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My topic is auto insurance. Every vehicle on the road in Ontario must occupy an automobile insurance policy. The policies vary widely based on a number of factors and the needs of the driver. There are also benefits to being insured under certain companies, rather than others.

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This website covers what the minimum auto insurance in Ontario is. These are the basics that every car must have coverage on. This includes third-party liability coverage, for injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident and property damages that result(minimum $200 000 coverage). Uninsured automobile coverage, for accidents involved with uninsured drivers or a hit-and-run accident. Statutory accident benefits coverage, to cover supplemental attendant care, medical care, rehabilitation and income loss as a result of an MVA. Direct compensation, is coverage for damage caused to your vehicle resulting from an accident where another driver is at fault.

I chose this website because when you are shopping for auto insurance it is important to know what you need and what is optional. This website also goes over the mandatory coverages for other Provinces in Canada.

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If you live in Canada, you must have minimum auto insurance. This is a Canadian auto insurance law that provides coverage for the owner of the vehicle, passengers, pedestrians as well as property involved in an auto accident. Insurance provisions in Canada differ by province. While some provinces provide insurance via the government, some do not while others only provide partial coverage. It is vital to differentiate mandatory insurance laws by province. This will not only help you avoid getting caught up in trouble with the lawmakers but also protect you in the event of an accident.

Let's dive into mandatory insurance in Canada by Province

1. Ontario

Regardless of what car you drive, where you live, your age or even your driving history, there are minimum car insurance laws as per the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Driving without the mandatory auto insurance in Ontario will cost you fines of up to $50,000. And worse, you risk paying for damages caused in an accident (these can be insanely high) out of pocket or even get your driving license suspended.

The minimum car insurance in Ontario include:

Third-party liability coverage- This provides coverage for injuries sustained by persons involved in an accident and even property damages. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario requires all drivers to have minimum third-party liability coverage of $20,000. It is even wiser to go above this minimum limit for maximum protection against such liabilities.

Uninsured automobile insurance- Drivers in Ontario must maintain uninsured automobile insurance. This provides coverage for accidents involved with uninsured motorists or even hit-and-run motorists. This coverage also caters for benefits to families who lose their loved ones in an accident with hit-and-run or uninsured drivers.

Statutory Accident benefits coverage- This pays for supplemental attendant care, medical care, rehabilitation as well as lost income if a person is hurt in an accident. It offers minimum provision limits on catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries.

Direct compensation- property damage insurance- This provides coverage for damages caused to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident where another driver is at fault. The other driver faulted for the accident must be insured under Ontario law. Also, the accident must have taken place in Ontario. Many Ontario drivers, however, purchase additional coverage to protect them in case an accident occurs in another province.

2. British Columbia

All drivers in British Columbia are required to purchase minimum coverage from ICBC including:

Underinsured motorist protection (UMP)- This coverage protects motorists if they are involved in an accident where the driver at fault does not have sufficient insurance to cater for the medical expenses and property damage. The basic ICBC coverage protects persons involved in accidents up to $1 million. However, additional coverage can be purchased from ICBC or private auto insurance.

Third-party liability insurance- Every driver in BC must have $200,000 third-party liability insurance. This protects the drivers if they are involved in an accident where another person sustains injuries or property is damaged. The maximum compensation where property damage and bodily damage reach the mandatory limit is $20,000.

Medical coverage- This is set at $150,000 per person.

Inverse liability coverage- This coverage provides protection where drivers are involved in an accident in parts of the US or Canada where the province or state laws prohibit drivers from recovering losses incurred from the driver at fault.

Hit-and-run coverage -This offers protection in case a driver is involved in an accident with a hit-and-run motorist. Under ICBC basic plan, the maximum amount is $200,000.

3. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has a mandatory insurance and vehicle registration program. This province operates on a break-even and self-sustaining basis, meaning that drivers pay less for auto insurance.
Mandatory car insurance, also referred to as license plate insurance includes:

Third-party liability- With a $200,000 minimum mandatory amount, this insurance provides coverage for bodily injury and damage in an accident where you are at fault.

Accident benefits coverage- This provides coverage for bodily injury if you are involved in an accident regardless of who is at fault. It caters to rehabilitation, medical care and auxiliary care services as well as income replacement. The minimum insured amount for medical payments is set at $7 million.

