6 Things You Need to Consider to File a Car Insurance Claim in Ontario

Filing an insurance claim is an important decision. After all, unexpected situations can occur, making it essential to make that claim. And when it comes to cars, accidents are more common than you may think. From vandalism to cracked glass and accident-based damages, a lot can happen that can cause you to file.

However, if this is your first time going through the process, you may be confused about how the filing process works. In this article, we share the 6 things you need to think about to file a car insurance claim in Ontario so that you can breeze through the process. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Should I file a car insurance claim or not?

As per Ontario regulations, it is mandatory to purchase automobile insurance for your vehicle in this province. Thus, you should have some coverage in case of a car accident or damage. There are many situations in which it is prudent to file a claim.

For example, you should file if an injury results from an accident. In addition, if there is any damage to your vehicle or another individual’s vehicle, it is a good idea to file. These claims can fall under comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, and third-party liability insurance.

2. Be sure to read your policy

There are many different kinds of policies out there. Perhaps you have basic coverage that you may need to top up for better financial protection. Or, you find that your policy covers everything you need it to. The best course of action is to go through your policy with a fine-toothed comb. You will then be able to uncover specific details about your insurance coverage and your rights and responsibilities under the coverage.

3. Keep important information handy

Remember, you need to file your report to your insurance services, agent, or broker within seven days of the damage occurring. Ideally, you want to file even sooner, allowing you to move on from the incident more quickly. If you fail to file the claim within seven days, you could have an unhonored claim.

Thus, once you’re ready to file, remember that you will need to present specific information to your insurance services in Ontario. This information includes:

• Policy number
• Make, model, year, registration, and license plate number of the vehicle
• Accident details and extent of injuries (if any)
• The extent of damage to the vehicle
• Date, time, and location of the accident

You may also need additional information when filing your claim. Be sure to keep it all handy when talking to your broker.

4. Filing your report to the police

Wondering when you need to report an incident to the police? In Ontario, it is required to register a collision with the police. The police will then determine if injuries or damages exceed $2000. They will also assess the likelihood of any drivers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, if the damages from the collision cost less than $2000, it is not mandatory to report the incident to the police.

Related to this, you may be wondering if you can file a car insurance claim without a police report. Your broker might ask you to inform the police or the Collision Reporting Center to get more details on the incident. If the other party ended up filing (but you didn’t), it could be perceived as withholding information, which could be considered “non-disclosure” and drive up your premiums. Thus, it is always best to report any accident to the local authorities.

5. What is the process after filing?

Once you’ve filed the claim with your insurance providers in Ontario, the claim is processed, leading to eventual settlement. Your brokers will look at factors such as the nature of the accident and the extent. They will also evaluate the injuries and property damage and look at your current policy. Using these metrics, they will come to an eventual settlement on your case.

6. Premiums after damage

You may be wondering if your premiums will go up after an incident or car damage. If you are found at fault in the incident, your premiums may increase. However, there are exceptions to this.

For example, if it is a first-time accident, you may be exempted from increased premiums if you have accident forgiveness on your policy. Ultimately, it depends on the nature of the accident and who is considered “at fault”. Your insurance providers will look at all the information and then determine if your premiums need to go up or not.

Dealing with issues related to your car can be a stressful experience. After all, your car is your primary mode of transport! When there are property or personal damages regarding your car, it can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to file a claim upfront. Try to incorporate the tips mentioned above to breeze through Ontario’s car insurance claim process.

If you need additional guidance through the filing process, reach out to a trusted insurance broker. They will work hard to understand the issue and ensure the best possible outcome tailored to your situation.

To learn more about insurance services in Ontario, call W.B. White Insurance at 1-877-420-4572 or contact us here for more information.