Insurance Tips & FAQ's

How to Prevent Vehicle Theft
Although you can not ensure your vehicle will not be stolen you can take a few easy steps to prevent the likelihood of it happening, by making it more difficult for a thief to steal your vehicle and its contents.
Always lock your vehicle
Never leave your keys in the vehicle
Turn off your ignition whenever you leave your car
Avoid parking on the street
Conceal items left in your car, keep things in the trunk and never leave money or compact discs in the open
Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit, well-guarded, highly visible area
Ask your neighbours to watch out for your vehicle and do the same for them
Install an anti-theft deterrent such as car alarms or an ignition disabler. For tips and more information to help you avoid having your car broken into or stolen please contact the appropriate industry organization in your area (e.g. Vehicle Information Centre).

Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
Read your vehicle owner's manual to understand its maintenance needs.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule will go a long way in extending the life of your vehicle and spotting minor problems before they become major repairs.
Have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic whenever you notice a change in braking or handling.
Consider taking a recognized driver safety course.

Brakes: Your brakes are obviously one of the most important components on your automobile. Proper care and regular maintenance is essential to protect both yourself and others from the potential harm caused by faulty brakes. Some signs that your brakes may be failing or require maintenance include:
The brakes squeal, grind or bang when applied. If this occurs you should immediately have your brakes checked
The car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes
The brakes stick or a loss of engine power when you are driving . Your brakes may not be releasing properly which can lead to total brake loss.
The brakes grab when lightly applied. This could be caused by loose or broken brake parts
The brakes need a lot of pressure to work or the pedal needs to be near the floor before it works. This may be a sign that your brakes are worn and replacement is necessary
The brake pedal, steering wheel or entire car vibrates when you step on the brakes.
Child Restraint Safety
It is important to install a child's restraint seat properly in order for it to be effective.
Read the manufacturer's installation instructions thoroughly
Many police departments have programs to help with proper installation For tips and information regarding child seat safety please contact Transport Canada.

Road Safety
Road safety is an important issue on today's crowded roadways. For statistics and information regarding road safety and its impact on social and medical costs please contact Transport Canada.

Airbags and Seatbelts
Airbags have been the topic of much discussion since they have become a standard feature with newer automobiles. For information and guidelines pertaining to use and safety issues of air bags please contact the following organizations:
- Transport Canada
- Canada Safety Council
- Insurance Bureau of Canada

Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving has been the cause of many unfortunate accidents resulting in serious injuries and loss of life on our roadways. The following organizations can provide statistics and information pertaining to drinking and driving:
- Transport Canada
- Canada Safety Council
Cell Phones and Safety
Cell phones can be valuable equipment in a car when you need to call for assistance. However, they can also be a distraction if they are used while driving, and many jurisdictions are considering restrictions on cell phone use while driving. For safety's sake, don't use your cell phone while driving. If you need to make a call, stop your car safely away from traffic before picking up the phone.


Preparing for Winter Driving
Canadians know that winter driving can be treacherous at the best of times. The following organizations can provide tips and information to help you prepare yourself and your vehicle for safe winter driving.
- Canada Safety Council
- Transport Canada


What to Do When You Are Involved in an Accident
Being involved in an accident can be a very stressful event. To help you protect both yourself and your interests, we have provided some basic hints:
Call the police immediately, and an ambulance if necessary.
Do not admit liability.
Record details of the accident including date, time, location, a description of the accident, any injuries, and any charges laid.
Record details concerning the other party and vehicle such as owner's name and address, phone number, and vehicle year, make and model.
It is very important to obtain the insurance information of the other driver. This includes the name of the insurance company and the policy number and the name of the broker or agent.
Obtain a copy of the police report from the attending officer as this will have the accident report number for future reference. These tips are general rules of thumb only, and may not fit all situations. For the definitive word, contact your insurance broker for more information.

Auto Coverage Definitions

Collision Coverage:Covers damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle, or other object. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as large a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars, consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to the cash value of your car. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy. This is not required by a state, but if you have a loan or a lease then the lien holder will require it.

Comprehensive Coverage (Other Than Collision or OTC):
Covers your vehicle, and sometimes other vehicles you may be driving for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is stolen; or damaged by flood, fire, or animals. Pays to fix your vehicle less the deductible you choose. To keep your premiums low, select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy. This is not required by a state, but if you have a loan or a lease then the lien holder will require it.

