Car Insurance

Whenever you get behind the wheel of a car, it is possible that you may cause damage to other people’s property, or injure – or even kill – yourself, other drivers, passengers or pedestrians. Mandatory Insurance Coverage Most people don’t have the money to pay for the losses (property damage, injury, death) they might cause while driving, so governments require drivers to carry a certain amount of insurance to cover any losses they might cause others to suffer (Liability). Some governments, including those of every province and territory in Canada, also require drivers to carry coverage for their own medical expenses and loss of income resulting from driving-related injuries (Accident Benefits/Bodily Injury or AB/BI). Optional Insurance Coverage You can also voluntarily purchase additional insurance for your car, including: Coverage for

damage to your car (Collision) Protection against theft, vandalism and other perils (Comprehensive Do you have a question about car insurance?----- ------------------------------------------ The insurance system works better if everyone involved understands what insurance is, what it does and how it works. To ask one of our consumer information officers a question, please complete this form.Watch this space for the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Q. Someone backed into the door of my three-year-old car and dented it. I had the damage appraised, and then took the car to a body shop for repair, as my insurer advised. I was furious to find out afterward that the body shop had replaced my door with a used one. As if that's not bad enough, the paint on the replacement door isn't an exact match with the rest of the car. I think my insurance should pay to have the car repainted to match the door, but the company refuses. Why? Nova Scotia Q. My four-month-old car was in a major accident, which caused more than $10,000 in damage. My insurance adjuster tells me that the car is going to be repaired. After consulting with several collision technicians, I am sceptical that the car can be restored to its original condition. Is it possible for me to have my insurance company re-evaluate whether my car should be repaired or replaced? Ontario Q. I'm a 19-year-old male who wants to purchase a 1999 Mercury Cougar coupe. The price is right and the car is great, but the insurance premiums are not. As a primary driver in this age bracket, what strategies might I use to lower my premiums?