Liam Lahey

For some, making a full payment annually works best, with discounts to be had. For others, monthly payments is more manageable. There are pros and cons to each.

Getting set for winter is an annual tradition in Canada. In addition to pulling out the ski jackets and insulated boots, here’s how to prepare your house for when the temperature drops.

All car insurance companies offer discounts to their customers. Learn more about what your options are and how you can find ways to reduce your premium.

There are plenty of roadside assistance plan options to choose from that will help you when you need it on Canadian roads. But how should you decide which program to join?

If your plans involve travelling by vehicle outside of your home province, double check you have the right auto insurance coverage before hitting the road.

Do you and your family have an action plan and emergency survival kit in the event a natural disaster impacts your community? Follow these steps and always be prepared.

No-fault insurance doesn’t mean no one is to blame for a collision. It means that your claim will get processed no matter who is responsible for the accident. Here’s what you need to know.

Certain traffic convictions can influence the car insurance rate you get for years. How much convictions may cost you depends on the seriousness of the violation.

In 2022, Canadians lost $530 million to fraud and cybercrime. Learn how to shield your digital life and finances against these threats.

Get the lowdown on how a collision or fender-bender in a parking lot can affect your auto insurance rate.

Get insight into what a basic Ontario or Alberta car insurance policy includes, as well as its restrictions, limits, and deductibles.

Life insurance is for someone older or has kids, right? Wrong. Let’s debunk life insurance myths and learn why everyone needs some form of coverage.

Right-of-way determines which driver has the right to proceed first through an intersection. But it isn’t always obvious. Here’s what you need to know.

If you are 50 years of age or older, have a clean driving record and no history of collisions, you may be eligible for a premium discount.

You could be found at fault in any collision. An at-fault collision will remain on your driving record for up to six years, and it will affect your car insurance premium at renewal.

Ontario is the second-most expensive province in Canada for car insurance. There are a few reasons why that is.

Having some theft prevention measures in a car can lead to premium discounts, but a ton of techy safety features doesn't always mean a cheaper policy. Here's why.

Thinking of renting out your cottage or renting a cottage? Here's how to prepare your property for renters and how to find a rental.

As severe storms erupt across Canada more often, consumers may find their home insurance rates increasing.

Gap insurance and endorsements can both protect your new vehicle from depreciation — but which option is best?

Accident forgiveness provides policyholders with an extra layer of protection. If you're found to be at fault for an accident, and it’s your first, having this rider means the collision won't increase your premium.

Take the time to understand your auto and home insurance policies to avoid unpleasant surprises if you need to file a claim.

Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) tend to cost less to power than their gas-vehicle counterparts. But do fuel savings come at the cost of a hefty insurance premium? We compared quotes to find out.

If your household has more than one private passenger vehicle, every eligible driver could get a discount on their policies provided those policies are with the same insurance company.

Residential break-ins happen every 90 seconds in Canada. Homeowners would be wise to take pre-emptive action to safeguard their digs, and in doing so, you may earn a discount on your home insurance premium.

Safety-conscious drivers rejoice: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 101 vehicles earned either its Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick award this year.

Canadians love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, but an injury can quickly sour the fun. Follow these simple safety tips to make your summer memorable and safe.

Motorists with spotty driving records may have a tough time finding affordable auto insurance. Comparing high-risk insurance rates can help.

As the weather changes and storms become more severe, protect your home with the right insurance coverage.

If you intend to take a road trip for the May long weekend, here are five road safety tips to keep in mind before shifting into drive.

Follow these simple steps if you are involved in a collision and need to file an auto insurance claim.

Minor traffic convictions may result in a slight increase in your premium, while serious violations can result in a significant increase.

Even if you’ve never made a claim on your home insurance, your premium can rise. Here’s how you can mitigate the cost.

Not only will regular car maintenance help keep your vehicle roadworthy, but it can also help you avoid breakdowns, or worse, a collision.

Spring your home and auto maintenance forward this weekend with seasonal safety practices that can prevent insurance claims.

Auto insurance fraud costs Canadians $1 billion to $2 billion annually. Learn how to spot fraudulent activity and report it.

Racking up parking violations and not paying them off in a timely manner comes with a cost. Find out how unpaid parking tickets may affect you.

More than 65% of injuries and deaths in Ontario are attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning annually. Here’s how you can keep your family safe.