Property damage insurance

4. Alberta

The mandatory auto insurance in Alberta include:

Accident benefits insurance- Drivers are mandated to have accident benefits insurance. This caters to medical, rehabilitation and lost income costs regardless of who was at fault for an accident.

Third-party liability- The minimum third party liability insurance is $200,000.

5. Manitoba

All drivers in Manitoba must have:

Third-party liability insurance- This provides coverage for injuries or damages to other persons and their property.

Uninsured motorist insurance- This provides coverage for injuries sustained in an accident where the other driver does not have insurance.

Accident benefits insurance- Provides coverage for financial help and medical costs due to an accident.

6. Newfoundland and Labrador

Drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador must have both third-party liability insurance ($200,000) and accident benefits insurance.

7. Quebec

All vehicle owners in Quebec must hold civil liability insurance of a minimum of $50,000. This provides coverage of property damage and personal injury. The state operates on a no-fault insurance system.

8. Nova Scotia

This province operates on a tort liability insurance system. All drivers must have $500,000 car insurance that provides coverage for personal injury, legal pursuit and property damage.

9. New Brunswick

The minimum car insurance in New Brunswick is $200,000 for damage caused to other parties.

10. Northwest Territories and the Yukon

Mandatory insurance in Northwest Territories and the Yukon includes accident benefits, third-party liability ($200,000) and uninsured automobile insurance.

11. Prince Edward Island

This province operates on a tort liability insurance system. Every driver must have a minimum coverage of $200,000 that caters to property damage as well as damage to other parties.

12. Nunavut

Every driver in Nunavut is required to have $200,000 third-party liability insurance.

Bottomline

While Canada has different auto-insurance laws, most provinces have a mandatory minimum third-party liability insurance of at least $200,000. Mandatory insurance requirements must be obtained. However, for maximum protection, it is always wise to purchase add-on insurance policies such as additional third-party liability coverage, additional property damage insurance and additional statutory accident benefits. While these additional insurance policies may increase the cost of your insurance, you will be more protected in the event of the occurrence of an accident.

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What is Mandatory Insurance in Canada | Surex

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If you live in Canada, you must have minimum auto insurance. This is a Canadian auto insurance law that provides coverage for the owner of the vehicle, passengers, pedestrians as well as property involved in an auto accident. Insurance provisions in Canada differ by province.

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There are optional coverages that you may choose to have for your vehicle, but they are not required. Some are very common, and most drivers have them, others are not as common. Some of the very common ones are family protection coverage, to provide extra coverage to you and your family members in the event of injury or death caused by an underinsured or hit-and-run driver. Collision or upset coverage covers damage to your car in the event of an MVA. Comprehensive coverage will cover damage to your car from events other than an MVA, like fire, vandalism, weather events, collision with an animal and falling objects.

I chose this website because these are examples that are a good idea to have, but are not mandatory so they could be missed when looking for a cheap policy.

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The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Full details regarding coverage and exclusions can be found in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply.

Online insurance purchase is available subject to our underwriting policies.

Savings and discounts are based on each client's individual profile and are subject to eligibility conditions. Rates and discounts are subject to change without notice.

Value Plus Option TM is a trademark of Desjardins General Insurance Group Inc., used under licence.

Odyssey ® is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

Trouble-Free Option ® is a registered trademark of Desjardins General Insurance Group Inc., used under licence.

1. Subject to card terms and conditions. Learn more about our credit cards

2. For more information about our insurance for Eva drivers, see our commercial ridesharing vehicle policy (in French only, PDF, 296 KB).

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The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Full details regarding coverage and exclusions can be found in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Online insurance purchase is available subject to our underwriting policies.

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Some more optional coverages are less common but may better suit your coverage needs. these include 5-year new vehicle protection, which keeps your car from losing its value for the first 5 years after purchase in the event of total or partial loss. $0 deductible, eliminates your deductible when you make a claim of an accident or if your car is stolen or vandalized. Transportation replacement, covers taxi, public transit or rental costs after you make a claim on your vehicle, where it can no longer be driven. Liability for damage to non-owned automobiles covers an accident sustained in a rental vehicle or a vehicle that is borrowed. The trouble-free option combines 3 coverages: transportation replacement, liability for damage to non-owned automobiles, and emergency road service. Accident-free protection protects your premium from going up after your first accident, this is also known as accident forgiveness coverage.

These terms and coverages are all important to know when searching for an insurance policy to know which coverages will suit your needs best.

