If you operate a vehicle on Canadian roads, you’ll need to have an auto insurance policy in place. It’s the law. If you’re ever pulled over and are caught without a valid insurance policy, the repercussions can be hefty.
But even if auto insurance wasn’t mandated, it would still be a good idea to have. If you’re ever involved in an incident, your insurance policy can cover the cost of repairs to the vehicles involved and even protect you against litigation and liability if the accident is your fault. You can also choose to upgrade your policy to make it more comprehensive so you’re covered for even more than what a standard policy provides.
There are several auto insurance providers in Canada, and The Co-operators is one of them. This insurance provider has long been in the Canadian insurance industry and offers a myriad of insurance products, including car insurance. Thousands of car owners in Canada have entrusted this insurance firm to provide coverage for their vehicles.
Let’s go into more detail about auto insurance through The Co-operators.
Who Are The Co-operators?
The Co-operators has been around for decades providing insurance policies to Canadians. Established in 1945, the Canadian-owned firm has become among the more well-known and trusted insurance firms in the country.
The Co-operators offers several types of insurance products, including auto insurance. Canadian drivers can choose from various options in terms of coverage and price to suit their needs and budgets. The insurance company also offers a handful of additional coverage options to help customize their policies, and accounts can be accessed via The Co-operators’ convenient mobile app.
What Kind Of Vehicle Insurance Does The Co-operators Offer?
The Co-operators offers the following types of car insurance, some of which are mandatory and others that are optional:
Third-Party Liability
This type of coverage is mandatory in Canada and covers losses — such as injury or death — caused by your vehicle to others. It also covers the cost to repair any damage that your vehicle causes to other vehicles, though it won’t cover the cost to repair your own car. If you want coverage to repair your car in the event of an accident, you will need additional coverage.
Accident Benefits
This insurance is also a requirement in Canada and covers the cost of medical expenses if you’re injured in an accident. It also covers any loss of income if you’re unable to return to work as a result of your accident-related injuries.
Collision
Collision insurance covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if you hit another automobile or object with your vehicle. Depending on where you live, this type of coverage may be included with your mandatory insurance coverage.
See why you need insurance in Canada.
Comprehensive
A comprehensive insurance policy will cover the cost to repair any damage to your car that was caused by other types of loss or damage, including theft, vandalism, fire, flying objects, and natural disasters. This type of coverage is not meant to cover any damages done if you hit another vehicle or object with your car in a collision.
Uninsured Automobile
If anyone in your car is injured or killed by an uninsured motorist, this type of coverage will protect you.
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
This coverage type is only available in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland, and covers the cost of damage or loss to your vehicle in an accident that may not entirely be your fault.
Optional Coverage
If you’re looking for extra protection through your auto insurance policy with The Co-operators, you’ll have the following add-on options available to you:
Accident Forgiveness
With this option, the first accident you get into will not affect your premiums, as long as your driving record is clean in the 6 years prior.
Loss Of Use
This endorsement will cover the cost of renting a car temporarily if your vehicle has been damaged and cannot be driven as a result.
Family Protection
If you get into an accident with a motorist who does not have sufficient coverage to pay a claim, a family protection endorsement can provide coverage. This is only applicable if the other motorist has less insurance coverage than you do.
Limited Waiver Of Depreciation
This option covers you against the loss of value of your new car if it’s damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced as a result of an accident.
Legal Liability For Damage To Non-Owned Vehicles
If you cause damage to a car you don’t own while you were driving it, this endorsement will provide coverage.
Looking to bundle your home and auto insurance? Co-operators makes it easy, see how here.
What Is And Isn’t Covered Under Auto Insurance?
Before you take out an auto insurance policy, it’s important to understand that not everything will be covered. There are some exclusions that you should be aware of that may apply to your policy, such as the following:
Illegal Activities
If you were operating your vehicle and get into an accident while doing something illegal — such as driving under the influence — you may be denied coverage.
Not Reporting An Accident
Your insurance policy may not kick in if you fail to report an accident within the required time frame.
Unauthorized Use Of Your Car
If you use your car for commercial purposes, for instance, and your car is not insured for commercial use, you won’t be able to make any claims for work-related accidents.
Already have auto insurance and looking to cancel it?
Lack Of Maintenance
Cars require regular maintenance from time to time, such as performing an oil change. If you don’t schedule preventative maintenance on your car, your claim might not be approved.
Fraudulent Claims
You must be honest when filing a claim. If the insurance company discovered that you’ve been fraudulent with your claim, you will not be reimbursed for damages and may even have to deal with legal ramifications.
Types Of Vehicles You Can Insure
All types of vehicles can be covered under an auto insurance policy with The Co-operators:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Vans
- Commercial vehicles
- Farm vehicles
- Antique cars
- ATVs
- Mopeds
- Motorcycles
- Dirt bikes
- Motorhomes
- Snow vehicles
- Trailers
- Fleet
- Buses
How Do You Apply For Auto Insurance With The Co-operators?
To apply for an auto insurance policy with The Co-operators, follow these steps:
- Provide your personal information using the online application. Information will include your full name, email address, proof of identity, and any pertinent documents.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for verification and negotiate the terms of your policy.
Pros And Cons Of The Co-operators
Pros:
Quick And Easy Application Process
It only takes a few minutes to apply for an auto insurance policy with The Co-operators, which can be done entirely online.
Many Coverage Options
You can easily customize your auto insurance policy thanks to all the options that The Co-operators offers.
File A Claim Online
Not only can you apply for an auto insurance policy online with The Co-operators, but you can also file a claim through your online services account.
Discounts
The Co-operators offers discounts for certain circumstances, such as bundling insurance products. If you take out other types of insurance with the firm — such as life or home insurance — along with your auto insurance policy, you may qualify for a bundling discount.
Cons:
No Online Quotes On The Website
If you want to know how much an auto insurance policy will cost you through The Co-operators, you may need to call or obtain an online quote, as the website does not offer this information.
Extras Can Be Expensive
If you want full coverage for auto insurance, you could be looking at pricey premiums for all those add-ons and extras.
Not Everything Is Covered
There may be certain items excluded from your auto insurance policy that you should be aware of.
How Do You Make a Claim?
You can file a claim with The Co-operators in various ways, including:
- By telephone at 1-877-682-5246 (1-877-594-2667 for Quebec)
- Online through your client account
- Using The Co-operators mobile app
- Through email
After you file a claim, a representative will be dedicated to your case. You can call them directly if you have any questions or concerns about your claim.
If you submit your claim electronically by completing the appropriate claim, you can speed up the claims process.
Final Thoughts
The Co-operators has become a trusted name in the insurance industry in Canada and has a long and successful history of offering Canadians full coverage for auto insurance, among other insurance products. In addition to taking out an auto insurance policy with The Co-operators, you might also want to apply for any other policies you may require to get a bundled discount and reduce your overall rates.
