You have questions, we have answers.
There are a variety of ways to save on your auto insurance rates. Regardless of the coverage that you choose, FirstOntario will always ensure that your coverage serves your needs.
What is an insurance broker?
An insurance broker is a licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between insurance buyers and insurance companies. Their primary role is to help individuals, businesses, and organizations identify their insurance needs and find the right insurance policies to meet those needs.
Insurance brokers work independently and are not employed by any specific insurance company. This allows them to provide unbiased advice and help clients compare policies from different insurance companies.
Overall, insurance brokers help clients navigate the complex world of insurance by providing personalized advice, helping them understand their options, and finding the best insurance policies to meet their needs.
What kind of insurance coverage do I need?
The type of insurance coverage you need depends on several factors, including your personal and financial situation, your lifestyle, and your specific needs. Here are some of the most common types of insurance coverage:
- Auto insurance: Covers damage to your car and liability in case of an accident.
- Homeowners or renters insurance: Covers damage or loss to your home or personal property.
- Liability insurance: Covers legal fees and damages in case you are sued for causing harm to someone else.
- Business insurance: Provides coverage for businesses against various types of losses, such as property, casualty (liability) and business interruptions.
It’s important to assess your exposures and risks via consultations with an insurance professional to determine the type and amount of coverage that’s right for you.
What is an insurance deductible?
An insurance deductible is the amount of money that an insured person must pay out of their own pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in and starts paying for covered expenses. For example, if you have an insurance policy with a $500 deductible and file a claim for a covered expense that costs $1,500, you will have to pay the first $500, and the insurance company will cover the remaining $1,000.
Deductibles are common in many types of insurance policies, including auto insurance, health insurance, and homeowners and business insurance. In general, policies with lower deductibles will have higher premiums, while policies with higher deductibles will have lower premiums.
Choosing a deductible is an important part of selecting an insurance policy. It’s important to consider your budget, your ability to pay the deductible in case of a claim, and your risk tolerance when choosing a deductible amount. Further, submitting small claims should be avoided in order to maintain insurance affordability and availability. This should also be considered when deciding the deductible amount.
What insurance discounts am I eligible for?
The discounts you may be eligible for will depend on the specific insurance company and the type of insurance you’re seeking. However, here are some common insurance discounts that you may qualify for:
- Multi-policy discount: If you purchase multiple insurance policies from the same company, such as home and auto insurance, you may qualify for a discount.
- Good driver discount: If you have a good driving record with no accidents or traffic violations, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.
- Good student discount: If you are a student with good grades, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance or your parents’ auto insurance policy.
- Safety features discount: If your car has safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, or an anti-theft system, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.
- Home safety features discount: If your home has safety features such as smoke detectors, burglar alarms, or fire sprinklers, you may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance.
- Bundling discount: If you bundle multiple types of insurance, such as home, auto, and life insurance, with the same company, you may qualify for a discount.
- Loyalty discount: If you have been a long-time customer of an insurance company, you may qualify for a loyalty discount.
It’s important to review your policy regularly to ensure you are taking advantage of all the discounts you’re eligible for.
When does my insurance policy renew?
The renewal date of your insurance policy will depend on the terms of your policy and the insurance company you’re working with. Typically, insurance policies have a term of one year, and the renewal date is on the anniversary of the policy start date.
It’s important to review your policy carefully before it renews to make sure you still have the coverage you need and that you understand any changes or updates to the policy. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your insurance company or an insurance professional for guidance.
What happens if I miss an insurance payment?
If you miss an insurance payment, the consequences will depend on the type of insurance you have and the terms of your policy. Here are some possible outcomes:
- Late payment fees: Your insurance company may charge you a late payment fee if you miss a payment or if your payment is not received by the due date.
- Lapsed coverage: If you miss a payment, your insurance coverage may lapse, which means you will no longer be covered by the policy. This can leave you vulnerable to financial losses in case of an accident or incident.
- Policy cancellation: If you continue to miss payments, your insurance company may cancel your policy. This can make it harder for you to get insurance in the future, and it may also result in higher premiums for future coverage.
- Damage to your credit score: If your missed payment is reported to credit bureaus, it can damage your credit score, which can affect your ability to get credit or loans in the future.
It’s important to make payments on time and to contact your insurance company if you’re having trouble making a payment.
More than just insurance
More than 126,000 people have chosen FirstOntario for their finances. From insurance, everyday banking, mortgages, lines of credit, loans, business services and highly qualified investment advice – we put you first.