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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked insurance questions here.
Most common questions
How do I lower my car insurance cost?
There are several things you can do to help lower your car insurance costs:
Work on your driving record
Choose your automobile wisely
Adjust how you use your car
Choose a higher deductible
Consider Telematics
What does home insurance cover?
Home insurance could cover:
Damage or loss to your home
Damage, theft or loss of your personal possessions
Personal property stolen from your vehicle
Damage or injury to others who visit your home or property
Accidental damage you cause to somebody else’s property
What does tenant insurance cover?
Tenant insurance policies can cover expenses in the event of damage or loss to your rental unit or personal belongings:
Hotel Costs
Fire Damage
Stolen Goods
Find answers by category
Buying InsuranceCoverage
Claims
Insurance Basics
PC Optimum™ ProgramBuying insurance online with PC® insurance means you have the option to conveniently purchase insurance coverage through our website from any location, without needing to call in to our call centre to purchase your policy.
To buy your auto insurance with PC® insurance, follow these steps :
Go to the PC® insurance website.
Select auto insurance as insurance type.
Answer questions about your vehicle details, personal details, licensing history, insurance history, and driving history.
Provide your PC Optimum™ membership account number to get exclusive savings.
Submit your information by clicking on “Get my free quote” to get an accurate online quote.
Click on "Purchase your policy online" to continue.
Review the quote information you provided to ensure all details are true and accurate.
Proceed to complete your online purchase by providing your Vehicle(s) Identification Number (VIN).
Answer additional questions about your vehicle details and usage.
Enter your payment details.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully purchased your auto insurance online.
Yes, when you buy insurance plans online through PC® insurance, your personal data and payment information is securely processed through trusted payment gateways.
When purchasing insurance, you’re buying directly with PC® insurance. As a broker, we compare quotes from multiple insurance providers, so you don't have to. Auto and Home insurance are arranged for by PC Financial® Insurance Broker Inc. and underwritten by several selected Canadian insurers.
After two days, you will receive a confirmation email informing you that your application has been processed and your insurance is now in effect.
There are many factors that insurance providers take into consideration before quoting you a price for an insurance policy, such as:
your age
your gender
where you live
what kind of car you drive
how much you use your car
your driving record
your claim history
the type of coverage you choose
the amount of your deductible
Depending on the policy you choose, your car insurance could help cover repairs on your car if damaged or in an accident, as well as liability claims if you're held responsible for an accident that causes damage to property.
An insurance policy covers an automobile and its drivers or passengers in the event of a claim (accident, theft, vandalism or other damage) as outlined in the policy.
Car insurance coverage is the maximum amount of money the insurance company will pay you if you make a claim for a loss or an event covered by your policy.
If you own a vehicle in Canada, you are legally required to have the mandatory coverage such as liability, accident benefits, direct compensation-property damage and uninsured auto. You should also have adequate optional collision and upset coverage and comprehensive coverage to protect your property in case of loss.
Liability can cover costs resulting from injuries to a person or damage to someone else's property with your car.
Accident benefits can provide coverage of payment for income replacement, medical payments, and other financial assistance if you are injured in a car accident. Options to increase these benefits are available.
Direct compensation may cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, and may provide you with a rental car, if you're in an accident that isn't your fault or only partly your fault.
Uninsured auto may cover you and any other passengers in your vehicle for injuries. It may also cover damage to your vehicle by a driver who doesn't have insurance, or a hit-and-run driver. In Ontario, you can only make a claim under this coverage if the other vehicle and/or driver can be identified. If the driver or vehicle can't be identified, this coverage doesn't apply but there still may be benefits for injuries and/or collision under other parts of your policy.
We recommend $2 million liability coverage on your car insurance.
$1 million liability has been standard on many car insurance policies for some time, with the number of payouts exceeding this amount continuing to increase year over year.
We don’t want to put our clients in a situation where they don’t have enough coverage when they need it the most.
That’s why we recommend increasing to $2 million liability - it’s typically only a few extra dollars each month.