Bodily Injury Liability (BI):
Covers other people's bodily injuries or death for which you are responsible. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the accident files a lawsuit against you. Claims for bodily injury may be for such things as medical bills, loss of income or pain and suffering. In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore, it's a good idea (and usually a company requirement) to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars. Bodily Injury Liability does NOT cover you or other people on your policy. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy. It is mandatory in most states.

Property Damage Liability (PD):Covers you if your car damages someone else's property. Usually it is their car, but it could be a fence, a house or any other property damaged in an accident. It also provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object. Coverage is limited to the terms and conditions contained in the policy.

Hagerty Insurance now offers collector car insurance in Ontario!

If you watch Barrett Jackson or play the Fantasy Bid contest on Speed Channel, then you are most likely familiar with Hagerty Collector Car Insurance. Earlier this week, Hagerty Insurance announced their collector car insurance is now available to collector car enthusiasts in Ontario.


Hagerty Insurance will be underwritten by Aviva Canada, with distribution occuring through the Aviva brokerage network. Hagerty will provide the call center and marketing support.
This allows Canadian collector car enthusiasts to have similar Hagerty Insurance products and services offered to consumers, in the United States and in the United Kingdom. One program that will be available in Canada will be the he Hagerty Plus program. This program features the following benefits:

• Flat Bed Towing
• Road Side Assistance
• Regulatory Advisory
• Youth Programs and support of collectors foundation (a nonprofit organization helping to preserve the collector car hobby)
• Access to Hagerty’s online information
• Hagerty’s Magazine (quarterly publication)

Hagerty Insurance features their "Agreed Value" insurance policy, this policy has one liability fee, flexible usage, no mileage restrictions and the ability to pick their own repair shop.

Collector car owners in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario are now able to take advantage of the unique products and services we offer. In partnership with Aviva Canada & Mass Insurance Brokers Ltd., we are excited about being actively involved in the Canadian collector car community, by providing unique coverage’s and a host of related services that support the collector lifestyle.

All it takes is about 2 quick minutes for an accurate quote!

Call Brian Patience
Mass Insurance Brokers Ltd.

toll free at 888-587-8118.

Canada Life Term Insurance - A Preparation For The Future

Life insurance is required by all who need to protect the financial interests of their families when they are gone. Canada life term insurance is cheap but an effective way to secure the financial future of your family.
You can purchase Canada life term insurance of 10, 15, 20 or 30 years depending upon your requirement and age. The premium of the Canada life term insurance would depend upon the age of the applicant. Younger you are, lower would be your premium. However, still the premium rate of term life would be less than whole life
and universal life policies.
The premium of the Canada life term insurance can remain constant during the tenure of the policy or change with every renewal. Also there is decreasing term life insurance, where the sum assured would decrease with time. Decreasing Canada life term insurance would be ideal for people with mortgage or significant debt amount. This would protect their families from incurring the debt at the event of unfortunate death of the earning member of the family.
One issue however with Canada life term policy could be that these policies wouldn’t accumulate any maturity value to be paid at end of the term. But now some varieties of Canada life term insurance may offer maturity value too.

Rent Insurance in Canada

Now add one more task in the to-do-list of yours. Besides buying books and registering yourself for college, you need to pay attention to your rent insurance while you pack your bag and hop from one condo to the other. Renting an apartment often calls for responsibilities; and Rent insurance is a major one, especially when you are in Canada.  Though your condo or your apartment may be secured by an insurance policy, it doesn’t lend protection to your personal belongings.
“Why do I need insurance, after all I’m only renting?” is the question that creeps into your mind quite often. Apartment insurance will shield you from the unanticipated events. Guard your home from the calamities and disasters- windstorms, hail, smoke, fire, lightning, ice, snow, explosions, riots, destructions, electrical surges and water damage. Renters’ insurance provides insurance on your dorm room contents too. Make hay when the sun shines.
The cost of premium may vary, depending on the area you live in and the smoke and security systems of the building. In some places, your landlord may require you get renters insurance as part of your lease. Secure your home furniture and many of your priceless possessions by cheap rental insurance also known as Home Insurance. Monthly rental residential units can only be insured by the owner of the apartment building. However, your stereo and other possessions cannot be insured by the landlord. An ideal insurance company will provide the adequate coverage for all your possessions during your renting term

How Does Auto Insurance Canada Work?

