# Home and Auto Insurance in Ontario: Working with a Broker Canonical: https://www.pcbodirectory.ca/education/home-auto-insurance-ontario By PCBO Directory | Published: 2026-10-16 | Updated: 2026-10-16 Every vehicle registered in Ontario must be insured, and most mortgage lenders expect a homeowner to carry property insurance. The coverage you choose and the information you give shape what happens when you claim. This guide explains Ontario’s auto requirements, the main choices in a home policy, how brokers, agents and direct writers differ, and where to turn if a claim goes wrong. ## Before you sign Confirm who you are dealing with and that they are licensed, compare quotes with the same limits and deductibles, give complete and accurate information, and read the certificate or policy before you rely on it. ## 1. Know what every Ontario auto policy must include [Ontario has compulsory automobile insurance](https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/vehicle-insurance-and-registration): every vehicle registered in the province must be insured, and you need proof of coverage to register a vehicle or renew its registration. FSRA says fines for driving without valid insurance [range from $5,000 to $50,000](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/its-law-what-you-need-know), and your licence can be suspended and your vehicle impounded. Keep your proof of insurance, the “pink slip”, with you while driving. FSRA’s summary of a [standard Ontario auto policy](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/what-standard-auto-insurance-policy) describes these parts: - **Third-party liability:** you must carry at least $200,000, and you can choose a higher amount. - **Statutory accident benefits:** benefits that may be available if you are injured in a collision, regardless of who caused it. For a new policy bought on or after July 1, 2026, only medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits are mandatory. Other accident benefits, such as income replacement, are optional. - **Uninsured automobile coverage:** may protect you if you are injured or killed by an uninsured or unidentified motorist, and may cover vehicle damage caused by an identified uninsured motorist. - **Direct compensation – property damage (DCPD):** included in a standard policy and pays for damage to your vehicle in Ontario when another insured driver was at fault. Since January 2024 you may elect not to claim it; FSRA cautions that opting out may not suit you. If you already have a policy, ask your broker or insurer how the [July 2026 accident benefits changes](https://www.fsrao.ca/industry/auto-insurance/changes-statutory-accident-benefits-coverage-ontario-july-1-2026) apply at your renewal. ## 2. Decide which optional auto coverages you need When DCPD does not apply, FSRA says you can claim optional collision coverage if you have it. FSRA describes [four options](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/extra-coverage-loss-or-damage-your-vehicle): **specified perils** (listed risks such as fire, theft and hail), **comprehensive** (losses other than collision, including vandalism and falling objects), **collision or upset**, and **all perils**, which combines collision and comprehensive. A deductible may apply to each. Endorsements, also called Ontario Policy Change Forms, change or add coverage. FSRA lists [five common ones](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/optional-coverage): coverage for leased vehicles (OPCF 5), transportation replacement or “loss of use” (OPCF 20), damage to non-owned vehicles you drive (OPCF 27), removal of the depreciation deduction for newer vehicles (OPCF 43), and family protection (OPCF 44R) for accidents with a driver who has too little insurance, none, or cannot be identified. FSRA notes that [OHIP does not cover every expense](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/how-save-auto-insurance) after an injury, such as physiotherapy or prescription drugs, and suggests considering liability limits of $1 million or $2 million. Review optional accident benefits too, particularly if your household relies on your income. ## 3. Understand how your premium is set FSRA explains that an insurer builds a [risk profile from several factors](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/understanding-auto-insurance-rates/what-determines-your-auto-insurance-rate): the vehicle you drive, your driving record, where you live, your age, gender and marital status, how much you drive, the coverage you buy and the deductibles you choose. Premiums also differ from one insurer to another, because each company’s claims experience is different. A few rules protect consumers. Auto insurers, agents and brokers may not require consent to use your [credit information](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/working-your-broker-agent-or-insurance-company) before giving a quote or renewing a policy. FSRA also says insurers cannot use a [minor at-fault accident](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/purchasing-auto-insurance) that meets specific criteria to raise your premium, limited to one such accident every three years. A higher deductible can lower the premium but raises what you pay at claim time. ## 4. Choose a broker, agent or direct writer, and check the licence FSRA describes [three ways to buy auto insurance](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/purchasing-auto-insurance): - **A broker** sells insurance on behalf of many insurance companies. You can ask which companies a broker represents. - **An agent** generally represents one insurance company. - **A direct writer** is an insurer that sells straight to consumers. None is automatically better. Under FSRA’s [consumer rights list](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/your-rights-and-responsibilities-consumer), you are entitled to know which companies your broker obtained auto quotes from and the amounts. RIBO adds that you can [ask how a broker is paid](https://www.ribo.com/consumer-information/consumer-rights-and-expectations/) and which insurers they represent, and that brokers must provide a commission disclosure letter. Only licensed brokers, agents and insurers can sell insurance in Ontario. Brokers are licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario: use