This section delves into some special situations that can affect your automobile insurance premium and your driving record.
Driving without insurance
Purchasing a new car
Getting married
Getting older
Driving in Mexico or the USA
Moving to another province
Coverage of stolen or damaged personal items
Someone borrows my car

Driving without insurance
Say you're involved in an accident, and you're legally responsible for the accident. This means you're also legally responsible for the damages. If you're uninsured, you'll be charged with driving without insurance, and you'll incur a severe financial penalty. Not too pleasant.

Now suppose you can't pay for the damages resulting from the accident. The payments must then be made from special funds administered by the government, or from the uninsured motorist coverage of the claimant's insurance policy.

But you're not off the hook yet. You're still responsible for the payments made. Plus, your driver's licence may be suspended until you have made satisfactory arrangements to repay the amount paid out on your behalf. Each year when you renew your automobile licence plate sticker, you'll need to file a certificate with the Ministry of Transportation (Ontario only) declaring that you have the required minimum amount of automobile insurance coverage. An easier approach? Stay insured.

Purchasing a new car
If you currently have a policy, your new automobile will be covered by the insurance company under the same terms. This only lasts 14 days from the date of purchase. So if you've bought a new car, contact us. We'll help you update your insurance policy.

Getting married
Getting married can affect your insurance rates -- just like moving to a new area or purchasing a car. If you get married, and would like to add your spouse to your policy, you need to update your policy information. Adding your spouse may affect your rates, depending on factors such as your spouse's driving record.

Getting older
Lots of different factors determine your current insurance rates -- including your age, driving experience and the amount of time you've been a licensed driver. In general, your rates may decline as you age.

Driving in Mexico or the USA
Mexico and the USA have different laws. So driving in those countries may require different types of insurance. Your best bet is to contact us. We'll explain the details.

Moving to another province
If you move out-of-province, you'll need to contact us to arrange your new policy.

Coverage of stolen or damaged personal items
Generally, coverage for in-car stolen or damaged property is covered through your property policy. For example, if your car was broken into and your ski equipment was stolen - it would be covered under your property policy. Please see the Home insurance basics section for more details.

Someone borrows my car
If you let someone use your car -- and that person is not named on your policy -- your coverage applies. But, if the person is involved in an accident, this may affect your car insurance premium and policy coverage.