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Insurance protects you and your assets. Before making the decision to cancel your insurance, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks and ensure you have adequate coverage elsewhere. It’s about finding the right balance between cost and coverage.
But if you do need to cancel your insurance, here’s what you should know.
There are several reasons why you might consider cancelling your auto insurance. While the decision should not be taken lightly, there are some circumstances that could lead to such a choice.
Relocation: If you’re moving to a new province or country, your current insurance policy may not be applicable or the best fit for your new location. Different regions have varying insurance requirements and premiums, so it’s worth exploring local options.
Finding a better deal: Insurance is a competitive market. If you find another insurance company offering similar coverage at a lower rate, it might be time to make a switch. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better - make sure the new policy meets all your needs.
Selling your vehicle: If you’re selling your car, you won’t need your current car insurance policy. Make sure to inform your insurance company about the sale to avoid paying unnecessary premiums.
Downsizing: If you’re downsizing and no longer using your car as frequently, or at all, cancelling your car insurance could be a viable option. You might also consider switching to a usage-based insurance model if you’re using your vehicle less frequently.
Policy dissatisfaction: If you’re unhappy with the service provided by your insurance company, whether it’s poor customer service or dissatisfaction with the handling of a claim, you might consider looking for a new provider.
Related: These are the top five factors that influence your auto insurance rate
In Canada, it’s required by law to have insurance for every vehicle registered in the province. This means that even if you don’t use your car, as long as it’s registered, it must be insured.
The minimum auto insurance required in Ontario includes third-party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, uninsured automobile coverage, and direct compensation-property damage coverage.
However, if you’re not using your car and want to avoid paying insurance, you could consider de-registering your vehicle. Once a vehicle is de-registered, it no longer needs to be insured. But you cannot legally drive a de-registered vehicle. If you decide to use the car again in the future, you’ll need to re-register and insure it before you can drive.
If you’re not using your car for an extended period, you can take off the road, liability and accident benefits insurance in Ontario. By keeping just your comprehensive coverage, you will have coverage for things like fire or theft while your car is stored. Since it doesn’t include collision or liability coverage, you can’t drive the car and won’t be covered for damages from any collisions.
Cancelling your car insurance might seem daunting, but it can be as simple as picking up the phone. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process:
Remember, every step you take towards cancelling your car insurance should be well-informed and deliberate. Always consult with a professional if you’re unsure.
Here’s what you’ll need to have with you when cancelling your policy:
Yes, you can. While it’s best to cancel during your renewal period to avoid any cancellation fees, you must communicate a desired end date for your insurance policy when cancelling your coverage at any time of the year.
Cancelling an insurance policy is a significant decision that can have various implications. Here’s what you can expect after you’ve cancelled your policy:
Refund of premiums: If you’ve paid your premiums in advance, you may be eligible for a prorated refund, depending on the terms of your policy and the time of cancellation. However, some insurance companies may charge a cancellation fee, which could be deducted from your refund.
Insurance coverage: Once your policy is cancelled, your insurance coverage will cease. This means you won’t be covered for any incidents that occur after the cancellation date. If you’re switching to a new provider, ensure your new policy starts before your old one ends to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Impact on future policies: Some insurers may view policy cancellation as a risk factor, which could affect your premiums or eligibility for coverage in the future.
Related: Should you pay your insurance premiums annually or monthly?
Yes, you can cancel your insurance policy even if you have an open claim. However, the specifics can depend on the terms and conditions of your insurance provider.
For instance, if you’ve filed a claim and received money for repairs, but used that money for something else, your insurer may cancel your insurance. In most cases, you would need to provide proof that the repairs have been completed, such as photos of the repairs or contractor invoices.
Making a claim may increase your premiums in the future or when you renew or change your policy. If the amount of your claim is only slightly more than your deductible, you might want to consider if it’s worth it to pay for the loss or event yourself.
While you can cancel the insurance on a leased/financed car, if you have a loan on your car, your lender may require you to carry certain types of insurance (like collision and comprehensive coverage) as part of the loan agreement.
If you cancel your insurance without having a new policy in place, you could be in violation of your loan agreement, which could have serious consequences.
Related: Do you have the right insurance coverage for your leased car?
Whether or not you’ll be charged for cancelling your policy largely depends on the terms and conditions set by your insurance provider.
Refunds on short-rated and pro-rated policies
When it comes to refunds after cancelling your policy, insurance companies typically calculate them in one of two ways: short-rated or pro-rated.
Short-rated cancellation: The insurance company charges a penalty for cancelling your policy before the end of the term. The penalty often decreases the closer you are to the end of the policy term.
Pro-rated cancellation: In a pro-rated cancellation, the insurance company will refund you the unused portion of your premium, without any penalties. This means if you’ve paid for a year in advance and cancel six months in, you’d get half of your premium back.
Not all insurance companies offer pro-rated cancellations, and some may charge a small administrative fee.
Juggling fixed payment priorities like rent, mortgage payments, car loans can be hard when faced with inflationary pressures and higher costs of living. If your insurance premiums are no longer affordable, there are measures you can take to reduce costs instead of cancelling your coverage entirely.
Read more: How much do you need to make to afford a used car in Ontario?
We talked about switching to usage-based coverage, comprehensive insurance for stored cars, and shopping for competitive deals for your insurance already. If you’ve exhausted these opportunities already, you can also consider the following alternatives that may better fit your needs:
Increase your deductible: A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. If you’re looking to lower your premiums, consider increasing your deductibles. However, keep in mind that this means you’ll have to pay more in the event of a claim.
Adjust your coverage: For example, if your car is older, you might not need comprehensive or collision coverage. You can also consider decreasing your third-party liability coverage to the minimum requirement. For instance, you’re only required to have $50,000 in liability in Quebec, and a minimum of $200,000 across other provinces. This is cheaper than the coverage you likely have now, which is up to one million.
Opt for pay-as-you-go coverage: With pay-as-you-go insurance, you only pay for a set number of kilometres per year, starting at 1,000, and going up to a limit of 12,000 kilometres. Distance driven is tracked by a telematic device installed in your vehicle.
Look for discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for various reasons, such as bundling multiple policies with the same company, being a safe driver, or installing winter tires and anti-theft devices in your car. Check with your insurance provider to see if you’re eligible for any discounts.
Read next: What is one-way car insurance?
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