With so many car insurance coverage options available in Canada, it can be difficult to figure out which ones are right for you and which ones you can do without. If you’re feeling unsure about which to pick, this article is a must-read. In it, we’ll introduce you to the most common types of car insurance coverage, explain their purposes, and provide you with a list of questions to help you make the best decision for your needs. Let’s begin.
What Types of Insurance Coverages Are Available For Your Car in Canada
In Canada, many types of car insurance coverage are available. Some are mandatory, while others are optional add-ons you can choose to opt into. Which coverages are required and which are optional will depend on the regulations in your province or territory. Below, you’ll find clear, concise definitions of each coverage type, along with examples to help you understand their intended purpose.
Third-party liability coverage
Third-party liability coverage provides financial protection if you’re found at fault in an accident, covering the damages, injuries, or losses sustained by the other party. For example, if you cause an accident that injures another driver, this coverage can help pay for their medical bills. Of all the coverages listed, this is the one most commonly required by provinces and territories across Canada.
Property damage coverage
Property damage coverage, which is mandatory in some provinces, covers damages to another person’s property, like their vehicle or home, caused by your vehicle. For example, if you accidentally damage someone’s fence while parking, this coverage can help cover the associated repair costs.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured automobile coverage is intended to protect you if you get in an accident with a driver who is not only uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified, but who is also at fault. For instance, if an uninsured driver hits your car, this coverage would be able to help pay for the repairs to your vehicle and/or your medical expenses.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage provides compensation for you, your passengers, or pedestrians injured in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. For example, if you’re injured in an accident and need medical treatment or time off work to recover, this coverage could help cover the costs and lost wages.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage, also referred to as upset coverage, helps repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault. For example, if you accidentally back into a tree, this coverage can help pay for the repairs to fix the damage to your car.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your car from non-collision events such as fire, theft, vandalism, or severe weather. For example, if a tree branch falls on the hood of your car or your car gets stolen out of your driveway while you’re sleeping, comprehensive coverage could help cover the associated costs.
All perils coverage
All perils coverage combines the risks typically addressed separately by collision and comprehensive coverage into one package. Not only is it the most extensive and expensive coverage, but many insurance providers opt to keep these two coverages separate so that you have greater flexibility to customize your policy.
Loss of use coverage
Loss of use coverage reimburses you for transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced after a covered event. For example, if your car is in the repair shop after an accident, this coverage could help cover the cost of a rental car, public transit fees, or rideshare services until your vehicle is back on the road.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance coverage provides immediate support when you encounter unexpected issues on the road, such as breakdowns, flat tires, or running out of fuel. For example, if your car breaks down and needs to be towed, roadside assistance coverage can cover the towing costs, saving you from paying out-of-pocket.
Rental and borrowed car coverage
Rental and borrowed car coverage protects you if a rental or borrowed vehicle experiences collision or comprehensive damage. For example, if a hailstorm dents the hood of your rental car, this coverage could help pay for the repairs.
Which Types of Car Insurance Coverage Are the Most Important?
Third-party liability, property damage, uninsured motorist, and accident benefits coverage are typically considered some of the most important types of car insurance because they cover some of the most serious and costly risks drivers face. For this reason, provinces and territories often make one or some combination of these coverages mandatory.
While these coverages are crucial, they don’t necessarily protect your own vehicle. If that’s important to you and you want to avoid being fully responsible for repairs or replacement costs in the event your car is damaged, totaled, or lost due to an accident, theft, or non-collision incident like fire, collision and comprehensive coverage are valuable options to consider.
What’s the Best Car Insurance Coverage to Have?
The best car insurance coverage depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget. At a minimum, you should have the mandatory coverages required by your province or territory, which typically include third-party liability to protect against damages you may cause to others. However, optional coverages can offer valuable peace of mind by providing added protection for situations beyond the basics.
