A fender-bender is a minor car accident where there is only minor damage to one or more of the vehicles involved, usually to the front or rear fenders. These types of accidents usually result in cosmetic damage to the vehicles and can usually be repaired without the need for major bodywork. They are often referred to as “low-impact” or “minor” accidents and generally do not result in serious injury.

Car insurance cost before and after fender-benders in Canada can vary significantly depending on the province, city, and the severity of the accident. Here are some approximate ranges for five major cities in each province:

1. Ontario:

• Toronto (before): $2,500 – $5,000 per year, (after): $3,500 – $7,500 per year
• Ottawa (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Hamilton (before): $2,500 – $5,000 per year, (after): $3,500 – $7,000 per year
• London (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Kitchener-Waterloo (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year

2. Quebec:

• Montreal (before): $1,500 – $3,000 per year, (after): $2,000 – $4,000 per year
• Quebec City (before): $1,500 – $3,000 per year, (after): $2,000 – $4,000 per year
• Laval (before): $1,500 – $3,000 per year, (after): $2,000 – $4,000 per year
• Gatineau (before): $1,500 – $3,000 per year, (after): $2,000 – $4,000 per year
• Longueuil (before): $1,500 – $3,000 per year, (after): $2,000 – $4,000 per year

3. British Columbia:

• Vancouver (before): $2,500 – $5,000 per year, (after): $3,500 – $7,000 per year
• Surrey (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Burnaby (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Richmond (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Abbotsford (before): $1,500 – $3,500 per year, (after): $2,500 – $5,000 per year

4. Alberta:

• Calgary (before): $2,500 – $5,000 per year, (after): $3,500 – $7,000 per year
• Edmonton (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Red Deer (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Lethbridge (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year
• Medicine Hat (before): $2,000 – $4,500 per year, (after): $3,000 – $6,500 per year

It’s important to note that these are just approximate ranges and that car insurance rates can vary depending on many factors, such as the type of car, the age and driving experience of the driver, and the severity of the accident. Additionally, fender-benders may not necessarily result in an increase in car insurance rates, depending on the circumstances. It’s best to contact a car insurance provider directly for more specific information about rates before and after fender-benders.

Does a fender-bender always result in an insurance claim?

No, a fender-bender does not always result in an insurance claim. In some cases, the damage may be minor and can be repaired without involving insurance companies. However, if the damage is extensive or if either driver is injured, an insurance claim may be necessary. Whether or not to make an insurance claim after a fender-bender depends on several factors, including the cost of repairs, the deductible on your insurance policy, and the laws in your province. It’s a good idea to review your policy and understand your coverage before making a decision. If you are unsure, it’s always best to speak with your insurance company or an insurance agent to determine the best course of action.

Can I file a claim for a fender-bender if there were no witnesses?

Yes, you can file a claim for a fender-bender even if there were no witnesses. However, if you are the only person involved in the accident, it may be more difficult to prove fault and determine who is responsible for the damages. In this case, your insurance company may rely on other evidence, such as the damage to the vehicles or skid marks on the road, to make a determination. Additionally, if you have a dash cam or other recording device, that can provide valuable evidence for the insurance company. It is important to report all accidents, even minor ones, to your insurance company as soon as possible so that they can start the investigation process.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim for a fender-bender?

Whether or not your insurance rates will go up after you file a claim for a fender-bender depends on a variety of factors, including the details of the accident, your driving record, and the policies of your insurance company. In general, insurance companies consider several factors when determining whether or not to raise your rates after an accident, including the cost of the damage, the amount of the claim, and whether you were at fault for the accident. If you were not at fault and the damage was relatively minor, it’s less likely that your rates will go up. However, if you were at fault or if the damage was significant, it’s more likely that your rates will increase. Additionally, insurance companies may raise rates if you have a history of making frequent or large claims.

Can I get a rental car if my car is in the shop for repairs after a fender-bender?

Yes, you may be able to get a rental car if your car is in the shop for repairs after a fender-bender, depending on the terms of your car insurance policy. Some car insurance policies include rental car coverage as part of their standard coverage. This means that if you need a rental car while your car is being repaired, you can receive a rental car at no additional cost. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see what your specific policy covers and to understand the conditions for getting a rental car. For example, some policies have limits on the length of time you can keep a rental car or have restrictions on the type of rental car you can get.

Will my car insurance cover the repairs for a fender-bender?

