If your car were damaged in an accident tomorrow, how would you get around while it’s being repaired? For many Ontario drivers, the answer involves weeks of scrambling for rides, relying on transit, or paying out of pocket for a rental — all because of a small but important gap in their auto insurance.

The Problem: Repairs Take Longer Than You’d Expect

According to a recent report by Enterprise, Canadian drivers wait an average of 15 days for collision-related repairs. In Ontario specifically, the average is 15.5 days — more than two weeks without your vehicle.

That’s a long time to go without reliable transportation, especially if you’re commuting to work, dropping kids at school, or running a household. And yet, nearly half of Canadian drivers who don’t have loss of use coverage still end up renting a vehicle during a claim, and paying the full cost themselves.

What Is Loss of Use Coverage?

Loss of use coverage is an optional add-on to your Ontario auto insurance policy. It reimburses you for the cost of alternative transportation, such as a rental car, rideshare, or even public transit, while your vehicle is being repaired after an insured event. Eligible claims typically fall under your collision or comprehensive coverage (for example, after a collision, theft, fire, or vandalism).

The coverage reimburses you up to a daily limit and a total maximum amount, both of which are outlined in your policy. The cost to add it is generally modest, but the value becomes very real when you’re suddenly without your car for two or more weeks.

A Coverage Gap Many Drivers Don’t Know About

The Enterprise report, based on a study of over 5,300 Canadian drivers, found that only 53% of drivers with comprehensive auto insurance actually carry loss of use coverage. Perhaps more surprising, 21% of drivers without the coverage said they had never even heard of it or didn’t know their insurer offered it.

This is where having a knowledgeable broker makes a real difference. The same study found that 60% of drivers who do carry loss of use coverage learned about it from their insurance broker.

Why It’s Worth a Conversation

Adding loss of use coverage is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses after a claim. Without it, you could be looking at hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars in rental costs while your vehicle is in the shop.

It’s the kind of coverage that’s easy to overlook when you’re setting up or renewing your policy, but makes a significant difference when you actually need it.

Not Sure If You’re Covered? Let’s Check.

If you’re unsure whether your current auto policy includes loss of use coverage, your Oracle RMS broker can review your policy and let you know in minutes. If it’s not included, we can walk you through the cost to add it — which is often less than you’d expect.

→ Learn more about our Auto Insurance coverage options

Have questions or want a policy review? Contact an Oracle RMS broker today.

Phone: 1-905-660-9740 Email: info@oraclerms.com