Renewing car insurance in Canada

Is your car insurance about to expire and you want to renew it quickly and easily? It's entirely possible, right from the comfort of your own couch. This article will quickly show you how to renew your car insurance online. Rest assured, the renewal process on your Panda 7 is done in just a few steps, and you don't need to be a computer whiz to get a quote from the best insurers. However, if you need help with your car insurance in QuebecPlease know that we are always here to help you and answer your questions!

Is your car insurance renewal automatic?

Normally, and if you have chosen this option, your policy is automatically renewed annually for a 12-month period. Approximately 90 days before your policy expires, your insurer will prepare your auto insurance renewal. This process involves verifying that your provincial driving record is free of convictions or claims.

Review your renewal documents

You will receive a notice by mail or email (if you have chosen the Paperless option or online access) approximately 60 days before your renewal date. Please read this notice carefully before renewing your contract, as it may contain new information about your costs and policy.

Review your new insurance policy

You must read this notice carefully to understand the changes specified in your new contract. Have you read your policy and have nothing to add? Don't make the mistake of remaining silent, because now is the perfect time to negotiate better rates with your insurer. Read on to find out why you shouldn't automatically renew your car or home insurance!

5 factors that influence your car insurance premium in Quebec

There are several reasons why your car insurance cost might increase upon renewal, even if you have a clean driving record. Let's review the top 5 reasons why your car insurance premium could rise:

Accidents where responsible

An accident has occurred, and you are responsible for the damages and assume full liability. According to your insurer, you are therefore considered a higher risk driver than other drivers and require more coverage.

Complaints

You have submitted a claim to your insurer for damages or losses resulting from an incident (damage to your vehicle, theft, vandalism, or personal injury following an accident). Be aware that if the number of claims is high, your insurer may decide not to renew your insurance policy, in which case you will receive a notice of non-renewal.

Violations and convictions

Traffic violations, such as speeding, running a red light or driving without a valid license, and convictions, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, hit and run or other serious violations of the Highway Traffic Act, can also lead to an increase in your car insurance premium in Quebec.

Adding a new driver

If you add a new driver, the insurance company must provide new coverage and therefore your premium will increase.

Increased coverage limits

Do you need to renew your insurance policy? Get a quote now!

3 essential steps before renewing your car insurance

Notify of changes in circumstances

One of your obligations is to ensure that the personal information your insurer holds is up to date. You may not realize it, but this information can also affect your car or home insurance premium. This includes, among other things, your address (including a change of province), your telephone number, and your email address. If your vehicle usage has changed or if you have made any modifications to it (engine or physical appearance, for example), you must also report this.

New driver, change of credit card, traffic violations, license suspensions or accidents: in short, your insurer must be informed of everything concerning your vehicle and its use.

Review car insurance coverage

Your insurer knows that your insurance needs can change from year to year. That's why, before renewing your insurance, you should communicate any changes you want to make to your policy. If your habits or needs have changed and you need to adjust your coverage levels, take a moment to reassess your insurance needs. Many companies provide checklists and other resources to help you with this.

Compare car insurance or home insurance before automatic renewal

Here we are! We finally reveal why you shouldn't automatically renew your car or home insurance contract.

Each year and at each contract renewal, you have the opportunity to review your coverage and find better, more affordable insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change car insurance in Quebec?

That dreaded renewal notice has been sitting on your dining table with other documents for weeks now. You've finally found the time to read it, and then disaster strikes: you only have one week left before your insurance renewal! Bad luck, you compared car insurance policies yesterday on Panda 7 and now you want to switch to an affordable policy with better coverage.

Don't panic, take a deep breath! Fortunately, you can still change your car insurance. The law allows policyholders to accept or refuse any changes made by their insurer to their policy, or to take out a new policy, up until the day before the renewal date.

Is it possible to change insurance providers mid-year in Quebec?

The answer is: yes, but at what cost? Insureds in Quebec, or any other province, have the right to cancel their insurance policy at any time, regardless of the reason. To do so, simply send a cancellation letter to your auto insurance company.

Penalties

However, depending on the penalties listed in the cancellation schedule included with your contract, your insurer may require you to pay a certain amount. Please note that the further away your contract's expiry date is, the higher the penalty will be.

Where can I find the expiry date of my car insurance?

The end date of your car insurance policy is usually found on your insurance policy (at the beginning). Here are some other ways you can find your expiry date:

Insurance card

It's time to search your car's glove compartment for your insurance card. This card, which you must keep in your vehicle, indicates the expiry date of your insurance policy.

Online services (websites and mobile applications)

Visit your insurer's website, select your language (for example, French or English) and securely log in to online services to check your policy details.

Letters and emails

Emails or letters (depending on your communication preferences) sent by your insurance company are documents that may mention this deadline.

Customer service

Last resort: contact your insurer's customer service by phone or email. An advisor will certainly be able to answer your questions!

Looking to take advantage of an affordable car insurance premium? Compare insurance policies now!