Frequently Asked Questions about Desjardins Auto Insurance
Got questions about auto insurance? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions all in one place!
Yes! Your friend will be covered under your auto insurance as long as they have a valid driver’s licence and the other terms and conditions of your policy are met. Keep in mind that if they’re involved in an at-fault accident while driving your car, your premium could go up.
To calculate the best insurance premium for you. It helps insurance companies predict possible future insurance claims and the risk they’ll be taking on. There’s a difference between checking credit for a loan and for insurance purposes; having your credit checked for insurance purposes doesn’t affect your score.
Read the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s All about credit information and insurance article for more details.
They’ll respect your decision, but if they can’t access your credit file, the premium they calculate for you might not be the best possible price. Read the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s All about credit information and insurance article for more details.
People who live in the city generally pay higher auto insurance premiums than those who live in the suburbs, mainly because a lot more can happen in the city. See Tips for reducing your auto insurance premium for more details.
Here are some reasons why city drivers pay higher premiums:
- More traffic
- More stolen vehicles
- More vandalism
If you want to get a car insurance quote, update your information or ask us a question, our Client Care Centre agents are here to help you:
- Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Contact us
Unfortunately, you can’t buy auto insurance online in your province (yet!).
To speak with an insurance agent, call 1‑877-699-9923.
With no-fault insurance, you’re covered and can receive accident benefits even if you’re 100% at fault, as long as you have Collision or Upset coverage.
Don’t be fooled by the name! Just because it’s called no-fault insurance, it doesn’t mean you can’t be found at-fault for an accident. What it does mean is that your insurance company will process your claim, no matter who caused the accident.
Also, if someone rear-ends you, you’ll file your claim with your insurance company, not the at-fault driver’s.
Yes, a copy of your insurance certificate is as valid as the original. You can use our Online Services to download and print a copy of your insurance certificate if you need one.
If you get pulled over by the police, it’s okay to show a black-and-white or colour copy of your insurance certificate. Just make sure it’s easy to read!
In Ontario, all drivers must have the following coverages:
Third Party Liability
Third Party Liability coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident and damage someone else’s property, or if you accidentally injure or kill someone. You’re legally required to have at least $200,000 in liability coverage, but most people choose $1 million or $2 million.
Accident Benefits
Accident Benefits coverage protects you and your family if you’re injured or killed in an accident, whether you’re at fault or not. You also have the option of increasing your Accident Benefits coverage by adding medical, rehabilitation, caregiver, attendant care, income replacement and non-earner benefits.
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
Direct compensation Property Damage (DCPD) coverage protects you against damage to your car if you’re in an accident that isn’t entirely your fault. It’s called “Direct Compensation” because you deal directly with your insurance company, not the third party’s.
If you’re 50% at fault, half of the repairs will be covered under your DCPD coverage and the rest will be covered under your policy’s Collision or Upset coverage (if you’ve purchased this optional coverage). In this case, you’ll need to pay half your deductible.
Uninsured Automobile Coverage
Uninsured Automobile Coverage protects you and your family if you’re injured or killed by a hit-and-run driver or someone driving an uninsured or unidentified vehicle. It also covers your car and its contents against damage caused by identified, uninsured drivers, but you’ll need to pay a deductible.
Some coverages are optional, but often required by insurers when you buy or lease a vehicle. See Choosing the right auto insurance coverage for more details.
When you choose standard auto insurance coverage, you can save hundreds of dollars by increasing your Collision or Upset and Comprehensive deductibles. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.
Yes. You can be sued whether or not you have insurance. If you don’t have auto insurance, you’ll be held personally responsible for any damage you cause in an accident. If you do have insurance, any damage you cause will be covered, up to the maximums set out in your policy.
Need help deciding what auto insurance coverages to buy? See Choosing the right auto insurance coverage for more details.
Believe it or not, you have the power to lower your auto insurance premium! Here are a few ways to save at your next renewal:
- Drive carefully (a clean driving record can make a real difference).
- Buy your home and auto insurance from the same provider to get a multi-product discount.
- Choose a vehicle with lower insurance rates. Generally speaking, the older the vehicle is and the fewer bells and whistles it has, the cheaper your premium will be.
- Increase your Collision or Upset or Comprehensive deductibles. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.
- Consider not getting the Collision or Upset and Comprehensive coverages for an older car.
Want to save more? See Tips for reducing your auto insurance premium.
By law, you’re required to have auto insurance. If you’re found driving without auto insurance in Canada, you’ll be fined. You’ll also need to pay for any damage you cause to someone else’s property and cover any legal costs if you injure or kill someone.
