Your Insurance Brokerage in Kitchener, Ontario
Whether you’re looking for car and truck insurance, home insurance, business insurance, farm insurance or life insurance, we're your licensed experts in Kitchener, Ontario.
Reviews
"I have been referring my commercial clients to Zac and his team for years now. To this day I have never been given negative feedback. The team at Western provides expert advice, solutions, and service every time." - Tanner Sinclair
Visit Us at
121 Charles St W C327, Kitchener, ON N2G 1H7
Our Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Most Popular Insurance Products in Kitchener, ON
What do I need to know about car insurance in Kitchener, Ontario?
As a resident of Ontario, you need mandatory car insurance coverage that protects you, your passengers, and other drivers.
Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act of Ontario, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle that is not insured.
There are four types of car insurance that are legally required in Ontario:
- Third-party Liability Coverage: You must have a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability coverage as part of your mandatory car insurance. It’s highly recommended that you purchase a higher limit. It protects you if someone is killed or injured, or their property is damaged, and you are found to be legally liable.
- Statutory Accidents Benefits Coverage: It provides you with benefits if you are injured in an accident, no matter who is found to be responsible. It includes supplementary medical, rehabilitation and attendant care, caregiver, non-earner and income replacement benefits, and there are options to increase most of these coverages.
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Direct Compensation- Property Damage (DCPD) Coverage: It covers damage to your car or its contents, and for the loss of use of your car or its contents, if
another person was at fault for the accident. It is called direct compensation because even though someone else causes the damage, you collect directly from your own insurer.
Insurance coverage under the DCPD section only applies if the following conditions are met: The accident took place in Ontario and there was at least one other vehicle involved in the accident. At least one of the other vehicles is insured by an insurance company licensed in Ontario.
As of January 1, 2024, drivers have the option to drop Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DCPD) from their auto insurance coverage. What this means is an Ontario driver can agree not to receive compensation for damages caused to their vehicle in a collision that was not their fault. Opting out of DCPD may help you save money on your car insurance premiums, but you are increasing your risk as a driver.
- Uninsured Automobile Coverage: It protects you and your family if you are injured or killed by a hit-and-run driver or by an uninsured motorist. It covers damage to your car caused by an identified uninsured driver.
What do I need to know about home insurance in Kitchener, Ontario?
Home insurance is not mandatory in Ontario, but if you have a mortgage your lender will likely require you to have an insurance policy.
Home insurance helps you protect against:
- Theft
- Fire
- Third- party “slip and fall” accidents
- Vandalism
Without home insurance, you’ll be responsible for paying out of pocket for damages to your home and detached structures like your shed or garage.
Home insurance also covers your personal belongings and helps protect you should someone get injured at your Kitchener home.
You’ll be protected and have peace of mind with home insurance in Kitchener.
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What do I need to know about business insurance in Kitchener, Ontario?
1. Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance: If a customer slips and falls at your business’s premises, or a customer’s property is damaged, you may be found legally responsible. It also helps protect you against allegations of false advertising, and libel or slander. Without CGL insurance, you would be responsible for paying any liability costs out of your own pocket.
2. Commercial Property Insurance: This type of insurance keeps your small business protected from property losses, such as theft, fire, or vandalism. You can also add earthquake insurance, sewer backup or flood coverage extensions to protect your business.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance: A small business should have commercial auto coverage as part of your insurance package. Personal car policies will not cover you or any employees.
4. Cyber Liability Insurance: If you use computers for any purpose in your business, you could be at risk of a cyberattack or data breach. These attacks can have crippling consequences for your business, both financial and reputational.
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Commonly asked questions about insurance in Kitchener, Ontario:
What types of insurance coverage do I need for my home in Kitchener?
Homeowners in Kitchener typically require insurance coverage for their dwelling, personal property, liability protection, and additional coverage for risks such as water damage and sewer backup. See what impacts home insurance costs in Kitchener.
How much does car insurance cost in Kitchener?
The cost of car insurance in Kitchener depends on various factors including driving history, vehicle type, coverage limits, and deductible amounts. Residents can obtain personalized quotes from our insurance experts here at Western to determine their specific costs and save.
Do I need additional insurance coverage for flooding in Kitchener?
Yes, given Kitchener's susceptibility to flooding, homeowners may need additional coverage beyond standard home insurance. They should consider purchasing overland water coverage to protect against flood-related damages. See Does Home Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?
What insurance coverage is required for businesses in Kitchener?
Businesses in Kitchener typically need various types of insurance coverage including commercial property insurance, general liability insurance, business interruption insurance, and coverage for specific risks related to their industry.
Are there specific insurance considerations for recreational activities in Kitchener, such as boating or skiing?
Yes, individuals engaging in recreational activities like boating or skiing should consider purchasing specialized insurance coverage to protect against accidents, injuries, and liability claims associated with these activities.
How does insurance coverage work for rental properties in Kitchener?
Landlords in Kitchener should consider landlord insurance, which typically includes coverage for the rental property structure, liability protection, and loss of rental income due to covered perils such as fire or vandalism.
What options are available for health insurance coverage in Kitchener?
Residents of Kitchener have access to various health insurance options including provincial health insurance through OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), private health insurance plans, and supplementary coverage for services not covered by OHIP. Talk to an insurance expert to make sure you're covered.
How can I ensure my insurance policy adequately covers me during severe weather events common to the Kitchener area?
To ensure adequate coverage against severe weather events like hailstorms and windstorms in Kitchener, homeowners should review their insurance policies regularly, consider additional coverage options, and update their coverage limits as needed.
What factors can affect my home insurance premiums in Kitchener?
Several factors can influence insurance premiums for homeowners in Kitchener including the location of the property, its proximity to fire hydrants and emergency services, the age and condition of the property, the insured's claims history, and the desired coverage limits and deductible amounts.
Are there any discounts or incentives available for bundling car insurance and home insurance policies in Kitchener?
Yes, many insurance providers offer discounts and incentives for bundling multiple insurance policies such as home, auto, and recreational vehicle insurance. Talk to us about how to potentially reduce your insurance costs. See Why Are Ontario Car Insurance Rates Going Up?
