Car Insurance in Whitby

Basic auto insurance coverage for Whitby drivers

At the bare minimum, Whitby drivers must purchase an auto insurance policy that meets the coverage requirements set by the province of Ontario. Basic auto insurance policies in Ontario consist of the following four types of coverage: third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured automobile coverage. Continue reading to learn more about each type of coverage and the protection it offers:

Third party liability coverage

Third party 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. Whitby 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. 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 requires 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, medical expenses, such as prescription medications, physical therapy, or rehabilitation, and more.

Optional car insurance coverage for Whitby drivers

Beyond the basic, mandatory coverages described above, Whitby drivers can also add several other types of coverage to their policies. While not required by law, they can provide added protection and peace of mind. A few examples of optional car insurance coverages available in Ontario include the following:

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 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, Whitby drivers may choose to include comprehensive coverage in their car insurance policies. While standard auto 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 comprehensive 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 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

Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car 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 insurance companies calculate car insurance rates in Whitby

Insurance companies in Ontario consider a wide variety of factors when calculating insurance premiums. Whitby drivers might find it helpful to understand which details matter most when it comes to the cost of auto insurance. Below is a list of factors that impact how much you pay for auto insurance in Ontario:

• 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

Save money on Whitby car insurance

BrokerLink believes that you should never overpay for an auto insurance policy. We help you with this by shopping and comparing quotes, unlocking discounts on your behalf, and letting you in on the industry’s secrets for saving money on car insurance. In fact, BrokerLink’s insurance advisors have put together a few tips for saving money on Whitby car insurance below:

• Purchase car insurance for more than one vehicle from the same provider (savings of up to 20%)
• Buy multiple insurance policies (home insurance, business insurance, leisure vehicle insurance, pet 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
• Enrol in driving school (for young drivers)
• Pay car insurance annually rather than monthly

Work with a Whitby insurance broker

One final way to save money on Whitby car insurance is by working with an insurance broker. All BrokerLink insurance advisors are fully licenced, friendly, and knowledgeable about all things car insurance. Your dedicated advisor will work to ensure you find great coverage at a competitive rate. Contact Whitby BrokerLink to learn more about how working with a broker can save you money.

Tips for young drivers in Whitby, Ontario

Driving is far from easy, especially when you are first starting out. Just like riding a bike, it is a skill that takes time and practice to master. As a young driver in Whitby, Ontario, it’s important to learn the rules of the road early so that you can become a safe and responsible driver. To help improve your driving skills, we’ve compiled a list of tips below:

Slow down

Our first tip for young drivers? Slow down. Pay attention to the speed limit and never drive beyond it. In certain circumstances, such as when driving at night, through a construction zone, or on snowy, icy, or rainy days, we even suggest driving below the speed limit. The more cautiously you drive, the more time you will have to react, and the better your odds of avoiding an accident.

Space is your friend

Second, remember to leave ample space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you. Experts suggest leaving two car lengths between your car and the one in front of you on regular roads, and up to four car lengths on highways. Having this extra space can help you avoid a collision and will even come in handy if you are rear-ended, as it can prevent you from crashing into the car in front of you - or worse, into a pedestrian.

Minimize distractions

One final tip for young Whitby drivers is to minimize distractions. Before you start driving, tune the radio to your preferred station, put your phone in the backseat, and put down any food or drinks. Getting rid of all possible distractions will ensure your attention is focused where it should be - on the road.

Contact BrokerLink Whitby for a free car insurance quote

Do you want to learn more about Whitby car insurance? BrokerLink can help.

Get in touch by phone or email, or visit us in person at any one of our locations throughout Ontario. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you.

We also invite Whitby drivers to take advantage of our online quote tool. BrokerLink offers free quotes to all Whitby residents. Simply provide us with some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, such as the make and model, and we’ll get back to you with an accurate and competitive quote in minutes.

Protect yourself with Whitby auto insurance by contacting BrokerLink today. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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