Are You Moving To Ontario From Another Province?
If you are moving to Ontario from another province, welcome! There is so much to love about living in Ontario, a place of abundant urban and rural delights. You will love it here!
In terms of insurance, there are some things you should know before you move to Ontario. This blog provides information and tips to ensure you have the right home insurance and auto insurance in place during your move.
The Basics About Moving To Ontario Home And Auto Insurance
Ontario Has Lots Of Insurance Choices
Plenty of insurance companies are ready to compete for your insurance business when you move to Ontario. Competition means you can choose among prices and coverages and select the car insurance and home insurance you want. When you work with Ontario insurance brokers, you get several competitive quotes for your home and auto insurance, numerous coverage options, and guidance from an insurance professional.
Does Ontario Have Private Auto Insurance?
Some Canadian provinces, such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia, have public auto insurance systems managed by their provincial governments. In Ontario, private insurance companies sell insurance. This provides options for Ontario drivers. You can choose from numerous insurance companies offering different options and pricing, and choose the auto insurance that best suits your needs.
Ontario Has Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverages
By law, you must insure a vehicle if you plan to drive it in Ontario. Mandatory insurance coverages in Ontario include liability coverage, accident benefits, uninsured automobile coverage, direct compensation coverages, with some physical damages coverages and accident benefit options. Vehicle owners can choose to increase the limits of these mandatory coverages and can purchase additional auto insurance coverages to ensure you and your vehicle are properly protected. An insurance broker can customize your auto insurance to meet your requirements.
Ontario Does Not Have Mandatory Home Insurance Coverages
Although Ontario does not require homeowners to have home insurance, it is highly recommended to have. Ontario home insurance protects you, your family, and your investment in your home. If you do not have home insurance and you experience a loss, you will be required to pay for the damages out of pocket. A situation in which Ontario home insurance may be required is if you have a mortgage on your new home. The mortgage lender will likely require you to have Ontario home insurance.
Insurance Preparation Is Crucial When Moving To Ontario
When moving to Ontario, be sure to look after your insurance needs in advance. Work with an Ontario insurance broker before you move, where they will guide you through getting home and auto insurance. You will also want to contact your current broker to ensure your current insurance continues to be in force until your Ontario insurance comes into effect.
Does Ontario Have Higher Premiums Than Other Provinces?
Factors contributing to higher insurance costs include a higher number of claims, fraud, lawsuits, extreme weather events, and more. When you work with an Ontario insurance broker, they will compare quotes from dozens of insurance companies to get you the best insurance coverage at a competitive rate.
Insurance Tips For Moving To Ontario
Insurance tips for moving to Ontario include working with an insurance broker, getting a copy of your motor vehicle abstract and letter of experience, keep your current insurance until your move is complete, ensure your moving company has insurance coverage, apply for your Ontario drivers license, and register your vehicle and get license plates.
Work With An Insurance Broker
Work with an Ontario insurance broker who provides home and auto insurance and will provide guidance, get you several insurance quotes, get you all the home insurance discounts and auto insurance discounts you qualify for, and provide personal and prompt service.
Obtain your Motor Vehicle Abstract & Letter of Experience
Obtaining your Motor Vehicle Abstract and Letter of Experience prior to calling an Ontario insurance broker will save you time and possibly money as well on your automobile insurance. Your Motor Vehicle Abstract will provide numerous details regarding your license including your license class, any restrictions or conditions, and disclose any tickets or license suspensions on your record. Your Letter of Experience will reflect your insurance history with that specific insurance company and disclose any claims.
Don’t Cancel Your Current Insurance Until Your Move is Complete
Do not cancel your current home and auto insurance until your insurance in Ontario is in force. Inform your current insurance broker of details about your move to confirm continued coverage until you have Ontario insurance.
Arrange for your Ontario home insurance to begin when you take possession of your home. Proof of your insurance history may be required when getting Ontario home insurance, so it is a good idea to request a Letter of Experience from your current insurance provider.
Verify Your Moving Company Has Insurance Coverage
If you hire a moving company to bring your personal belongings to Ontario, it is important to verify that the mover has insurance coverage. You will want to ensure the mover has sufficient limits that will cover the value of your items in the event of a loss or damage to your belongings during the move.
As you transition to Ontario and you place your items in storage, be sure to mention this to your current insurance broker. There are limitations of coverage and time for items kept in storage.
Apply for an Ontario Driver’s Licence
The Ontario government requires that you exchange your out-of-province licence for an Ontario licence.
Register Your Vehicle and Get Licence Plates
In order to register your vehicle and get new licence plates, you need to have proof of auto insurance. You can drive an out-of-province plate in Ontario for a limited time following your move. Vehicle registration and permits and plates can be done at Service Ontario locations.
How to Choose an Ontario Insurance Broker
When you are looking for an insurance broker in Ontario, choose an insurance broker with a reputation for outstanding insurance products and excellent customer service. Reading the broker’s online reviews, such as Google and Facebook, provide good insight into customers’ experiences.
When you use an insurance broker, they will guide you through the process of getting personalized home and auto insurance, make the transition quick and easy, and save you money with discounts and programs.
"I moved from BC and had to switch all my insurance over to Ontario. I dealt with Simon Lammers, who was very helpful, and responsive for my case. I would refer him to anyone that needs insurance!"
Jaimy P, British Columbia resident moving to Ontario, Google Review
Morison insurance happily services customers moving to Ontario. We have the technology capabilities to provide outstanding insurance service to ensure you are properly protected during your move. Call us today and experience the Morison Difference.
How Long Does It Take To Get A New Insurance Policy in Ontario?
Get a new insurance policy in Ontario from an insurance broker who will serve you immediately. The insurance broker will get you several insurance quotes to compare coverage and prices. The broker will review the quotes with you, and you can purchase the insurance policy that meets your needs and budget.
Where Can I Get Home and Auto Insurance in Ontario?
Get home and auto insurance in Ontario from Morison Insurance. Our award-winning insurance brokers will discuss your move to Ontario and help you every step of the way. Get your personalized home and auto insurance quote by contacting us at 1-800-463-8074 or by filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you!
This content is written by our Morison Insurance team. It is provided for general information only. Insurance needs differ from person to person, and this article is therefore not a substitute for professional advice about your individual insurance needs which can be obtained by speaking to one of our brokers.
