The answer is “NO”. While many of the direct insurance companies would want you to believe they are, the fact is insurance is a very complex product. Premiums will vary by postal code; make, model or year of the vehicle; age of drivers; driving history and experience; just to name a few. Premiums charged are greatly influenced by the amount of claims an insurance company pays out to policies holders across the province and country. At isure, we compare rates offered from our extensive list of insurance companies to find the best solution for you.

Through the Financial Service Commission of Ontario (FSCO), the provincial government regulates automobile insurance. Insurance companies must seek FSCO approval before increasing or decreasing their overall rates (i.e. all their rates across the province). Other insurance policy premiums like home, and commercial insurance are not regulated.

Premiums are a very complex topic. Basically, insurers calculate different base rates for different risk profiles. These profiles include such variables as: where you live, your age, driving record, details about your car, how you use your car, and your driving history. Also, an insurer’s operating expenses, and their “loss experience” (how much they have paid out in claims for specific risk profile or paid out in general) will affect what premiums they charge.

Insurance companies will offer discounts to try and attract the risk profiles they feel are profitable. Between all the insurance companies, there are many different discounts offered, but some of the more common ones include: multi vehicle discount, age discounts, multi policy discount, and retiree discounts, etc.

Insurance companies are constantly reviewing their overall base premiums, and when required will apply to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario for approval of premium increases or decreases for all their rates across the province. In addition, changes in your profile can change your premium (i.e. a new car, moving to a new area, tickets, an accident, or you may qualify for additional discounts). This can all vary from insurance company to insurance company.

The answer is “No”. While many direct insurance companies would like you to believe they are cheaper because the cut-out the “middle man”, the fact is these companies still require significant costs operating call centers, and advertising their name. Unlike direct insurance companies, our commissions are fully transparent to the consumer. If you wish information concerning our compensation levels, please contact our office.

Through our parent company Belpac Capri Insurance Brokers Ltd., isure offers 24-hour emergency claims assistance.

Our service teams are divided into smaller groups of 2 to 3 brokers. All members are all experienced independent insurance brokers. Through our parent company Belpac Capri Insurance Brokers Ltd., many of our staff have worked in our service team for over 10-years. Our staff takes the time to speak with clients, and we often receive praise from customers on how comfortable they are dealing with our service staff.

Generally, only at-fault accidents will affect your insurance policy. For qualifying drivers, insurance companies will offer various different “forgiveness” options for at-fault claims. These must be purchased before the claim occurs. Speak to an isure broker for details.

Many drivers do not realize that for the exception of parking tickets, all tickets may affect your insurance premiums – including tickets where no demerit points were charged! Different insurance companies have different rules regarding tickets, and these rules can change over time. Speak to an isure broker for details.

Each insurer offers various payment plan options. From automatic monthly payments from your bank account, to 3 payments, to credit cards, to electronic bill payment….isure can offer a number payment options to meet your need. Let us know if a specific payment plan is important to you, and we will find the right company for you.

Firstly, having no tickets or claims helps! Other things to consider include: higher deductibles, and placing all your vehicles and your home policy with the same insurer. Most importantly, purchase your policy through and independent insurance broker offering you real choice…like isure!

As a general rule, if an insurer cancels your policy mid-term, there is no cancellation fee. All policy premiums are returned to you on a pro-rata basis (i.e. you only pay for the premium days the policy was in force). If you cancel your policy mid-term, insurers will typically charge a short rate cancellation fee. This fee will depend on the number of days your policy has been in force and the amount of premium you are paying. While most insurers use standard cancellations tables, always check with your carrier before cancelling a policy to know how much you may be charged. Finally, if you or your insurer cancel your policy at renewal (ie there is no coverage provided), there should be no additional cancellation fee or premium due.