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Frequently asked questions

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Insurance Basics

Intact Insurance is Canada’s largest personal and business insurance company. We offer vehiclehome, and business insurance through a network of brokers across Canada.

To lower your premium, ask your insurance broker about the following:

  • increasing your deductible (i.e., your share of the cost of a claim) – by increasing the amount you are willing to pay, you will decrease your premium;
  • dropping collision coverage on an older car;
  • bundling your car and home insurance;
  • installing an approved theft deterrent system in your vehicle;
  • buying a car with a lower-cost insurance rating.

Your insurance broker will assess your needs based on the details you provide about your home or vehicle. In case of home insurance, a complete inventory of your belongings will help you get the right coverage and make it easier to file a claim.

Replacement cost is the total cost that your insurance company would pay to fully reconstruct your home if it were destroyed. Replacement costs include things that may not be included in the resale value, like the cost and availability of skilled labour, debris removal, extra expense due to more stringent building codes, and more. If you made upgrades or did renovations, talk to your broker to make sure you have the right coverage.

However if you had Lifestyle Advantage™, you could spend the replacement cost however you wish. With no obligation to rebuild, you could downsize and keep any leftover money. Certain restrictions apply, so call your broker to see if Lifestyle Advantage is right for you.

A deductible is the portion you are responsible for paying in the event of a claim. For example, if your car insurance policy has a $1,000 deductible for collision and there are $5,000 in damages, you will pay the first $1,000 and the insurance company will pay the remaining $4,000.

Car Insurance

If you drive in Canada, car insurance is mandatory, no matter what the vehicle. But when it comes to the type of coverage, the choice is yours:

  • A policy that covers repairs for damage to your vehicle caused either by a collision with another vehicle or by an impact with an object (wall, tree, etc.). 
  • A policy that covers repairs for damages to your vehicle caused by unexpected situations such as theft, vandalism, fire or natural disasters.
  • Coverage that protects your vehicle against specific dangers (theft, attempted theft, riots, specific natural disasters, etc.)

To learn more, contact an insurance broker! Making sure your policy covers exactly what you need is what a broker does best. 

You could save money and pay a lower premium in return for choosing a higher deductible. In other words, you risk having to pay the higher deductible amount if you ever need to make a claim. Talk to your insurance broker about the right insurance coverage and deductible amount for you.

When calculating your premium, various factors are taken into consideration.  Some examples include:

  • The type of car you drive
  • Where you live and work
  • The number of years you’ve been driving
  • How frequently you drive
  • Driving lessons you’ve taken
  • Your driving habits
  • The type of protection you require
  • The amount of deductible you pay

Yes. You could save on your home and car insurance if you insure them both with Intact Insurance.  Savings amounts will vary based on your insurance profile and province.  Learn more about how you can save with our Bundle and Save program.

my Driving Discount® is a car insurance program based on your driving habits and rewards good driving behaviour. Through this program, you could save up to 25%* off your car insurance premium. Our my Driving Discount page will answer your questions.

Yes, a discount is available in Ontario.  Please contact your broker for more details.

Currently, there are no discount offers for driving an electric car in Ontario.

There are many ways that you can save on car insurance

Yes, we cover RVs and motorcycles! We also cover ATVs, snowmobiles and boats. To learn more visit our Vehicle insurance page.

Yes, we cover RVs and motorcycles! We also cover ATVs, snowmobiles and boats. To learn more visit our Vehicle insurance page.

Yes. We offer coverage for most kinds of personal (private passenger) vehicles, including classic car coverage that complements your existing coverage:

  • Cars, SUVs, Minivans or Pickup Trucks
  • Motorcycles
  • Motorhomes, RVs
  • Snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).

* Certain conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply.

Yes, we do! In fact, we are the first insurer in Canada to offer extensive coverage for both drivers and passengers who use Uber services. So far this product is available in Alberta, Ontario and Québec. Learn more about our Uber insurance coverage.

You can make a payment by direct debit, cheque, pre-authorized credit card payments, or online through the Client Centre or the Intact Insurance App. The online payment service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that the only cards accepted online by Intact Insurance are credit and debit Visa and Mastercard. Prepaid credit cards are unfortunately not accepted. Learn more about How to make an online payment. 

We recommend that you talk to your insurance broker, who can advise you on any changes you would like to make to your policy, including cancellation.  Your broker is listed on your insurance policy.

Yes, it is! You can reach us at any time at 1 866 464 2424. Plus, when you call Intact Insurance to report a claim, we guarantee that within 30 minutes of answering your call, one of our dedicated claims representatives will start your claim.

