Frequently Asked Questions

VINs provide specific information about a vehicle’s manufacturer, model, model year, make, equipment and class. It’s typically found engraved on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, on the bottom of the driver’s door post, on the ownership permit and on the pink liability card (proof of insurance). VINs are used by insurance companies to set premiums, by law enforcement to help identify the rightful owner of stolen vehicles, and by auto body shops to order appropriate parts. Read more.

Insurers consider multiple factors when calculating your premium, including your vehicle’s make, model, year and safety features, your age and driving record, where you live, how frequently you drive, if your vehicle is also used for commercial purposes, etc. Read more.

Yes. Regardless of where you live, purchasing auto insurance for personal injury and property damage is mandatory across Canada. Depending on where you license your vehicle you must purchase insurance from either a private or government insurer. Read more.

When you lend your car, you also share your auto insurance. Typically, a guest driver who is legally licensed to drive in the province where the car is insured is also covered under your policy. Should the guest driver cause a collision while driving your car, your premium may increase. You must agree – verbally or in writing – that the other person may use your car. However, someone else cannot use your car on a regular basis without being named on your insurance policy.

When you buy or renew home insurance, work with an insurance professional to understand what coverage best suits your needs. Home insurance coverage can be broken into two categories – personal property and personal liability. There are several types of policies, like home (owner occupied, rented to others, recreational/seasonal); condo/strata (owner occupied, rented to others, recreational/seasonal); and tenant or renter's insurance. Then there are multiple levels of coverage: comprehensive, basic or named perils, broad and no frills.

Your insurance representative can help you determine applicable coverage, premiums and available discounts, as well as your personal property insurance requirements. Read more about home insurance.

You can ask your insurer for contractor recommendations. Most insurers have preferred vendors, contractors or suppliers who respect the estimates and specifications agreed upon. You can use a contractor or supplier of your choice to do any repairs. Your insurer will estimate the damage. If your contractor charges a different price, you will be responsible for the difference. Before signing a contract, you should speak with your insurance adjuster to find out how much of the estimated cost your insurer will pay. Read more

Contact your insurance representative and provide complete, accurate details as soon as possible following a theft, accident or property damage. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour claims service. When it’s safe to do so, make a complete list of all damaged, destroyed or stolen property. Keep all receipts and invoices for loss-related expenses. A claims specialist or adjuster will contact you once you’ve filed your claim to help you through the process. Read more.

The type of business insurance coverage you need depends on the type of business you operate. The best way to get the insurance that meets your needs is to speak with a qualified insurance representative who can help you determine the risks you need to manage and the coverage options available to you. You may need to consider commercial property insurance to protect your business’ physical assets against loss or damage from a broad range of causes. You may also want to consider insurance coverage for accounts receivable, business income, business interruption (also known as BI), commercial auto, commercial general liability (also known as CGL), crime, directors’ and officers’ liability, home business or professional liability (also known as Errors and Omissions or E&O). Read more

Record all details about the event as soon as it’s safe to do so. Make a complete list of damaged, destroyed or stolen items. Take photos and detailed notes and call your insurance representative as soon as you can. Make sure you review the terms and conditions in your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Read more.

Start by asking your broker, agent, company representative or claims adjuster for an explanation. If they are unable to resolve your issue, you can contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) for advice. You can also contact the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) at 1-877-225-0446 or giocanada.org or your provincial or territorial Superintendent of Insurance/Institution or the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) or 1-866-461-3222. Read more.

We’re the national industry association representing a vast majority of Canada’s home, auto and business insurance companies. We work on behalf of our member companies to advocate for property and casualty (P&C) insurance that is available and affordable to all Canadians. And, we work on behalf of consumers to provide plain language guidance on policies, easy access to assistance, guides and tools in the event of emergencies and better insurance legislation. Read more.