Stay Protected with Reliable Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance: Protect What Drives You
Car insurance isn’t just about fulfilling legal requirements—it’s your financial shield on the road. Whether you’re dealing with unexpected accidents, theft, or property damage, having the right coverage ensures you’re prepared for the challenges of the road. At St. Andrews Insurance Brokers, we make protecting your vehicle simple, affordable, and stress-free.
Get a QuoteWhat Is Car Insurance?
Car insurance provides essential protection for you, your vehicle, and others on the road. It helps cover expenses related to accidents, theft, or damage, reducing financial stress in unexpected situations.
A solid insurance policy is your partner in staying safe and secure while driving.
Why Choose St. Andrews for Car Insurance?
At St. Andrews Insurance Brokers, we make car insurance simple and straightforward. By working with Canada’s top providers, we offer a range of coverage options tailored to meet your unique needs:
-
Liability Insurance: Covers damages or injuries you’re responsible for.
-
Collision Insurance: Helps pay for repairs or replacement after an accident.
-
Comprehensive Insurance: Protects against risks like theft or natural disasters.
-
Additional Options: Includes features like roadside assistance and rental car coverage.
With St. Andrews, you’re supported by a team that ensures your coverage fits your lifestyle, giving you the freedom to drive without worry.
Is Car Insurance Mandatory?
Yes, all drivers in Ontario must carry car insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The province mandates the following minimum coverages:
-
Liability Insurance: Protects you financially if you cause injury or property damage to others.
-
Accident Benefits Coverage: Offers financial support for medical expenses, rehabilitation, or lost income following an accident.
-
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you in case of an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
-
Direct Compensation-Property Damage (DCPD): Protects you in accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
As of recent regulatory updates, DCPD coverage is no longer mandatory in Ontario. While it’s optional, adding this coverage ensures that damage to your vehicle caused by another driver is handled directly through your own insurance provider. This simplifies the claims process and minimizes delays.
Our team can help you decide whether DCPD is a good fit for your policy and guide you through Ontario’s evolving insurance requirements.
Beyond Basics: Optional Coverage to Consider
Standard car insurance policies cover the essentials, but optional coverage can offer extra peace of mind:
-
Collision Insurance: Covers repairs or replacement of your car after an accident.
-
Comprehensive Insurance: Protects against theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
-
Rental Vehicle Coverage: Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
-
Loss of Use Coverage: Reimburses transportation expenses after an accident.
These options can help tailor your policy to your unique needs, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation.
Get a QuoteEndorsements in Ontario: Add More Power to Your Policy
Endorsements, also known as policy riders, let you customize your car insurance for greater flexibility. Common endorsements in Ontario include:
- OPCF 20 – Rental Car Coverage: Extends coverage to rental vehicles.
- OPCF 27 – Liability for Non-Owned Cars: Protects you when driving vehicles you don’t own.
- OPCF 39 – Accident Waiver: Prevents your first at-fault accident from affecting your premiums.
- OPCF 43 – Depreciation Waiver: Ensures full replacement value for your car without depreciation.
Our brokers at St. Andrews will guide you through Ontario’s endorsement options to help you build a policy that meets your needs and budget.
How Your Car and Age Impact Your Premiums
Car insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all—your premium is influenced by factors unique to your situation. Let’s take a closer look at how your car’s make and model, your age, and potential risks affect the cost of your coverage.
Car Make and Model
The type of car you drive significantly impacts your insurance premium. Insurers assess repair costs, safety features, and theft rates to determine risk.
-
Economy Cars: Lower repair costs result in annual premiums of $2,681.3 in Ontario.
-
Luxury Cars: High theft and repair costs increase premiums to $3,811.91 annually.
-
SUVs: While safer, costlier repairs bring premiums to $2,124.22 annually.
-
Electric Vehicles: Advanced features and higher repair costs result in premiums of $4,493.97 annually.
Your Age and Experience
Age and driving experience play a role in determining premiums. Younger drivers face higher rates due to perceived risk, while older drivers can get lower premiums.
-
Drivers Under 25: High-risk group with annual premiums up to $4,047.89.
-
Drivers Aged 25 to 50: Moderate risk with premiums averaging $2,765.8 annually.
-
Drivers Over 50: Low-risk group with premiums around $2,143.91 annually.
Risk Factors That Influence Your Premium
Certain risks increase your likelihood of filing a claim, directly impacting your insurance costs:
- Driving History: Accidents, speeding tickets, or violations lead to higher premiums.
- Location: Urban areas or neighborhoods with higher theft rates increase costs.
- Mileage: Frequent drivers pay more due to a greater chance of accidents.
- Vehicle Usage: Cars used for work or commercial purposes often cost more to insure.
At St. Andrews Insurance Brokers, we take all these factors into account to help you find the best policy at the most competitive rate. Our team works with Canada’s top insurance providers to customize a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Get a QuoteHow to Save Big on Your Car Insurance
Looking to lower your premiums without cutting corners on coverage? Here’s how to make car insurance more affordable:
- Drive Smart, Pay Less: A clean driving record is your ticket to better rates.
- Bundle and Save: Combine car and home insurance for a discount.
- Think Big with Deductibles: Increasing your deductible can shrink your monthly costs.
- Compare and Conquer: Shopping around for quotes keeps insurers competitive.
- Ask about Discounts: Ask about savings for low mileage, safe driving, or anti-theft devices.
At St. Andrews, we specialize in helping you save while keeping your coverage rock-solid.
Get a QuoteWhat’s Not Covered: Know the Limits of Your Policy
Car insurance can’t cover everything, so it’s important to know the exclusions:
Car Insurance - FAQs
The minimum coverage includes liability insurance, accident benefits, and uninsured motorist protection. Additional options, like DCPD, can be added for greater protection.
You can lower premiums by maintaining a clean driving record, bundling policies, increasing your deductible, or taking advantage of discounts for safe driving or anti-theft devices.
Although no longer mandatory, DCPD simplifies claims by allowing your insurance provider to cover damage caused by another driver. It’s a valuable addition if you want quicker claim resolutions.
Many policies include some rental vehicle coverage, but it’s often limited. Adding rental car insurance ensures you’re fully covered when driving a rented vehicle.
Follow these steps:
- Ensure everyone’s safety and call emergency services if needed.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers.
- Document the scene with photos and notes.
- Contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process.
What to Do When Accidents Happen
Filing a claim doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to handle it step by step:
-
Safety First: Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed.
- Capture the Scene: Snap photos, take notes, and gather witness details.
- Exchange the Essentials: Share contact and insurance info with the other driver(s).
- Call Your Insurer: Notify St. Andrews promptly to start your claim.
- Provide the Paperwork: Submit all requested documentation to finalize your claim.
With St. Andrews, you’ll never navigate the claims process alone. We’re here to simplify every step.
Get a Quote
St. Andrews Insurance Brokers provides reliable coverage and expert support, so you can focus on the road ahead.