As an auto driver in Canada you need to be aware of the insurance requirements to protect yours and fellow road users interests. Canada auto insurance is mandatory for all the auto drivers and driving without necessary insurance coverage may attract serious consequences.
Canada auto insurance can be broadly categorise into two parts, one is the mandatory liability coverage and the other is the optional coverage.
Liability insurance: All the drivers are required to carry at least the state specified amount of Canada auto insurance liability coverage.
The liability coverage would have two components; one is the bodily injury liability coverage and the other is property damage liability. The Canada auto insurance liability coverage is a third party coverage that is it would compensate the other party if you cause property damage of bodily injury (or death) to them.
Optional coverage: Collision and comprehensive coverage is required to cover your losses arising from an accident or car theft or fire. These coverage is often optional but it would keep the driver covered from financial looses on his vehicle.
Depending on the policies of local government the driver may also have to carry enough Canada auto insurance to cover his own medical expenses. You may need to confirm it’s requirement with your local government.

What Are The Ways To Find The Best Canadian Life Insurance Company

While deciding on which life insurance policy to buy, another question arises as to whom to buy it from. There are several life insurance companies available in the market, both of first and second grades, and hence, it can be quite confusing for the customer to choose the right Canadian life insurance company.
How to choose the best Canadian life insurance company
Analyse your need: First and foremost you need to determine whether or not you need insurance coverage. Secondly, how much you should get.
Ask references: If you are not sure about which insurance company to go with, you can ask references from your friends and family. Life insurance providers also advertise their services often and hence you can learn about their services from these advertises too.
Check with BBB: You may check the business record of the insurance company with the BBB site. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) site would let you check the business record of the company, number of complaints filed against them, number of complaints solved etc.
Financial solidity: It is an important determinant of Life Insurance Company. Check out how long the insurance company is in business and what their financial strength is. It is strongly advised that you check the financial solidarity of the insurance company before buying policies from it.
Shop around: Check with several insurance companies before finalising. Shopping around would let you find great rate and great coverage. If you find it confusing and time consuming to visit the different insurance providers, you can use the services of insurance broker Ontario.
Importance of insurance brokers
Insurance brokers Ontario plays a very important role in the insurance industry. Normally, insurance brokers Toronto represent several insurance companies and therefore they have the opportunity to find the most suitable insurance policy for their clients.
Most of the insurance brokers Toronto work on commission basis but some may however charge brokerage fees from the customers. Unlike captive insurance agents, who only work for a particular insurance company, insurance brokers Ontario can reach out to any insurance company to find the right coverage for their clients.
Using insurance broker Ontario is particularly a good idea for clients with special circumstances, such as- with health condition, with dangerous occupation or hobbies etc.

Advantages Of Cheap Auto Insurance

Canadian drivers know that driving is a privilege and to keep enjoying it they need to be properly insured. Auto insurance has been mandated by the state law and hence all are required to carry proper insurance coverage to avoid their driving licensed being revoked. However, the cost of car insurance Ontario policies have gone up over the years and many drivers are finding it gradually difficult to keep up with the rising cost of auto policies. The market therefore has seen an increase in demand for cheap auto insurance policies.

The idea of cheap auto insurance however isn’t often entertained by the industry professionals for the reason as these often provide less coverage. However, that isn’t always true. One can buy cheap auto insurance policies without compromising with the coverage level; only one needs to know how to shop for car insurance Ontario.

How to lower car insurance rate

Safe drivers: The auto premium rate depends largely on your driving record and hence better driving record would fetch your better rates.

Old cars: Old cars can often help you in getting cheap auto insurance. You can lower the cost of collision and comprehensive coverage on an old car without lowering the level of liability coverage.

Improve car safety: Introducing car safety equipments can help you get better rate on car insurance Ontario from standard insurers. Anti theft devices lower the risk of car theft and hence improve the risk factor for the insurers.

Advantages of cheap auto insurance

The biggest advantage with cheap car insurance is its cost advantage. It allows you to save on your car insurance policy, which can be used for other purposes.

Improve budget: When you are living on tight budget, cheap auto insurance allows you an extra breathing space.

Debt payment: The saving on car insurance Ontario premium can be used for paying off debt.