Get a free online quote now.
We'll make sure your online quote includes all the mandatory coverage legally required in your province.
You can also select optional coverage based on your individual needs.
Our licensed Insurance brokers are here to answer all your questions. To start this discussion, complete your free online quote now.
Here are some common endorsements that can be added to your car insurance policy:
Coverage for Transportation Replacement: Loss of Use
If your vehicle is in the shop due to an insured claim, you can be reimbursed up to your limit for a rental car, taxi cab, or whichever form of transportation you need to get around.
Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Autos
If you rent a vehicle anywhere in Canada or the U.S., this policy can help provide coverage for any damage up to your limit.
Limited Waiver of Depreciation
In the event you are in an accident which causes the full loss of your vehicle within the first few months you own it, you can be reimbursed for the purchase price rather than the depreciated value of the vehicle.
Accident Waiver
Your first at-fault accident is forgiven, which means that it will not be reflected in your driving record.
Conviction Protector
Your first minor conviction (such as a speeding ticket) is forgiven, which means that your premium will not increase as a result of that minor conviction.
Please note that endorsements are not available from all insurance providers and that policy holders must meet certain requirements to qualify for them.
There are several things you can do to help lower your car insurance costs:
Work on your driving record
Here's an easy and effective way to bring down your insurance costs: build a consistent accident and conviction-free track record with an insurance company.
Choose your automobile wisely
We recommend you do your research before you invest in a new car. Read consumer reports and check with your insurance company to find out which cars tend to be targets for theft and vandalism. If you purchase a car with a high theft rate, your premium could be higher.
Adjust how you use your car
By adjusting the way you use your vehicle, you could bring down the cost of your insurance rates. If you live in a metropolitan area: can you take the subway, train or bus to work? Has your job changed, or have you moved recently? Do you use your automobile to drive a short distance to work? Does your vehicle get used for low annual kilometers?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be entitled to lower insurance costs.
Choose a higher deductible
If you choose a higher deductible up front, in many cases your premiums will be lower.
Consider Telematics
Telematics-powered car insurance is a form of policy in which insurance companies rely on in-car tracking devices to monitor your driving habits and tendencies. This can earn you discounts based on your safe driving habits.
Don't forget our licensed Insurance brokers are here to answer all your questions. To start this discussion, complete your free online quote now.
If a vehicle is not listed, it's likely that is because it’s brand new and hasn’t been added to our quoting system yet.
To continue with your free online quote, select the same or closest model of the previous year. Then, when you are confirming your rate with one of our licensed Insurance brokers by phone, they can update the year of your vehicle and inform you of any rate adjustments.
Car insurance does not cover the contents of your car. However, this property is typically insured by your home insurance policy.
If you lend your car to someone and they get into an accident, your car insurance may extend to other drivers as long as you gave them permission to drive it.
Regular or frequent drivers of your car must be added as drivers to your insurance policy in order to be covered.
We do offer coverage for motorhomes and RVs, however due to the specialized nature of these vehicles, please call one of our brokers [M(1] [C(2] [M(3] at 1-866-660-9035 to discuss coverage options.
Collision coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if you are involved in an at-fault accident, single vehicle accident, or hit and run.
Comprehensive insurance covers other losses, for example due to fire, theft or vandalism.
If you have a newer car, you may want to protect your investment with collision and upset and/or comprehensive coverage.
If you're leasing or financing your car, the leasing company or bank will require that you insure your car for collision and comprehensive coverage before releasing the funds to purchase.
If you are involved in a car accident and your car is damaged, your insurance company is required, by law, to assign the percentage of fault to each of the drivers involved in the accident.
If you are in an accident and yours is the only car involved, your insurance company will most likely consider it an "at fault" accident (100% at fault).
It is also possible to be in an accident and be considered "not at fault" (0% at fault) or even "partially at fault" (50% at fault).
Fault is determined using the fault determination rules set out by your province which are designed to help insurance companies deal with accident claims quickly and economically. All insurance companies must use the same rules.
