insurance policy I m in the driver s seat!

Transcription

1 My first car insurance policy I m in the driver s seat!

2 Car insurance is mandatory! Mandatory Car insurance primarily covers damage you could cause to others. It s called civil liability. Do you own a car? If so, you must buy civil liability insurance. It s generally recommended that you insure yourself for $1 or $2 million. Optional Car insurance can also cover damage caused to your car, such as a dented bumper due to an accident, a broken window or damage due to vandalism. You can buy different types of coverage, depending on your budget and needs. It s the law! Did you know that, if you don t have civil liability insurance, you can be fined or have your driver s licence suspended? What s more, you would have to pay for the damage caused by your vehicle!

3 Who do I contact to buy car insurance? You can contact either: a damage insurance broker, who will suggest products of more than one insurer; or an insurance company directly, which will suggest its own products. How? Call, , or visit their offices. Tips for reducing your insurance premium 1 Raise your deductible: This generally brings your premium down; but be sure you can afford to pay the deductible should an accident occur. 2 Review your coverage: Discuss each coverage item with your agent or broker, and determine whether you really need it. 3 Install an anti-theft device: You could save on the theft portion of your insurance. Some insurers offer discounts when you buy an anti-theft device. But first, check whether the discount and premium reduction make it worthwhile! 4 Shop around for your car: Some models cost more to insure because they are at greater risk (for theft, for example). Check out the cost of insurance before buying your vehicle. 5 Shop around for your insurance: If you want to be sure of getting the best premium with the protection you need, shop around for your insurance. You can save hundreds of dollars!

4 If I drive a friend s car or a friend drives mine, who needs to be insured? The person who owns the car has to buy the insurance. If you let a friend drive your car after a party, you don t have to ask your friend for proof of insurance. But your friend does need to have a valid driver s licence. However, if your friend drives your car regularly or vice versa, you ll need to contact the insurer that covers the car. The insurer will determine whether a second driver represents an additional risk and the premium needs to be adjusted. But remember, if your friend has an accident with your car, your premium could increase! What do I need to check on my car insurance policy? Check that the types of coverage on your policy are the ones you discussed. If you have any questions, contact your agent or broker.

5 Common endorsements An endorsement (also known as a rider ) is a document that amends your insurance contract. It can add or remove a type of coverage. The most common endorsements are the following: Q.E.F. N 20: provides for a rental vehicle in the event of loss or damage Q.E.F. N 27: Insures damage to leased or borrowed vehicles Q.E.F. N 34 : covers death, dismemberment, medical expenses and total disability (in addition to the amounts paid by the SAAQ) There are other endorsements, such as Q.E.F. No. 43 (replacement cost). You can also buy replacement cost insurance through a dealer or a broker. For more information, contact the AMF. How can I avoid problems with my insurance? In the event of a loss, notify your insurer or broker right away. Answer questions accurately. Pay your premiums on time. Inform your insurer of any change affecting your insurance, for example, if you install an expensive sound system, add a new driver or have an accident. Choose an agent or broker and company that are authorized to sell insurance in Québec. If you re not sure if they re registered, contact the AMF.

6 Down the road What happens if I don t pay my premium? Your insurer can cancel your contract. And that s a problem, because you must have civil liability insurance to drive your vehicle. If your contract is cancelled, you could have trouble getting insurance again. Plus, you d probably have to pay a lot more. Can an insurer refuse to insure me? It can happen, for example for reasons related to your job, financial situation or your vehicle. If you ve been turned down more than once, call the Insurance Bureau of Canada at An agent will help you find a solution. What can I do if I have a problem with my insurer? You can contact the AMF at An agent will tell you if it s appropriate to file a complaint against your insurer. If the problem is not resolved, you could be entitled to the AMF s mediation services. What should I do if I have an accident? If no one is injured, you need to fill out a Joint Report. Otherwise, you must call the police. If there are witnesses, write down their names and telephone numbers. Be sure not to admit any responsibility. It s up to your insurer to determine whether you are at fault, after it conducts its investigation. Did you know that Quebeckers who are injured as the result of a motor vehicle accident are covered by the Société d assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)?

7 Mini-glossary of car insurance terms Deductible This is the amount of money you must pay in the event of a loss that is covered by your insurance. For example, if repairing your car after it has been vandalized costs $1,100, you must pay the deductible to the mechanic, say $250, and your insurer will pay the balance, $850. Driving record To determine the risk you represent as a driver, the insurer refers to the Automobile Claims Database. This is a public register listing all the claims in which you have been involved as a driver in the past six years. You can request a copy of your record at Endorsement A document that modifies your insurance contract. It may add or remove coverage. For example, Endorsement 27 covers damage that you may cause to a leased or borrowed vehicle, such as a moving truck. Exclusion Something that is not covered by your car insurance; for example, tire wear and rust. Joint Report A form that you must fill out in the event of an accident when no one is injured. It makes it easier for your insurer to process your claim. You can order copies of the Joint Report by calling or by visiting Loss An unforeseeable event that causes damage, such as an accident or vandalism. Premium The amount of money you must pay to have your car insured. Some insurers allow you to spread the payments over 12 months, at no extra cost. Be sure not to miss any payments. That way, your insurance coverage won t be cancelled. Q.E.F. Québec endorsement form. Renewal Your insurance contract will be renewed automatically. Make sure you receive your insurance certificate either by mail or on-line prior to the renewal date. Check whether there are any increases in the premium and any changes to the contract. Have you found a better price or better conditions from another insurer? You must notify your current insurer before the renewal date.

8 Questions? Visit Contact the AMF Information Centre at