RIBO’s [broker and brokerage search](https://www.ribo.com/consumer-information/licensee-directory-status/) to confirm the person and the firm. Insurance agents and companies are licensed by FSRA, which sets out [agent responsibilities](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/property-and-other-insurance), including written disclosure of conflicts of interest. ## 5. Learn the basics of a home insurance policy Home insurance is not required by law, but the Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that [most mortgage lenders require it](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/how-to-buy-home-insurance) and ask to be named on the policy. A homeowner’s policy generally covers the building, contents and outbuildings, personal liability and, in some situations, additional living expenses if an insured loss leaves the home unliveable. IBC describes [three common policy types](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/types-of-home-insurance-coverage): **comprehensive**, covering all risks except those excluded; **basic or named perils**, covering only the listed perils; and **broad**, which gives comprehensive coverage on big-ticket items such as the building and named-perils coverage on contents. Two terms matter at claim time: - **Replacement cost:** the coverage on your home should reflect what it would cost to rebuild it. IBC notes that this can differ from market value and the municipal assessment. - **Actual cash value:** IBC’s [glossary](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/glossary) says this is often calculated as the cost to repair or replace less depreciation. Ask which basis applies to your building and contents. IBC says water damage coverage usually applies to the **sudden and accidental** escape of water, while **overland flooding and sewer backup** may be available as optional add-ons. Earthquake coverage can also be bought separately. ## 6. Give complete information and report changes Your application is the basis of your coverage. FSRA warns that [non-disclosure or misrepresentation](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/working-your-broker-agent-or-insurance-company) on an auto application can raise your rates or make the policy void, leaving you without protection when you claim. You must also tell your insurer promptly about changes that could affect your insurance, including any accident. For home insurance, FSRA lists [your responsibilities](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/property-and-other-insurance) as disclosing previous claims, renovations and home-based business activity, “no matter how small”. Undervaluing your home or contents can leave you short of coverage, while overstating values in a claim can lead to cancellation. IBC recommends contacting your insurance representative [before you renovate](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/how-to-buy-home-insurance), install a pool or hot tub, run a business such as a daycare, or rent out part of your property. If unsure, ask and keep the answer in writing. ## 7. Compare quotes on the same terms FSRA suggests getting [at least three quotes](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/purchasing-auto-insurance) and comparing coverage as well as price, because deductibles, limits and optional coverages differ between companies. Useful questions include: - What is covered, what is excluded and what are the deductibles? - How is each optional coverage priced? - For home insurance, is the building insured for replacement cost or actual cash value, and am I covered for [sewer backup and overland water](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/property-and-other-insurance/helping-you-navigate-property-insurance)? - Which discounts apply, including for combining home and auto? - How do I reach you to report a claim? You should receive an auto renewal about 30 days before it expires, which gives you time to review it. Cancelling mid-term can bring a penalty, so FSRA suggests timing a switch for your renewal date. ## 8. Report a claim promptly and keep records After an auto accident, FSRA says you must report it to your broker, agent or insurer [within seven days](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/protect-yourself/after-accident-understanding-claims-process), or as soon as possible after that. Have your policy number, vehicle details, accident details and the other drivers’ names, licence numbers and insurers ready. A claims adjuster will contact you. Your insurer determines fault under Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules. A police charge does not necessarily mean you will be found at fault for insurance purposes, and the absence of one does not mean you are not at fault. If you think a rule was applied wrongly, ask the adjuster which rule was used. For a home claim, IBC advises you to [report it as soon as possible](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/how-to-file-a-home-insurance-claim), take reasonable steps to limit further damage, document the damage in detail and keep receipts for clean-up and additional living expenses. IBC says a proof of loss typically must be returned within 30 days, and you sign it to affirm that its statements are true, so read it carefully. ## 9. Know where to go if you disagree FSRA’s [complaint guide](https://www.fsrao.ca/submit-complaint-fsra) says to contact the insurer’s complaint officer, follow its process and obtain a **final position letter**. If you remain unsatisfied with a home, auto or business insurance decision, the [General Insurance OmbudService](https://giocanada.org/how-the-process-works/) offers a free, independent review for complaints about its subscriber companies. GIO needs the final position letter, and its recommendations are not binding. FSRA also lists the Mutual Insurance Companies OmbudService (MICO) as an option for an independent review. FSRA reviews whether a licensee followed the rules it oversees, but it cannot obtain compensation, issue a refund or settle a contract dispute. For a broker’s professional conduct, such as an undisclosed conflict of interest, [RIBO accepts complaints](https://www.ribo.com/consumer-information/making-a-complaint/); it refers claims questions to GIO and complaints about agents and insurers to FSRA. Getting legal