How Much Are Auto Insurance Cancellation Fees in Ontario?
By Daniel Schoester | Published on 17 Jul 2023
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An auto insurance cancellation fee is a fee the insurance company charges when you cancel your auto insurance policy before its expiration date. Generally, there are two main types: pro-rata and short-rate cancellation fees.
Short-rate cancellation fees are more common. They are calculated by applying a certain percentage to the remaining contract balance. Some companies may use pro-rata cancellation, which is more friendly to you. A pro-rata cancellation refunds you for the remaining contract balance. However, each insurance company has a different approach to cancellation fees, so be sure to review the terms and conditions of your contract.
Furthermore, it’s best to coordinate your following policy before your existing policy ends. This is because driving without car insurance is illegal in Ontario. You will also be liable for any damages caused without coverage. This article will explore these topics to comprehensively understand Ontario’s auto insurance cancellation fees.
What to Consider Before Cancelling Your Auto Insurance in Ontario
Before delving into the details of these cancellation fees, let’s take a moment to understand the importance of auto insurance. Auto insurance provides financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your vehicle. Car insurance in Ontario is legally required, ensuring you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. However, if you decide to proceed, it’s essential to consider these factors:
a) Legal Requirements
Operating a motor vehicle without valid insurance is illegal and can result in severe penalties. The FSRAO has deemed it mandatory to have insurance while driving in Ontario. Failing to meet this requirement can result in license suspension. Ensure you have your insurance policy lined up before cancelling your existing policy. However, if you don’t plan on driving, you can cancel your current policy without needing another.
b) Future Insurance Needs
Insurance companies may deem you a risky driver if they see a gap in your insurance coverage. This can result in the need for high-risk auto insurance. Before cancelling your existing policy, it’s essential to consider if you will need auto insurance in the future and how that could impact the cost. Again, activating your following insurance policy before cancelling your existing one is worthwhile.
c) Financial Implications
Finally, there are two financial implications to consider. Of course, the primary one is cancellation fees. However, insurance is meant to cover damages in an accident. If an accident happens without insurance, you may have to cover the cost of repairs, medical bills, and other related expenses. Additionally, if your car is damaged or stolen without valid insurance, you will not receive compensation from the insurance company.
Two Types of Auto Insurance Cancellation Fees
When cancelling your auto insurance policy in Ontario, there are typically two types of cancellation fees: Short rate and pro-rata. Each company generally has a different approach. However, this section will explain the fees to empower your understanding.
1. Short Rate Cancellation Fee
Short-rate cancellation fees are often based on a percentage of the unearned premium remaining on your policy. The percentage is typically between 1% and 8%, but it can vary depending on your insurance company. This means that the longer you have held your policy before cancellation, the smaller the fee, as the insurance company has earned more of the premium.
For example, assume you are eight months into a 12-month policy worth $1,200. You have four months of unearned premiums, or $400 [= 4* (1200/12)]. If your short-rate fee is 6%, your cost for cancelling early would be $24 (= 6% * 400). As your unearned premiums increase, so will your cancellation fees. Furthermore, some insurance companies may increase the percentage fee for early cancellations.
However, short-rate cancellation fees are calculated based on a formula determined by the insurance company. Therefore, it is essential to review your policy or contact your insurance provider for specific details regarding the calculation of this fee.
2. Pro-Rata Cancellation Fees
Some insurance companies use pro-rata cancellation. You can think of this as a refund because it’s a return of the unearned premium; you receive a refund for any unused portion of your policy. For example, you have held a 12-month policy worth $1,200 for eight months. Your unearned premiums sum up to $400, and your pro-rate refund would equal that amount.
However, you generally receive a pro-rata cancellation when the insurance company ends your policy. This can be due to non-payment or any other reason outlined in your policy. While you receive the refund, the cancellation will appear on your car insurance history. Having another insurance provider cancel is generally viewed negatively by insurance companies. This can impact your ability to receive car insurance and may significantly increase your costs in the future.
Five Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Cancellation Fees
Several factors can influence the amount of your auto insurance cancellation fee in Ontario:
| Factor | Effect on Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Insurance company | Different companies have different policies and fees |
| Policy duration | Longer policies typically have lower cancellation fees |
| Reason for cancellation | May not directly affect fees, but may affect options available |
| Policy-specific terms | Some policies have clauses or provisions that affect the fee |
| Cool-off period | Some companies offer a window to cancel without fees |
1. The insurance company
Different insurance companies may have their own set of rules and criteria for determining cancellation fees. Some companies may have pro-rata refunds, while others charge a short-rate fee. Additionally, short-rate fees can vary between insurance companies. It’s best to compare car insurance before deciding on one provider.
2. Policy Duration
Short-rate cancellation fees generally decrease over time. This is because you have provided more income to your insurance company. Therefore, you may be subject to lower fees if you have had your policy for an extended period.
