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Car insurance in Brantford

Brantford, Ontario – which is about 40 kilometers away from the larger industrial area of Hamilton – is a home to many drivers and commuters. Just like in the rest of the province, auto insurance in Brantford is mandatory for all drivers. If you don’t carry valid car insurance, you may get fined up to $50,000 – in addition to potentially getting your car impounded and license suspended.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is the governing body responsible for overseeing the auto insurance industry in the province. It makes sure that all providers are licensed and follow the rules, while protecting consumer rights.

Getting your car insurance can start with finding the cheapest auto insurance rates on sites like LowestRates.ca

Mandatory Branford car insurance coverage

Certain elements of Brantford auto insurance are mandatory and include:

• Third-party liability: This coverage protects you financially, if you're considered responsible for damage or injury to another person or their property. Usually it covers repairs, legal fees, settlement fees and medical costs. Basic third-party liability covers you for up to $200,000, which is the minimum amount of coverage you need in Ontario.

• Accident benefits: These benefits provide compensation, whether you were at fault or not, if you, your passengers, or pedestrians are injured, or die as the result of your accident.

• Direct compensation for property damage (DCPD): This provides you with compensation when you or your car is damaged in an accident that was deemed not your fault or was caused by someone else. You receive benefits and deal directly with the insurance provider. It also covers the loss of use of your vehicle or its contents if another person was at fault for the accident. The conditions of DCPD coverage are that the accident has to occur in Ontario, there is one other vehicle involved and at least one of the other vehicles has DCPD coverage from a licensed insurer in Ontario.

• Uninsured driver: This coverage protects you if you were to get into an accident involving an uninsured driver, and they're considered at fault.

Non-mandatory Brantford auto insurance coverage

While mandatory Brantford auto insurance covers the basics, there is more you can add to your coverage. For example:

• Third-party liability increase: Mandatory third-party liability only covers $200,000. If you require more, you can opt to increase it to $500,000, $1 million or even $2 million.

• Accident benefits increase: Just like third-party liability increases, you can also increase your accident benefits. These benefits include things like income replacement, rehabilitation costs, housekeeping and funeral benefits. For example, a standard benefit for income would include 70% of gross income up to $400 per week. With an increase you can go up to $600, $800 or $1,000 per week.

• Dependent care benefits: It provides coverage up to $75 a week for your first dependent and $25 for each additional dependent and can only be claimed if you were employed at the time of an accident. To be eligible for this benefit, you cannot receive the caregiver benefit.

• Comprehensive: This coverage pays for losses, other than those covered by collision or upset coverage, including perils listed under specified perils coverage, including falling or flying objects, and vandalism.

• Specified perils: This coverage protects you from fire, theft or attempted theft, lightning, windstorm, hail or rising water, earthquake, explosion, riot or civil disturbance, and falling or forced landing of an aircraft.

• Collision or upset: This coverage pays for losses caused when an insured vehicle is involved in a collision with another object, including another vehicle, an uneven surface or any object on the ground.

• All perils: This combines collision or upset and comprehensive coverages. It covers loss or damage caused if a person who lives in your home steals the vehicle your insurance policy covers. All perils also cover you if an employee steals it.

Factors that determine your car insurance rates in Brantford

Different drivers in Brantford will experience different auto insurance rates. Why? The following sheds some light on that:

• Your driving experience: The more experience you have, the less of a risk you are considered by auto insurance providers and the better your rates can be. New drivers must build up that experience to get the same benefits as their older fellow drivers.

• Your driving record: With experience (hopefully) comes the ability to maintain a clean driving record. Regardless, speeding fines, accidents and claims will negatively affect your Brantford auto insurance rates. Stay safe and keep a clean record to keep rates low.

• Your age and sex: At 25, you may feel like you have a lot of kilometers under your belt, but insurance providers will disagree. Most drivers under the age of 25 are considered inexperienced and a higher risk. If you are a male, and under 25, you are considered an even greater risk. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), male drivers are more likely to speed, get behind the wheel while drunk and neglect wearing a seat belt more than their female counterparts.

• Your vehicle: Different cars have different risk factors. Higher-end cars may be more expensive to repair and maintain and be deemed a higher risk. Other cars with safety features and anti-theft devices would be at a lower risk and could help lower your premiums. Consider the car you want to insure and talk to your provider about the models that suit your insurance budget.

