Auto insurance in Canada is as essential as most other countries around the world. The main difference is that each Province has its own rules and regulations regarding the minimum level of cover and also who can supply the insurance cover. Without a doubt it is imperative that wherever you reside in Canada you do have the minimum level of cover required by Provincial Law, you were truthful when you applied for the coverage and that you are able to produce the correct documentation (the "pink card" which is your proof of insurance anywhere in Canada) if requested by the police.
The minimum level of Auto Insurance and who provides it differs around the various Provinces with British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Government Insurance agencies being the authorized vendor. You will purchase the minimum level of cover when you register your vehicle each year. This applies to the minimum coverage with both the Government and Private companies offering additional coverage that effectively boosts the level of protection. The Province of Quebec has a slightly different system with any vehicular or property damage being covered by private companies and the injury coverage being provided by the Provincial Government. These provinces may not give out the Pink card as the vehicle registration is proof of insurance.
The remaining Provinces all have private insurance companies giving the Auto Insurance coverage with Alberta in particular recently having a Provincial Government led revamp of their system. This led to a reduction in the maximum level of compensation paid out to minor injuries in a bid to reduce spiraling premiums.
In Canada, every vehicle driver who is correctly licensed has access to the basic auto insurance required by Law. However, your driving history will have a direct impact on the amount you will pay for this insurance along with several other factors:
1. The make and year of vehicle you drive (for comprehensive policies)
2. The location of the vehicle ("bad area's with high crime have higher premiums)
3. Business use
4. Insurance claim record (more claims higher cost)
5. Number and age of other drivers who are entitled to use your vehicle and their driving records.
The Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators is a country wide body that's mission is to "promote an efficient and effective regulatory system in Canada to protect the public interest". Each Province in turn has its own insurance regulatory body to ensure that standards are introduced and then subsequently followed - these regulators cover most types of insurance and not just the Auto Insurance.
If you are inadequately or incorrectly covered the consequences may be severe. The legal action will undoubtedly involve demerit points on your license and also a hefty fine. This in turn will increase your future insurance premiums quite substantially. The other side of it is that should you be involved in an accident where you are at fault your insurance will be invalid. Then you are liable for all the costs associated with the accident (yours and other vehicle repairs/replacement, damaged property, emergency service costs, clean up costs. This may seem a lot of money, which it is, but this will pale into insignificance should anyone be injured seriously or killed and will most likely end up in bankruptcy.
Another good tip is to use a quality Auto Insurance company, not always the cheapest, but I know from experience that if you are injured in an accident you have better things to concern you than being messed around by a substandard insurance company. The Physiotherapist treating my minor injuries had extensive experience of clients who had injuries being treated that were fighting every step of the way to have the treatment paid for when it was clearly covered in the policy.
In the event of an accident or claim against your policy it is imperative you contact your insurance agent as soon as is practically possible. If injuries have been inflicted, unlawful damage or theft taken place or the amount of damage will be beyond the limit stated for each Province then the Police must also be contacted within a prescribed time limit. Contacting the Police and the agent will ensure that correct procedures are followed, you do not negate the policy or incur additional Police Charges (depending upon circumstances).
More, detailed information can be found at htp://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/auto_insurance.html
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Auto insurance - is there a difference in companies?
I have always had one of the majors, but a friend has Countrywide? Is there a disadvantage going with a "cheaper" company? I told her a major company might be able to get her cheaper rates than Countrywide? She is female, 23, no accidents - currently a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but looking into a Mazda 3.-
ANSWER:
Like the others said -- you get what you pay for. Take a company like State farm; have you been to ANY town in the U.S. and didn't see a State Farm agent's office? If you have a collision on Sundy afternoon in Sogbottom Iowa do you really think a 'virtual' company would pick you up and drive you to a hotel or airport or assist with a local car rental? I have heard stories about local agents that do this sort of stuff all the time for policyholders. State Farm's claims division is gigantic. They have thousands of apprasiers and claims adjusters and billions of dollars in reserves to handle any catastrophe, not to mention a complete technical research, injury and law division. The point being, you never really need insurance -----until you REALLY NEED insurance. Get it?
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QUESTION:
I need help?
Im currently attending college and I Ihave two credit card debts whichare both 500
so total of 1000
I have aphone bill which got cut off and I owe 300.oo
This happened when I moved to school my job I transfered to didnt put me on the schedule for a while so I had gotten behind payments.My credit is now messed up
when I went to go apply for a loan they told me I didnt qualify niether did my mom
My dad wont help me and my granma cant either.Well now I have a new job but they only give me like 2 days and i only make 100 dollars.
Now i have to pay 400 for my tuition and housing if i stop school and work Iwont have aplace to live
if I dont pay i can get kicked out
I was thinking about going into the navy as my last resort but i honestly dont believe the military is for me
adn I have the chance to go to auditions and use my talents but im afraid it wont get me buy I dont know what to do help please
31 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.
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ANSWER:
experiences nee to contact Social Services, they can help you with some of your problems, as for a place to stay, helping you get food, medical, things of that nature. As for you credit cards and the debt you're in, contact the Better Business Burrow and they will give you helpful information. The other thing you have to do is stop using those credit cards!!! Get rid of them. Credits cards are good, if you have money but when you're broke, in college and have responsibilities with out the funds... you are asking for nothing but trouble! Don't jump into the Navy just to run away from your problems, your problems will still be there and you won't learn how to deal with them! From now on when you go shopping, don't buy the 0.00 pants, go to a thrift store and get them for .00! Live within your means not like a millionaire! When you finish college, make millions of dollars them you can enjoy that type of life style! Starting today start controlling you impulses and look but and do what you need... not what you want! Good luck!
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