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The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Full details regarding coverage and exclusions can be found in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply.

Online insurance purchase is available subject to our underwriting policies.

Savings and discounts are based on each client's individual profile and are subject to eligibility conditions. Rates and discounts are subject to change without notice.

Value Plus Option TM is a trademark of Desjardins General Insurance Group Inc., used under licence.

Odyssey ® is a registered trademark of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec.

Trouble-Free Option ® is a registered trademark of Desjardins General Insurance Group Inc., used under licence.

1. Subject to card terms and conditions. Learn more about our credit cards

2. For more information about our insurance for Eva drivers, see our commercial ridesharing vehicle policy (in French only, PDF, 296 KB).

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The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Full details regarding coverage and exclusions can be found in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Online insurance purchase is available subject to our underwriting policies.

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5. Website- Types of vehicle classifications/coverages

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5. Website- Types of vehicle classifications/coverages

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Vehicles have different classification categories based on their size and use. The cars, trucks and vans category includes any vehicle used for pleasure, business, or commuting to/from work with a maximum weight of 4500kg or 10 000 lbs. Recreation vehicles include vehicles primarily used for leisure purposes to provide transportation across specific types of terrain like dirt, snow or tarmac (ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trailers, campers). A commercial vehicle is used for a business, it can be a car, van, pickup truck, trailer, heavy vehicle or tractor-trailer.  Farm vehicles are those used for either work on the farmland or the pleasure of the landowner with agriculture as their occupation. an antique vehicle must meet the special criteria and must only be used for rare trips, not regular transportation. A bus is a vehicle used to transport people on public streets or highways.

it is important to know what type of vehicle you are trying to insure before you lock in a policy.

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Vehicles we insure in Canada - Co-operators

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What type of vehicle do you need to insure? We insure several types of vehicles and brands in Canada. Find out which category applies to your vehicle.

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This video explains what auto insurance is and why you need it. It explains that a policy is a legal agreement between you and the insurance company and the policy determines what the company is responsible for. It also explains some of the policy rating factors that will determine the price of your premiums. It also explains some of the optional coverages and ways to lower your premiums. This video also explains the concept of bundling auto insurance with other types of insurance you may have.

I chose this video because it explains what auto insurance really is, which I think sometimes can be confused as a scam if you do not make any/many claims you may think it is useless, but in the event that you do have an accident, without adequate insurance, you could lose all of your assets.

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If you're trying to make sense of your car insurance coverage and the limits that you need, as a professional Ontario car insurance broker, Scrivens is here help.

Let's talk about the car insurance basics to help you read and understand your car insurance options in Ontario.

Your Ontario Car Insurance Policy

An Ontario Car Insurance policy is designed to provide you with a level of protection against property, liability and medical costs if you are involved in an accident.

Property

Liability

Accident Benefits

Property Insurance

Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.

Collision

‍ Covers damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or other object. Collision pays to repair your vehicle, less the deductible you choose. For older cars, you may want to consider dropping this coverage, since it is typically limited to the cash value of your car. This coverage is not required, but if you have a loan or a lease, the lien holder may require it.

Comprehensive

Covers your vehicle, and sometimes other vehicles you may be driving, for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. This includes damage to your car if it is stolen or damaged.

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.

Third-party Bodily Injury Liability (BI)

‍ This covers injuries that you, the designated driver or policyholder cause to someone else. Claims for bodily injury include medical bills, loss of income, or pain and suffering. It does NOT cover the cost of damage to your vehicle, or to you or other people on your policy. It is mandatory in all provinces; however, minimums will differ among provinces.

Third-party Property Damage Liability (PD)

Covers you or someone driving the car with your permission if the car damages someone else's property. Typically, the property is another vehicle, but it could be a fence, telephone pole, house, etc. It also provides you with legal defence if another party files a lawsuit against you.

Accident Benefits

Accident benefits pay for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

Accident Benefits

‍ This coverage can provide medical expenses, income replacement and other possible benefits to you and passengers if you are injured in an accident. This coverage is mandatory in some provinces.

Click here for a detailed explanation of Accident Benefits.

How can I lower my Car Insurance in Ontario?

Car insurance is mandated by the Ontario government but there are some ways you can lower the price you pay:

Consider increasing your deductible

Maintain a good driving record

Drive fewer kilometres per year for a low-mileage discount

Drive a vehicle with increased safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, etc.

