MORE COVERAGE GENERALLY EQUALS MORE COST, BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR INSURANCE BILL

It’s illegal to drive in Canada without auto insurance. But, how much and what kind of coverage you will need is debatable, and it should be looked at on a case-by-case basis, ideally every year around the time of your renewal. Not having enough insurance coverage, or not having the right kind of coverage, can leave you with a huge repair bill in the event of an accident or total loss. If a person(s) is injured or killed, then you could also be facing legal action, and that’s when things start to get really expensive.

We asked some local insurance experts to help us cut through the legalities and try to understand the most important aspects surrounding automobile insurance, and how it’s established.

“For starters, auto insurance rates are based on things like a driver’s record, the vehicle they drive, where they live and claims frequency,” says John Bordignon, director of media relations for State Farm Canada. “In terms of specific vehicles, those that are less expensive, cheapest to repair, have the best claims history and are generally less powerful are the most economical to insure.”

But it’s your driving record that is the most important factor when it comes to establishing rates.

“Most of the factors that can keep your auto insurance rates down are within your control,” says Bordignon. “No tickets or accidents are ideal, as are adhering to provincial graduated licensing laws and the successful completion of a certified driver training course.”

“As long as you don’t have an abundance of tickets, your rating is determined by how long it’s been since you’ve had an at-fault accident,” elaborates Jamie Maudsley, a full-time broker with Bill Blaney Insurance Brokers in Dorchester, Ontario. Plus the more you drive, the more at risk you are of being in a collision, so that will also be a factor, he explains.

Rates are also a ffected by the optional coverages an insurer provides, Bordignon states. “Deductibles, comprehensive, collision and rental coverage are all choices a person can make that will a ffect the amount of premium they pay.”

Some insurers even increase premiums for cars that are more susceptible to damage, occupant injury or theft, and lower rates for those that fare better than the norm.

Maudsley helps put this into perspective. “Each vehicle has an accident benefit rating and, as a rule of thumb, there is a much better chance of getting hurt in an accident while driving a small car compared to a full-size truck. The accident benefit coverages make up a substantial amount of any insurance premium, should you get hurt in an accident.”

Before signing on the dotted line for your new ride, Bordignon suggests that shoppers do some further research on the particular vehicle that’s caught their eye. Some key questions to have answered include: ‘Does it have strong safety ratings?’ ‘Is the same particular model often stolen?’ ‘Does it cost more to repair if it is damaged in a collision?’

When it comes to purchasing insurance coverage for a new vehicle, Maudsley points out some important options to consider. “If you are purchasing a new car, you’ll want to make sure you have an OPCF 43 endorsement on your policy, which will give you replacement cost on the vehicle (less freight and taxes) for usually the first 24 months after purchase.”

These riders are free with some companies, and up to $50 for the year with others. “Let’s say you pick up your new $25,000 vehicle and not 10 minutes later you’re involved in an accident that writes off the vehicle. If you don’t have that endorsement, and because the vehicle is considered ‘used’ the instant it’s driven o the lot, you would lose the entire depreciation amount, which will greatly impact the value of the vehicle and, thus, the insurance payout.”

Here are some other suggestions that will help you lower your insurance costs:

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS
Typical discounts include those for good students, insuring multiple vehicles, accident-free driving and multiple/ bundling of insurance products (house and car). Cars that are considered to be highly fuel-efficient or hybrids, or cars with the latest in anti-theft technology, may come with discounts.  

DRIVE LESS
People who drive a lot for work or commute a long distance usually pay more than those who drive less. Consider joining a car pool, or take alternate transportation when possible.

REVIEW YOUR DEDUCTIBLE 
A deductible is the part of a loss that you’ve agreed to pay with your own money. Generally, the higher the deductible, the lower your premium.

DRIVE CAREFULLY
Drivers with poor driving records usually pay more for coverage than people who have been accident-free for several years. ·

LOOK INTO USAGE-BASED INSURANCE OR TELEMATICS OPTIONS
By installing a device in your car or using a telematics mobile app that records your driving activities, insurers can use this information to personalize your insurance premium and save you money.