While there is no global vaccination passport, the federal government will require proof of vaccination to travel by plane, train, or boat starting October 30.

If you are already outside of Canada but wish to purchase travel insurance, many providers will offer you emergency medical coverage, but there are exclusions.

Insurance companies may wish to use consumer credit scores when calculating auto rates because it can indicate the level of risk a driver poses.

Racing your car when driving on public roads is a big no-no. If you’re busted for stunt driving or street racing, the consequences can be harsh.

A recent RATESDOTCA online survey found 38% of respondents do not have a tenant insurance policy. Who or what is backing you up if a disaster unfolds? Find out why every renter should be insured.

A vehicle’s battery can lose its charge 33% faster in extreme heat compared to the frigid winter. Get your battery inspected by a certified technician as part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance.

As Alberta loosens its COVID-19 restrictions, you may be hankering to get out of the house. Here are a few things to do in Calgary in August.

As Alberta loosens its COVID-19 restrictions, here are a few things to do in Edmonton in August.

Vehicle technology has evolved over the years to make cars safer to operate in inclement weather, but you still have a responsibility to drive safely when the weather turns nasty.

As Ontario moves to the third phase of its COVID-19 reopening plan, here are a few places to visit in Hamilton in August.

As Ontario moves to step three of its COVID-19 reopening plan, here are a few events happening in Ottawa in August for you and your family to enjoy.

With restrictions loosening as Ontario moves to step three of its COVID-19 reopening plan, here are a few events happening in Toronto in August for you and your family to enjoy.

Fraud is one of many factors that affect the cost of auto premiums. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting consumers may be hoodwinked by a dishonest individual or unlicensed brokerage selling insurance policies fraudulently. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

Most home insurance policies will provide coverage for damages resulting from a tornado, including any losses you suffer to your home and personal possessions from water damage. Here’s what you need to know.

You’re the boss in your home office, so it’s up to you to keep things safe. Here are eight ways to help you do precisely that.

Driver assistance technologies are designed to mitigate the chances of getting into a collision and filing a claim. Here’s a handy list of the types of technologies most modern cars and trucks have, and the safety features they provide.

Driving while impaired on cannabis (or alcohol) is considered a major offence in Ontario, and it can have severe ramifications on your driving record if convicted as well as the cost of auto insurance.

Many insurers offer a discount to newly licensed drivers who have graduated from a recognized driver’s training course. Regardless, there are many benefits to be had by sharpening your driving skills whether you’re a new or experienced motorist.

See the Automobile Insurance Rate Board’s latest rate-filing decisions for the second quarter of 2021 to find out if your insurer is increasing or decreasing the cost of insurance.

When building a smart-home ecosystem, start where you get the most benefits, whether it’s saving money, reducing power consumption, or improving safety and security.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority published its rate change decisions for June. Find out if your insurer was approved to increase or decrease its rate.

Although Canada records more than 4,000 earthquakes each year, earthquake insurance is not typically included in a standard home insurance policy.

Locking yourself out of your car is definitely frustrating but keep calm and read these tips on what to do.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to take extended absences from their homes but be sure to avoid unnecessary risks and costs if you’ll be away for longer than 30 days.

Putting on a dazzling display of fireworks on Canada Day can be fun and enjoyable when done safely. Here are nine tips to ensure your July 1st lightshow is memorable for all the right reasons.

No matter the type, saunas create moisture that can damage your home while increasing liability that affects your insurance coverage. Here’s what you should know.

How much do you use your car? The more kilometres you drive annually raises the risk of getting into a car accident, therefore, you’ll pay a higher premium. There are many financial and personal benefits to be had by driving less and ways you can reduce your insurance bill.

While we still need to be mindful of the COVID-19 crisis and any provincial and territorial health-related restrictions that may be in place, taking to the open road to explore the raw, natural beauty of our country is an experience like no other. Here’s a few tips to consider when planning your cross-country road trip.

In June, the Toronto Police will resume its routine on-street parking enforcement and residential on-street permit violations. The cost of a parking ticket in Toronto can range between $30 and $450 depending on the infraction. Here are ways to avoid getting tagged.

The heat of summer can impact your vehicle’s performance. Before you take a road trip during the warmer months, here’s how to ensure your wheels are ready to roll and avoid a possible breakdown.

