How does no-fault car insurance affect me?

If you think having no-fault car insurance coverage means you’ll never be considered “at fault” for an accident, you’re not alone — that’s a pretty common misconception. But in the insurance world, no-fault means something a little different.

While the name might imply it’s about which driver is (or isn’t) at fault for an accident, the no-fault system is actually about how a car insurance claim is paid out. Under a no-fault insurance system, you deal with your own insurance company for all of your claimsopens a pop-up with definition of claims, regardless of whether or not you’re at fault for a collision. This system is in place primarily in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI.

While there are several components to the no-fault system, the part that will likely affect you most is Direct Compensation Property Damageopens a pop-up with definition of Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD). Under a no-fault system, DCPD is the portion of your car insurance policy that covers damage to your vehicle to the extent that you’re not at fault for a collision. If you are at fault, damage to your vehicle will only be covered if you’ve bought all-perilsopens a pop-up with definition of all-perils or collisionopens a pop-up with definition of collision coverage. (Note: All-perils and collision coverage aren’t mandatory in most provinces, so talk to your broker to make sure your vehicle will be protected in an accident when you’re at fault.)

Here’s a breakdown of who will pay claims for damage to your vehicle, depending on who’s at fault for the accident:

How does no-fault insurance work in real life?

Here are a couple of examples to show you how traditional insurance coverage and no-fault insurance coverage would typically respond in the event of a collision.

Traditional insurance system

Caleb and Kelly get into a fender-bender in Calgary, where they both live. Since Caleb is found to be at fault for the collision and Alberta has a traditional insurance system, Caleb’s insurance company is responsible for paying out the claim for damage to both of the vehicles.

No-fault insurance system

Alex and Anna get into a collision in their home city of Ottawa, and Anna is determined to be at fault. Since Ontario operates under a no-fault system, it doesn’t matter who was responsible for the accident. Anna’s insurance company only has to pay out the claim to cover Anna’s vehicle damage, and Alex will deal with his own insurance company to claim damage to his vehicle. Anna will have to pay her collision deductible because she’s at fault, whereas Alex won’t pay unless he chose to have a deductible under the DCPD section of his policy.

So, under a no-fault system, if you are found to be at fault for an accident, your insureropens a pop-up with definition of insurer still wouldn’t have to pay for the damages to the other driver’s car.

How does no-fault insurance benefit me?

No-fault car insurance means lower administrative costs and a simplified claims process — so your claim can be resolved (and you’ll receive your payout) much faster. Plus, you only have to worry about making a claim with your own insurance company to receive your payout, and they’ll take care of the rest. 

How will a DCPD claim affect my premium?

There are plenty of things that can have an impact on the cost of your car insurance — but if you’re involved in an accident and the other driver is found to be at fault, that incident won’t typically affect your premiumopens a pop-up with definition of premium, regardless of whether you’re on a traditional insurance system or a no-fault system with DCPD.

If you’re wondering how your own policy might respond in the event of a collision, connect with your licensed car insurance broker. And while you’re at it, why not ask your broker if you qualify for any of these common car insurance discounts? 

---

Did this article make no-fault car insurance a little bit clearer for you? Share this post on Facebook or Twitter to spread the knowledge.