3. Reason For Cancellation
While the reason for cancellation may not directly impact the cancellation fee, it is still important to communicate your intentions with your insurance provider. They may offer alternative solutions or options that can minimize the financial impact. For example, they may offer a grace period or suggest adjusting your coverage instead of cancelling altogether. Some companies may even provide a customer retention discount.
4. Policy-Specific Terms
The terms and conditions outlined in your insurance policy can also affect the cancellation fee. Some policies may have specific clauses or provisions influencing the cancellation fee amount. For instance, cancelling before that period may incur a higher fee if your policy includes a minimum term commitment. It is crucial to carefully review your policy to understand any clauses or provisions that may impact the fee.
5. Cool-Off Period
Some insurance companies provide a cancellation window to avoid cancellation fees. For example, suppose you cancel your policy within a specified cooling-off period, usually a few days after purchasing the policy. In that case, you may be entitled to a full refund without any cancellation fees. However, this can vary depending on the insurance company and the terms and conditions of your policy.
How to Avoid Auto Insurance Cancellation Fees
While it may not always be possible to avoid cancellation fees entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the fees. This section will discuss the best options to avoid or reduce cancellation fees.
| Option | What to do |
|---|---|
| Review your policy | Read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the cancellation policy and any potential fees. |
| Time your cancellation | Cancel at the end of your policy term to avoid higher cancellation fees. |
| Communicate with your insurance provider | Let your insurance company know that you are cancelling and discuss your options. They may be able to offer suggestions or alternative solutions that can help you avoid or reduce cancellation fees. |
Review Your Policy
One of the first things you should do is review your policy thoroughly before proceeding with cancellation. Take the time to understand the terms and conditions surrounding cancellations and any potential fees that may apply. By clearly understanding what you’re getting into, you can better prepare yourself and avoid surprises.
Timing is Key
Timing is also essential when it comes to cancelling your auto insurance policy. Planning your cancellation can help you avoid unnecessary charges. Avoid cancelling in the middle of your policy term, as this may result in higher cancellation fees. Instead, try to time your cancellation at the end of your policy term before renewing.
Communicate With Your Insurance Provider
Communication is key when it comes to dealing with your insurance provider. Once you decide to cancel, you must inform your insurance company and discuss your intentions. By having an open and honest conversation, they might offer suggestions or alternative solutions that can help you avoid or reduce cancellation fees.
They may find a way to adjust your policy to suit your needs without incurring additional costs. This can include reducing your premiums by increasing your deductible. They may also offer discounts for bundling with home insurance.
Auto Insurance Cancellation Fees in Ontario: The Bottom Line
Cancellation fees are an expected and sometimes unavoidable expense when cancelling auto insurance. However, you can minimize or avoid these fees by thoroughly reviewing your policy before cancellation, timing the cancellation at the end of your policy term, and communicating with your insurance provider to discuss potential solutions. By taking these steps into account, you can save money on unexpected costs while still getting the coverage that best suits your needs.
FAQs About Auto Insurance Cancellation Fees in Ontario
Yes, you can cancel your auto insurance policy anytime in Ontario. However, the cancellation fees you incur may vary depending on the timing and circumstances of your cancellation.
Yes, in most cases, a fee will be associated with cancelling your auto insurance policy. Depending on the provider and the specific terms of your policy, this fee can range from a total refund to more significant short-rate fees.
To cancel your car insurance in Ontario, you must contact your insurance provider directly and inform them of your intention to cancel. Be sure to provide the necessary documentation and information to process the cancellation. You may also be required to pay applicable fees for cancelling your policy.
The best way to cancel car insurance without charges in Ontario is by timing your cancellation at the end of your policy term. This will generally result in lower or no cancellation fees. You can also communicate with your insurance provider and discuss alternative solutions that may help you avoid additional financial costs.
Yes, there will be a penalty for cancelling car insurance in most cases. Depending on the provider and the specific terms of your policy, this fee can range from a simple administrative charge to more significant short-rate fees. Be sure to review your policy before proceeding with cancellation.
Yes, you can cancel insurance on a financed car. However, be sure to check the terms of your loan agreement before proceeding with cancellation. Failing to maintain insurance on a financed car could result in severe financial penalties or repossession.
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance after an accident. However, it may be better to remain if your company has an accident forgiveness policy. This won’t impact your premiums while staying with the same company. Another company will likely charge you significantly more after seeing your accident history.
Yes, you can cancel your car insurance before it expires. However, be aware that the cancellation fees may vary depending on the timing and circumstances of your cancellation. Be sure to review your policy before proceeding with cancellation.
No, cancelling car insurance does not affect your credit score. However, failing to make insurance payments can impact your credit score. Furthermore, failing to pay the applicable cancellation fees could result in a negative consequence on your credit.
