Three Things To Do Before You Buy Life Insurance

With some planning and a little bit of prep work, you can help make sure your summer road trip is a safe one. Here are five tips for road trip safety.

Vehicle maintenance

Chances are your next road trip adventure will see you driving distances you don’t normally drive. If your car is close to its regularly scheduled maintenance, consider taking it in before you leave. Get a tune-up, ensure fluids are topped up, get an oil change (if your car uses oil), and have any small repairs you might have been putting off addressing. You don’t want small things to become bigger problems while you’re away from home.

If you’re not due to take your car in, check the following:

• Tires: Make sure your tire pressure is correct — check your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure. Ensure there’s a safe amount of tread left, and inspect for any signs of damage
• Fluids: Top up necessary fluids and consider putting an extra jug of windshield washer fluid in your trunk
• Lights: Inspect to make sure lights and signal indicators are working

Should you find something that isn’t right, schedule a trip to the mechanic.

Pack an emergency road kit

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Out on the road, unfamiliar terrain or unpredictable weather conditions can make dealing with problems more challenging. Preparing a well-stocked emergency road kit can help you handle common roadside or first-aid situations.

Consider putting the following in an easily identifiable bag (makes it easier to find in a packed car):

• Jumper or booster battery cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Nylon utility cord
• Syphon pump (a device used to move fluid, like gasoline)
• LED flashlight
• Safety vest
• Signal cone
• Batteries (to power things like a flashlight)
• Gloves
• Rain poncho
• Mylar or thermal emergency blanket
• Light sticks

• Paper towels
• Quick-fix tire sealant
• Multi-tool (can include a screwdriver, pliers and cutting tool)
• First aid kit
• Emergency water and food
• Extra cellphone charger

Check your car seats

If you have kids in the car, it’s a good idea to check the car seats:

• Does the child’s harness still fit as instructed by the car seat owner’s manual?
• Are there any wear patterns on the belts or harnesses that require further inspection or replacement?
• Is there food or debris that needs to be cleaned (check your owner’s manual on how to clean them properly)?

Remember, any loose items in the car may become projectiles in the event of an accident. Toys and tablets inside the car might become potential hazards to all passengers, not just kids.

Travelling with pets

Keep pets secure to ensure they’re safe — and to avoid unexpected distractions for drivers. For larger dogs, consider a properly fitting harness. For smaller dogs or cats, an appropriate-sized carrier can help keep them safe and comfortable and prevent wandering around the car.

If you need a break, chances are your pet does too. Plan for frequent stops and make sure all passengers have plenty of water. And remember to never leave a pet alone in the car. Temperatures inside the car can change quickly, leading to a dangerous situation for your pet.

Know the weather conditions

With warm weather comes heat warnings, the risk of severe thunderstorms, potential flooding, and even wildfires. Check weather forecasts and know what type of driving conditions you might be facing.

Things to watch out for if you’re driving through unexpected weather conditions:

• High heat may cause your engine to overheat
• Wind storms can cause downed trees or other damage, making roads difficult to navigate
• Heavy rains can cause floods and reduce visibility. Driving on flooded roads may affect your engine and brakes
• Wildfire smoke may reduce visibility

Make sure your car insurance is up to date

Do you know when your car insurance policy renews? Make sure you check on the renewal date and that payments are coming out of your account as expected. You don’t want to be away from home in an accident only to find out your coverage has expired.

Some insurance companies have towing coverage as a part of their policies. Others offer optional roadside assistance or trip-planning services. Know what services are available as a part of your coverage before leaving.

And before pulling out of the driveway, ensure you have proof of valid insurance. If you’re an RBC Insurance client, you can sign in through Online Insurance to get a copy of your insurance slip (and if you’re new to Online Insurance, you can enroll here).

Lastly, know how to contact your insurance company before you leave on your trip. Keep a copy of the claims phone number stored in your glove box and your contact list on your phone. In the event of an accident, take some of the stress out of the situation by knowing how to connect with your insurance provider and ask for help.

Road safety goes beyond what’s in your car and extends to the type of car insurance you buy. Buying the right plan and coverage helps to protect your family in the event of the unexpected and gets you back on the road faster.

Car insurance offers financial protection for you and your family or dependents in the event of an auto accident. It’s mandatory for all drivers in Canada and can help cover the costs of injuries to yourself and others, as well as auto repairs, theft and more. But just like no two families are the same, no car insurance policy or insurance company is alike. Here are some things to look for when shopping for a family car insurance policy in Canada.

Understanding Car Insurance

With car insurance, you pay a monthly or annual fee (called a premium) to cover yourself or other drivers in your household. If you have an accident, the insurance covers the cost of repairs to your car and any damages you may be liable for and could pay out money to you or your family in the event of injuries or deaths.

