Risk & Business Magazine Gillons Insurance Spring 2017 | Page 27

ASK A CLAIMS
MANAGER
Q
: DOES MY INSURANCE COMPANY
HAVE TO PROVIDE ME WITH A
RENTAL VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF
AN AUTO CLAIM?
A
: It depends. Make sure to get approval
from your claims adjuster before
renting a replacement vehicle.
If the other driver’s insurance
company accepts complete fault for the
accident, you will be entitled to a replacement
vehicle (for a reasonable length of time) while
your vehicle is being repaired.
However, if you are found to be partially or
completely at-fault for the accident, and did not
purchase optional Loss of Use (Transportation
Replacement) Coverage, the cost of a rental
vehicle may not be fully covered.
Q
: WHAT DOES “NO FAULT”
INSURANCE MEAN IN ONTARIO?
A
: Ontario has a “no-fault” car insurance system, but this
does not mean that no one is at fault in an accident. The
term “no-fault” insurance simply means if you are injured or
your car is damaged in an accident, then you deal with your
own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault. This removes any
waiting period from the third-parties insurer “agreeing” to help pay costs
associated with the damage/injury. Instead, settlement on your claim for
repairs or replacement can begin immediately.
Q
: HAVE THERE BEEN RECENT CHANGES TO MY
AUTO POLICY THAT I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

A
: YES, beginning June 1, 2016, the Ontario government made
changes to the auto insurance system that will give you more
choice over the coverage options you select and the price you
pay for auto insurance premiums. Most of these changes apply
to the Statutory Accident Benefits you received when injured in a car
accident – no matter who is at fault. Some of these benefits have been
reduced and some options for increased coverage are being eliminated or
changed.
Please contact your broker to discuss these changes further.
TONYA BERGEN
CLAIMS MANAGER
Questions?
Our claims service
is available 24/7 for
emergency situations.
1-800-465-7797
gillons.ca
27