Insurance and other issues
Hi Ontario Rat:
Your insurance question first.
When you get insurance in Ontario for Driving.
In order to to drive in Ontario you must have Third-Party Liability Coverage.
If you are not drive the vehicle (AT ALL) then you can remove this coverage from your policy by asking your broker/company (make sure they accept this type of amendment when buying your policy in the first place)
Most do.
Removing liability coverage for a car parked (but not driven) for several months will save you some money; but it means you MUST leave the car parked until you reinstate your full coverage (it would be illegal to drive it)
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Insurance rates vary widely by vehicle type and driver information.
If you are newly licensed in Ontario (and Canada) you can expect to pay quite a lot for insurance.
If you have proof of previous insurance in Canada (and maybe the U.S.) and no accidents, your rate may be lower.
Generally speaking, cheap rates for fully experienced drivers, with no accidents, and cheap cars, costs around $800.00 - $1,000 per year.
An inexperienced driver or an expensive or accident/theft prone car can mean insurance of $2,000 per year or more.
If you have accidents, don't even ask!
For detailed rates, check with an Insurance Broker and current policy rules, check with an insurance Broker.
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As far as getting a car just to drive it in the worst weather; that doesn't seem like a great idea.
It depends on where you live and what you need to do; but probably better to either live without a car if your near transit/downtown etc.; or to get a car but park it in the bad weather!