Burlington car insurance rates are dynamic and vary by auto insurance companies. As in other Ontario cities, private companies and agencies provide auto insurance in Burlington, which has created an opportunity for residents to compare rates from the various insurance providers and get the cheapest rates.
Owning a car in Burlington is associated with having car insurance, as it is required and compulsory for all drivers by law to insure their vehicles. A lot of drivers are unaware that they are paying too much for car insurance until they compare their premiums with other insurance providers. This is why the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) encourages drivers in the province to get the best available and cheap insurance rate by comparing quotes from different insurance companies.
About Burlington
According to the 2016 population data, Burlington has over 183 thousand residents. Burlington is a Canadian city located in the northwestern end of Lake Ontario in the Ontario province. The city is an integral part of the greater Toronto area, hence, drivers in the city have to contend with a lot of traffic on the roads and highways.
About Burlington Car Insurance: How It Works
As part of the GTA, Burlington drivers are faced with a lot of traffic daily. Failure to get the best car insurance in Burlington can result in losing your driver’s licence, vehicle seizures, or fines. Burlington car insurance is provided by private insurance companies and agencies, and as such, there is competition among providers, and there’s no fixed rate. However, the rates charged on auto insurance are approved by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO).
Regardless of your driving experience – licensed or just passed your driver’s test – everyone in Burlington needs car insurance. Thus, in choosing your auto insurance in Burlington, it is imperative to consider the coverage that suits your lifestyle, fits your vehicle, and saves you money.
As a result of its close location to both Toronto and Hamilton, the city of Burlington serves as a major travel hub for drivers and other commuters who pass through the city daily. The city roads and highways are filled with drivers of different background and driving experience, and as a result, there is a lot of traffic and collisions/accidents. This is one of the many reasons for higher than average insurance rates.
Hence, there is a need for every driver to equip themselves with affordable and correct auto insurance, while also taking into consideration, other safety measures.
Driving on Burlington Roads
Averagely, Burlington drivers commute about 9 kilometres daily, with 80 percent of the population driving one form of vehicle or the other. However, about 15 percent of the residents also take either public transit or other forms of transportation to get to work. The Burlington Transit provides transportation services to the community and connects to the Hamilton and Oakville public transit systems.
A lot of traffic congestion occurs on the Skyway Bridge, Fairview Street, North Service Road, and Plains Road, among others. The high traffic volume often leads to an increased rate in collisions and accidents on the roads. Besides, most of the busiest highways in Ontario run through Burlington, such as Highway 403, Highway 407, and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Drivers who can avoid the major highways during peak hours can save themselves from stress, traffic congestions, and likely collisions.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Burlington
Burlington car insurance premium rate is averagely lower in most cast cases than the provincial average of $1,528 (Feb 2020 provincial average increase of 1.56%). The car insurance rate in Burlington varies by the different insurance companies providing the services. Private insurance providers offer auto insurance services in Burlington, and their rates are regulated and approved by the FSCO.
Most Popular Cars in Burlington
Burlington drivers know a thing or two about popular car brands and the implication of driving sophisticated vehicles. To save on premium rates, here are some of the most popular car brands driven and insured by Burlington drivers:
- Honda
- Toyota
- Ford
- Mazda
- Chevrolet
- Hyundai
- Volkswagen
- Nissan
- Acura, and more.
What Type of Coverage is needed in Burlington?
Ontario has laid out compulsory minimum auto insurance coverage that each driver in the province must have in their car insurance policy. This coverage is extended to all the cities under the province, including Burlington. Any driver who requires additional protection can add the optional coverage to his/her auto insurance policy.
The mandatory car insurance policies include the following:
Accident Benefits
This covers your medical bills and rehabilitation costs, beyond the provincial health coverage.
Third-Party Liability Coverage
The minimum requirement in the province is $200,000 in coverage for all drivers.
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
If you are not at fault in an accident, this coverage implies that you are entitled to certain benefits paid by your insurance provider, such as the repair of your car.
Uninsured Auto Coverage
This coverage protects you when an uninsured driver causes an accident, such as a hit and run accident situation.
Optional Coverage for Burlington Drivers
For additional premium and added protection, here are some of the popular coverage options that you can add to your auto insurance policy in Burlington:
- Collision coverage
- All perils
- Comprehensive coverage
- Loss of use
- Rental car coverage
- Depreciation waiver
What Insurers Consider To Determine Car Insurance Premiums
Among other conditions, here are some of the determining factors considered by insurance providers to fix premium rates in Burlington:
- The age and gender of the driver.
- The driving record and history of the driver. Drivers with clean driving history have lower rates and are considered low-risk drivers.
- The location/residence (neighbourhood) of the driver.
- The type and make of car, engine size, safety ratings, and cost of repair.
- The mileage/distance the car is expected to cover, that is, how frequently you drive the car.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your Burlington Car Insurance Premiums
- Compare car insurance quotes from different insurance providers and choose the best and cheapest available policy.
- Increase your car insurance deductibles.
- Get a discount from your insurance provider when you bundle your home and auto insurance policies.
- Get and install winter tires for your safety and reduction of insurance premiums.
- Improve your driving records/history.
- If you are a member of a professional organization, you might be entitled to discounts from your auto insurance provider.
Conclusion
Burlington car insurance is compulsory for all drivers in the city. The above factors and tips will help you get the best available policy, and help you save on premiums.
