The length of time a car accident stays on your insurance record varies by province in Canada. In general, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 6 years, although some provinces may keep records for longer periods of time. Here’s a closer look at how long car accidents stay on your insurance record in some of the major provinces:

• Ontario: In Ontario, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 6 years.
• Quebec: In Quebec, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 3 years.
• Alberta: In Alberta, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 6 years.
• British Columbia: In British Columbia, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 6 years.
• Manitoba: In Manitoba, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 6 years.
• Nova Scotia: In Nova Scotia, car accidents remain on your insurance record for 6 years.

It’s important to note that even if a car accident is no longer on your insurance record, it may still be considered by insurance companies when evaluating your risk profile and determining your insurance rates.

If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. This will help ensure that the accident is properly documented and can help protect your interests in the event of a dispute.

How Car Accidents Can Affect Insurance Rates

Car accidents can have a significant impact on insurance rates in Canada. Here’s how car accidents can affect insurance rates:

1. Increase in premium: The more accidents you have, the higher your risk profile becomes. This can lead to an increase in your insurance premium, which is the amount you pay for coverage.
2. Points on driving record: Depending on the severity of the accident, you may receive points on your driving record. Accumulating points can result in higher insurance rates.
3. Increase in deductibles: If you have an at-fault accident, your insurance company may require you to pay a higher deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
4. Loss of discounts: Accidents can also result in the loss of discounts, such as safe driving discounts, which can increase your insurance rates.
5. Insurance company’s assessment: Your insurance company will assess the severity of the accident, the type of damage to your vehicle, and your driving record to determine how the accident will affect your insurance rates.

Auto insurance rates in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the driver’s location, age, driving record, and the make and model of their vehicle. Here are examples of what drivers in 10 major cities across Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec might pay for auto insurance per year and per month, based on their driving history and an example driver profile.

Driver Profile:

• 35-year-old driver
• Owns a 2018 Toyota RAV4
• Drives an average of 15,000 km per year
• Purchases a standard auto insurance policy with $1 million in liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible

Ontario:

• Toronto, with no accidents: $1,800 per year or $150 per month
• Toronto, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $3,200 per year or $267 per month
• Ottawa, with no accidents: $1,500 per year or $125 per month
• Ottawa, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,800 per year or $233 per month
• Mississauga, with no accidents: $1,700 per year or $142 per month
• Mississauga, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $3,100 per year or $258 per month
• Brampton, with no accidents: $1,900 per year or $158 per month
• Brampton, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $3,500 per year or $292 per month
• Hamilton, with no accidents: $1,400 per year or $117 per month
• Hamilton, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,700 per year or $225 per month

Alberta:

• Calgary, with no accidents: $1,200 per year or $100 per month
• Calgary, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,200 per year or $183 per month
• Edmonton, with no accidents: $1,100 per year or $92 per month
• Edmonton, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,000 per year or $167 per month
• Red Deer, with no accidents: $1,000 per year or $83 per month
• Red Deer, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $1,800 per year or $150 per month
• Lethbridge, with no accidents: $950 per year or $79 per month
• Lethbridge, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $1,700 per year or $142 per month
• Fort McMurray, with no accidents: $1,300 per year or $108 per month
• Fort McMurray, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,400 per year or $200 per month

Quebec:

• Montreal, with no accidents: $1,100 per year or $92 per month
• Montreal, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,000 per year or $167 per month
• Quebec City, with no accidents: $1,000 per year or $83 per month
• Quebec City, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $1,800 per year or $150 per month
• Laval, with no accidents: $1,100 per year or $92 per month
• Laval, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,000 per year or $167 per month
•  Gatineau, with no accidents: $1,000 per year or $83 per month

• Gatineau, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $1,800 per year or $150 per month
• Longueuil, with no accidents: $1,100 per year or $92 per month
• Longueuil, with one at-fault accident in the past year: $2,000 per year or $167 per month

It’s important to note that these are just examples and that auto insurance rates can vary widely based on individual circumstances. Other factors that may impact rates include the driver’s age, gender, marital status, and credit score, as well as the level of coverage and deductible they choose. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and pricing for your individual needs.

How much will my insurance go up with an at-fault accident in Canada

The amount by which your car insurance premium will increase after an at-fault accident can vary depending on the province you live in and the circumstances of the accident. Here is a general overview of how an at-fault accident may impact your insurance premium in each province in Canada:

• Alberta: Insurance premiums can increase significantly after an at-fault accident in Alberta, with some drivers seeing increases of 40% or more. The exact amount of the increase will depend on factors such as the severity of the accident and your driving record.
• British Columbia: In British Columbia, the government regulates insurance rates, and insurance companies are required to follow specific rules when determining premiums. After an at-fault accident, drivers may see their premiums increase by an average of 10-20%.
• Manitoba: In Manitoba, drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident are placed into a high-risk driver category, which can result in a substantial increase in their insurance premium. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
• New Brunswick: In New Brunswick, drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident are assigned demerit points, which can result in an increase in their insurance premium. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the number of demerit points assigned and the driver’s driving record.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: In Newfoundland and Labrador, drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident may see their insurance premium increase by an average of 10-20%. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the driver’s driving record.
• Nova Scotia: In Nova Scotia, drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident may see their insurance premium increase by an average of 10-15%. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the driver’s driving record.
• Ontario: In Ontario, drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident may see their insurance premium increase by an average of 15-20%. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the driver’s driving record.
• Quebec: In Quebec, the government regulates insurance rates, and insurance companies are required to follow specific rules when determining premiums. After an at-fault accident, drivers may see their premiums increase by an average of 10-20%.
• Saskatchewan: In Saskatchewan, drivers who are found to be at fault for an accident may see their insurance premium increase by an average of 15-20%. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the driver’s driving record.

