Auto insurance fraud is a serious issue throughout Canada, with real financial repercussions for legitimate policy holders. Whether you are seeking Ottawa car insurance for the first time or are out on the road, there are important steps you can take to make sure that you don’t become the target of car insurance fraud. Of course, the first and most important step is to educate yourself on insurance fraud and the best practices for how to handle accidents after they’ve happened. If you want to be 100% certain that you’re getting a legitimate policy, it might be a good idea to consult with a licensed professional who can help you find an Ottawa car insurance policy that’s perfect for you.
When shopping for Ottawa car insurance
Whenever you are in the market for an Ottawa car insurance policy, keep these tips in mind:
- If you have doubts about a company’s legitimacy, call the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to find out if the company is a registered provider.
- Any time you come across a provider whose rates are much lower than other companies, don’t buy just yet. First, do some research into the company to make sure that they’re legitimate. If you’re unable to find any clear information about the provider, it could be a scam.
- Be especially wary of telemarketers, internet ads, or door-to-door salespeople selling insurance policies.
- Read everything in your policy prior to signing.
- Once you have your Ottawa car insurance ID number, keep this information private.
As you’re driving
When you are behind the wheel of your vehicle, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. Make mental note of the cars in your vicinity, and be on the looking for vehicles that follow too close or that pull in front of you suddenly. These might just be cases of bad driving, but they may also be attempts to involve you in a staged accident. If you find yourself in any type of situation that makes you feel unsafe, remove yourself as soon as you can. Pull off in a safe location and allow the dangerous drivers to pass.
After a collision with another vehicle
In the event of a collision, there are certain smart practices for guarding against car insurance fraud. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- The first thing to do is to exchange information with the other driver. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, registration numbers, and insurance information. Particularly make note of who was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, and ask for contact information for any other passengers who were in the vehicle.
- Photograph the scene and the damage to both cars. Unless you have a reliable cell phone camera, make sure to keep a disposable camera in your glove box at all times.
- Call local law enforcement to report the accident. If an officer comes to the scene, fill out a police report right away. If no one comes, do it as soon as you get home.
- Also call your insurance company to get the claim process started.
- If anyone other than a law enforcement officer tries to tell you to do something, ignore their advice.
- Avoid tow-truck drivers who insist that they have to take your vehicle to a specific shop.
- Keep detailed bills and invoices of all related charges.
- Avoid signing any documents before having a chance to read them.