Car insurance policies provide coverage for:

• Personal injury or death: Receive a financial settlement if you or your family are injured or die in a covered car accident.
• Injury or death of others: Liability insurance covers costs if one of your passengers or another driver is injured or killed in an accident where you’re at fault.
• Uninsured or unidentified drivers: Your insurance may also cover you if you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or with an unknown driver, like in the event of a hit-and-run.

When choosing a policy, some parts of it will include mandatory coverage (this varies for every province or territory), and there will be additional optional coverages that you can also buy. Usually, coverage falls into a few categories:

• Liability and other mandatory insurance coverages
• Comprehensive Car Insurance and Collision Damage
• Optional Car Insurance, also known as endorsements (or riders)

How much does car insurance cost for families in Canada?

Car insurance prices depend on many things, including:

• Location: Insurance prices vary by province, city and region.
• Driving history: Experienced drivers tend to pay less. New or young drivers, people on graduated licensing programs (depending on your province), and people with a driving record that includes accidents or traffic convictions (like speeding tickets) usually pay more.
• Driving habits: Do you drive only on weekends, to and from work, or is your personal vehicle used for work purposes? The different ways you use your car can impact your insurance price.

How to choose a car insurance policy for your family

Think about your family’s driving needs

Maybe you all share your parents’ car for work, school and grocery runs. Or maybe you have multiple cars and a recreational vehicle, like a motorhome and require motorhome insurance. It’s useful to talk to an insurance advisor about what your family needs.

Some important factors you should be aware of:

• Multi-vehicle households: You could save by insuring multiple cars under the same car insurance policy rather than taking out separate insurance policies.
• The number of drivers (or soon-to-be drivers): Young drivers can gain experience by being “secondary” or “occasional” drivers on their parents’ car insurance policies, even if they’re away at college or university.
• Budget: Some insurance policies go beyond the basics and may cost more than others. Look at the coverage you need and how much you can afford. There are ways to customize your insurance policy and price. For example, to save on the price you pay monthly or annually, you could select a higher deductible, which is the amount you have to pay if you make a claim. You’ll pay more if you make an insurance claim, but you’ll get a lower cost upfront.

Comparison shopping for car insurance

Shopping around can help you save money, as well as give you a better idea of features available with different companies.

• Get quotes from multiple insurers: Doing your research can help you find the policy that works best for your family. An insurance advisor can answer questions and help you understand what types of insurance would meet your family’s needs and what prices to expect.
• Compare coverage options: Compare what’s covered with each plan and the different options. There are additional coverages that you can buy to help you save money in the event of a claim, like forgiveness for your first at-fault accident.
• Get advice from a licensed insurance advisor: They can review the policy with you so that you understand the terms of your plan. They can also explain any situations where you may not be covered or require additional coverage.
• Ask about discounts: Some insurance companies offer special pricing for bundling home and auto insurance together, as well as discounts if you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle¹ or belong to an eligible professional association or organization, like an employee group or union.

How to purchase car insurance in Canada

There are several ways to buy car insurance in Canada, including:

• Directly from an insurance company where licensed advisors can guide you through the process and give you helpful advice
• Get a quote and buy car insurance online
• Insurance brokers can help you shop around for different plans and get you prices from multiple insurance companies

Maintaining your car insurance policy

It’s important to be proactive about paying your bills and keeping your information up to date to ensure your insurance coverage stays active and your family is protected.

Be sure to:

• Pay premiums on time to avoid extra fees: Set up automatic payments and check that your monthly payments have gone through, or ask your insurance company about making annual payments and when they send reminders.
• Keep your information updated: Update your personal information as it changes, like adding or removing drivers from your policy and updating your address and credit card number and expiry date.
• Renew your policy on time: Make sure you’re prepared for when your policy is up for renewal, and take the time to speak to an insurance advisor about your options in advance. There may be ways you can save money; for example, if your needs or situation has changed or if there are options for bundling insurance.

Making a car insurance claim

Steps to take after an accident

No one plans to get in a car accident, but if it does happen, here are the steps you need to take:

• Stop and pull over when and where it is safe to do so
• Check for injuries (yourself and if other parties are involved). Call 911 if required
• Contact the police immediately
• Exchange information with the other driver, including:
  • Name, address and phone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Car make and model and license plate
  • Insurance company name, phone number and the policy number
• Take photos of the damage to both cars

Filing a claim with your insurance company

If you’re involved in an accident:

• Report the accident to your insurance company right away
• Keep any documentation you have from the car accident
• Submit any requested documentation and receipts to your insurance company

Having the right car insurance policy can protect you and your family from the financial impacts of a car accident. Be sure to update your plan as your family’s situation changes. This can help ensure your loved ones have the coverage they need and get them back on the road faster.

Interested in learning more about car insurance? Read your policy carefully. Be sure to check your policy every year to ensure that all your information is accurate and current. Ask questions in case there are discounts your insurance company offers that you qualify for.

^{1. Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle discounts can vary based on the province or territory where the customer lives.}