Saving: The reduced rate would allow you to save. This is an excellent way to build your emergency fund.

While shopping for cheap car insurance Ontario, one might not compromise on coverage level. Improper coverage would put you at a greater risk of being sued in a third party accident. Further, a cheap auto insurance provider may not have a great claim payment history. Keep all these factors in mind while shopping for car insurance Ontario.

An insured who is injured in a motor vehicle accident whiile driving with a prohibited blood alcohol level may be entitled to first party automobile benefits.

A motion for summary judgment dismissing the Plaintiff’s claim for damages pursuant to uninsured motorist coverage. The defendant’s motion was dismissed.
Matt v. Crawford, [2010] O.J. No. 3622, August 10, 2010, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, A. Mullins J.
The plaintiff was allegedly injured in a collision with an uninsured driver. The plaintiff admitted that he was not authorized in law to operate his vehicle because of his blood alcohol concentration. The plaintiff claimed for the damages under his policy of automobile insurance pursuant to the uninsured motorist coverage and his claim was denied. The question considered by the Court was whether the plaintiff, being unauthorized to operate the vehicle by reason of having a blood alcohol concentration, was disentitled to uninsured motorist coverage under the Ontario Standard Automobile Policy (“OAP”). The plaintiff relied upon s. 234(3) of the Act, which provided that the statutory conditions referred to in subsection 1 did not apply to the insurance required by s. 265.
The Court noted that there are established principles governing the interpretation of insurance contracts.  Coverage provisions are to be interpreted broadly, and exclusions are to be interpreted narrowly.  There are also established principles governing the interpretation of legislation.  Regulations are subordinate to statutes.
The Defendant’s motion was dismissed. The Court was not satisfied the OAP "provided otherwise" within the meaning of s. 234(3) of the Insurance Act.  There is no clear wording in the regulations which operated to displace the wording of the sections which provided coverage.  The terms, conditions, provisions, exclusions and limits prescribed by the regulations, to which s. 265 was expressed to be subject, could not readily and clearly be found to preclude access to uninsured coverage, notwithstanding a breach of Statutory Condition 4.1.  Statutory Condition 1.4 said only that claims might be denied.
This case was digested by Kim Yee and edited by David W. Pilley of Harper Grey LLP.

Failure to attend mandatory mediations could result in a $40,000 cost penalty.

An appeal from a decision of the trial judge not to award a cost penalty against a party who refused to  attend a mandatory mediation under the Ontario Insurance Act. The appeal was allowed.
Keam v. Caddey, [2010] O.J. No. 3650, August 31, 2010, Ontario Court of Appeal, M. Rosenberg, S.T. Goudge and K.N. Feldman JJ.A.
 The appellants successfully sued the respondents for damages suffered in a motor vehicle accident. Prior to trial, the appellants twice asked the respondents to participate in mediation. Contrary to its statutory obligation, the respondents' Insurer refused, on the basis that it did not believe that the appellants' damages would meet the statutory threshold under s. 267.5(5) of the Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. I.8. When dealing with costs following trial, the trial judge accepted the insurer's position as legitimate and declined the appellants' request for substantial indemnity costs as a remedy for its failure to participate in mediation, pursuant to s. 258.6(2) of the Insurance Act.
The Court of Appeal considered whether any cost consequence should attach to the respondent's failure to participate in a mediation.
The appeal was allowed. The Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred in law when he concluded that the insurer's decision not to participate in mediation was a legitimate one. That decision constituted a breach of the insurer's statutory obligation. An increase of $40,000 in the costs award was ordered as a cost penalty in the circumstances.
This case was digested by Kim Yee and edited by David W. Pilley of Harper Grey LLP.

Avoiding Auto Insurance Fraud

Auto insurance fraud is a serious issue throughout Canada, with real financial repercussions for legitimate policy holders. Whether you are seeking Ottawa car insurance for the first time or are out on the road, there are important steps you can take to make sure that you don’t become the target of car insurance fraud. Of course, the first and most important step is to educate yourself on insurance fraud and the best practices for how to handle accidents after they’ve happened. If you want to be 100% certain that you’re getting a legitimate policy, it might be a good idea to consult with a licensed professional who can help you find an Ottawa car insurance policy that’s perfect for you.

