Ontario Auto Insurance: Why You Need to Verify Physical Damage Coverage Separately

Physical Damage Coverage Is Optional Coverage

In Ontario, physical damage coverage is optional coverage. Under Section 7 of the Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP1), the policy provides optional coverage for loss or damage to the vehicle caused by collision, fire, theft, and other various unforeseen perils.

Check the Certificate of Insurance to Confirm Specific Coverage

Because physical damage coverage is not mandatory, the policyholder needs to confirm whether their vehicle actually has this coverage. Under the policy, whether a specific vehicle has specific coverage should be verified by checking whether the certificate of insurance lists a premium for that coverage. If the certificate of insurance does not show a premium for that coverage and does not indicate that the coverage is provided free of charge, it means that the vehicle does not have this coverage.

Sources

• FSRA — Ontario Automobile Policy

This article provides general information only and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage is governed by current law and your policy wording.