June 15, 2011, Toronto, ON In an effort to help consumers save on insurance rates, Insurancehotline.com, a non-biased insurance rate comparison service is separating fact from fiction by debunking the most common car insurance myths in an effort to keep consumers informed.

Did you know that speeding tickets can affect your insurance for up to 3 years?

It's a proven fact that seat belts save lives. Transport Canada statistics indicate that five lives are saved for every one percent increase in seat belt usage among Canadians.Wearing a seat belt properly is a legal requirement for all motor vehicle drivers and passengers in Canada. Read further to learn how it can impact your insurance.

Accidents are very stressful events, physically, financially and emotionally. One of the best things we can do to get through the experience is to be prepared and know what to do ahead of time. If you've never been involved in an automobile collision before, or if it's been a while, you may not be familiar with what to do or how to react in certain situations. With that in mind here are 5 things you didn't know about car accidents and what to do if they happen.

When an insurance company qualifies you for insurance, they look at a variety of factors and try to determine what the chances are that you will file an insurance claim at some point in the future.

Did you know that if you have snow tires on your vehicle, you should be changing them back to summer tires once the spring weather has arrived?

Can I insure someone as an occasional driver on my vehicle if we do not reside at the same address?

When you buy car insurance, it's important to get the right policy for yourself and your family. You want to make sure that you are fully protected if you get into an accident or if your car is stolen or damaged by other means. Of course, let's not forget you'd like to save as much money as possible while still ensuring that you're adequately covered.

Automobile theft is a significant problem that costs Canadians approximately $1.2 billion each year in insurance, health care, policing and correctional costs. Statistics Canada reports that just over 125,000 vehicles were stolen in Canada in 2008. The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that about 20,000 stolen cars are exported from Canada annually.

In most areas of Canada, the winter season can significantly affect driving conditions, leaving you more prone to accidents. During the winter, even more so than other times of the year, it's important to focus on defensive driving to protect yourself and keep your family safe and sound. Driving safely also helps keep your insurance rates down, while minimizing wear and tear on your vehicle.