Frequently Asked Questions
INSURANCE
How much insurance do I need for my home?
Your insurance limits are determined based on the Replacement Value of your home. We help you calculate this value based on many factors related to your home (eg. Year it was built, materials, type etc.) The value of your personal property is determined based on the value of your home. For collector items or valuables, you can choose to insure separately or agree to have them covered under the current policy limits if that’s available. Contact us and we’d be happy to provide you with details
If I have liability coverage on my auto policy, why do I need it on my home policy too?
Your auto liability coverage protects you if you are negligent in an accident and cause damage to property or bodily injury to others. Liability coverage on your home covers you at home or anywhere in the world for bodily injury to others or if you accidentally cause damage to another person’s property. For example, if someone trips and falls on your property and you are found legally responsible, you would be covered for the potential damages.
What happens if I have to make a claim?
Our insurers have dedicated claims teams. Your broker and your insurance company will work hard to get you help and bring you back to where you were before as soon as possible. You can get in touch with your insurance company directly or call us. Check your insurance company`s contact information on our website. We recommend that before making a claim you get in touch with us so we can discuss and advise you on the implications to your policy now and in the future.
How can I reduce the cost of my home insurance?
There are many damages that can be prevented. Keeping your home updated and secure pays off. Here are a few things you can do:
- Install a backflow valve on your main sewage line
- Get an alarm monitoring company to monitor your home
- Have functioning smoke detectors
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy
For many of these prevention actions, you could also qualify for discounts. Contact us to discuss.
My teenager is going away to college. Do I need additional insurance for their personal belongings while away?
Your policy extends to your teenager while they are a student temporarily living away from home. That covers their personal property and their liability. However, the amount of coverage available depends on the type of policy you purchase. Contact your broker for details.
Does my home insurance policy cover my jewelry or artwork?
Yes – your policy covers valuables including jewelry and art. However, these are covered for limited amounts depending on your insurer. You can either increase the limit of coverage if your insurer offers the option, or schedule the valuables separately on the policy.
Do I really need tenant insurance if I don’t own my apartment?
Yes you do. Many landlords ask you to have a tenant policy. Even if they don’t you are still well advised to have your own tenant policy. This policy will cover your belongings and more importantly your liability for living in the rental property. This coverage could come into play if you accidentally injure somebody or cause damage to the rental property.
AUTO INSURANCE
How long does it take to set up a policy?
We do this really fast. This is because we can quote online and you can sign an application online or on your mobile device. We then email you a Temporary Insurance Card so you can drive right away. If you are at a dealership trying to pick up a car or sitting in line at a Service Ontario office to register your car, we can get you an insurance policy in no time.
How can I reduce my premium?
To reduce your premium, consider increasing your deductibles, reducing your coverage limits, ensuring that you are fully licensed with a G license, installing winter tires, and bundling with home/tenant insurance for extra discounts.
Do you consider international driving experience?
Yes we do. We are one of the few brokers that do consider international driving experience. No only that, we also serve customers in 9 languages and continue to add to our number of languages we provide service in. To consider international experience, we need proof in the form of a Letter Of Experience – LOE. Please call our office or write us at quotes@levitt.ca for more information.
What are coverage limits and deductibles?
The coverage limit is the total amount your insurer will pay if you make a claim. Your deductible is the amount of the claim you pay. After that your insurance company pays the repair up to the maximum limit on your policy. For example, if repairs to your car following an accident are $5,000 and you have a $1000 deductible. You are responsible for the first $1000 of cost and your insurance company will send you a cheque for $4000.
How does coverage limits and deductibles influence my premium?
Your premium is a function of the coverage limits and deductible you choose. If you have higher limit amounts and lower deductibles you are better protected and as a result your insurance will cost more. Similarly, lower limits and higher deductibles will mean you pay less for your insurance. When choosing the deductible, think about how much you are willing to pay to repair or replace your car if you have an accident. On our site you can do multiple quotes and vary the deductibles to see how the price changes. Then you can choose your desired policy based on your budget and needs.
What does Collision coverage cover?
Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident, or single vehicle accident (an accident in which you are the only driver involved). This is an optional coverage and is typically subject to a deductible.
What does Comprehensive coverage cover?
Comprehensive covers fire, theft, and vandalism to your vehicle. This is an optional coverage and is typically subject to a deductible.
Do I have access to a rental car while my car is being repaired following and accident?
Access to a rental car is available if you have added Loss of Use or transportation replacement coverage to your policy. Depending on the policy and your insurer there is an certain amount available to you for this. Talk to your broker to clarify the amount and the procedure to follow.
What happens if I have an accident and need to make a claim?
Our insurers have dedicated claims teams. Your broker and your insurance company will work hard to get you help and bring you back as soon as possible. You can get in touch with your insurance company directly or call us. Check your insurance company`s contact information on our website. We recommend that before making a claim you get in touch with us so we can discuss and advise you on the implications to your policy now and in the future.
Does your auto insurance policy cover personal items stolen from your vehicle?
Personal items coverage is not part of the auto insurance policy. Your car is covered by auto insurance. Your personal items in your car (eg. Computer, cell phone, gym bag etc) are covered under your home insurance policy.
What is no-fault Insurance?
Collisions don`t just happen. Somebody always have to be at-fault in a collision. No-fault Insurance is the type of insurance used in Ontario. It refers to the fact that no matter what happens each driver will go to their own insurance company for damages and repairs, They will not be going to the other driver`s insurance company to prove fault and ask for compensation.
Do you offer insurance for other types of vehicles like motorcycles and motorhomes?
Yes we do. We are a broker which means we can sell insurance from multiple insurance companies. They all have their preferences and limitations but we are able to accommodate many types of insurance through all our companies:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Commercial vehicles
- Trucks
- ATVs and snowmobiles
- Boats
- Motorhomes, Trailers
- Collections cars
What type of insurance does a newly licensed driver?
We have insurers specialized in insuring young drivers or recently licensed drivers. Not only we provide great prices we also combine policies and make sure they get as many discounts as possible. When you start driving insurance is expensive. Many of our customers are grateful that we have access to multiple insurers to offer them multiple options.
Can someone else drive my car?
Yes – anyone licensed can drive your car with your permission. When you lend your car you also lend your insurance. It means that if someone you lend your car to has an accident your insurance record could be affected. Contact us for additional details.
Can I use my car for Uber?
You can use your car for Uber as long as you disclose it to us. We need to make note of it on your policy. You can also purchase an extension on your policy for driving for Uber.
Does the colour of my car affect my premium?
There are many factors that affect your premium. Every insurance company has their own elements they consider when determining how much they charge for insurance. At this time, we have not aware of insurers that consider the color of the vehicle in their price determination. The Auto Insurance application form doesn`t require you to disclose the color of the car.
I have been listed as an occasional driver on my parent’s policy for years – does this count as insurance experience?
Yes it does. When you fill out the quote on our site, mention in the years insured the number of years you have been insured on someone else`s policy (eg. Parents, spouse, employer etc.)