This is just a general overview, and the exact amount by which your insurance premium may increase after an at-fault accident will depend on many factors, including the type of insurance coverage you have, the severity of the accident, and your driving record. It’s important to check with your insurance company for more information specific to your situation.

Do Insurance Companies Check Your Driving Record for Accidents?

Yes, insurance companies generally check a driver’s driving record when they’re underwriting a new policy or renewing an existing policy. This helps the insurance company assess the driver’s risk and determine the appropriate premium for the policy.

Insurance companies will check for accidents, moving violations, and other factors that could indicate the driver is a high risk. If a driver has a history of accidents or moving violations, the insurance company may choose to charge a higher premium, offer coverage with stricter conditions, or decline to offer coverage at all.

Driving records are maintained by the province and are typically accessible by insurance companies. In Canada, driving records are kept for a specified period of time, which can vary from province to province. For example, in Ontario, driving records are kept for three years, while in Quebec, they’re kept for five years.

Car Accident and Insurance Record FAQs

1. How does a car accident affect your insurance record? A car accident can affect your insurance record by potentially causing your insurance rates to increase. If you are at fault for the accident, your insurance company may label you as a higher risk driver, which can lead to higher premiums. Additionally, if the accident caused significant damage or injuries, it could make it more difficult to find affordable insurance coverage in the future.
2. How long do accidents stay on your insurance record? The length of time that an accident stays on your insurance record can vary depending on the insurance company and the specific circumstances of the accident. In general, most accidents will stay on your insurance record for at least three years, but some accidents can stay on your record for up to 10 years.
3. How do insurance companies determine fault in a car accident? Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine fault in a car accident, including police reports, eyewitness accounts, and physical evidence such as skid marks or vehicle damage. In some cases, insurance companies may also use accident reconstruction specialists to help determine fault.
4. What happens if you are at fault in a car accident? If you are at fault in a car accident, you may be responsible for paying for any damages or injuries that result from the accident. Your insurance company may cover some or all of the costs, depending on the specifics of your policy and the accident. Additionally, if you are at fault, it could affect your insurance rates and make it more difficult to find affordable coverage in the future.
5. What should you do if you are in a car accident? If you are in a car accident, the first priority is to ensure that everyone involved is safe and receive any necessary medical attention. Next, you should exchange information with the other driver, including insurance information, and take photos of any damage or injuries. It’s also important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
6. Can you dispute an insurance company’s determination of fault? Yes, you can dispute an insurance company’s determination of fault. If you disagree with the insurance company’s assessment, you can provide additional evidence, such as witness statements or photos, to support your position. If you are still unsatisfied, you may want to consider working with a lawyer or filing a complaint with your provincial insurance regulator.
7. What happens if you don’t report a car accident to your insurance company? If you don’t report a car accident to your insurance company, you may be putting yourself at risk of being personally liable for any damages or injuries that result from the accident. Additionally, if the other driver or their insurance company finds out about the accident, it could lead to legal and financial consequences for you.
8. Can you still get car insurance after an accident? Yes, you can still get car insurance after an accident, but your rates may be higher than they were before the accident. Depending on the specifics of the accident, some insurance companies may also choose not to offer you coverage.
9. What is an insurance claims history report? An insurance claims history report is a record of all the insurance claims that have been filed against your policy. It includes information about the type of claim, the date it was filed, the amount of the claim, and the outcome of the claim. Insurance companies may use this information to determine your risk level and adjust your premiums accordingly.
10. How can you get a copy of your insurance claims history report? You can request a copy of your insurance claims history report from your insurance company. In some cases, you may need to pay a fee to obtain the report. You can also request a free copy of your credit report, which may include information about any insurance claims that have been filed against you.
11. Can you remove an accident from your insurance record? You cannot remove an accident from your insurance record, but over time, the impact of the accident on your insurance rates may decrease. Most accidents will stay on your insurance record for at least three years, but some accidents can stay on your record for up to 10 years.
12. What is an at-fault accident? An at-fault accident is an accident in which you are found to be responsible for causing the accident. If you are found to be at fault for an accident, you may be responsible for paying for any damages or injuries that result from the accident, and it could affect your insurance rates.
13. What is a no-fault accident? A no-fault accident is an accident in which both parties involved are responsible for the accident. In some provinces in Canada, insurance companies use a no-fault system for handling car accidents, which means that each driver files a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who is responsible for the accident.
14. How can you lower your insurance rates after an accident? There are several things you can do to lower your insurance rates after an accident, including shopping around for coverage from multiple insurance companies, increasing your deductible, and taking advantage of any available discounts. Additionally, over time, the impact of the accident on your insurance rates may decrease as the accident gets further in the past.
15. What is a subrogation claim? A subrogation claim is a claim that your insurance company may file on your behalf against another party, such as another driver, to recover the costs of damages or injuries that were covered by your insurance policy. This may happen, for example, if the other driver was at fault for an accident that caused damage to your vehicle, and your insurance company paid for the repairs.