How To Get Car Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are a first-time driver or you are looking for a new vehicle, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting car insurance in Ontario. We will discuss the steps to take before you choose your car, the different types of coverage available, how to compare rates, and how to choose the right insurance provider for you.
Decide What Car You Want To Buy
Before you buy a car, it’s important to do your research to figure out which one is the best fit for you, your lifestyle and your budget. In addition to the year, make and model of the vehicle, you may want to consider factors such as the repair costs and the vehicle’s theft and safety standard statistics. These items and more will be used in part to determine what you might pay for your insurance premium.
Aside from those, other factors like where and how often you drive play a large role in your rates. The safety rating, whether the vehicle has four-wheel/all-wheel drive, and if you will be driving on winter tires can be contributing factors to your rate.
Tip: During the winter months in Guelph, Shelburne, and Wellington County, snow can become quite heavy. There is no better way to protect yourself while driving on slippery roads than with proper winter tires, and with some insurance companies, it may even entitle you to a special discount.
Once you’ve decided on a few different vehicle models, it’s time to take them for a test drive. This will help you get a feel for how the car handles and give you a better idea of which one is right for you. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect car for your needs.
Will Your Insurance Go Up With A New Car?
Auto insurance rates can go up after buying a new car. To avoid any surprises, it’s best to call your insurance broker beforehand and get an insurance quote for the new car. That way, you’ll know exactly how much your rates will increase and can budget accordingly.
Make Sure You Call Your Insurance Broker Before You Buy A Vehicle!
One important factor that sometimes gets overlooked is the impact on your insurance rate. Some cars are simply more expensive to insure than others. So, if you’re trying to decide between a few different models, it’s definitely worth checking with your insurance broker to learn how each model could impact your insurance rates. That’s where we can help.
Speaking with your broker can help you determine the model with an insurance policy that meets your needs and your budget. Then you can make your decision based on all the factors, not just price.
Figure Out How Much Auto Coverage You Need
Many people rely on the help of an insurance broker to help them determine which different auto insurance coverage limits are right for them. Our team of auto insurance professionals would be happy to walk you step by step through each coverage.
A typical auto insurance policy includes:
Liability Coverage
Should an accident occur where you are deemed to be responsible, liability coverage describes what is covered when the other party is injured or passes away and/or their property is damaged.
Accident Benefits
Accident benefits coverage on your own policy protects you for injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who is determined to be at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Protection
This coverage provides protection should you be in an accident where the other party is uninsured, underinsured or unidentified (such as in a hit and run).
Collision Protection
Collision coverage is there to repair damage to your own vehicle following an accident where you are deemed to be at fault or partially at fault. This could mean hitting another car, an object and more.
This coverage is also what is needed for repairs to your vehicle if you experience a “hit and run”. Since the other driver is not known, your own collision coverage comes into effect and protects your vehicle.
Comprehensive Coverage
Most common comprehensive auto claims include things such as fire, theft and vandalism. Broken windshields, collisions with an animal and damage caused by weather are also examples of protection under this optional coverage.
Each province has minimum car insurance coverage requirements. Ontario’s minimums are a starting point for determining coverage, but often they’re too low to sufficiently cover you in the event of a major accident.
Do You Need Insurance Before You Can Switch Ownership Of A Vehicle?
Most people know that you need insurance before you can drive a car, but what many don’t realize is that you also need insurance before you can switch ownership of a vehicle. This is required because the new owner will be liable for any accidents or damages that occur after the transfer of ownership. As such, it is essential to make sure that you have adequate coverage in place before taking possession of the vehicle.
Don’t Sign Before You Call Your Local Insurance Broker!
Once you’ve found a dealer or private seller you trust, it’s time to start negotiating. But, before you sign on the dotted line, there’s one more step you should take: Call your insurance broker!
If you already have a policy and just want to substitute the vehicle for a different one, a simple call to swap them is usually all it takes. It is up to you to call and inform your insurance broker of your new vehicle.
How To Get An Accurate Car Insurance Quote
In order to provide an accurate quote for the cost of your auto insurance, you will need to provide the following information:
- The full address of your residence, including the postal code. This is to determine the rating area or territory in which you live and drive your vehicle.
- The year, make, and model, of your vehicle(s). This information gives the broker the info they need to provide quotes and coverage options with various insurance companies.
- A list of all drivers in the household. This information is used to determine each driver’s experience level and driving history.
We look forward to helping you secure the auto insurance policy that will fit your lifestyle and provide sufficient coverage. Through every season of life, The Ostic Group is here to protect the Guelph, Shelburne, Elora, and Fergus communities with competitive and comprehensive auto insurance policies.