If you believe your insurance company made an error in settling your claim, ask your claims adjuster which Fault Determination rule was applied in your case.
If you don't agree with the way your insurance company has determined fault, have a conversation with your broker, who can guide you through your claim and advocate on your behalf with the carrier.
After an accident, your insurance company may decide to treat your car as a write-off instead of repairing it, if the cost to fix your car is more than the value of your car before it was damaged.
In this case, the company may provide you with a cash settlement based on the value of your car before it was damaged.
The grid system is the rating program for automobile insurance in Alberta that indicates the maximum premium you can be charged for third party and accident benefits based on where you land on the scale.
For more information, consult The Automobile Insurance Rate Board.
The following are some types of discounts you may be eligible for.
Please note that discount options, eligibility criteria and availability vary by province and insurer.
Multi-vehicle Discount
By insuring two or more vehicles in your household with the same insurance carrier, you could pay lower rates.
Conviction-free Discount
Maintaining a clean driving record – no tickets or driving infractions for a set number of years – may help you save.
Retiree Discount
If you’re at least 65 and retired, you may save on your premiums.
Graduated Licensing Discount
When graduating from a learner’s permit to a fully licensed driver, you may qualify for a discount.
Good Student Discount
Drivers under 25 with an 80% average in school may be eligible for a discount.
Autonomous Emergency Braking System Discount
If your car is fitted with this safety feature, it could save you money on your insurance premium.
Electric or Hybrid Vehicle Discount
Making the choice to drive an electric or hybrid car may offer another way to save.
Private Parking Discount
If you have a private parking spot for your car, like your garage or driveway, you may be eligible for a discount.
Student Away From Home Discount
If your child is an occasional driver and attends school away from home, they may qualify for a discount.
Driver’s Training Discount
Completing a government-approved driver’s training program may help you save on insurance.
Due to the specialized usage of these vehicles, this type of coverage is not available through PC®</sup> Insurance.
Comprehensive insurance covers losses outside of collision and upset insurance, for example; fire, theft, or vandalism.
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay if you have to make a car insurance claim.
Yes. You are legally required to have the minimum amount of car insurance set by your province if you own a car or other vehicle.
Get a free online quote now.
If you need to cancel your car insurance policy, start by filling out the “Request for Policy Cancellation” form which you can download by clicking here.
Please ensure that all persons named as “Insured” on the policy sign this form.
Send the completed and signed form to us by email, post, or fax.
Email:
talktous@autohome.pcinsurance.ca
Post:
PC Home & Auto Insurance
P.O. Box 483 Station A
Windsor, ON
N9A 6M6
Fax:
1-877-251-8648
If you have any questions or concerns, call 1 800‑205‑7171 to speak with one of our licensed insurance brokers.
Missed payments may result in automatic policy cancellations.
If you missed a car insurance payment, call us at 1 800‑205‑7171 to speak to your broker about your account.
Every policy is different, but how much your insurance policy increases after an accident is closely related to who is designated at-fault.
Prior at-fault accidents or traffic violations cause your premiums to increase because they increase your risk rating.
In general, the higher the risk an insurance company deems your situation to be, the more your insurance will cost.
Some other factors taken into consideration when car insurance providers calculate your premium are:
your age
your gender
where you live
what car you drive
how much you use your car
your driving record
your claim history
the type of coverage you choose
the amount of your deductible
For more information, call 1 800‑205‑7171 to speak with a licensed insurance broker.
Getting car insurance is quick and easy and can all be completed over the phone.
Our free online quote and application process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
To save time and make the process as smooth as possible, we recommend you take time to research and determine what your insurance needs are in advance.
When you’re ready to get a quote, gather all your documents. You will need to provide details about your car, your driving history, your insurance history, and information on any past traffic violations.
In general, the higher the risk an insurance company deems your situation to be, the more your insurance will cost.
