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shuel2002 65F
5090 posts
6/10/2016 10:13 am
INSURANCE NIGHTMARE

I know I haven't been around lately. We celebrated our mother's 90th birthday, I had some more health appointments which turned out well, and just when I thought I would be on here more, I got my car insurance renewal. I don't know how it is for other countries, but in Ontario, they made major modifications in June. To top it off, my insurance company totally changed their rating system and despite no accidents, I was downgraded. My insurance was literally raised by about 75%. I thought it was an error but it wasn't. The broker checked and they actually thought I would pay it. There was no way I would. I would sooner stop driving.

I got my driver's license called a G2 in 2010 (G1 I got earlier but that isn't taken into account in Ontario) so it's been only 6 years since they consider my history. That is why their change in ratings affected me greatly. Since that time I have spent my days shopping around and calling insurance companies and brokers. I haven't been enjoying myself. I think I found one but we'll see what happens. I had hoped for a decrease this year but that isn't happening. If this one goes through, it isn't significantly more expensive so I can live with it.

Have you had fun times concerning insurance companies? Tell us all about it.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!








Elaine Shuel


bijou624

6/10/2016 11:53 am

Hi Elaine: I heard there was going to be some major changes in car insurance in Ontario, but haven't heard what the changes are. I have my insurance through CAA for years now and the rates are great. Sorry you're having problems and hope it works out for you.


Nileyears 71F
4206 posts
6/10/2016 12:36 pm

I had problems with one insurance company, they kept raising my rates. I haven't gotten a ticket since 1985, no accidents, took defensive driving courses to help keep my rates down, but every six months the price went up. I shopped around and found one that was half the price and dropped the old one. After I did that, I got a letter from the old insurance company saying they reported me for driving without insurance, I couldn't believe that crap! I called them and threatened to sue them for falsifying a report to our Texas DOT, the woman I talked to started back peddling after that and all kind of apologies, even said if I stayed with them they would lower my rates. Yeah right, like I want to stay with a company like that! Then I had to send a copy of my new insurance to the DOT to prove I never let my insurance lag. Total pain in the butt!!


Rocketship 79F
18528 posts
6/10/2016 1:28 pm

I have coverage on one vehicle in Ontario and one vehicle in BC.

In Ontario, we buy both our public liability & property damage and comprehensive through private brokers who usually work to find the best coverage at a rate you can afford.

In British Columbia, we have to buy our PL&PD through the provincial gov't plan, but can buy comprehensive from them or a private broker. [Intact was cheaper for me.]

Anyway, the cost was about the same either way.

The problem with any insurance is that you pay and the company is betting you won't have a claim so they're money ahead. But you can't afford to bet that you won't have a claim..... sighhhh.

Good luck Shuel!!


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/10/2016 2:21 pm

    Quoting PraizeHim8:
    Sorry For The Problems Elaine - I've Driven Over 35 Yrs And I can't Recall any major Hassles- Hope Yours Works Out And Is Settled Soon
Thanks Diane. Hopefully things will be fine with the new insurer. Time will tell.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/10/2016 2:23 pm

    Quoting bijou624:
    Hi Elaine: I heard there was going to be some major changes in car insurance in Ontario, but haven't heard what the changes are. I have my insurance through CAA for years now and the rates are great. Sorry you're having problems and hope it works out for you.
Thanks bijou. The rate took effect June 1 so you will get hit on your renewal. Basically they lowered the cost of insurance by lowering the benefits. If you want better coverage, it costs more. However what hit me the hardest was the company changing how they rate clients. I am a fairly new driver so I got hit in a big way.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/10/2016 2:24 pm

    Quoting  :

Yes he was. Thanks for your comment, _JKH54.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/10/2016 2:26 pm

    Quoting Nileyears:
    I had problems with one insurance company, they kept raising my rates. I haven't gotten a ticket since 1985, no accidents, took defensive driving courses to help keep my rates down, but every six months the price went up. I shopped around and found one that was half the price and dropped the old one. After I did that, I got a letter from the old insurance company saying they reported me for driving without insurance, I couldn't believe that crap! I called them and threatened to sue them for falsifying a report to our Texas DOT, the woman I talked to started back peddling after that and all kind of apologies, even said if I stayed with them they would lower my rates. Yeah right, like I want to stay with a company like that! Then I had to send a copy of my new insurance to the DOT to prove I never let my insurance lag. Total pain in the butt!!
Wow, unbelievable Rae. I am shocked by what happened to you. It is amazing that they would think you'd consider going back with them. Thanks for your comment.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/10/2016 2:28 pm

    Quoting Rocketship:
    I have coverage on one vehicle in Ontario and one vehicle in BC.

    In Ontario, we buy both our public liability & property damage and comprehensive through private brokers who usually work to find the best coverage at a rate you can afford.