Digital proof of insurance

Digital proof of insurance is valid in most Canadian provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. And in most of the United States.  

Please print the paper version of your proof of auto insurance when travelling outside of your province or country. 

For tips on how to print your proof of insurance, see “Can I print a copy of my proof of insurance?

Access your digital proof of insurance from the homepage of the app with the shortcut at the top of the screen. 

Use the Wallet app on your iPhone for secure access or add a widget to the home screen of your Android device.

Only policyholders* can access the digital proof of insurance through the app. 

If you have an iPhone, you can use the Wallet app. Select the three-dot menu to access the Share feature. You can also use AirDrop, iMessage, or email to share a PDF of your proof of insurance.  

If you have an Android device, select the PDF button at the bottom of your digital proof of insurance and share it by email. 

*A policyholder is the person who has purchased and owns the insurance policy. 

We're committed to protecting your privacy, which is why our digital proof of insurance is available on your phone's lock screen. This feature allows you to lock your screen and restrict access to your phone's content when sharing your digital proof of insurance. 

For added protection, you can also turn off notifications, but remember to be careful not to accidentally unlock your phone through fingerprint or facial recognition. 

By using this digital proof of insurance, you accept all risk and responsibility associated with its use. 

When you add the widget to your Android device or use the Wallet app, you can access your digital proof of insurance even when you're offline.  

When you renew or change your insurance policy, it takes a maximum of one business day before you see the changes in the app and Android widget. 

If you're using the Wallet app, you need to update it with your new proof of insurance. Go to the app homepage and tap the quick link at the top of the screen to add your new pink slip. 

Digital proof of insurance is valid in most Canadian provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. And in most of the United States.  

Please print the paper version of your proof of auto insurance when travelling outside of your province or country . 

For tips on how to print your proof of insurance, see “Can I print a copy of my proof of insurance?

If you need to print your proof of insurance, download the PDF version available in the app or your Client Centre account. Print it in colour on white paper to make sure all the information is clear and legible. We recommend that you always keep a paper copy of your proof of insurance in your vehicle when travelling outside the province or to share with other drivers and law enforcement.

The digital version of your proof of insurance is valid in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. If necessary, a police officer can confirm your coverage by calling <PHONE NUMBER>. 

You can also email your digital proof of insurance to law enforcement if required. 

We recommend that you always keep a paper copy of your proof of insurance in your vehicle when travelling outside the province, country or to share with other drivers and law enforcement. 

For tips on how to print your proof of insurance, see “Can I print a copy of my proof of insurance?

On your digital proof of insurance, you will find the name of your insurance company with your policy number, coverage dates, name, address, and the year, make, model and serial number of your vehicle. 

On your digital proof of insurance, you will find the name of your broker and insurance company with your policy number, coverage dates, name, address, and the year, make, model and serial number of your vehicle. 

If you choose to use digital proof of insurance, you're responsible for any risks that may arise, such as damage to your phone by a third party, including a police officer.   

If a personal auto insurance policy covers the vehicle, you can access your digital proof of insurance through the app or your Client Centre account.  

This applies to privately-owned vehicles like motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), individually rated commercial autos (IRCA) or other vehicles covered by personal insurance policies. 

Digital proof of insurance has several safety features to prevent fraud and protect your privacy. The app will never allow access to your location or personal information without your explicit consent.

It's the driver's responsibility to have a valid proof of insurance at all times. Be prepared for the unexpected by keeping a paper copy in your vehicle. 

For tips on how to print your proof of insurance, see “Can I print a copy of my proof of insurance?

The names of all the drivers who are policyholders are listed on the digital proof of insurance in the app.  

If you add your proof of insurance to the Wallet app, only the name of the person logged in will appear. 

 For drivers who are not the policyholder, you need to ask the car owner to share or print a PDF copy of their proof of insurance. 

For tips on how to print your proof of insurance, see “Can I print a copy of my proof of insurance?

Valid digital proof of insurance is only available in the app. You can also download and print a PDF version in your Client Centre and the app. 

For tips on how to print your proof of insurance, see “Can I print a copy of my proof of insurance?

Home Insurance

Intact Insurance offers insurance for your house, condo, apartment, cottage, home-based business and rented dwellings. We can also cover identity theft and offer liability insurance. Read  more about home insurance.

Intact Insurance offers tailored home insurance coverage to fit your lifestyle, so you can choose exactly what you want covered: your home, its contents, or yourself. Visit our home insurance section to learn more, or if you have specific questions about your coverage, contact your broker.

