How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes
When having to compare auto insurance quotes, it’s crucial to gather quotes from multiple insurance companies, whether you are buying or renewing your vehicle insurance. While cost is an important factor to consider, it should not be the only deciding factor. It’s also essential to evaluate the coverage and service options offered by the insurer. In Canada, auto insurance is a legal requirement and covers the owner/driver, passengers, pedestrians, and property that might be involved in a vehicle collision.
To learn more about car insurance in Ontario, you can consult the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Additionally, the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR) system can be a valuable resource when you need new car insurance and want to review the ratings of various car makes and models.
Gather your information
To save time when you search for insurance quotes online, gather the following information before you start.
1. Personal information:
Full names, addresses, date of birth, occupation, driver’s license, and marital status of persons to be included in the vehicle insurance policy.
2. Vehicle information:
Date of purchase, vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, make, model and year of manufacture.
3. Your driving history:
Completed driving courses, tickets, violations and claims over the period required by the insurer, but at a minimum, the last five years.
4. Current and previous insurer’s details:
All the relevant details of the current and previous insurers. Including your coverage history and that of anyone else to be included in the car insurance policy.
Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
The purpose of liability insurance is to cover losses such as injury or death that your vehicle caused to other people, or damage to their property. The person that did not cause the collision has the right to sue the at-fault driver for additional costs and damages not covered by the liability insurance. It is relevant in certain circumstances, and when the amount is higher than your policy limit, the balance must be paid out of your pocket.
Liability insurance, or third-party liability insurance, is mandatory in Canada, and in Ontario $200,00 is available for each accident. If the claim involves bodily injury and property damage, and reaches this amount, the payment for property damage is capped at $10,000. For a minor injury, no-fault medical payments are limited to $3,500. It is always best to consult with an insurance agent on the latest liability insurance limits. Consider getting at least as much liability insurance coverage as your net worth.
Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
Mandatory auto insurance includes liability insurance, and accident benefits/bodily injury insurance covering the cost of your own medical expenses and loss of income. However, you might feel the need for full coverage car insurance. When you compare auto insurance online, consider the following optional insurance.
1. Collision insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident.
2. Comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle due to damage or loss caused by fire, theft, storms, vandalism and more.
3. Family security insurance in case you or a family member is injured by an uninsured or underinsured car and driver.
4. Loss of use covers the cost of renting a vehicle when your own car is in for repairs.
Collect and compare car insurance quotes
Collecting and comparing car insurance quotes is an important step in finding the best coverage for your needs. One convenient way to do this is through online services, which allow you to quickly and easily compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. However, it is important to ensure that the quotes you are comparing include the same levels of liability, deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as drivers and cars. This will help you to make an apples-to-apples comparison and ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
Additionally, don’t forget to ask about all the discounts you may be eligible for, such as good driver discount, multiple policy discount, or student discount, as these can significantly lower your premium.
Furthermore, it’s important to make sure you are comparing the type of coverage from each provider, for example, if one quote is for liability only, and the other is for full coverage, it will not be a fair comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any online tools or resources that can help me compare quotes?
There are several online tools and resources that can help you compare auto insurance quotes. Some popular options include:
1. Comparison Websites: These websites allow you to enter your information once and receive quotes from multiple insurance companies. They can be a quick and easy way to compare quotes from different providers.
2. Insurance company websites: Many insurance companies have their own online quote tools that allow you to get a quote directly from them.
3. Broker Websites: Brokers are insurance professionals who work with multiple insurance companies. Some brokers have their own websites where you can get quotes from multiple companies.
4. Online Insurance Marketplace: Some online marketplaces allow you to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
It’s important to note that when using online tools and resources, you should compare quotes from multiple sources to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. And also, you should always make sure to read the policies and compare coverage, not just the price.
How can I ensure that the coverage I’m getting is sufficient for my needs?
To ensure that the coverage you are getting is sufficient for your needs, you should review the policy details carefully and make sure it meets your specific requirements. Some things to consider when evaluating coverage include:
1. Liability coverage: This is the minimum amount of coverage required by most states and covers damages or injuries you cause to another person in an accident. Make sure the limits of liability coverage are high enough to protect your assets in case of a lawsuit.
2. Collision and comprehensive coverage: These types of coverage will pay for damages to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident or if your car is damaged in some other way (e.g. by theft or natural disaster).
3. Medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage pays for medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It can be important to have this coverage if you live in a state that doesn’t have mandatory health insurance.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage will protect you if you are in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.
5. Roadside assistance: This coverage can provide you with assistance if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire.
It’s also important to consider your individual needs and circumstances. For example, if you own a luxury car, you may want to consider getting additional coverage for it. Additionally, it’s recommended to review the policy annually or when any significant life changes occur and make sure it still meets your needs.
What factors affect the cost of auto insurance?
There are several factors that can affect the cost of auto insurance, including:
1. Your driving record: A history of accidents or traffic violations can make you a higher-risk driver and result in higher insurance rates.
2. Your location: Insurance rates can vary depending on where you live. Urban areas tend to have higher rates due to a higher number of accidents and thefts.
3. Your age and gender: Young drivers and males are typically considered higher-risk drivers and may pay more for insurance.
4. Your vehicle: The make and model of your car, as well as its age and safety features, can affect the cost of insurance.
5. Your coverage level: The higher the level of coverage you choose, the more you will pay for insurance.
6. Your credit score: Some insurance companies consider your credit score when determining your rates.
7. Your annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk of an accident, and the higher your rates will be.
8. Your occupation: Some occupations may be considered higher-risk and result in higher insurance rates.
9. Your marital status and number of dependents: Some companies may offer discounts to married individuals or families with multiple cars.
It’s important to note that these factors can vary depending on the insurance company and the state you live in. Some companies may place more weight on certain factors than others.
Zippo Insurance takes the guesswork out of insurance by providing a trusted service, and in just three online steps you can get quotes from reputable insurance brokers across Ontario. Do you want to combine your home and auto insurance, or compare car insurance rates? For an auto insurance quote or for more information on how to compare an auto insurance quote, contact Zippo Insurance today.
