Car Insurance Renewal in Canada & How to Renew Online

Your car insurance is about to expire, and you want to renew auto insurance quickly and hassle-free? Well, it's perfectly possible, and all from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we explain in simple terms how to renew car insurance online. Luckily for you, the process for auto insurance renewal on Panda 7 is quick and easy, and you don't need to be highly tech-savvy to get a quote from the top insurers. However, if you do need help with auto insurance in Quebec, know that we're always here to help!

Is my car insurance automatically renewed?

Under normal circumstances, and if you have opted for this option, your contract is automatically renewed each year for a period of 12 months. Approximately 90 days before your contract expiry date, your insurance provider will prepare your car insurance renewal. This includes checking your provincial driving record for any convictions or claims.

How do I complete my auto insurance renewal?

A notice will be sent to you by post or email (depending on your communication preferences) approximately 60 days before renewal time. We recommend that you read this notice carefully before the renewal date, as it may contain new information about your costs and policy.

You must read this notice carefully to be aware of the changes specified in your new contract. Even if you're happy with your new contract, there's no better time to negotiate better prices with your insurer. Read on to find out why you shouldn't auto-renew your car insurance.

5 reasons why your car insurance rates could have increased

There are several reasons why your auto insurance costs could go up when you renew your insurance, even if you haven't committed any traffic violations. Let’s go over the main 5 reasons you car insurance rate could possibly increase :

At-fault accidents

You are responsible for damage and assume full liability. According to your insurer, you are therefore considered more at risk than other drivers.

Car insurance claims

You have made a claim for compensation or coverage to your insurer for damage or loss resulting from an incident (damage to your vehicle, theft, vandalism, or bodily injury following an accident).

Contraventions and convictions

Contraventions, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving without a valid license, and convictions, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, hit-and-run accidents, or other serious traffic violations, can also result in higher premiums.

Adding a new driver

In this case, the insurance company must cover the new driver who has been added, and consequently, the costs are increased.

Increasing coverage limits

If you decide to take out comprehensive insurance or increase your coverage limits, your costs will naturally rise. Car insurance rates increase when you ask your insurer to extend your coverage beyond the minimum required by law.

Need to renew your policy? Get a quote online now!

What should I consider at renewal time?

Up-to-date personal information

Yes, you need to ensure that your personal information is up-to-date. You may not realize it, but this information can also affect your costs. Any change of address, telephone number or e-mail address must be communicated before renewal date. If the use of your vehicle has changed, or if you have made any modifications to it (engine or physical appearance), you must also report this. Has your teenager started driving? Ensure his or her safety and report any new drivers to your insurance provider. And don't forget to mention any traffic violations, license suspensions or accidents. In short, your insurer needs to know everything concerning your car and its usage.

Introducing changes to your car insurance policy

Your insurer knows that your insurance needs can change from year to year. Therefore, you can communicate any changes you wish to make to your auto insurance contract. If your driving habits have changed, and you need to adjust your coverage levels, take a moment before the renewal date to reassess your insurance needs. Many companies offer checklists and other resources to help you.

Compare before you renew your insurance

Here is why you shouldn't automatically renew your current car insurance policy.

Each year, and at each renewal, you have the opportunity to reconsider your car insurance contract and find better, more affordable options.

Renewing your home and car insurance automatically without comparing insurances is a big mistake that can cost you dearly. Search and compare car insurance to find the best coverage at the best price. Home and car insurance discounts are waiting for you, so why not take advantage of them?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you renew car insurance online in Quebec?

Car insurance in Quebec and other provinces can be renewed online. The car insurance renewal process is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes through an online form or a mobile application.

However, it should be noted that this possibility depends on your car insurance company. Some companies offer car insurance renewals online, while others do not. The easiest way to be certain of this is to directly contact your auto insurer and simply ask, "Can I renew my car insurance online?" They should be able to tell you whether you can renew online and, if so, what procedure to follow.

In some cases, it may not be possible to renew your policy online. This is particularly the case for vehicles under co-ownership, leasing, or belonging to a company, as well as for motorcycles and collectible vehicles. Likewise, if you have commercial insurance, if your insurance has expired, if you wish to add, remove, or modify optional coverages during renewal, if you have an unpaid debt to your insurer, or for any other potential ineligibility.

What is an insurance renewal and what does it entail?

Renewal of your car insurance typically occurs every year. It consists of two phases: a review of your renewal by your insurer, and your review of the renewal notice.

During the first phase, your insurer examines your contract and decides whether to renew it automatically without making any changes, or to make modifications based on any changes that have taken place during the past 12 months.

During the second phase, you receive your notice. If you have opted for this option, no action is required on your part, and your car insurance will be automatically renewed. If you wish to make any changes to your contract, you must contact your insurer. After your car insurance renewal, you can pay for car insurance online by paying the full advance or continuing to follow the current payment schedule.

Is it safe to renew car insurance online in Quebec, and what precautions should I take when doing so?

When renewing car insurance online in Quebec, it's natural to wonder about safety and precautions. Just as you exercise caution with online government services, it's essential to approach online insurance renewal with the same level of care.

Contact your insurance broker

As a first step, please contact your insurance broker to ensure they offer online renewal. An advisor should be able to answer your questions and perhaps even assist you in the process of renewing car insurance online. Be sure to ask for the correct website address on which to carry out this procedure.

Check if the website connection is secure

Once you are on the website, look for the word "https://" at the beginning of the URL and the padlock icon in the browser address bar. These are two indicators of a secure connection.

Use home Wi-Fi network

We recommend you carry out this procedure by connecting to a home Wi-Fi network and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks. Use a strong password to connect to the platform. Please note that no one employed by your insurance company should ask you for your password.

Don't open or click on suspicious links

If you receive a letter or email inviting you to connect to a platform to renew insurance online, do not click or open any links. Examine the address provided and, if necessary, contact your insurer so that they can confirm that the letter or email has indeed been sent by them.

These guidelines should be carefully followed, especially if you are planning to pay fees online. 

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