Does my auto insurance provide any coverage when I drive someone else's car?
If you are driving someone else's car, their insurance covers you while you are driving their car, as long as you:
Have a valid Canadian driver's license (travelers from outside Canada need to check with the regulatory body of the province(s) they will be driving in)
Are using the vehicle with the owner's permission
Haven't committed an offence under Canada's Criminal Code while operating your vehicle
Don't use the vehicle for one of the uses prohibited in their policy (for example, no racing)
Are not specifically excluded from driving their vehicle
If you have an accident while driving someone else's car, you'll need to present proof of insurance. It's a good idea to make sure you have this available to you before borrowing a car.
If the car's owner doesn't have insurance, there is coverage under your own policy to protect you*. There are some criteria to be met; coverage won't extend to a vehicle owned by someone else in your household. Not all coverages on your own vehicle are provided and, while the covers vary by province, third party liability cover extends in all provinces.
*In Quebec, this coverage must be purchased as an add-on.
How to find my VIN or serial number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (also known as a serial number) is a 17 character code of letters and numbers that identifies your vehicle. You can find your VIN in several places:
On top of the dashboard on the driver's side
Inside the driver's side door
On forms such as your bill of sale, registration card, and/or vehicle permit
When you are entering your VIN, keep in mind the following:
A VIN never has the letters I, O, or Q
The last five characters will always be numbers
Some characters may look similar, such as: S & 5, D & 0, B & 8, G & 6, U & V, Z & 2
How do I add or replace a car on my policy?
Adding or replacing a car on your policy is easy! Just get in touch with us through our online chat service, or by calling 1.833.223.8740. Here are a couple of things we'll need from you when you contact us:
The name and address of the company handling your lease or financing (if applicable). Please note, this will not be the dealership you purchased your car from.
If you're from one of the below provinces, we'll also need:
Alberta - A Vehicle Inspection Report if your vehicle is 12 years or older.
Atlantic Provinces - Depending on your circumstances, a Motor Vehicle Inspection may be requested.
What's the difference between $1 million and $2 million liability?
The option to purchase $2 million in Third Party Liability Coverage is an excellent choice available to protect you and your family against the cost of damages you may be liable for. For instance, if you are covered for $1 million liability, and if there is a settlement against you for more than $1 million, your insurance will only cover $1 million of the settlement - you'll be responsible for any additional amount.
How can I get a copy of my proof of insurance (pink slip)?
Customers can contact us at 1.833.223.8740.
What does Roadside Assistance provide me?
Roadside Assistance is a comprehensive roadside and travel assistance service that brings peace of mind to you and every driver of your private passenger vehicle. It includes:
Towing within 50 kms of initial mechanical breakdown
Battery boosting
Gas delivery up to 10 litres
Tire change
Lockout assistance
Extraction of stuck automobile
You can view complete details on Roadside Assistance in the service contract included with your policy documents.
If you are interested in adding Roadside Assistance, please contact us to discuss and reference your policy number for quicker service*.
If you already have Roadside Assistance and are in need of assistance now, please call 1.855.572.6842
*Roadside assistance is an optional paid endorsement to your auto insurance with Scotia Home & Auto Insurance. Services are provided by an independent third-party provider.
How do I add a new driver to my car insurance policy?
If you'd like to make changes to the drivers on your car insurance policy, you can contact us by chat or phone. Please reference your policy number for quicker service and have ready; the new driver's licence number, driving history, full name, date of birth and the year they were licensed.
How do I switch insurance from one car to another car?
All customers may contact us at 1.833.223.8740. Please indicate your policy number, as well as your newly acquired vehicle's VIN, and the name and address of the company handling your lease or financing (if applicable). Learn more about how to find your VIN.
What is Direct-Compensation-Property Damage?
This is a coverage available in Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
Direct Compensation Property Damage means that you deal with your own insurance company for a claim, regardless of who is at fault for the accident and your claim will be processed without waiting for a third party decision. In some provinces, this covers damage to your vehicle and/or its contents if another person was fully or partly at fault for the accident.
It is called direct compensation because even though someone else causes the damage, you collect directly from your insurance company. It is a standard inclusion in your policy when you purchase third party liability insurance.
Does my auto insurance provide any coverage when I rent a car?
Only if you have added this optional coverage to your policy. When traveling in Canada and the United States, this will extend Third Party Liability Coverage and physical damage protection to private passenger rental vehicles only. Some limitations apply.
Auto Insurance