Car Insurance

We offer competitive automobile coverage to round out your insurance needs. Let us maximize value by combining your car insurance with a Heartland home, farm or commercial policy.

Contact your local Heartland insurance broker or agent to discuss your best options, or learn more about these FAQ’s:

How Can I Lower my Car Insurance Premium?

Bundling:
- if you have more than one car insured with Heartland you may qualify for a discount of 18% off most coverages
- if your personal home, condo or renters insurance are with Heartland you may qualify for a discount of 15% off most coverages.
Vehicles used personally that are located on a farm are entitled to Special Farmer rates which can be up to 40% discount from base rate.
Students living away from home can qualify for a discount up to 60% off specific coverage
If you commute less than 5kms one way to work you may qualify for a discount of 5% off most coverages
If you keep your policy with Heartland for three years you can qualify for a discount of 5% and if you remain for 7 years you can qualify a 10% discount off most coverages.
Retirees can qualify for a 10% discount on Accident Benefits coverage
If your vehicle has a qualifying theft deterrent system, a 20% discount will apply to Comprehensive coverage
Approved winter tires allow for 2% discount off most coverages
Increasing collision deductible from $500 to $1000 reduces Collision premium by 15%
Increasing collision deductible from $500 to $2500 reduces Collision premium by 26%

What affects the cost of car insurance?

Territory – Where you live matters. Areas with high population density for example have more cars on the road which results in more accidents which means insurance companies must charge more. With Heartland our prices reflect our focus on rural Ontario which means our rates are often more competitive in those areas
How you use your vehicle – If your car is on the road more than average, you are more likely to be involved in an accident than someone who is on the road less. As a result you will pay more for your insurance. For example, if you have a long commute distance to your work
Who drives your vehicle – Due to their inexperience, younger or newly licensed drivers normally pay more than experienced drivers.
Accidents – Any accident with your vehicle where are you ‘at fault’ will increase your rates. Someone is always determined to be at-fault in an auto accident, whether partially or fully. The Insurance Act and the Fault Determination Rules made under the Insurance Act determine fault for an auto accident. The Fault Determination Rules are regulations put in place to help insurance companies provide consumers with prompt claims handling and consistent treatment. Visit the Service Ontario e-laws website to view or print a copy of the Fault Determination Rules.
Tickets – If you are convicted (including not contesting and paying a fine) of any traffic violations the premiums charged to you could increase.
Non-payment – If you are unable to pay your premium on time or have payments returned as non-sufficient funds (NSF) your premium can increase. Payment problems can also lead to additional fees; Heartland’s NSF fee is $35 and reinstatement fee is $60.

Doesn’t everyone get the same insurance policy?

While the policy itself is standardized in Ontario, your coverage options are numerous. Contact your Heartland agent or broker for advice on what coverage best suits your needs.

What is the difference between personal (car) insurance and business (commercial automobile) insurance?

A motor vehicle of the private passenger type not used for passengers, nor rented to others without a driver. A motor vehicle with a pick-up body, a delivery sedan or a panel truck with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) owned by an individual and not used in the occupation, profession or business of the insured other than farming or ranching is treated a personal (car).

“Business Use” means that the use of the automobile is required by or normally involved in the duties of the applicant or any other person customarily operating the automobile, in his occupation, profession or business, other than in going to or from his principal place of occupation, profession or business.

How does working in a different town than were I live affect my premium?

“Multiple Territories” – When a vehicle is operated regularly in more than one Rating Territory, premiums are calculated using the territory in which the vehicle is garaged.

Why did the insurance company make my child a ‘principal driver’?

“Principal Operator” means the driver that operates the vehicle the most. However, if there are two or more vehicles in a household and the number of drivers including occasional drivers equals or exceeds the number of vehicles, each vehicle must have a different person designated as Principal Operator. For single vehicle households the operator generating the most premium will be designated as Principal Operator. The Company reserves the right to charge the premium based on the highest risk driver.

If I’m under 25 years old, when do my rates go down?

Single Males are grouped to reduce over four levels prior to age 25: 16 to 18, 19/20, 21/22, 23/24
Married Males are grouped to reduce over two levels prior to age 25: 16 to 20, 21 to 24
Females are grouped to reduce over two levels prior to age 25; 16 to 20, 21 to 24

Does it make a difference if I drive my car a lot or a little?

If you drive less than 16,000km per year your rates are lowest; driving up to 30,000km per year is slightly more; driving more than 30,000km per year is highest.
If you do not drive to work, your rates are lowest; driving up to 24km one way to work is slightly more; driving greater than 24km one way to work is the highest cost.

How will ‘driverless’ cars be insured?

As more and more new vehicles begin to incorporate automated features, the insurance industry will have to adapt to a future that includes ‘driverless’ cars. This Insurance Institute article highlights the challenges and implications.

PLEASE NOTE: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes and is not intended to form part of an automobile insurance contract. Contact a Heartland agent or broker for more information, coverage advice or a quotation.