

Increase your policy deductible

It can often be worthwhile to increase your policy deductible. A deductible is a set amount of money a policyholder chooses to pay toward an insurance claim before the provider pays for the rest (up to your policy limit). For every insurance policy that has a deductible, it’s your choice how much to make it. Increasing it by even $500 or $1,000 is likely to lower your rate. However, it is important to ensure that it is within your budget to pay for your deductible in the event that something arises. Contact BrokerLink to find out more about how increasing your car insurance deductible will affect your premiums.

Choose annual over monthly insurance payments

You can also save on your policy by paying for it once a year. Generally, you either have the option to pay an annual installment or 12 monthly installments. While monthly is a common way to go, most insurers charge administrative fees for each payment you make. For this reason, one annual payment is generally cheaper than paying every month because you only pay one fee instead of 12. Some insurers will also offer discounts for a single payment, or they will waive the fees entirely.

Bundle multiple insurance policies together

Another way to save money on car insurance rates in St. John’s is by bundling policies. This is because insurance companies like rewarding loyal customers. In other words, policyholders who buy multiple insurance policies can benefit from multi-policy discounts and receive up to 15% discounts per policy. So, if you are looking to purchase multiple policies, like commercial insurance, home insurance, cottage insurance, or perhaps boat insurance, ask about bundling them together (e.g., home and auto insurance). There are also discounts for having multiple of the same type of item insured, such as multi-vehicle or multi-location discounts.

Put winter tires on your car

Another money-saving tip is to put winter tires installed on your vehicle. St. John’s drivers can save up to 5%. Many insurance companies acknowledge that winter tires have superior capabilities for vehicle control during the colder months compared to all-season tires, so using them during the winter greatly reduces your chances of getting into a collision. Should you want to learn more about a winter tire car insurance discount, reach out to BrokerLink today.

Buy a hybrid or electric vehicle

Some people may not realize that having an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid can save you money on your insurance. This is because many insurance providers in Newfoundland and Labrador will offer discounts to hybrid or EV owners to encourage more drivers to go green. Thus, just owning an EV or hybrid could save you up to 10% on your insurance.

Enrol in driving school

One more tip, which is geared towards young drivers, is to enroll in a recognized driving school. There are recognized driving schools in St. John’s and all over Newfoundland and Labrador. Insurance companies recognize the value of safe driving habits taught by professionals, which increase the likelihood of being more responsible behind the wheel and attending one decreases your chances of getting into a collision.

Tips for young drivers in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

The insurance advisors at BrokerLink have assembled the following list of tips for young drivers to help them better prepare:

Slow down

No matter your age, this is among the most crucial driving tips. Driving slowly allows you more time to react! Thus the more carefully you drive, the less likely it is that you will end up in a collision. Never go over the posted speed limit when driving. Also, take your time when turning, braking, changing lanes, or parking. Moreover, you must slow down while driving at night when visibility is poor, through a construction zone, or in poor weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow.

Leave lots of space

The second piece of advice is to give yourself plenty of room. On a regular road, we advise leaving two car lengths, and on a highway, four car lengths between your car and the car in front of you. Leaving ample space provides you with more time and room to react in the event of an abrupt stop, helping you to avoid colliding with the vehicle ahead. Should you be rear-ended, it will also help prevent you from hitting anything in front of you.

Minimize distractions

Limit distractions when driving. It can be tempting to reply to a text message or munch on some snacks, but doing so significantly raises your risk of being in an accident. Put your phone away, and either wait until you get home or arrive at your destination before eating. This will ensure that the road is the only thing you are concentrating on.

Never drive impaired

Driving while intoxicated is referred to as being "impaired," and it means that your judgment and ability to act responsibly are impaired. This includes consuming alcohol, smoking cannabis, and using narcotics. Driving while impaired puts everyone else on the road in danger, not just you. When you drive impaired, you are far more likely to get into an accident.

You face the following penalties if you drive while intoxicated:

• An immediate licence suspension
• Paying a fine and reinstatement fee
• Enrollment in an education or treatment program
• Your vehicle being impounded
• And even harsher penalties upon an impaired driving conviction

Your age, license class, blood alcohol level, and prior impaired driving convictions are just a few of the factors that will decide your penalty.

If you wish to indulge in recreational drugs or alcohol make a plan to get home safe, call a cab, appoint a designated driver or spend the night.

Compare rates with licenced St. John’s insurance brokers in Newfoundland and Labrador

Insurance brokers make searching for insurance and comparing quotes easy by completing all of the legwork for you. As such, our expert BrokerLink insurance brokers assist our customers in saving both time and money. We have the knowledge and experience to find you the right policy for your interests, and we take a lot of pride in giving you impartial, professional advice. You can relax knowing you are in competent hands when you entrust everything to a BrokerLink insurance advisor.

Continue reading to learn three reasons why working with a qualified St. John’s insurance broker can benefit you:

Brokers operate independently of insurance companies

Insurance brokers can make their customers their number one priority when they operate separately from an insurance company. When you contact BrokerLink, you will be paired with a specialized insurance advisor whose primary focus is to understand your needs and lifestyle and match you with an insurance policy that represents that.

Brokers do the work for you

Having an insurance broker means you get all of the rewards but with none of the work. We will consult multiple top insurance providers in St. John's, compare rates, and unlock unique discounts. You won’t have to lift a finger!

Brokers are insurance experts

Since 1991, the BrokerLink staff has been dedicated to assisting customers in locating insurance plans that meet their needs and budgets. Because we are experts in everything relevant to St. John’s insurance, we can assure you that you will receive the most affordable price for your policy.

We are in your community

Participating in the St. John's community is an important aspect of who we are. We work and live here, too! We love getting to know our neighbours!

Local Newfoundland and Labrador insurance links

• Car insurance
• Home insurance or Condo insurance
• Tenant insurance
• Boat insurance
• Motorcycle insurance
• Business insurance

Contact BrokerLink for a free car insurance quote in St. John’s

We at St. John’s BrokerLink are available to assist you with your insurance needs. Whether you need to find the right coverage for your home, vehicle, business, sporting equipment, or livestock, let us advise you.

You can get in touch with us by visiting one of our offices in St. John’s or anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador. You can also call us or send us an email. One of our BrokerLink insurance experts will be delighted to assist you.

Lastly, we encourage drivers in St. John's to utilize our free online auto insurance quote service. Merely give us some basic details about you and your car, including the model and make, and we'll respond to you with a comprehensive and affordable price within minutes.

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