Insurance companies take several factors into consideration when calculating your car insurance premium, such as:
your age
your gender
where you live
what kind of car you drive
how much you use your car
your driving record
your claim history
the type of coverage you choose
the amount of your deductible
For more personalized information on your car insurance premium, call 1-866-660-9035 and speak to one of our licensed insurance brokers.
The easiest way to avoid cancellation charges is to cancel your insurance on your policy expiry/renewal date.
If you need to cancel your car insurance policy, start by filling out the “Request for Policy Cancellation” form which you can download by clicking here.
Please ensure that all persons named as “Insured” on the policy sign this form.
Send the completed and signed form to us by email, post, or fax.
Email:
talktous@autohome.pcinsurance.ca
Post:
PC Home & Auto Insurance
P.O. Box 483 Station A
Windsor, ON
N9A 6M6
Fax:
1-877-251-8648
If you have any questions or concerns, call 1 800‑205‑7171 to speak with one of our licensed insurance brokers.
A car insurance quote is an estimate of the monthly premium you would pay for car insurance based on the information you provide your insurance broker.
Get a free online quote today.
Please contact us by phone: 1 877 251-8656
Or email: talktous@autohome.pcinsurance.ca
Our licensed brokers will advise you on a potential claim before you file it. We’ll walk you through the process to determine the best next steps for you.
In the event of an emergency claim, please call the appropriate number below:
Aviva Canada, Scottish and York, Traders, Elite Hagerty
1-866-692-8482
Economical Insurance
1-800-607-2424
Pembridge & Pafco Insurance
1-800-387-0462
Travelers Canada
1-800-661-5522
Chieftan
1-800-268-5371 or 1-800-265-4408
Intact
1-866-464-2424
Yes! You can earn 2x the regular PC Optimum™ points* for every dollar spent at PC® Insurance if you pay your premiums using your President's Choice Financial Mastercard.
All purchases with the PC Financial® Mastercard® earn a minimum of 10 PC Optimum points per dollar. When you pay your PC® Insurance home or auto insurance premium with your PC Financial® Mastercard®, earn 20 PC Optimum™ points per dollar. Minimum redemption is 10,000 PC Optimum™ points (worth $10 in free rewards) and in increments of 10,000 PC Optimum™ points thereafter, at participating stores where President's Choice® products are sold. Some redemption restrictions apply; visit pcoptimum.ca for details and full store list.
It can take up to 4-6 weeks for PC Optimum™ points to be awarded.
You can check the status of your points in your online account or by using the PC Optimum™ app.
You can redeem PC Optimum™ points earned on your car insurance in store and online at participating locations.
Minimum redemption is 10,000 PC Optimum™ points (worth $10 in free rewards) and in increments of 10,000 PC Optimum™ points thereafter, at participating stores where President's Choice® products are sold. Some redemption restrictions apply; visit pcoptimum.ca for details and full store list.
Insurance covers the vehicle, not the person. When you lend your car, you lend your insurance. If an accident occurs, it will be covered under your policy.
Where you live plays an important role in the price of your car insurance, as different locations have different risk factors. Some locations may have a higher claims frequency due to more accidents or thefts, which are contributing factors in determining car insurance prices. Because of this, moving might affect your premiums.
While specific policies such as comprehensive insurance will provide coverage if your vehicle is stolen, it does not cover items inside your car. The items inside your car would be covered under most property insurance policy.
If you are just driving your vehicle to travel in the United States or Canada, you do not need to let your brokerage know unless it’s for an extended period.
No, the colour of your vehicle does not impact your premiums, but the type of vehicle you drive does, as each vehicle is rated differently
A rental car insurance endorsement provides coverage so that you do not need to purchase rental car insurance if you rent a car anywhere in Canada or the USA subject to your policy limits.
Every licensed driver in a household must be listed on an auto insurance policy if they will be driving a vehicle belonging to the household, even occasionally
You are required to add all licensed drivers living in the household or who have regular or frequent access to the vehicle and are not currently listed on any other policies.