In insurance terminology, "underage occasional driver charge" usually applies to an underage driver (under the age of 25) or a driver with less than (9) years of driving experience. This will vary by province.
How is my vehicle insurance premium calculated?
Insurance rates are set on a simple concept; the higher the risk we take in possibly having to reimburse you for an insured loss, the higher we calculate your premium.
We calculate the rate for your vehicle by looking at several factors, including:
Premium rate calculations are also influenced by changes in government regulations and taxes. Also, the costs of court awards, towing fees, repair costs and insurance fraud all have an impact on how premiums are determined.
How do I know I'm getting the best price for my auto insurance coverage?
We understand it's hard to know if you're getting the best price. This is because premiums don't tell the whole story and coverages can differ significantly. While it's tempting to compare quotes and take the lowest price, make sure that the coverages meet your needs and remember the least expensive insurance may not give you the best value. Service and variations in coverages can make a big difference.
Why is it cheaper in some provinces to insure female drivers under age 25 than male drivers under 25?
We know young men don't like to hear this, but statistics show that young male drivers have more accidents on average - and they also tend to be more serious accidents.
Every insurer sets premiums based on how likely you are to be in an accident. Statistics are the only way we have to come close to a good prediction.
Yes, in some parts of Canada it is more expensive for young male drivers to get insurance. The good news is keeping your driving record clean will even it up after the first few years. Keep driving safely and your premiums should even out quicker. Risk-takers make insurance more expensive for everybody.
Should I make an auto claim? Will it affect my premiums?
You'll want to make this decision on a case-by-case basis. Your Specialist can help you, too.
Will my premium go up if I am involved in one not-at-fault accident?
That's a tough one to answer, because it really varies with each case. We recommend contacting us about your specific case.
Will my insurance premiums increase over time?
Every case is different. Contact us to discuss. Our claims service is available 24/7 every day of the year.
How does the type of car I drive affect the cost of my auto insurance?
The type of car you drive usually only affect the parts of your insurance that cover damage to your vehicle:
Collision
Comprehensive
Direct compensation
The cost for these coverages can vary because:
Some cars cost more to repair than others
Some cars hold up better in a collision than others (so need less repair work).
In Ontario the type of vehicle you drive impacts Accident Benefits.