For example, if you drive frequently or navigate busy, high-traffic areas, your risk of being in an accident may be higher, making collision coverage a wise choice. If you live in an area with a high rate of car theft, comprehensive coverage can provide valuable protection. If you rely on your car for daily activities and would face significant disruption without it, loss of use coverage can be helpful.
As you can see from these examples, what one person considers the best car insurance coverage may differ from the next. Therefore, the best approach is to select coverages that align with your lifestyle, driving habits, and risk tolerance.
How To Pick Your Car Insurance Coverages: 10 Questions to Ask
Now that you know what types of insurance coverage are available to protect your car, you might need help narrowing down your options and selecting the ones that are right for you. To do that, here’s a list of questions to ask yourself, which, by answering, should guide you toward the coverage that best matches your needs and circumstances.
- In your province/territory, what coverages are mandatory?
- Is your car new or older?
- Is your car leased, financed, or owned?
- How comfortable are you with risk?
- How often do you drive? Do you drive in high-traffic areas or long distances?
- How reliant are you on your car?
- How much can you afford to pay out-of-pocket in case of an accident or damage?
- How important is it for you to have coverage for non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or fire?
- Do you live in an area more prone to car theft or vandalism?
- Do you park your car in a high-risk area, such as on the street or in a parking garage?
Question 1: In your province/territory, what coverages are mandatory?
In Ontario and Québec, mandatory insurance includes third-party liability coverage to protect against damages or injuries caused to others, with minimum limits of $200,000 in Ontario and $50,000 in Québec. Ontario requires additional coverages, including accident benefits, uninsured motorist protection, and direct compensation for property damage, while Québec’s public insurance (SAAQ) covers all bodily injuries, leaving property damage to private insurers. Both provinces recommend higher liability limits for adequate protection
Question 2: Is your car new or older?
New cars typically have higher replacement values, which may justify comprehensive or collision coverage, whereas older cars might not need the same level of protection, depending on their condition.
Question 3: Is your car leased, financed, or owned?
If your car is leased or financed, your lender or leasing company may require comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their investment. On the other hand, if you own your car outright, you have more flexibility in choosing your coverage based on your budget and risk tolerance.
Question 4: How comfortable are you with risk?
If you’re okay with less protection in exchange for lower premiums, you might opt for minimal coverage, but if you want peace of mind, additional coverage might be worth the extra cost.
Question 5: How often do you drive? Do you drive in high-traffic areas or long distances?
The more you drive, the greater your exposure to risks like accidents, traffic congestion, weather hazards, and other potential dangers that could result in damage or injury. In such cases, it might be beneficial to have the protection optional coverages, like collision coverage, offers.
Question 6: How reliant are you on your car?
If your car is essential for commuting or daily activities, loss of use coverage might be worth considering to help cover alternative transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired.
Question 7: How much can you afford to pay out-of-pocket in case of an accident or damage?
Before deciding against additional coverage, take a moment to check how much it will add to your monthly premium. If it’s only a small increase, it might be worth it for the extra protection, rather than assuming full financial responsibility in the event of an accident or damage. If the price difference is more substantial, you might consider selecting a slightly higher deductible to help balance the added cost.
Question 8: Do you need and/or want coverage for non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or fire?
Comprehensive coverage can protect against a wide range of risks beyond accidents, which might be important if you live in an area where these types of events are common. So not only may you want to have it for peace of mind, but both it and collision coverage are often mandatory if your car is leased or financed.
Question 9: Do you live in an area more prone to car theft or vandalism?
If car theft or vandalism is more likely in your area, comprehensive coverage can offer protection against those risks, potentially saving you from significant financial loss.
Question 10: Do you park your car in a high-risk area, such as on the street or in a parking garage?
Parking in public or poorly lit areas may increase the risk of theft or damage, making comprehensive coverage a smart choice. Additionally, equipping your car with an approved anti-theft system can provide added protection and potentially earn you a discount from your insurance provider.
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