Install an ant-theft device

Combine your property insurance with your automobile insurance for mutli-policy discounts

Use a licensed Ontario car insurance broker! We compare the rates of the best insurance companies.

As an Ontario Car Insurance Broker, Scrivens is here to help

Everyone in Ontario must have basic car insurance; however, the specifics will vary by driver and vehicle.

Be sure that, in the event of a serious accident, you have a professional car insurance broker on your side.

‍ Contact your car insurance broker at Scrivens today to learn more about how we can help you insure your personal vehicle.

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Ontario Car Insurance | Ontario | Canada - Scrivens Insurance Brokers

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If you're trying to make sense of your car insurance coverage and the limits that you need, as a professional Ontario car insurance broker, Scrivens is here help. Let's talk about the car insurance basics to help you read and understand your car insurance options in Ontario.

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An easy way to save money on insurance is to bundle your insurance. This means you can combine your auto insurance with your home or renters insurance or other forms of insurance you have. Doing this is a good way to save time and money. It provides convenience when keeping track of policies and renewal dates as they are all in one spot. The insurance brokerage can file multiple policies under one account, this will save you time and make it easier to manage.  Having bundled insurance also makes it less likely that you will be dropped as a client in the event of a claim.

I chose this video because bundling insurance is an easy way to get special offers from insurance brokers, but in order to do that you must know the benefits/risks of doing so.

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6 Things you should know about Bundling Insurance

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This is a short video that just explains some of the terms you will hear/see in an insurance policy. These include deductible, premium, claim, adjuster, declaration, carrier, and more. This video is simple and just goes back to the basics to explain the terms along with some visuals to better your understanding.

I chose this video because when looking at an insurance policy it can be very confusing and have a lot of big words. Without understanding these words you could sign and not realize what you do and don't have coverage for. This video is different because it is very simple and is great for a first-time insurance buyer.

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Knowing what coverages you need for your car is important because you could be paying more than you have to. Or worse, you might not have the coverages you actually do need.

Insurance people talk in insurance jargon, which sometimes needs explaining. Brush up on the basics before you meet with your agent for a quote.

Basic insurance terms

Actual cash value: The cost of replacing damaged or destroyed property with comparable new property, minus depreciation and obsolescence.

Additional insured: A general liability coverage for individuals not named in the policy.

Adjuster: A person who investigates claims and recommends settlement options based on estimates of damage and insurance policy terms.

Agent: Someone who sells and services insurance policies.

Carrier: The company that underwrites the policy (i.e. is responsible for paying claims covered by the policy).

Claim: A demand made by the insured, or the insured's beneficiary, for payment of the benefits as outlined by the policy.

Coverage: The scope of protection provided under an insurance policy.

Declarations: Also known as a Dec page, usually the first page(s) of your policy, it lists the details and terms of the policy and your coverages.

Deductible: Amount of money you pay out of pocket. A higher deductible will lower your premium but will cost you more out of pocket.

Endorsement: An amendment or addition to an existing policy that changes the terms or scope of the policy. It's sometimes called a "rider."

Indemnity: Restoration to the victim by payment, repair, or replacement.

Policy: The written contract stating the conditions of your insurance coverage.

Replacement cost (RC): The cost to repair or replace damaged property with materials of like kind and quality without a deduction for depreciation.

Insurance coverage definitions

Bodily injury liability coverage is required by law in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Many states also have requirements for property damage liability, personal property, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Talk to your agent about what you're required to carry in your state.

Bodily injury liability: If you're held liable for a covered accident in which people are injured, this coverage helps pay the injured party(s) costs and for your legal defense.

Collision: Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by a covered collision with another car or object. It also helps pay for repairs even when you cause the accident, up to the value of your car at the time of the accident, minus your deductible. Most car loans require you to carry collision coverage.

Comprehensive physical damage: Sometimes referred to as Other Than Collision (OTC), it covers issues not caused by collision with another vehicle or an object (like bad weather and vandalism).

Medical payments: Although similar to bodily injury liability, medical payments coverage helps pay for accident injuries for both you and your passengers' injuries up to the coverage limits.

Personal injury protection (PIP): A component of car insurance also known as "no-fault insurance," covers the healthcare expenses associated with a car accident. PIP covers medical expenses for both injured policyholders and passengers.

Property damage liability: Helps pay for covered claims against you and your legal defense costs if your car damages another person's vehicle or property.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): If you and/or your passengers are injured by someone without proper coverage, or are the victims of a hit-and-run, this coverage may help protect you.