DC-PD is one of four mandatory components to every basic car insurance policy in Ontario. It expedites an auto claim by making it possible for drivers who are not at fault for a collision to be compensated quickly without having to wait. Here’s what you should know.

You might think cancelling the insurance coverage on your vintage auto or motorcycle when you’re putting either into storage will save you money, but by doing so, you’re exposing yourself to significant financial risk.

Though townhouses are similar to condominiums, the type of property insurance you need lies in the definition of your dwelling and its ownership.

Drivers in Ontario who are convicted of excessive speeding, stunt driving, street racing, and aggressive driving face expensive fines, as well as longer driver’s licence suspensions and vehicle impoundment periods with the ushering in of new legislation.

Your provincial health insurance program may not pay for medical expenses you incur if you need hospitalization or emergency care outside of your home province. Here’s why buying a domestic travel insurance policy makes sense.

There's more to towing something behind your car than attaching a trailer hitch. Ensure you have the insurance coverage you need to keep your summer fun and worry-free. Here’s what you should know.

After a one-year hiatus, Ontario’s drivers have voted in CAA’s annual campaign identifying the worst roads in the province, and there’s a new “winner” at the top of the list.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority published its rate change decisions for May. Find out if your insurer was approved to increase or decrease its rate.

As a cyclist, you must share the road with other vehicles and obey all traffic laws. But if you’re convicted of a traffic violation, will it impact your licence, and in turn, the auto premium you pay? Here’s what you need to know.

The Ontario Provincial Police and the Toronto Police issued thousands of tickets to motorists during the annual road safety awareness campaign, with speeding and driving without a seatbelt the most frequent offences.

As more of the Canadian population get COVID-19 vaccinations, travelling may be on people’s minds as summer nears. However, separate surveys reveal most Canucks intend to stick close to home this summer and many favour the use of vaccination passports to travel by air.

Choosing your auto insurance coverage deductibles can be tricky. Do you go low or high? There are trade-offs either way. We wanted to see what motorists in Ontario and Alberta who’ve filed claims decided versus those who haven’t to see how things stack up.

Loaded with pricey precious metals, thieves are stealing catalytic converters from vehicle exhaust systems to make a fast buck. Does your auto policy cover you if you’re a victim of such a crime? Here’s what you should know.

Sexy, stylish, fast and super-fun to drive, if you're in the market to buy a sports car, there's more to consider than the horses under the hood. Find out which high-performing two-seaters appeal to Canadians the most.

If your vehicle is jet black, canary yellow, cherry red or hot pink, will it impact how much you pay for car insurance?

The photo radar cameras continue to rake in cash for the city at the expense of drivers who don’t obey the speed limit.

COVID-19 isn’t a major factor affecting the cost of a home policy but what the pandemic has done is shine a light on the need to ensure you are fully covered for any unexpected circumstance.

A new C.D. Howe Institute report finds the amount of money Canadians pay for insurance is “at the high end” of what consumers in most other developed nations pay.

Buying a used vehicle tends to be cheaper than buying new, and they usually feature a lower insurance premium. But be aware you may need to pay more maintenance and repair costs to keep an older, previously owned car humming.

Seatbelts save lives and wearing one is also the law. What would happen to your car insurance rate if you are convicted of not wearing a seatbelt?

An increasing number of auto insurers are extending or reintroducing their customer care packages for motorists who are driving less during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out if your insurer is on the list.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority published its rate change decisions for April. Get the details on whether or not your insurer was approved to increase or decrease its rate.

Learn surprising ways home insurance protects you, including identity theft, spoiled food, stolen bicycles and vandalized gravestones.

More than 10,000 Brampton residents have signed the City of Brampton’s "Fair Deal for Brampton” online campaign, which calls on the provincial government to fulfill its promise to standardize auto rates across Ontario.

Sometimes, good drivers with claims-free histories see their rates increase. There are reasons beyond your control for that. Nevertheless, the benefits of having a spotless driving record are inarguable.

Being a caregiver is time-consuming and it can create financial stress. Here’s what you can do to offset those costs and where you can get help.

With excessive speeding and stunt driving on the climb in Ontario since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government is aiming to crack down on drivers whose reckless driving behaviours put others at risk.

Drivers in Ontario who cruise along either highways 412 or 418 won’t need to worry about being charged a toll to use them up until May 31, 2023, the province announced recently.