advice is another option. ## 10. Featured Ontario provider: BIG Milton **Billyard Insurance Group (BIG) Milton** is an insurance brokerage office at 106 Main Street East in Milton. Its [profile of Hussain Rathore](https://www.thebig.ca/hussain) describes him as an insurance broker specializing in home and auto insurance, and says he is fluent in English, Urdu and Punjabi. The same page lists auto, home, business, life and travel insurance products and refers to a network of more than 30 carriers. If you contact the office, bring your current policy and ask which insurers were quoted and how the broker is paid. You can confirm any broker’s licence through RIBO’s public search. You can [view the PCBO business profile](/directory/big-insurance-brokerage-hussain-rathore-insurance-broker) or [visit Hussain Rathore’s BIG page](https://www.thebig.ca/hussain). Confirm coverage, prices and availability directly with the office. ## 11. A checklist before you buy or renew - **Confirm the seller:** check a broker on RIBO’s search, or an agent or insurer with FSRA. - **Review auto essentials:** liability limit, the accident benefits you have chosen since July 2026, and whether you have kept DCPD. - **Decide on extras:** collision, comprehensive, loss of use and family protection, priced separately. - **Check the home basis:** replacement cost or actual cash value, contents limits and valuables. - **Ask about water:** sewer backup and overland water endorsements and their limits. - **Disclose fully:** past claims, drivers, vehicle use, renovations, rentals and home-based business. - **Compare like for like:** the same limits and deductibles across at least three quotes. - **Keep records:** your certificate, policy wording, renewal notices and claim notes. Review your coverage each year, and after major changes such as a new driver, a renovation or a home business. ## Sources & further reading - [Ontario — Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Vehicle insurance and registration](https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/vehicle-insurance-and-registration) - [FSRA — It’s the law: what you need to know](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/its-law-what-you-need-know) - [FSRA — What is in a standard auto insurance policy?](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/what-standard-auto-insurance-policy) - [FSRA — Changes in Statutory Accident Benefits coverage on July 1, 2026](https://www.fsrao.ca/industry/auto-insurance/changes-statutory-accident-benefits-coverage-ontario-july-1-2026) - [FSRA — Extra coverage for loss or damage to your vehicle](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/extra-coverage-loss-or-damage-your-vehicle) - [FSRA — Optional coverage (policy endorsements)](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/optional-coverage) - [FSRA — How to save on auto insurance](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/how-save-auto-insurance) - [FSRA — What determines your auto insurance rate](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/understanding-auto-insurance-rates/what-determines-your-auto-insurance-rate) - [FSRA — Working with your broker, agent or insurance company](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/working-your-broker-agent-or-insurance-company) - [FSRA — Purchasing auto insurance](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/purchasing-auto-insurance) - [FSRA — Your rights and responsibilities as a consumer](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/purchasing-your-policy/your-rights-and-responsibilities-consumer) - [FSRA — Property and other insurance](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/property-and-other-insurance) - [FSRA — Helping you navigate property insurance](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/property-and-other-insurance/helping-you-navigate-property-insurance) - [FSRA — After an accident: understanding the claims process](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/protect-yourself/after-accident-understanding-claims-process) - [FSRA — Submit a complaint to FSRA](https://www.fsrao.ca/submit-complaint-fsra) - [RIBO — Consumer rights and expectations](https://www.ribo.com/consumer-information/consumer-rights-and-expectations/) - [RIBO — Licensee directory and status](https://www.ribo.com/consumer-information/licensee-directory-status/) - [RIBO — Making a complaint](https://www.ribo.com/consumer-information/making-a-complaint/) - [Insurance Bureau of Canada — Types of home insurance coverage](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/types-of-home-insurance-coverage) - [Insurance Bureau of Canada — How to buy home insurance](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/how-to-buy-home-insurance) - [Insurance Bureau of Canada — Glossary](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/glossary) - [Insurance Bureau of Canada — How to file a home insurance claim](https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/home/how-to-file-a-home-insurance-claim) - [General Insurance OmbudService — How the process works](https://giocanada.org/how-the-process-works/) - [BIG Milton — Hussain Rathore, Billyard Insurance Group](https://www.thebig.ca/hussain) ## Talk to a licensed broker BIG Insurance Milton: Billyard Insurance Group (BIG) Milton is a brokerage office on Main Street East in Milton, where Hussain Rathore works as a broker specializing in home and auto insurance. - Auto insurance - Home, condo and tenant insurance - Quotes from a network of carriers - Service in English, Urdu and Punjabi [View the PCBO business profile](https://www.pcbodirectory.ca/directory/big-insurance-brokerage-hussain-rathore-insurance-broker) [Official service information](https://www.thebig.ca/hussain) Public phone: 905-595-9641 Public email: hussain@thebig.ca This article is general education from PCBO Directory, prepared with AI assistance and links to the sources used. It is not legal, financial or insurance advice, and it does not describe any particular policy. Ontario auto insurance rules changed on July 1, 2026, and coverage wording differs between insurers. Billyard Insurance Group (BIG) Milton and Hussain Rathore did not author or review this article. Confirm coverage, prices and licence status directly with the broker, agent or insurer before you buy.