Safe drivers are less likely to get into a collision, which means we’re happy to provide them with a lower car insurance premium. Saving money and staying safer sounds like a win-win to us, so take these tips into your next trip and you’ll well on your way to seeing both your risks and your rates fall!
Keep your driving record clean
Generally, having a good driving record means enjoying lower prices on insurance, so you can score a competitive rate if you don’t have a history of at-fault collisions. That said, don’t get too down if you’ve had collisions in the past (nobody’s perfect!) — it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re barred from the discount party forever. Some insurance companies, including Onlia, offer discounts based on how many years you’ve been free of claims. The more you’ve gone without an at-fault collision, the more you can save.
Keeping your record clean is a whole lot easier when you’re actively practising safe-driving behaviour. Staying off the road when you’re tired, not tailgating other cars, and avoiding distractions like texting or eating while driving are just a few ways you can minimize the risk of getting into a collision (not to mention avoiding hefty tickets if you’re pulled over).
Sign up for a driver training or defensive driving course
Every driver should invest in a government-approved driving training course (Young Drivers of Canada is widely-known, and there’s plenty more good options in Ontario). You’ll learn defensive driving practices, proper parallel parking, and get into the habit of being more alert, aware, and proactive while driving. Improving your skills not only builds confidence and technique, but it’s also something car insurance companies look for when determining your rate — after all, a trained driver is a safer driver.
That said, it’s easier to improve when you can tangibly measure your progress. If you want to see how safely you're driving, you can always check out the Onlia Insurance™ app — our app that uses your phone’s sensors to analyze your driving, score you on important factors, and show you where you can improve.
Get a dashboard camera
Collisions happen, but they won’t always be your fault. Investing in a dashboard camera (dash cam) can be instrumental in avoiding future costs by recording exactly what happens while you’re driving. You won’t need the footage most of the time, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you really need it.
Let’s say someone backs into your car, but then tries to pass the blame onto your by saying you rear-ended them. It’s lame, but it happens. With a dash cam, you’ll have all the evidence you need to prove you the other driver was at-fault to the police and your insurance company, nixing any risk of your taking undeserved blame for something you aren’t responsible for.
Your insurance rate won’t go up, you won’t have to deal with a lengthy investigation, and you’ll get all the insurance coverage you’re entitled to without any headaches.