Poor road infrastructure has a noteworthy impact on the cost of maintaining and repairing our vehicles. Ontarians incur $88 and Albertans $64 per year in extra costs because of the state of our roads, a CAA nationwide study reveals.

While having an SUV can lead to higher insurance rates, there are ways to save money on the premium you pay. Get the scoop on what you can do to reduce your insurance bill.

Collision. Crash. Accident. Fender-bender. Whatever you call it, here’s what to do if get into a collision.

CAA South Central Ontario's annual Worst Road campaign is back, and the insurer is asking drivers in Ontario to nominate the road they think is the most unpleasant to travel.

The Toronto suburb of Mississauga will introduce Automated Speed Enforcement cameras to its streets in an effort to get drivers to slow down. Here are the details.

See the Automobile Insurance Rate Board’s latest rate-filing decisions for the first quarter of 2021 to find out if your insurer is increasing or decreasing the cost of insurance.

Frequently referred to as “other than collision” coverage, comprehensive car insurance is an optional type of protection that covers the cost of damages resulting from things such as a natural disaster. Here’s what you should know.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority published its rate change decisions for March. Get the details on whether or not your insurer was approved to increase or decrease its rate.

Travelers Canada, Dominion, and Chieftan auto policyholders in Ontario will get a rate decrease between 3% and 10% to help them weather the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 stay-at-home orders reduced traffic volumes and collision claims in 2020, but road fatalities hit historic heights in Ontario, and the cost to repair vehicles continues to rise. What’s it all mean insofar as the cost of your auto policy goes?

In general, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium payment is. But choosing high deductibles simply to decrease your premium may not be the way to go. Here’s why.

The provincial government says it will table new legislation designed to enhance standards and improve safety when getting your vehicle towed. Get a refresher on what your rights are if you need a tow.

Ontario drivers who are Aviva policyholders will see their premiums reduced by up to 20% when they apply for a new policy or renew their existing policy.

Canadian drivers carrying a car insurance policy with Intact and belairdirect can apply for one month’s worth of premium relief to help them cope with the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your auto policy’s third-party liability coverage protects you if the car you’re driving injures or kills someone or damages someone’s property and you are at fault. But do you have enough liability coverage? Here’s what you should know.

The insurer says it’s giving its new and existing Ontario car insurance policyholders a 15% discount on a 12-month term.

Auto insurance premiums change frequently. When your policy is up for renewal, checking to see if you can get a better rate for your coverage needs might save you a fair bit of cash.

T.O.’s Automated Speed Enforcement cameras are photo-capturing thousands of drivers who speed through the city’s community safety zones. All 50 cameras will be moved to new locations in May.

Canadians who are eager to take a weeklong trip away from home might want to think twice. If you do decide to travel in March or April, here’s what you should know.

A survey by the Insurance Bureau of Canada finds many condo dwellers don’t know if they’re properly insured. Find out what you’re covered for and where there may be gaps.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority published its rate change decisions for February. Get the details on whether or not your insurer was approved to increase or decrease its rate.

Thanks to the digital age, you can still file a home or auto claim or get a home inspection done despite the ongoing pandemic. Here’s what you need to know.

Motorists who sign up for usage-based insurance have the opportunity to earn discounts for demonstrating safe-driving habits. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority said it will allow insurers to impose surcharges on those with risky driving habits.

The Ontario Provincial Police published new rules outlining what tow truck drivers’ responsibilities are when responding to a towing request from the OPP in the Greater Toronto Area. Know what your rights are whether you request a tow or if the police order your vehicle to be towed.

When unexpected things happen on the road or at home, your insurance coverage can help you pay for damages and recover quickly. But what can you claim? Take the RATESDOTCA quiz and find out.

Changing your residential address can trigger changes to your car and home insurance costs. Here’s what to look out for and how to reduce your overall insurance bill.

Ontario’s car insurance regulator published its rate change decisions for January. Get the details on whether your insurer was approved to increase or decrease its rate.

Driving without insurance anywhere in Canada is illegal. The financial and personal consequences you may face for doing so can be life-altering.

Get a breakdown of what your statutory accident benefits coverage are in Ontario, as well as the minimum coverage limits, and the options to up your protection.

Making sure the insurance company can confirm your driving and insurance history is an important step before purchasing a policy. That’s where a letter of experience may help tilt the odds in your favour.

The seemingly mild winter much of Canada has been enjoying to date may be about to end. Get ready to bundle up and adapt your driving habits for icy driving conditions.

