Help & Support - Auto Insurance

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:

• What kind of vehicle you drive
• Where you drive your vehicle
• How much you drive your vehicle
• Your driving record and claims history
• Your driving experience
• The amount and kind of coverage you have purchased from us
• The deductible you have chosen

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.

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.

When you make a claim, there are six important responsibilities to remember. These will help smooth the claims process, but also keep your coverage in good standing. These responsibilities include:

1. Let your insurer know of an accident or claim promptly
2. Give the required information about the claim and about those involved
3. Forward all legal documents, claims, correspondence to the insurer
4. Don't assume liability
5. Don't interfere with the claims procedures
6. Be completely honest - both on your application and when making a claim

It depends on the situation. Your Claims Adjuster can help answer this question.

We can help with that. Contact us at 1.833.223.8740.

It is illegal not to have insurance on a vehicle you're using on public roads in Canada. The penalty is usually a fine, but this varies from province to province.

As well as being illegal, not having insurance is a huge risk to your financial security and your future. You must pay for damages for which you are legally responsible. Without insurance, you could have to pay personally for losses and injuries - to yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and their passengers, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. It could mean millions of dollars in costs. Not only could you lose your home and assets, but you may also lose your future earnings.

When you buy car insurance, you get a Canada Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card ( your insurance "pink card"). It is honoured as proof of insurance anywhere in Canada. You should keep this with you at all times and produce it when a police officer requests it.

There are some responsibilities involved in having insurance coverage including:

• Being completely honest in your application (if you aren't, it can void your insurance coverage)
• Knowing your obligations under your policy (it's best to discuss this with your Service Specialist before you ever need to make a claim, so you avoid any surprises)
• Paying the premiums (if you don't, your coverage can be cancelled, with notice)
• Notifying your insurer of any changes (like a new vehicle, additional drivers, change of location, modifications to the vehicle, criminal code convictions, accidents, medical conditions that could affect driving safety)
• Preventing or reducing the chance of further damage, keeping in mind that safety comes first
• Notifying us as soon as possible when making a claim

You need to have a copy of your policy to refer to. It's a good idea to ask your Specialist about your responsibilities too.

For an auto claim: Once a Claims Adjuster has assessed the damage, you are ready to make repairs or replace your vehicle. For repairs, you can choose your own shop, or we'll help you find a trustworthy preferred vendor. If your vehicle cannot be repaired, the Claims Adjuster will coordinate a payment so that you can purchase a new vehicle.

For a home claim: Your Claims Adjuster will assess the damage. Then you can start working with a contractor to make repairs or shop for replacement items. Scotia Home & Auto Insurance will issue a payment for an agreed amount.