Private auto insurance (Optional Coverage)
 

Who do you guys use for your optional coverage and how much do you save over ICBC?

Is it a hassle to deal with if something happens?
Is there a good provider (ie. Is TD better than Kantix?)

Any and all help rewarded with thanks!

edit: My insurance agent does not sell third party insurance - she only promotes ICBC. Where can I go for a one stop shop? Any RS'ers private auto insurance brokers?

Been with coast which uses northern shield. Used to save money now it's about the same vs. ICBC. Although more benefits with Coast.

The hassle is you deal with two companies ICBC and your third party insurer.

i have allwest for my optional coverage.

what's good is they were cheaper than icbc at the time when i bought it, also they give u 200 cash if u ever have a claim with icbc. thus i upped my deducible to 500 (from 300) with icbc and saved even more.

Not really a hassle.. When you get into an accident, 3rd party usually get the shop to send info of damages etc. Digital technology makes claim centre mostly obsolete. Everything done over the phone will be recorded, so be calm and collected before you call. I find 3rd party insurers more generous with car rentals etc.

BCAA is probably the most convenient (1 stop shop). For me who also moves cars around from time to time.. their service is great.

^ What if you run into some noob agent who estimates a low-ball total write off and gives you 25-30% less than market value and you end up going back and forth with them for a while?

Isn't that what happens at ICBC too?

I find usually it is the more seasoned agents who would do what you suggest.

The shop usually provide the balancing force in that case.

bumping this because I'm looking again.

Are there any big brokers that deal with companies like Candian Direct ,TD, Family, ICBC, Coast , BCAA all in one shot? or do I have to go to all the individual companies myself?

I searched for private optional insurance and found that icbc has the best rate in my situation. I have 13 years of accident free history so my optional insurance discount is over 43%.
I had private insurance in the past, when there was a significant price difference, but I think those days are long gone.
Posted via RS Mobile

Edit: thanks for bumping this thread. I contacted all west for a quote since I didn't know they sold auto insurance.

Coast is an authroized agents for icbc so thats two birds. Everyone else probaly seperate.

I think I may be similar to you. So are you saying there is no point to even looking? What about better benefits as someone mentioned?

Do post how all west compares to YOUR icbc rates.

OK well I finally got around to calling them for a quote. I'm paying 1728 yearly with icbc. Allwest quoted me 1509 for the exact same policy. I'll be going into there north van office on Friday on my way back from whistler to talk to them in person and transfer my insurance over if everything is correct.
Posted via RS Mobile

I'm currently buying my third party through coast (Cdn Northern Shield). Saving about $220 ish. A few perks like one free tow/roadside assistance & something else that I can't remember right now.