    In British Columbia, we have to buy our PL&PD through the provincial gov't plan, but can buy comprehensive from them or a private broker. [Intact was cheaper for me.]

    Anyway, the cost was about the same either way.

    The problem with any insurance is that you pay and the company is betting you won't have a claim so they're money ahead. But you can't afford to bet that you won't have a claim..... sighhhh.

    Good luck Shuel!!

It must be hard having to get insurance in 2 provinces. I don't envy you, Rocket. I never had an accident, but yes, they are banking on that. I just don't get why the insurance company I am currently with, changed their rates for me so drastically. It worries me for the future. Thanks for your response.

Elaine Shuel


Shartaun03 81F
6169 posts
6/10/2016 3:48 pm

I think I have only had two accidents in 45 years of driving. My deduction for safe driving is the highest you can get. I am like Rocket I get my Insurance through the Provincial government plan. We don't have a whole lot of choices here.


frenchsalsa2 77F
7809 posts
6/10/2016 7:16 pm

Elaine, you and I live in the same city but opposite ends. I do believe driver record accounts for a lot plus the fact that I'm a senior (as defined in Canada...65+). I don't believe in going through a broker... I did once and as I recall, it was more expensive. So for the last number of years, I have my vehicle insurance plus home etc with them and my rates seem to be consistent yet I do feel they're higher than they were. I did read where the price increase had not been reflected in the last number of years and as a result we were all overcharged. I believe a rebate is in store for us, however, I doubt that will happen under the current provincial government!!


hermitinthecity 70M
1691 posts
6/11/2016 12:14 am

You should live in Australia. You can have fully comprehensive insurance (covers all cars including yours) or you can have what we call 3rd party insurance. 3rd party insurance only covers the other car, not your in an accident. It's really cheap, I pay around $160.00 per year for it. Fully comprehensive for my mother was around $500.00 per year I think. It all depends on 'no claim bonuses' also.. For under age 25 it's not so good, a few years back it was around $2,500.00 for full comprensive insurance. Dont know what it is now.

Judgment Day will be interesting - and all paths lead there.


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/11/2016 3:39 pm

    Quoting Shartaun03:
    I think I have only had two accidents in 45 years of driving. My deduction for safe driving is the highest you can get. I am like Rocket I get my Insurance through the Provincial government plan. We don't have a whole lot of choices here.
I didn't realize that Ontario is so different from the western part of Canada. I never had an accident either but that hasn't helped me regarding this matter. Thanks for your comment, Shartaun03.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/11/2016 3:41 pm

    Quoting  :

Sad but true, Roxy. Thanks for your comment. Hopefully this new policy will be accepted and I can enjoy my life again.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/11/2016 3:41 pm

    Quoting  :

That was sweet of you to say, Roxy. I am never that far away.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/11/2016 3:45 pm

    Quoting frenchsalsa2:
    Elaine, you and I live in the same city but opposite ends. I do believe driver record accounts for a lot plus the fact that I'm a senior (as defined in Canada...65+). I don't believe in going through a broker... I did once and as I recall, it was more expensive. So for the last number of years, I have my vehicle insurance plus home etc with them and my rates seem to be consistent yet I do feel they're higher than they were. I did read where the price increase had not been reflected in the last number of years and as a result we were all overcharged. I believe a rebate is in store for us, however, I doubt that will happen under the current provincial government!!
There is a discount for seniors but even on my current policy, there was an age discount. They said in the renewal they got rid of that discount but that it is reflected in the policy. No way that is true. i did call some companies directly but the best price I got was through a broker. I did one of those online things that looks at many insurance companies at one time. Thanks Frenchsalsa. I am glad you haven't been hit so far but it will be your next renewal that you will know how the new rules affected your premium.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/11/2016 3:48 pm

    Quoting  :

The difference for me is only $98 since I have an old car. That isn't causing my 73% increase but I do appreciate what you said, TxJW2. Thank you.

I also learned something new yesterday. You could put your insurance on hold, keeping only comprehensive, so it isn't considered as having lagged and can save you money if you don't drive in winter or for some other reason. Check out those rules by your insurance if they apply to you.

Elaine Shuel


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
6/11/2016 3:50 pm

    Quoting hermitinthecity:
    You should live in Australia. You can have fully comprehensive insurance (covers all cars including yours) or you can have what we call 3rd party insurance. 3rd party insurance only covers the other car, not your in an accident. It's really cheap, I pay around $160.00 per year for it. Fully comprehensive for my mother was around $500.00 per year I think. It all depends on 'no claim bonuses' also.. For under age 25 it's not so good, a few years back it was around $2,500.00 for full comprensive insurance. Dont know what it is now.
Thanks hermit but my car is 1998 and it only costs me $98 to have it covered. It is the basic insurance that suddenly doubled on me, due to them changing their system. Thanks for your comment.

Elaine Shuel