See the Automobile Insurance Rate Board’s latest rate-filing decisions for the fourth quarter of 2020 and find out if your insurer is increasing or decreasing the cost of insurance.

The average auto insurance premium in Toronto is $2,201 per year, up by 12.9% since 2018. Some Torontonians pay more than others depending on where in the city they live. Look up the average auto insurance rate where you live using your postal code with our Insuramap online tool.

In 2018, the average Ontario auto insurance premium was estimated to be $1,473 per year. In 2020, and according to RATESDOTCA’s Insuramap, the average premium is approximately $1,616 annually.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority wants to make consumer protection stronger by defining what is unfair or otherwise harmful to consumers. The regulator is seeking the public’s input on its proposal.

The type of vehicle you drive can influence the cost of your car insurance. But by how much? We wanted to find out by looking at the vehicles motorists in Alberta and Ontario drive who’ve had at least one at-fault collision, and what the impact is on premiums.

Data suggests distracted driving behaviour appears to be on the increase among Canadian drivers of all ages. With Canada’s annual National Safe Driving Week campaign underway, motorists should take stock of their habits behind the wheel and learn to avoid the temptation of interacting with their mobile phones while driving.

Home insurance covers a broad range of risks your dwelling may face. But sometimes, strange or unexpected things happen. Here are a few unusual circumstances that your policy may cover, and the factors insurers look at when calculating your premium.

Some insurers and airlines are offering travel insurance policies that includes coverage if you are stricken by COVID-19. But plans vary, and not all policies may cover expenses incurred if you are required to quarantine in another country. Here’s what you should know.

Albertans have been waiting for months to learn what the Automobile Insurance Advisory Committee’s research shows. Now they’ll have until mid-2021 to find out whether or not the government will overhaul how auto insurance works in Alberta.

The Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB) in Alberta gave several insurers the green light to increase their auto rates in the third quarter of 2020. Here’s what you need to know.

As Canada’s National Teen Driver Safety Week kicks off, a new RATESDOTCA survey of young drivers uncovers some alarming results when it comes to distracted driving.

Renovating or re-modelling your digs can be exciting but take the necessary steps to avoid disappointment and protect yourself before reaching for the hammer and nails.

An alarming number of 18- to 24-year-old drivers report driving while high or getting into a vehicle with a motorist impaired by cannabis. Cannabis can affect a motorist’s judgment, decision making, and reaction time, which increases the risk of getting into a collision.

If you see a solid red lane painted on a street in T.O., steer clear of driving in it. The painted red lanes denote buses and bicycles are allowed to use them, but not vehicles.

Also known as photo radar, more municipalities in Ontario are installing automated speed enforcement cameras in community safety zones to get drivers to slow down.

Many insurers may classify vaping in the same way they do smoking. If you smoke or vape, you can still qualify for a life insurance premium, but in all likelihood, you will pay a higher rate than someone who does not.

The coronavirus pandemic and Canada’s economic shutdown is shifting Canadians’ attitudes on how and where they work that will reverberate long after government restrictions ease, a new Rates.ca survey finds.

Flooding is the most significant peril facing Canadian homeowners. Most home insurance policies don’t include flood coverage. Here’s how you can try to mitigate that risk.

If you find yourself in an uncomfortable financial position because of COVID-19 and can’t pay your monthly insurance bill, here are ways you can proactively manage the situation and avoid your insurance from being cancelled.

Driving less and looking for ways to save money on car insurance during the coronavirus pandemic? Consider these eight suggestions.

These are extraordinary times for Canadian travellers. Find out what you need to know about how the COVID-19 virus may impact your travel insurance and travel plans.

Whether you’re heading stateside or any popular travel destination to escape winter’s wrath, don’t make the mistake of thinking your provincial health care plan will protect you if you suffer an injury or get sick.

One out of every four fatal collisions in Canada involves a distracted driver. A distracted driving conviction may increase your auto insurance by as much as 25%.

An Insurance Bureau of Canada comparison of auto insurance premiums in B.C. and Alberta shows most drivers in B.C. pay higher premiums for similar coverage than drivers in Alberta.

The goal of driver-assist technologies is to make our roads safer, so why aren’t auto insurance rates decreasing?

The cost of private passenger car insurance is going up in Alberta, in some cases by as much as 30%.