Ontario Auto Insurance Changes Effective September 1, 2010

If you are an Ontario driver, you should have already received a second notice in the mail from your insurance company highlighting the important changes that are being made to your auto insurance policy. If you haven't received any communications or information from your insurance company, call your broker or agent to learn more and see our article on the upcoming changes to your car insurance policy for some introductory information. Below are some additional details on the important changes that will take effect as of September 1, 2010. Minor injury capAfter September 1, 2010, minor injuries covered under the medical and rehabilitation accident benefits portion of your auto insurance policy will now be capped at $3,500. Insurance rates where you are 25% or less at faultCurrently you would see an increase in your auto insurance premium if you were found to be as little as 25% at fault in an accident. Effective September 1, 2010, if you are determined to be 25% or less at fault in an accident, you will not see an increase in your premium as a result of the accident. For further information on fault determination please click hereProhibiting the use of credit scores There has been growing concern regarding the practices of some insurance companies requesting permission to access a consumers' credit score when providing a quote for an auto insurance policy. Effective September 1, 2010, insurance companies are prohibited from using credit information in order to treat consumers differently when they respond to requests for quotes, process applications for auto insurance or renewing policies. Direct Compensation or Property Damage Coverage If you are involved in an auto accident and your vehicle is damaged, Direct Compensation is the portion of your policy that will cover the repairs to your vehicle. Currently drivers in Ontario do not pay a deductible under this coverage. Effective September 1, 2010, you may choose to apply a $300 or $500 deductible to this particular coverage which would then result in a reduction to the premium paid for your auto insurance policy. For more details on the changes being made to automobile insurance in Ontario visit the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and speak to your insurance professional.