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Things to know about car insurance before you buy
Not quite ready to start a car insurance quote? No problem! Let's start with a few helpful basics:
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To begin with, you (and all drivers you wish to include in the policy) must have a valid driver's license and be a resident of Canada.
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Insurance companies will look at your prior driving record to determine eligibility and rates. However, rates will vary depending on whether you are looking for a new insurance policy altogether or if you wish to renew an existing one.
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Car insurance is mandatory in Canada, whether you lease, finance or own your car.
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Car insurance could help protect you from the financial loss that comes with car accidents.
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TD Insurance can help you choose coverage that fits your needs, so you can feel confident in your protection.
How TD Insurance helps drivers like you
There are many good reasons why more than 1.1 million Canadian customers trust TD Insurance with their personal car insurance needs
Types of car insurance coverage
In Canada, car insurance rules vary by province. There is a minimum level of standard coverage you are required to have, and optional coverages for added protection
Learn more about car insurance in Ontario
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
There are a number of factors that determine how much your car insurance will cost. Here are 7 of the key factors that insurance companies take into consideration when calculating your car insurance premium:
Your car: The make, model, and year of your car can affect your insurance premium. This determines the cost and value of the car, safety features, and repair costs.
How often you drive: The number of kilometers you drive your car per year will affect your insurance premium.
If you use your car for commercial purposes: If you use your car for work purposes (other than commuting), you may need to get commercial car insurance. Your business may require a higher liability limit.
Your driving record (and the records of all drivers who use your vehicle), which includes: The number of years you’ve all been licensed for, convictions due to driving infractions (which includes speeding tickets), and accidents.
Where you live: Premiums are usually higher in and around large urban areas
The coverage you choose: The more comprehensive the coverage, the more it will cost to insure your vehicle
Special discounts: Belonging to a preferred group for professionals and alumni. With TD Insurance you can select up to three eligible groups!
Ways TD Insurance helps you save more
We're committed to helping you save every dollar possible, and we’ll work with you to find all the ways you can save on your car insurance. Here are just a few:
How to Securely Buy Car Insurance Online
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Start your quote
Begin your quote by answering a few questions. With the information you provide we can:
- Assess your needs and recommend coverage
- Determine what discounts are available to you
- Give you the most accurate quote
We'll keep your answers confidential and your personal information secure every step of the way.
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Customize your coverage
After you've completed your quote, we’ll share our recommended coverage options based on your needs.
You’ll be able to:
- Adjust your deductible amounts
- Alter your coverage limits
- Proceed with buying online‡
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Set up payment, review your coverage and buy online
Once you’re satisfied with your coverage, you can:
- Review your payment options
- Confirm your payment method
- Review a summary of your policy
After you complete your purchase, you'll be able to start driving as of your policy's effective date with your new car insurance coverage.
Other Eligibility Considerations:
Other insurance conditions may arise depending on the type of vehicle, its use, and any customizations or modifications made to the vehicle. For example, if you have altered your vehicle to enhance its performance or appearance, most insurance companies would need to assess the vehicle to determine if they could insure it. If you plan on modifying your vehicle, call us first! We will let you know if the changes you plan on making could have an impact on your policy.
Other factors that may also prevent an insurer from issuing you a policy:
- Your vehicle has substantial unrepaired damage or is deemed unsafe
- Your vehicle is rented or leased to others
- Your vehicle is used for racing or competition
Learn more about Car Insurance Eligibility and Restrictions
Frequently asked questions
1. What is a premium in car insurance?
Your insurance premium is the amount of money that you pay in exchange for the coverage of the car insurance policy that you choose. You may have the option to pay your premium on a monthly or annual basis.
2. What is a deductible?
A deductible is the previously agreed-upon amount that you’re required to pay as part of your insurance claim, depending on your coverage and the cause of the loss or damage you experienced. Common car insurance coverages that have deductibles associated with them include Specified Perils, Comprehensive, Collision, and All Perils.
3. Is car insurance mandatory?
Yes, Car insurance is required to legally drive a car in Canada. There is a minimum level of car insurance coverage required by all provinces in addition to optional coverage available for enhanced protection.
4. What is “fault” when it comes to insurance?
Fault is one way that insurance companies manage accident claims. If you’re in an accident with another vehicle, insurers decide who’s “responsible” based on Provincial Fault Determination Rules. Using these rules, insurance companies assign a percentage of responsibility (i.e., fault) to each driver involved in an accident.
5. What is a car insurance claim?
A car insurance claim is what you submit to your insurer if you get into an accident, or experience damage or loss to your vehicle. Essentially, it’s a request to be reimbursed for losses covered by your car insurance policy. A TD Insurance Claims Advisor will review and validate your claim to determine the amount payable.
6. Does my car insurance cover other drivers?
Yes, provided they have a valid driver’s license. However, every driver who lives in your household is generally required to be insured on at least one vehicle in that household. Additionally, anyone who has regular access to use your vehicle(s) should be listed on your insurance policy.
7. What’s the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Comprehensive coverage protects your car against any Specified Peril (such as fire, theft, attempted theft, or hail), as well as Additional Perils (like vandalism, certain types of glass breakage, and collision with an animal). Collision coverage takes care of the cost to repair your car if it’s hit or damaged by a collision with another vehicle or object.
Both coverages will be subject to the deductible you’ve selected, if applicable.
†In order to be eligible for the Buy Online Discount for home or car insurance, you must meet eligibility requirements to buy home or car insurance online and complete your purchase of this insurance online. Note: You may not always be given the option to buy online. This may occur, for example, if information provided requires additional verification or if your purchase must be completed with an advisor based on your specific insurance needs. If you are unable to buy online, we encourage you to call and speak to one of our licensed advisors or let us call you!
Offers may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time without notice.
10% Auto Insurance Savings (Ontario only)
10% savings off eligible coverage in the first policy term is derived from a combination of two separate discounts:
- a 5% Digital Discount for completing the auto insurance quote online. This Digital Discount will continue to be applicable upon policy renewal.
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- 5% Buy Online Discount in the first policy term for completing the auto insurance purchase online. Both the Digital Discount and Buy Online Discount are applicable to premiums charged for each of the following coverages: Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Accident Benefits, Uninsured Automobile, Direct Compensation - Property Damage, All Perils, Collision, Comprehensive, Specified Perils, and OPCF 44.
10% Savings on Car Insurance (Quebec only)
10% savings off eligible coverage in the first policy term is derived from a combination of two separate discounts:
- A 5% Digital Discount for completing the car insurance quote online. This Digital Discount will continue to be applicable upon policy renewal.
And
- 5% Buy Online Discount in the first policy term for completing the car insurance purchase online. Both the Digital Discount and Buy Online Discount are applicable to premiums charged for each of the following coverages: Civil Liability, Damage to Insured Vehicles (All Perils, Collision or Upset, Comprehensive and Specified Perils).