Moving and Grooving in Renfrew
Located on the banks of the Bonnechere River in Eastern Ontario is the town of Renfrew, the fourth-largest town in the county of the same name with a population of 8,200. Situated nearly one hour west of Ottawa, Renfrew is mostly a rural town but serves as an economic centre for the surrounding area. It is also a popular waypoint for Ottawans on their route to outdoor thrills such as whitewater rafting, camping, hunting and skiing, among others. Although the area is not densely populated, a closer look reveals the need for car insurance in Renfrew, Ontario.
Renfrew has plenty to offer for locals and visitors and played a significant role in the forming of the National Hockey League. Adding to the area’s hockey legacy is the fact that most of Canada’s hockey tape is manufactured here, thanks to Scada Tapes Renfrew, one of the largest employers. Other companies with major operations include Renfrew Victoria Hospital, Times Fibre Canada, Madawaska Hardwood Flooring and Haley Industries. Besides business, local haunts such as Rotary Park, Renfrew Farmers Market and the McDougall Mill Museum provide reasons to hop into a car and drive.
Gauging the Need for Car Insurance in Renfrew, Ontario
Renfrew stands as a transportation hub linking major corridors Highway 60 and Highway 132 to the Trans-Canada Highway. The town’s proximity to the Ontario-Quebec border means that many drivers pass through the area. Whether you’re here to stay or just passing through, you risk getting into a collision with other motorists. Other local driving risks include the following:
- Livestock and wildlife: Renfrew is surrounded by forests and farmland. It is not uncommon to find animals on the roads, especially deer.
- Weather: Winters are snowy in the area, so driving can be quite hazardous during the cold season.
- Speed limit changes: The speed limit in town is 50 kilometres per hour, but it decreases to 30 kilometres per hour on rural roads.
One of the best ways to mitigate these potential risks is by having car insurance in Renfrew, Ontario.
Getting the Scoop on Car Insurance in Renfrew, Ontario
Ontarians are required to carry car insurance by law. Driving without car insurance exposes you to several penalties, including suspension of your licence, impoundment of your car or fines as high as $50,000! Having car insurance in Renfew, Ontario also demonstrates your ability to cover damages and injuries that may arise from a collision. It isn’t practical for Renfrew drivers to carry enough cash to cover an auto accident, so you’ll want an insurance policy that includes these mandatory coverages:
- Third-Party Liability: You’re required to have at least $200,000 in coverage for damages, injuries or deaths of others involved.
- Statutory Accident Benefits: This coverage pays out benefits to you regardless of who’s at fault. Some of these benefits include lost income, supplemental medical care and rehabilitation, among others.
- Direct Compensation: Paid directly to you by your insurer, this coverage pays for losses involving your vehicle and its contents when another person is at fault.
- Uninsured Automobile: This mandatory feature covers collisions with hit-and-run drivers or a driver who has no insurance.
When it comes to car insurance, the law requires you to carry a minimum amount; however, you should consider increasing your coverage levels. A car accident can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, especially when you factor in the loss of life, the cost to replace one or more vehicles, lost income and major property damage.