What does collision insurance cover?
Collision pays for losses when your insured vehicle is in an accident with another car or rolls over. An object can include another vehicle, a trailer attached to a vehicle, the surface of the ground, or any object on the ground. Ontario auto insurance is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). The damage to your vehicle that it will cover includes:
- An accident with another vehicle, or another vehicle colliding with your automobile.
- A trailer attached to another vehicle.
- A hit and run if the incident is reported to the police.
- Colliding into a road sign, a street light, the ground, a pothole, an embankment, or another stationary object.
What is not covered by collision insurance?
Collision only provides coverage for auto accidents. It does not provide benefits if an object hits your vehicle. For example, if a tree falls on your car, that would be covered through comprehensive insurance.
Here is what you do not have coverage for:
- Damage when your vehicle is stationary.
- Damage to another driver's car.
- Medical costs.
How much does collision insurance cost?
The cost of adding collision varies based on your provider, your driving history, the current value of your vehicle, and your deductible amount.
On average, adding collision insurance to your policy typically costs between $100 and $500 per year. However, this is not a flat rate. Because collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of fault, the premium is highly personalized.
Key factors influencing your collision insurance rates include:
- Vehicle value: The higher the actual cash value of your car, the more it costs to insure. High-end SUVs and EVs generally command higher collision premiums.
- Your deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance applies. Choosing a higher deductible (for example, $1,000 instead of $500) will significantly lower your annual premium.
- Driving history: Drivers with a clean record and no recent at-fault accidents qualify for the lowest rates.
- Insurance provider: Rates vary between companies. Comparing quotes is the most effective way to find the lowest price for your specific profile.