Whether your car insurance will cover the repairs for a fender-bender depends on the type of coverage you have and the circumstances of the accident. If you have collision coverage, then your insurance will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if you only have liability coverage, your insurance will only cover the cost of repairs to the other driver’s vehicle if you are found to be at fault. It’s important to carefully review your policy and understand what it covers, so that you know what to expect if you’re involved in a fender-bender.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about fender-benders and car insurance:

1. What is a fender-bender? A fender-bender is a minor car accident that typically results in only minor damage to the vehicles involved. Examples of fender-benders include rear-end collisions, parking lot accidents, and sideswipes.
2. Do I need to report a fender-bender to my insurance company? It’s always a good idea to report a fender-bender to your insurance company, even if there is only minor damage. Your insurance company may need to investigate the accident, and failure to report it could result in complications later on.
3. Will a fender-bender impact my car insurance rates? A fender-bender may or may not impact your car insurance rates, depending on the circumstances. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, it could result in an increase in your rates. However, if you have accident forgiveness coverage, your rates may not increase.
4. What should I do if I’m involved in a fender-bender? If you’re involved in a fender-bender, you should stop your car and make sure everyone is okay. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and take photos of the damage if possible. Report the accident to your insurance company, even if there is only minor damage.
5. Will my car insurance cover the cost of a fender-bender? If you have collision coverage on your car insurance policy, it should cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle in the event of a fender-bender. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, your liability coverage may also cover the cost of the other driver’s damages.
6. What should I do if I’m involved in a fender-bender with an uninsured driver? If you’re involved in a fender-bender with an uninsured driver, your collision coverage may cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, but you may be responsible for paying your deductible. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it may also help cover the cost of damages.
7. Can I choose to pay for the cost of a fender-bender out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim? Yes, you can choose to pay for the cost of a fender-bender out of pocket if the damage is minor and you can afford it. However, if you decide to file an insurance claim, it’s important to do so in a timely manner.
8. How long do I have to file an insurance claim for a fender-bender? The timeline for filing an insurance claim for a fender-bender can vary depending on the insurance company and the province. However, it’s generally a good idea to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to avoid complications later on.
9. Will a fender-bender impact my driving record? A fender-bender may or may not impact your driving record, depending on the circumstances. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, it could result in demerit points on your license and impact your driving record.
10. What should I do if the other driver in a fender-bender claims that I’m at fault? If the other driver in a fender-bender claims that you’re at fault, it’s important to remain calm and exchange contact and insurance information. Take photos of the damage if possible, and report the accident to your insurance company. Your insurance company will investigate the accident and determine fault based on the evidence.
11. How can I avoid getting into a fender-bender? There are several things you can do to avoid getting into a fender-bender, including following the rules of the road, leaving enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and avoiding distractions while driving. Additionally, maintaining your vehicle and keeping your tires properly inflated can help you avoid accidents.
12. What is accident forgiveness coverage? Accident forgiveness coverage is an optional type of coverage that some insurance companies offer. With accident forgiveness, your rates may not increase after your first at-fault accident. However, this type of coverage may come at an additional cost.
13. Can I still drive my car after a fender-bender? If your vehicle is still drivable after a fender-bender, you may be able to continue driving it. However, it’s important to have it inspected by a mechanic to make sure it’s safe to drive. If your vehicle is not drivable, you may need to arrange for a tow truck to transport it.
14. What is a deductible? A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying before your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost of repairs is $1,500, you would be responsible for paying $500, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $1,000.
15. Will my insurance rates go up if I’m involved in a fender-bender that isn’t my fault? If you’re involved in a fender-bender that isn’t your fault, your insurance rates may not increase. However, it’s always a good idea to report the accident to your insurance company and provide them with as much information as possible.
16. What should I do if I’m involved in a fender-bender with a rental car? If you’re involved in a fender-bender with a rental car, you should follow the same steps you would if it were your own vehicle. This includes exchanging information with the other driver, taking photos of the damage, and reporting the accident to the rental company and your insurance company.
17. Will my insurance cover the cost of a rental car after a fender-bender? If you have rental car coverage on your insurance policy, it may cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a fender-bender. However, this coverage may have limits, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.
18. Can a fender-bender result in a total loss of my vehicle? While it’s rare, a fender-bender can result in a total loss of your vehicle if the damage is severe enough. This means that the cost of repairs would be greater than the value of the vehicle.
19. What should I do if the other driver in a fender-bender is uninsured or underinsured? If the other driver in a fender-bender is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover some of the cost of damages through your own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage can help cover the cost of damages in these situations.
20. What is liability coverage? Liability coverage is a type of car insurance coverage that covers damages or injuries you may cause to others in an accident for which you are found to be at fault. It’s a mandatory type of coverage in most provinces and territories in Canada.