2023-11-06 21:21:10
Having auto insurance is essential for any vehicle owner in Quebec. Not only is civil liability insurance mandatory, but it is also crucial to properly protect your vehicle. The secret to finding the best coverage at the best price?
Take the time to shop for your auto insurance and follow the key steps to make an informed purchase.
Introduction
Owning a car brings great freedom. We can go wherever we want, whenever we want. But this freedom comes with important responsibilities. In Quebec, having civil liability auto insurance is non-negotiable. This compulsory insurance protects you if you cause damage to others.
However, settling for the legal minimum would be a mistake. Your vehicle probably represents a major investment. Protecting it with the right additional coverage provided by your insurer will help avoid unpleasant surprises.
So, how do you make sure you find that rare gem? Shop smart. Compare the different offers, assess your needs, gather the right information, ask questions, negotiate… This is the winning recipe for finding THE ideal car insurance policy for you.
This article presents the key steps and tips to follow to shop for and choose your auto insurance with confidence. You’ll know exactly how to prepare, what to look for, and how to complete your purchase.
After reading this, you will feel equipped to make the best decision. On the way !
Evaluate your needs
Before you even start shopping, it is essential to understand your auto insurance needs. There are two aspects to consider: compulsory civil liability insurance and additional protection for your vehicle.
First of all, liability insurance is non-negotiable, and with good reason. Imagine losing control of your car and demolishing the front of a business. The damage could easily amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars! Your liability insurance would pay for you the costs associated with any lawsuit by the business owner. The law in Quebec stipulates that this protection must be at least $50,000, but most insurers offer $1 million or more.
Next, you will need to decide what additional protections you want for your vehicle itself. Here are the main ones:
Collision and Rollover – Covers damage if you hit something or rollover All perils except collision/overturn – Covers fire, theft, vandalism, damage caused by nature All perils – Includes collision and all perils except collision Specified perils – Protects against certain risks named in the contract (fire, theft, flooding, etc.)
In addition, your insurer may offer you optional “endorsements”, for example:
Replacement vehicle – Lends you a vehicle for repairs Rented or borrowed vehicles – Covers you when you rent or borrow a vehicle Replacement value – Reimburses the price initially paid for the vehicle if it is declared a total loss in the first few years
Of course, all policies have exclusions. Normal wear and tear, for example, is never covered. Read your contract carefully!
With this information in mind, you can already think about your needs before even seeking quotes from insurers.
Key information to have on hand
Before requesting quotes for your auto insurance, make sure you have all the important information that will be requested from you by the insurers or brokers.
They will want to know:
Your personal information: age, driving experience, violations, past complaints Details about your vehicle: make, model, year, serial number Your use of the vehicle: annual and work mileage, uses
The more specific you are, the better. The serial number of your car allows the insurer to validate the identity of the vehicle to avoid errors.
Your history as a driver is also very important, because it greatly influences the premium requested.
Be transparent about your driving record. Hiding information could invalidate your contract later.
Shop the best deals
Now that you know what coverage to look for and have the right information on hand, it’s time to shop!
Here are the main ways to get quotes:
By telephone to insurers or brokers Via comparison sites which present offers from several companies Directly on the websites of insurers or brokers
Regardless of the method, make sure to:
Ask what discounts you could get (anti-theft installation, higher deductible, etc.) Provide all requested information accurately and transparently Clarify your intentions at the end of the quote – are you buying or continuing to shop?
The more you compare, the better the chances of finding that rare gem! The price differences between insurers are often very large, so you need to take the time to shop around.
Complete the purchase of the chosen font
Have you found a great value car insurance policy after shopping around? Here are some checks to do before finalizing the transaction:
Check the registration of the insurer/broker with the Financial Markets Authority Review the protections offered to ensure that they meet your needs Check that the payment terms suit you Know that you can cancel free of charge within 10 days following an online purchase
You can also request paper or electronic proof of insurance. Both are accepted in Quebec.
After purchase
With your magnificent new car insurance policy in your pocket, here are some tips to avoid headaches:
In the event of a claim, contact your insurer quickly to open a file Discuss with the insurer the repairs to be carried out and the choice of mechanic Advise in writing if you wish to cancel or not renew your contract Make a payment agreement if you have difficulties with a bonus
By being proactive and communicating with your insurer, you will maintain good relations and get the best service.
In summary
Finding the right car insurance at the best price requires shopping smart. By taking the time to assess your needs, gather the right information, compare several quotes and carry out the necessary checks, you put all the chances on your side. Follow the tips presented here to make the best decision for you. And don’t forget to compare offers using a car insurance comparison to save time !
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