Check out our auto coverages Contact a Grinnell Mutual agent

Grinnell Mutual car insurance discounts

Talk to a Grinnell Mutual agent to find out if you qualify for any of these discounts:

Advance quote: If you receive a complete quote (with score reports included) at least seven days before the coverage start date.

Anti-theft: If you've installed qualifying devices to discourage theft.

Claim-free: If you are accident- and claim-free.

Distant student: If a student on your policy lives more than 100 miles away and does not have a car with them.

Driver improvement: If you have taken a qualifying defensive driving course.

EFT: If you pay your bill with an electronic funds transfer (EFT), which automatically deducts your payment from your bank account.

Good student: If a student on your auto policy maintains a B average or better, or is on the Dean's List or Honor Roll, and is a full-time student younger than 25.

Homeowner: If you own a home, even if it's insured with someone else.

Layup: If you store your (land-based) recreational vehicle for part of the year (discount amount is based on number of months per year the vehicle is stored).

Motorcycle safety course: If you complete a qualifying course.

Motor home limited use: If drive your motor home fewer than 5,000 miles in a year.

Multi-policy: If you have both your home and auto covered with us.

Multi-unit: If you have both your auto and your (land-based) RV insured with us.

Paid in full: If you pay your personal auto and/or farm truck's annual premium in full at the beginning of the policy term.

Passive restraint: If your car has qualifying automatic seatbelts (pre-1995 vehicles) or airbags. If it has airbags on both the driver and passenger sides, you get an extra discount.

Riding association membership: If you belong to a qualifying motorcycle riding association.

Timely payor: If you pay your premium on time. The discount is applied automatically when you buy a policy, and removed after one late or returned payment on a six-month policy, or after two late or returned payments on a 12-month policy.

See more of our auto discounts Find an agent

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Knowing what coverages you need for your car is important because you could be paying more than you have to. Or worse, you might not have the coverages you actually do need. Insurance people talk in insurance jargon, which sometimes needs explaining. Brush up on the basics before you meet with your agent for a quote.

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This photo has some tips to help protect yourself from getting scammed when looking to get an auto insurance policy. Some of these include watching out for scams as it is not uncommon for scams to come out of an imposter insurance company claiming to give you a great deal. The most important thing to remember is to read all fine print and look at reviews before sending any money or locking in a policy. If you have any doubts make sure to do your research. And if you do get scammed please report it to protect others from getting scammed as well.

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This is an American source, but the factors determining the price of your auto insurance premiums in Ontario are very similar. Anyone who is a young driver knows how expensive it is to be insured until you're about 25, especially for boys. This is not the only factor that affects your premiums though. Coverage requirements, what vehicle you drive (new vs. old, sporty car vs. family car, likeliness to be stolen), your driving record (tickets/accidents =higher premium), mileage (how much you drive), credit history, location (city vs country), marital status, and gender play huge roles in determining your premiums and coverage. A driver that is deemed to be high-risk will pay significantly more than a driver with a clean driving record in the countryside driving a family car putting low mileage on the vehicle.

When searching for insurance it is important to know what the factors are that will affect your premiums. Knowing these factors can help you when looking for a vehicle or practicing driving habits to make yourself a lower-risk driver. This video is an overview of what will affect your insurance.

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In the event of an accident, many people are in shock and do not know what to do. This photo shows the information on what you should do and the information your insurance company will need. When unsure if they will need something in order to process your claim, air on the side of caution.

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1. I did not know that collision insurance is optional coverage. I always just assumed that it was mandatory. This really surprised me as accident claims are the most common claim for auto insurance and many people need to fix the damage to their car after an accident.

2. I learned a lot about the optional coverages. Right now my mom deals with all my car insurance details, but eventually, I will have to start taking care of it myself. When I do it will be crucial for me to know what coverages I need and what I could do without. I did not know that there were so many different types of coverage.

3. What I would pass on is that the 2 factors that you can really control that will either increase or decrease the premiums of your insurance are your driving record and the car you drive. Being a safe driver with no tickets or at-fault accidents can severely decrease your insurance. Also, the type of car, a vehicle that is at low risk of getting stolen and is an average affordable car will be way cheaper for insurance than a brand new limited edition Audi. The rest of the factors that control your insurance premiums are harder to change, but these ones can be almost entirely up to you.