Car Insurance
We understand it’s vital to protect what’s most important to you and your family. Our expert insurance advisors are here to ensure you’re protected and provide peace of mind so you can focus on what’s important in your life.
Why Choose Westland?
We know that your insurance needs to match your goals, your lifestyle and your budget. Our expert auto insurance advisors get to know you, so that they can tailor a policy to your exact needs.
We’ll find the best coverage for you at the right price so that you can continue to live your life the way you want to.
Insurance can be complex sometimes. Let our expert insurance advisors do the heavy lifting! We’ll help you find a policy that you feel is the best fit and provides peace of mind. To learn more about the benefits of being a Westland client, click here.
Car Insurance Explained
A deductible is an amount that you have to pay when making a claim regarding damage or theft of your vehicle.
The big question on everyone’s mind, and the answer is…it depends. Your cost is mostly based on the type of vehicle, use, driving history and coverage that you choose. Other factors that are used to determine the price are your claims history and number of years insured. The better your driving history, the better the rating. It definitely pays to drive safely!
Another part of your auto policy is third party liability. In short, it covers you for injuries or property damage you may cause as well as damage to other people’s vehicles in Canada and the United States. Did you know that if you are in an accident, you can be legally liable and sued for bodily injury? If you are in an accident, whether in another province or the United States, you can be sued, which could be a large sum of money in certain circumstances.
Third Party Liability is the coverage that will pay for bodily injury, death or property damage that an insured causes a third party and for which the insured is legally liable. Expenses such as legal and defense costs are covered in addition to the limit of coverage stated on your policy.
The third party is the person who is bringing legal action against the insurer. This is usually the person or business that sustained damage or injury due to your accident.
Physical Damage
What happens if you’re in an accident? Will you be covered for repairs to your vehicle? There are three options when it comes to physical damage coverage for your vehicle:
If your vehicle is damaged in an at-fault collision, hit and run, or if an uninsured third-party is at fault, this coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Found yourself stuck in a hailstorm? Windstorm? Hit a deer? Is your vehicle stolen? Vandalized? This will cover your damages.
This combines the coverage of both collision and comprehensive. The best of both worlds.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverages Available
Car in the shop being repaired due to an insurance claim? This coverage allows you to rent a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired.
No matter how carefully you drive, sometimes you’re involved in a collision where another driver is at fault. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have any or enough insurance, this coverage makes up the difference to make sure that you and your family have access to the funds you need to fully recover from an injury. This coverage also is available if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident as a pedestrian.
Renting a vehicle? This coverage will extend your insurance to the rental vehicle.
This coverage is available for newer vehicles. In the case where your vehicle is damaged beyond repair, this coverage replaces your vehicle with a new one.
Provides limited glass coverage under your comprehensive policy for a reduced premium in your Comprehensive coverage. However, full glass coverage can be purchased under a separate policy.
This protects your driving record and insurance premiums from being affected by a first “at-fault” loss.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates
Do you take your vehicle to work every day? Do you take public transportation? Is your vehicle sitting during certain seasons? Different types of vehicle use will affect your annual premium. Here’s some more info on each to ensure you have the proper use selected for your lifestyle.
- Driver/Claim History
We’ve heard it before; a good driving record is important. Especially when determining insurance premium rates. If you have a good driving record, you will receive a discount on your insurance rates. - Location
Your location and where you live also determines how much you pay. Some areas of Nova Scotia, such as urban, high population areas, will have a higher volume of people on the road, leading to higher accidents and a more significant statistic of vandalism and theft. Compared to rural areas, you’d expect to pay more in the regions where more risks are prevalent. - Use of Vehicle
Your rates will be different if you only use your vehicle for errands and vacation instead of commuting to work every day. Inherently, you’re more at risk while out on the road every day for work compared to someone who may not drive as much.
Review Your Insurance and Get a Quote with Westland
Ready to discuss your insurance needs? Our expert advisors are here to review your current insurance policies, discuss your unique needs, and find the perfect auto insurance policy for you. Whether it’s over email, the phone or in person we are ready to help! To get started on a quote now and see price estimates for your auto coverage, click the button below. Our advisors will contact you right away and help navigate your risk management needs. Of course, we are always available to talk over the phone or in person. Check out our locations page to connect with an office closest to you!
Ways to Save on Your Auto Insurance
- Look at Bundling Your Insurance
See if you can bundle your auto insurance with your house insurance. You can even bundle your auto insurance if you have two or more vehicles. - Ask If You’re Eligible for Any Discounts
For example, Mature Discounts (for drivers 65 years of age or older). - Drive Safely
This may seem like common sense but having a clean driving record can save you the most on your auto premium. - Don’t Let Just Anyone Drive Your Car
Since careful driving is essential, other people who drive your vehicle should be safe drivers, too. If someone has an accident in your car and they’re at fault, it’s your auto premium that will be negatively affected. - Protect Your Vehicle from Theft
Receive a discount on your auto insurance by installing a qualifying anti-theft device in your vehicle. - Choose Your Coverages Carefully
The condition and age of your automobile can determine what kind of coverages you need. Make sure your broker reviews your auto policy every renewal to ensure you have the right type of protection. - Ask About Raising Your Deductibles
Consider increasing your deductibles so you can still carry the coverage you need at a more affordable price. - Take Another Look at What Type of Vehicle You Drive
The kind of vehicle you drive is one factor that influences the amount of premium you’ll be paying. The higher the average repair costs for your make and model of car, the higher your insurance premium will most likely be. - Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Rated According to Its Proper Use
Ensure your insurance correctly states how you use your vehicle. This is another factor that influences the amount of premium you pay. If your car is insured for travel to-and-from work, but you’re only using it for pleasure, let your broker know.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re looking for insurance for your first home or wanting to discuss your existing policy, our team is ready to help. Connect with us today.
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