When calculating your premium, various factors are taken into consideration.  Some examples include:

  • The location of your home
  • The age and condition of your home.
  • The number of years you have lived in that home
  • If your home is built for or used by more than one family
  • How your home is heated
  • Proximity to fire-fighting support
  • If you work at home
  • How much protection you want
  • The number of claims you have made in the past

Absolutely! Bundling your car and home insurance can help you save money on both your car insurance and your home insurance. Plus, only one deductible applies if you need to make a claim on your home and vehicle at the same time. And, when you think about it, it makes things so much easier: one bill, one payment, one renewal date. Visit our savings and discounts page for more details.

The premium you pay is determined by different factors. The good news is, there are actions you can take to reduce your premium and simultaneously protect your home

  • Evaluate your coverage every year to make sure it reflects the current value and condition of your home, and takes into account major improvements or purchases.
  • Implement preventative measures like an alarm system, main line backwater valves, water sensors, alarmed sump pumps, and tankless water heaters. You should also perform regular maintenance to your plumbing, your electrical and heating systems and your roof.
  • Ask your broker about discounts you may be entitled to - you might qualify for additional discounts if you are mortgage or claims free.
  • Bundling your home and auto insurance policies could help lower your premium.
  • Avoid a cancellation penalty by waiting for your renewal date if you want to switch insurance companies.
  • Some coverage options might allow flexibility. Your broker can help you determine precisely the level of coverage you need.
  • Paying your premium annually can help you avoid interest charges or service fees.

We do! In fact, our extensive water damage coverage allows you to customize your insurance policy in the event that water enters your home.  Availability depends on each individual situation, please consult your broker for more information.

If you are worried about water damage, then our extensive water damage coverage is for you: sewer backup, water and sewer lines, overland water and ground water can all be part of the coverage you can customize based on your needs. You can also read our water damage checklist for prevention tips and check out our basement water damage calculator, which can help you determine how much coverage you need.

Business Insurance

Business insurance is not a single type of insurance coverage – it’s different insurance policies tailored for businesses based on their exposures to risk.

A professional business insurance broker is qualified to determine what types of insurance coverage your business needs, based on a comprehensive risk analysis. Intact Insurance works with more than 6,000 broker offices across Canada. We can refer you to an insurance broker in your community – someone who understands your business and can help you find the right business insurance coverage.

Every business has unique risks. A business insurance broker with experience in your industry can determine whether or not your business risks justify specialized insurance coverage (for example crime, professional liability or sewer back-up).

Business insurance premiums may increase for a number of reasons. Increased property values, or increased sales will cause a premium increase because the exposure to loss has increased. General Liability and Professional Liability premiums reflect your business’s sales. As sales increase, premiums typically increase even if rates stay the same.

No – nothing can prevent your business from being sued. Good business practices reduce the probability of a lawsuit but a person or organization can sue your business for almost anything – frivolous or justified. Your business insurance coverage can help you pay to defend allegations or actions against your business.

The deductible on your business insurance is the amount you pay towards repairs or replacement in case of damage or theft. If you choose a higher deductible in return for a lower premium, it saves you money. The tradeoff, however, is the risk of having to make a claim and pay the higher deductible amount.

Talk to your broker about the right deductible amount for your business.

We offer three convenient payment plans to help make it easier to manage your budget. Choose the one that best suits your needs:

  • easipay One Pay
    Make one upfront payment at the start of your policy. Choose to pay online, or via automatic bank withdrawal, cheque, money order or credit card.
  • easipay Three Pay
    Pay your premium in three equal payments. Your first payment (plus a $35 installment fee) is due at the start of your policy; the second is due three months later; and the third is due six months later. Choose to pay online, or via automatic bank withdrawal, cheque, money order or credit card.
  • easipay Monthly Plan
    We’ll automatically withdraw monthly payments from your bank account. For automobile policies, an interest rate of 1.3% of the total premium applies. For property policies, an interest rate of 3% of the total premium applies.*

    * For automobile policies, an interest rate of 1.3% of the total premium, which is equivalent to an approximate annual percentage rate of 2.83% as may be varied by applicable provincial law, endorsements or other policy amendments, is applied in monthly installments over the term of the policy.
    For property policies, an interest rate of 3% of the total premium, which is equivalent to an approximate annual percentage charge of 6.4%, as may be varied by applicable provincial law, endorsements or other policy amendments, is applied in monthly installments over the term of the policy.