Live online chat is a convenient option for existing Scotia Home & Auto Insurance customers.
Our licensed Home and Auto insurance representatives are available to answer your questions and address your needs in real time – with the same personalized attention you would receive on the telephone. Our Canadian-based team is available:
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm ET
Another advantage of live chat is the option to save your conversation as a written record of your interaction.
To chat now, click the live chat button on the right of the Scotia Home & Auto Insurance homepage.
Is there a charge for early cancellation of a policy?
Yes, for early cancellation of a policy. In Canada most insurers use a short rate cancellation when someone requests cancellation of the policy prior to the expiry of the term. This cancellation considers administrative costs involved with issuing the policy and cancelling it before the expiry of the term – so every situation is different.
How can I save money on my insurance premiums?
There are many things you can do to help you save on your insurance premiums, including:
For your vehicle:
Combine coverage to activate discounts – the more insurance you purchase with Scotia Home & Auto Insurance, the more you save. Consider combining all of your vehicles plus your home insurance with us.
Purchase Accident Forgiveness – this coverage can help maintain the cost of your premiums after your first accident by protecting your driving record.*
Maintain your driving record – driving carefully and following the speed limit helps avoid convictions which can negatively impact your vehicle insurance premiums.
Consider insurance implications before buying and do some research about what vehicles are considered more or less expensive to insure.
Purchase (and use) winter tires – using winter tires in extreme weather can minimize your chances of having an accident, which could increase your premium. Also, in certain areas of Canada, we offer an outright discount just for having them.**
Choose higher deductibles – generally, if you choose a higher deductible, your insurance premiums will be lower.
Driver's training*** – vehicle insurance can be expensive for newly licensed drivers. Taking a licensed driver's training course can help offset this.
For your home:
Combine coverage to activate discounts – the more insurance you purchase with Scotia Home & Auto Insurance, the more you save. Consider combining your home insurance and your vehicles with us.
Inspect and maintain your home regularly – the things that reduce your premium are often the same things that you are already considering to keep your home safe and well-maintained for you and your family. By proactively avoiding perils, you avoid claims, and therefore avoid increases to your premiums.
Consider insurance implications before buying – newer homes are generally less expensive to insure, because their heating, plumbing and electrical systems are likely to be in better condition than older homes. The location of your home can also influence insurance premiums.
At Scotia Home & Auto Insurance protecting you, your family and your assets with the best coverage we can provide is always our goal.
*Not available in Quebec. Please contact us at 1.833.235.2136 if you have questions about coverage in Quebec.
**Not applicable in Quebec. Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec.
***Not applicable in Quebec. Driver’s Training is mandatory in Quebec.
How else can I save on my car insurance during COVID-19?
If your number of kilometres driven has decreased, you may be able to reduce your auto insurance premium. For example, if you no longer commute to work and only drive to obtain essentials such as groceries and prescriptions.
The fastest and most convenient way to request the change is by completing this form. Your policy will be updated as requested and you will be contacted if required. Please note that you must contact us when your driving patterns return to normal in order to ensure you maintain the right coverage. This form is not available in Quebec. For customers in QC, please call us to adjust your kilometers driven or to discuss additional savings options.
To learn about additional ways you can save on your car insurance, feel free to reach out and chat with one of our agents. Our team would be happy to walk you through your options and find out how you can save.
I’ve never had a claim, so why has my insurance premium gone up?
Insurance is a protection plan that involves a group of people whose premiums are gathered into a common fund. When someone in the group suffers a loss, such as a serious car accident, their insurance company accesses the premiums in this fund to cover claims arising from losses. In a year when there are many claims, or when settlements are especially high, everyone in the group will have slightly higher premiums the next year to ensure that the fund is full.
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.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Deductions for payment of insurance premiums with Scotia Home & Auto Insurance are processed on the 5th of each month.
If a payment is returned by your financial institution due to Funds Not Cleared or Insufficient Funds, we will attempt to collect the same amount from your account 5-7 business days later - giving you another opportunity to have the funds available.
If, on the 2nd attempt, your payment is returned by your financial institution, your deduction will be subject to a handling fee. The missed deduction, along with the handling fee and any additional tax, will be spread equally over the remaining policy term - therefore increasing your subsequent monthly deductions.
In the event of multiple missed deductions, your policy will be cancelled by registered mail, in accordance with provincial regulations.
Please note, your financial institution may charge you for each unsuccessful withdrawal attempt, depending on your fee plan. An option to avoid this is to arrange with your bank for overdraft protection to prevent insufficient funds.
How can I change my address for my car or home insurance?
It's important to contact us if your address will be changing - and not just to direct your snail mail! Did you know that moving - even within the same town or city - can have an impact on your vehicle insurance premium? Plus, vehicle insurance laws are different in every province.
If you are moving, you can contact us by email or phone. Please reference your policy number for quicker service and have ready your complete new address, including postal code.
How and when will I receive the rebate?
Car insurance customers with an active car policy on May 22nd will receive a 10% rebate automatically.
How you receive the rebate depends on how you pay your premium. For those customers who pay by bank deduction, the total rebate amount will be used to decrease all remaining deductions equally for the remainder of the policy. Customers who have paid their policy in-full will receive a refund by cheque in most cases. We expect most rebates will be distributed and automatic deductions will be modified by June.
Please note, this rebate is not available to customers in QC.
How do I update my banking information for direct withdrawal?
To update your banking information for direct withdrawal, please contact us and reference your policy number for quicker service.
If you are making a change to your account information and/or financial institution, please advise us as far in advance as possible to minimize any potential disruption to your payment schedule.
How do I find my policy number?
You can find your policy number on your insurance documents and/or insurance liability card (pink slip).
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