_{When shopping for Ottawa car insurance}

Whenever you are in the market for an Ottawa car insurance policy, keep these tips in mind:

• If you have doubts about a company’s legitimacy, call the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to find out if the company is a registered provider.
• Any time you come across a provider whose rates are much lower than other companies, don’t buy just yet. First, do some research into the company to make sure that they’re legitimate. If you’re unable to find any clear information about the provider, it could be a scam.
• Be especially wary of telemarketers, internet ads, or door-to-door salespeople selling insurance policies.
• Read everything in your policy prior to signing.
• Once you have your Ottawa car insurance ID number, keep this information private.

_{As you’re driving}

When you are behind the wheel of your vehicle, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. Make mental note of the cars in your vicinity, and be on the looking for vehicles that follow too close or that pull in front of you suddenly. These might just be cases of bad driving, but they may also be attempts to involve you in a staged accident. If you find yourself in any type of situation that makes you feel unsafe, remove yourself as soon as you can. Pull off in a safe location and allow the dangerous drivers to pass.

_{After a collision with another vehicle}

In the event of a collision, there are certain smart practices for guarding against car insurance fraud. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• The first thing to do is to exchange information with the other driver. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, registration numbers, and insurance information. Particularly make note of who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, and ask for contact information for any other passengers who were in the vehicle.
• Photograph the scene and the damage to both cars. Unless you have a reliable cell phone camera, make sure to keep a disposable camera in your glove box at all times.
• Call local law enforcement to report the accident. If an officer comes to the scene, fill out a police report right away. If no one comes, do it as soon as you get home.
• Also call your insurance company to get the claim process started.
• If anyone other than a law enforcement officer tries to tell you to do something, ignore their advice.
• Avoid tow-truck drivers who insist that they have to take your vehicle to a specific shop.
• Keep detailed bills and invoices of all related charges.
• Avoid signing any documents before having a chance to read them.

How Ottawa Auto Insurance Rates are Determined

Ottawa auto insurance rates are the subject of widespread rumours, many of which are not accurate or just plain untrue. Fortunately for consumers, Ottawa auto insurance companies are required to be very transparent about their decision-making formulas, and information about how these things are decided is commonly available through company websites. Plus, there are many licensed professionals available to help insurance buyers sort through the many factors that go into generating Ottawa auto insurance rates. As an introduction, here are some of the factors that are commonly considered in rate quotes.

_Age:

It’s not uncommon for people under the age of 25 to be required to pay higher insurance premiums. It’s not always true, but it is a common phenomenon across the industry. It comes from the simple fact that people under 25 get into accidents much more frequently than people over 25. Rates steadily go down as people age, bottoming out for individuals in their 50s. After age 65, rates typically begin to go back up.

_Gender:

For whatever reason, statistics show that women are safer drivers on average. Most Ottawa auto insurance companies take this into account.

_Occupation:

Statistics show that people with certain occupations are much less likely to get into car accidents than people with other occupations. If your insurance company has found that your employment makes you a lower-risk individual, you could benefit with lower premiums.

_{Marital status:}

It’s also been found that marital status can have an effect on one’s likelihood of getting in an accident. In particular, unmarried people tend to get into accidents more frequently, and this may come across in your Ottawa auto insurance rate.

_{Past accidents:}

If you’ve been in a few accidents, and if any of them were relatively recent, this can cause your insurance rate to go up. Your may not be severely affected if you’ve had one or two isolated incidents in the distant past, but it’s up to the insurance industry to decide whether there is a pattern. If you’ve never been in an accident, your rates should be relatively low.

_Violations:

How many tickets for moving violations have you received? If you’ve had more than your share of tickets, this will be reflected in your Ottawa auto insurance rate. On the other hand, if you’re an impeccable driver and have never committed a violation, you will benefit. Most companies will forget violations after a period of time, but these policies vary form company to company.

_{Credit rating:}

Your insurance company may take your credit rating into account, so if there’s anything you can do to improve your credit before applying, this might benefit you.

_{Care model and safety features:}

Some models of cars have higher safety ratings than other models, and your Ottawa auto insurance company is likely to take this into account. Also, if you have certain safety features in your vehicle, this can work in your favor.

_{Driving frequency:}

How many miles do you drive per week, and how long is your commute to work? When you’re applying for a quote, you’ll probably encounter these questions. The more you drive, the higher your premiums will be.