Guelph car insurance like other Ontario auto insurance packages is provided by private insurance companies, brokers, and agencies. In Ontario, it is mandated by law for every motorist to have auto insurance. Failure to abide by the rule may lead to the suspension of the driver’s license, the vehicle impounded, and the imposition of fines, which can be in excess of $5,000.
Guelph, as a Canadian city, is smaller than major Ontario cities like Toronto, with a lesser population. Hence, the cost of car insurance in the city is expected to be cheaper than some Ontario cities, which is an advantage for drivers who live in the Royal city.
About Guelph
Guelph is a Canadian city that is strategically located in the southwestern part of Ontario. Founded in 1827, the city of Guelph derived its name from the British Royal Family and is popularly known as the Royal City. Guelph has a population of over 130 thousand people (131,794), according to the 2016 census data. The city has one of the lowest employment rates in Canada.
Guelph is approximately about 100 kilometers west of Toronto, and thus creates easy access to the country’s largest city. The city is also home to a number of educational institutions such as the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College, and the Conestoga College. Compared to other Ontario cities, Guelph has lesser traffic-related cases. The city is regarded as one of the best places to live in Canada due to its location, high standard of living, low employment rate, and low crime rate.
Guelph Car Insurance: How It Works
The auto insurance rate in Guelph is considerably one of the best in the province. Guelph is one of the best places to drive in the province. The city has a lesser population, which invariably implies that there are lesser vehicles and drivers on the roads. Added to this is the reduction in traffic congestion and traffic collisions and accidents.
As with other Ontario cities, car insurance is mandatory in Guelph, whether you are a routine commuter or an occasional driver. Also, private insurance companies, regulated by the provincial government through the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), provide car insurance in Guelph.
The competitive nature of the auto insurance provision enables Guelph drivers to enjoy the best rates available. The FSCO encourage drivers in the province to compare car insurance quotes and choose the best affordable rate. Hence, every car insurance company develops its premium pricing formula to attract clients.
Although Ontario has some mandatory standard insurance policies that every driver must have in their policy, those who require additional protection can include the optional coverage in their policy. Though this comes with an additional price, which may eventually increase the premium paid by a driver for car insurance, it, however, gives a driver rest of mind while driving on the city roads.
There are several ways by which Guelph drivers can enjoy much lower premiums on their auto insurance. One of these methods is through discounts, which is given to motorists at the discretion of the auto insurance provider.
Guelph drivers often understand the usage of the Highways in Ontario and the congestion that comes with driving on the highways, as it gives them easy and quick access to the major cities. For instance, Highway 6 provides access to Hamilton, Highway 7 leads to Kitchener, while Highway 401 gives quick access to Toronto.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Guelph
To get the cheapest car insurance rates in Ontario, we should look at the cities outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The city of Guelph is strategically located outside the GTA. Therefore, the auto insurance rate in the city is one of the most affordable. Drivers in Guelph enjoy low premium rates due to low insurance claims and low congestion on the city roads.
Generally, Guelph drivers pay less than the provincial average of $1,528, though some car insurance companies charge premiums higher than this value.
Mandatory Coverage for Guelph Drivers
As obtained in all Ontario cities, there are mandatory car insurance coverages that all motorists must have in their auto insurance policies. These are:
Accident Benefits
This includes reimbursement for medical bills, rehabilitation, funeral expenses, and other related expenses. This coverage covers you whether you’re at fault or not in a crash.
Third-Party Liability Coverage
This coverage protects you if you’re at fault in an accident, or caused the death or injury of another person, or damage to other people’s property or vehicle. This type of coverage is compulsory across Canada.
Uninsured Motorists
If in an accident, an uninsured driver is at fault, this coverage entitles you to benefits that will cover your injuries and vehicle repair.
No-Fault Coverage
Regardless of who is at fault in a collision or accident, you must first file a claim with your insurance provider.
Additional coverage for Guelph drivers include:
- Specified perils.
- All perils.
- Comprehensive insurance.
- Collision or upset coverage.
- Loss of use coverage.
- Waiver of depreciation
Safety Tips for Driving in Guelph
- Guelph has its fair share of snow during winter, like many Canadian cities. Hence it is important to get and use winter tires during this season. This is good for your safety and saving on premium costs.
- Some traffic congestion occurs during rush hour in the city; hence, before setting out, check out for traffic conditions and plan your route.
- Guelph experience constructions from time to time; therefore, use the city website to have the latest updates and use alternative routes if possible.
- When driving around the school areas, or near the university and colleges, take note of pedestrian traffic.
- As one of the oldest cities in Canada, Guelph retains some of the Victorian heritage buildings; so, watch out for them while driving.
- Be conscious of the type of road you’re driving on, and adjust your speed accordingly.
Most Popular Vehicles in Guelph
The following are the most popular brands of vehicles among car insurance shoppers in Guelph:
- Honda
- Volkswagen
- Dodge
- Mazda
- Chevrolet
- Hyundai
- Ford
How You Can Save on Car Insurance in Guelph
- Compare quotes from different auto insurance providers, and choose the best affordable rate.
- Bundle your home and auto insurance policies to enjoy discounts.
- Choose to drive car models that are less susceptible to theft.
- Apart from the mandatory coverage, choose only the coverage that you need.
- Increase your car insurance deductibles.
- Ask for discounts from your insurance provider to ascertain if they offer any.
- Purchase and install winter tires during the winter season. It can save you up to a 5% discount.
Conclusion
The small size of Guelph and the fewer vehicles on its road may come as an advantage to drivers in the city, as a result of the prospect of enjoying lower car insurance rate. Insurance providers believe that the fewer drivers, the fewer the accidents or collisions, which can lead to lower car insurance rates.
