Not sure if you can cancel an auto insurance claim after filing one? You’re not alone, but it’s definitely worth knowing. Claims have a direct impact on your car insurance rates in Ontario.
Filing a car insurance claim and getting reimbursed for damages can be a somewhat lengthy process, and there are times when people simply decide they don’t want to pursue a claim. But what if you’ve already filed the claim—are you allowed to cancel it?
Many drivers ask this question after the fact, so here’s our answer.
Do insurers even allow you to cancel an auto insurance claim?
In short, yes. Vehicle insurance providers will allow you to cancel a claim once it’s been filed in most cases.
In fact, there are several reasons why drivers might want to do so, and one of the most common is not wanting to pay the deductible. For instance, say you were in an accident and filed a claim before a mechanic was able to give you a quote for the damages. When the mechanic calls to tell you the repair costs will likely be around $550, you realize that after paying the $500 deductible, you’ll only be eligible for a $50 payment from the insurance company.
In situations such as these, drivers commonly cancel their claims. Similarly, drivers may wish to cancel a claim if they realize it could increase their premiums. Knowing when to file an insurance claim can be tricky if you haven’t done it in a while.
Can you cancel a claim in all situations?
What if you’ve already received the cheque from your insurance company? For the most part, you’ll be allowed to withdraw the claim as long as you haven’t cashed the cheque. However, one scenario in which you may not be able to cancel a claim is if you’ve been found at fault for the accident. If a secondary driver was operating the vehicle at the time, then you should double-check with your broker or insurer as well.
Important things to note about withdrawn insurance claims
Claims can affect you in a number of ways, including raised premiums when it’s time for your car insurance renewal and creating a negative mark on your driving record (especially if you are found at fault for a collision). Sometimes, drivers will decide they want to cancel a claim because they don’t want to incur the wrath of the insurance gods, but you need to know that once you’ve filed the claim, the incident will still be listed on your driving record.
That being said, a cancelled claim isn’t likely to increase your premiums, which generally go up only if the insurer actually has to pay out. Moreover, even if you switch insurance companies in the future, the zero-dollar claim likely won’t impact your ability to find a suitable insurer at a similar rate. There’s always car insurance for good drivers available on the market.
Drivers may find many reasons why they might want to cancel an auto insurance claim after it’s been filed, and you’ll be happy to know that in most instances, you’ll be allowed to withdraw the claim, as long as you haven’t cashed the cheque you were sent. If you’ve been found at fault for the accident, you may not be able to withdraw a claim, but in most other instances, your insurance provider will be more than happy to oblige a cancellation request.
