Faq

Q1. I don't ever intend to allow a certain person, like my son or daughter, to drive my car but I've been told that they must be listed on my insurance policy. Why?

Actually, it is not just your son or daughter who should be listed on your insurance policy. All licensed drivers in your household, and anyone who frequently uses the vehicle, should be named since all could have access (whether you’ve given permission or not) to your car.

Depending on your insurance company and the province you live in, some insurers (but very few) offer an “excluded driver endorsement”. This endorsement lists the drivers in your household to be excluded from your policy’s coverage. This endorsement however, is not common and is not provided as a premium-savings option.

Having said this, it is important to note, if your insurance company is willing to include this endorsement on your policy, the drivers named are not insured to drive your car ever at any time. For example, they would not be insured to drive your vehicle in an emergency or even if you’ve given permission. There are no exceptions.

Q2. How do I get insurance for my personal belongings at a business storage facility?

This type of coverage is usually obtained by one of three ways:
From the storage company. Some of the larger organizations will have an insurance program in place that they offer to customers using their facilities.

From your current home insurance provider. If you already have home insurance, contact your existing insurance representative to see if your current policy covers stored property. Some policies do (but not all) if you’re storing your property because you’re moving residences. If it is not already a part of your policy, you should inquire if it can be added.

Finally, if you don’t have a current property insurance policy, changes are you need it. Complete a quote online at www.kanetix.ca to get an idea of the insurance suppliers featured through the Kanetix.ca property insurance comparison serivce and their rates. Then we’ll help you get in contact with a licensed representative so that you can discuss your need for property insurance and the additional coverage for your stored property.

Q3. I'm going to be out of the country for a while. Will my existing property coverage still apply while I'm away?

It depends on your insurance company. They may be able to continue insuring your home even after you’ve left. If they’re not able to extend coverage while your home is vacant, unoccupied or rented, then your next step is to find an insurer who will offer this coverage. At the Insurance Directory website, www.insurancedirectory.ca you should be able to find an insurance representative in your area who can help.

Simply select your province, and then the closest town or city. A list of names should appear, together with their contact information.

Q4. Can I get insurance for a car even though I do not yet have my G2?

Yes. As the registered owner, you can get insurance on the vehicle. A policy is always set up in the name of the registered owner. However, the primary driver of the vehicle must be someone who has a valid G2 or a full G licence.

If you simply want to get Comprehensive coverage (also commonly referred to as Fire and Theft), unfortunately this is not currently available for quoting online through Kanetix.ca. In this case, then your best bet is to contact:
The insurance company who currently insures the other resident’s vehicles in your household (if available)
Your home insurer
The Facility Association
Another option, until you get your G2 and can be listed as the primary driver, is to simply put the vehicle in storage that is locked and secure.

Q5. I don't ever intend to allow a certain person, like my son or daughter, to drive my car but I've been told that they must be listed on my insurance policy. Why?

Actually, it is not just your son or daughter who should be listed on your insurance policy. All licensed drivers in your household, and anyone who frequently uses the vehicle, should be named since all could have access (whether you’ve given permission or not) to your car.

Depending on your insurance company and the province you live in, some insurers (but very few) offer an “excluded driver endorsement”. This endorsement lists the drivers in your household to be excluded from your policy’s coverage. This endorsement however, is not common and is not provided as a premium-savings option.

Having said this, it is important to note, if your insurance company is willing to include this endorsement on your policy, the drivers named are not insured to drive your car ever at any time. For example, they would not be insured to drive your vehicle in an emergency or even if you’ve given permission. There are no exceptions.

Q6. I'm moving to Canada and have an international driver's licence. How do I get auto insurance?

Most Canadian insurance companies will not offer coverage to holders of international licences. As a result, finding insurance before you get your Canadian licence will likely be difficult.

If you choose to exchange your licence for a Canadian one, the following sites will tell you how:
British Columbia: www.icbc.com
Alberta: www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca
Saskatchewan: www.sgi.sk.ca
Manitoba: www.mpi.mb.ca
Ontario: www.mto.gov.on.ca
Quebec (The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec): www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca
Newfoundland & Labrador: www.gov.nl.ca
New Brunswick: www.snb.ca
Nova Scotia: www.gov.ns.ca
Prince Edward Island: www.gov.pe.ca
When it comes to insurance, many providers will consider you a new driver even with your new Canadian licence. However, there are some exceptions where driving conditions are similar to those found in Canada.

A couple of examples are:
You have emigrated from the United States. All the insurance providers featured through the Kanetix® quote comparison service will credit you for your previous US insurance experience.
You have emigrated from the United Kingdom. There are some insurance providers featured through the Kanetix quote comparison service that may be able to credit you for some of your UK experience provided you can present them with proper documentation from your UK insurer.
If driving conditions are similar to Canada’s, getting a letter from your current insurer that includes details of your claims experience for the past 6 years and a copy of your Driver’s Abstract (you should be able to get this from the institution that issued your current licence) will be required. Having these documents will also help you get the best rate possible. You should also note, that if your previous insurer is also operating in Canada, it might be advantageous for you to contact them directly. It is possible they may be able to credit you for your previous insurance experience if you purchase a policy with them.

If you would like to get a rough idea of the rates you could expect to pay once you get your Canadian driver’s licence, complete the Kanetix car insurance quote comparison tool.

If moving to British Columbia, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, contact the government insurance provider in that province.
British Columbia: www.icbc.com
Manitoba: www.mpi.mb.ca
Saskatchewan: www.sgi.sk.ca

Q7. Can one person be a principal driver on two cars?

Yes. One person can be the principal driver of two or more cars under the following scenarios:
The driver is the only licensed driver living in the household.
Other licensed drivers living in the household have been rated as an “excluded driver” by the insurance company.
In nearly all other scenarios, a different principal driver is assigned to each car in the household. Occasional driver rates only occur when the number of drivers is greater than the number of household vehicles.

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