May 31, 2023
What is an OPCF?
An Ontario Policy Change Form (OPCF) is an optional provision that allows you to alter the amount of auto coverage in certain situations. You can add, reduce, or change the amounts on your existing policy, ensuring you have the Ontario car insurance you need to meet your driving requirements.
There are many different types of OPCF insurance endorsements or additions that you can purchase for your policy. How much these additions will impact your rates will depend on the type of OPCF.
What are the most common OPCF endorsements?
To help you gain a better understanding of the common options available to Ontario drivers, we’ve put together a list of the most common OPCFs :
OPCF 20 - Rental Car
One of the first things you think about after an accident, if your vehicle has damage that prevents it from being driven, is what you are going to do for transportation while your car is in the shop. In some cases, you could be without your vehicle for weeks while it is getting repaired, and having to pay for the cost of a rental out of pocket can add up.
This provides you with protection for transportation replacement and rental car insurance if you were to get into a car accident or if your vehicle is stolen.
The OPCF 20 definition allows you to choose to either rent a car or hire a taxi while your vehicle is being repaired. Depending on the addition to your policy, there may be a limit to the amount you will be provided.
OPCF 27 – Drive Another Person’s Car
You may find yourself driving a vehicle you do not own in many situations. For example, you may drive your parents’, siblings’, boss’s or friend’s vehicle for various reasons. However, the most common reason you may be driving a vehicle that you don’t own is you rented a vehicle while on vacation.
OPCF 27 - Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s) and Providing Other Coverages When Insured Persons Drive Other Automobiles, provides you with physical damage protection for vehicles you drive that are not your own, including rental cars. This means that if you cause damage to a vehicle while driving, it will be covered, often up to a limit of $50,000. It is subject to a insurance deductible and will include all drivers listed.
OPCF 39 – Accident Waiver / Forgiveness
Accidents happen every day. Some aren’t your fault, and others are. When an accident is your fault, especially if you have a clean driving record, it can erase all those years of accident-free driving, that is, unless you have accident forgiveness.
OPCF 39, also referred to as accident protection or accident forgiveness, will protect your driving record or preferred driver rating in the event of your first at-fault accident. This means that your premiums will not increase as a result of an insurance claim as long as you remain with the same insurer. If you choose to switch providers, you could see a price change on your policy.
OPCF 43 / 43A - Remove Depreciation Deduction
Coming to an amicable agreement with your insurer about the replacement value of your vehicle when filing a claim is important. You want to get the most value possible in order to replace your vehicle if it's a total loss. This is the purpose of OPCF 43 / 43A.
OPCF 43 – Removing Depreciation Deduction, and OPCF 43A – Removing Depreciation Deduction for Specified Lessee(s) allows you to remove your insurer’s right to deduct depreciation from the value of your vehicle when settling for damage or loss. Essentially, it ensures that you will be able to replace your car with one of the same make and value.
You will have an option for the number of months for it to be in effect. In most cases, you can choose between 24 and 60 months. To be eligible for this endorsement, drivers must be the vehicle's original owners, and you must carry full insurance.
OPCF 44R - Family Protection
Even though insurance is mandatory, there may be instances where you are involved in an accident with another driver who does not have as much or adequate coverage. OPCF 44R protects you if you are involved in an accident, and the at-fault driver does not have enough to compensate the injured victims to cover the costs of their medical bills and recovery. With this, you can recover the remaining outstanding damages.
The OPCF 44R wording ensures that you are properly insured if you or a family member is injured. Depending on your insurer, you may have a number of limits to choose from.
Other OPCFs
Other common OPCFs drivers add to their coverage:
- OPCF 5 : Rented or leased vehicle.
- OPCF 16 & OPCF 17 : Suspension and reinstatement of putting your car insurance on hold.
- OPCF 19/19A : Limiting amount paid for a loss or claim, and agreeded value of vehicles.
- OPCF 23A & OPCF 23B : Leinholder protection and mortgage endorsement.
- OPCF 28 and 28A : Reducing amounts for named persons and excluded driver.
- OPCF 40 : Get additional protection with a fire insurance deductible.
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Contact us to learn more about OPCFs and your policy
Contact us today with all your questions about OPCFs and how to add an OPCF to your auto insurance coverage. You can also contact us to learn more about additional home related coverages, such as contents insurance and identity theft insurance, to name a few.
