Whether it’s brand new off the lot or a new to you purchase, buying your first car is an incredible thing! That sense of freedom cannot be put in to words – but before you head out on the road, there are a few things to take care of! That new found freedom comes with a huge responsibility on the road.

By law in Ontario, you are required to carry automobile insurance on any vehicle driven on Ontario roads.

Auto insurance comes with the basic coverages required by law, but there is a lot more to it than that.

One coverage that comes standard but has changed over the years, is Accident Benefits. These are designed to help you and your family in the event of a catastrophic or non-catastrophic loss in relation to an auto accident. The standard benefits include the following, but each can be increased at the request of the insured.

When you buy insurance from Colley Insurance, our Brokers will consult you on these options:

• Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care – These are determined by the severity of your injury. This benefit will pay for expenses not covered by other medical plans.
• Income Replacement – Can be increased based on your annual household income
• Caregivier, Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Expense – The standard benefit is only available to those who are catastrophically impaired, but can be purchased to cover all impairments.

There are a few more benefits that can be added on as well, including coverage such as collision and comprehensive (also known as Fire and Theft). This coverage is optional but recommended, as it will protect your physical vehicle in the event of a claim. For example, collision will respond if you are determined to be at fault in an accident. Comprehensive will respond in the event your vehicle is stolen, damaged in a fire, gets struck by lightning or is hit by a flying object.

There is a lot of information to consider when it comes to auto insurance, and we don’t expect you to know all of it.

Trying to navigate an insurance policy online with no help can be difficult. This is why choosing a broker should be a top priority when purchasing a new vehicle. We represent multiple companies to offer many different insurance packages that fit your lifestyle at the right price for you, and will make recommendations based on you and your driving habits.

Speak to a trusted broker for more information so you can hit the road knowing you’re covered.