• Where you live (and park your car): Once again, this boils down to risk factors. Higher-crime neighbourhoods, or heavily congested areas would pose a higher risk and could increase your auto insurance rates. Moving to an area with low crime rates may help you save money on car insurance.

Car insurance rates for Brantford seniors

Retirement can be a great time of life. In the auto insurance world, drivers above the age of 50 and below 65 can usually receive the benefits of experience and lower rates. But even after retirement, it may be difficult to find lower rates. We recommend the following:

• Usage-based insurance (UBI): Some Brantford auto insurance providers can offer you lower rates if you allow a device that tracks your driving habits to be installed in your car. Good habits and rule-following can help you get lower insurance rates.

• Bundle your insurance policies: Brantford car insurance companies appreciate loyalty and will reward you with discounts for it. By bundling other insurance (like home and auto) together, you can save money.

• Join an association: Some associations and alumni groups offer discounts to members. Groups like the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) or the CAA (Canadian Automobile Assocation) reward members with discount benefits.

• Inquire about loyalty discounts: Loyalty counts with Brantford car insurance providers. If you’ve been with the same company for a long time, ask about their loyalty rewards.

• Inquire about retiree discounts: You’ve made it this far as an accident-free and claims-free driver. Ask about discounts that come with your driving experience.

• Look for a better rate, elsewhere: Shop around. Sites like LowestRates.ca can help you save money with quotes from the top Brantford auto insurance companies in your area.

Car insurance rates for students in Brantford

It’s tough being a younger or inexperienced driver in Brantford. Drivers under the age of 25 are generally charged higher auto insurance premiums as they are considered a high risk and less safe than their older driving compatriots.

It’s not something you can escape from as a young driver, but there are things you can do to lower your car insurance, now and into the future:

• Drive carefully: This is always good advice. Not only because it protects you and others from harm but also starts building your driving record on the right foot. A claims and accident-free record will help lower rates down the road (pun intended).

• Go to a driving school: Most Brantford car insurance companies will offer discounts to drivers who attend a certified driving school. It teaches good driving habits and reduces the risk of accidents and claims.

• Bundle your insurance policies: Most Brantford auto insurance companies will offer discounts to customers who bundle their plan with another product such as home or tenant insurance.

• Try usage-based insurance (UBI): Installing a device that allows your Brantford car insurance companies to monitor your habits not only encourages better driving habits but can help reduce your rates, so long as you stay safe and remain claims-free.

• Compare insurance providers: Look for student car insurance rates on comparison sites like LowestRates.ca and save thousands of dollars in just a few clicks, for free.

Car insurance for new immigrants in Brantford

New immigrants moving to Brantford may find it difficult or expensive to acquire auto insurance. Because they come from elsewhere, they may be deemed inexperienced drivers (even if they have a record from their previous country). Finding the right vehicle and auto insurance provider can be tricky but there are ways to help lower your auto insurance premiums, going forward. We recommend:

• Bundle your insurance policies: If you are renting or own a home, you can bundle your insurance with auto insurance to receive loyalty discounts.

• Go to a driving school: A certified driving school will be recognized by most Brantford auto insurance providers. By teaching you solid driving habits, it will help you reduce risk and, as a result, help lower premiums.

• Get usage-based insurance (UBI): A device installed by your auto insurance provider to track your driving habits can reduce rates if you stay safe, follow the rules and remain claims-free.

• Continue building your driving record: The longer you drive and maintain a clean record, the more likely your car insurance premiums are to decline over time.

• Compare insurance quotes: Comparison shopping via websites like LowestRates.ca will provide you with the cheapest auto insurance quotes in Brampton.

Car insurance for high-risk drivers in Brantford

A driver with many claims and accidents will naturally be labelled as ‘high-risk’ by Brantford car insurance companies. High-risk drivers often must seek out insurers with high premiums willing to take on the risks. However, you can eventually lower your rates. Try the following:

• Improve your driving record: It seems obvious but also essential. Take classes, unlearn your bad habits and drive as carefully and safely as you can. Over time, your improved driving record will be recognized with cheaper insurance premiums.

• Compare auto insurance rates: Even as a high-risk driver, you can benefit from looking at quotes from different insurance companies. Comparison shop on sites like LowestRates.ca to discover the best rates for high-risk drivers.