Will installing hand controls in your vehicle affect your insurance?

Modifications exist for drivers with disabilities to improve accessibility, but how do they impact your car insurance?

Taking a trip to another province? You might want to get travel insurance

You only have access to the full extent of your health care coverage when you’re in your home province; travel beyond those provincial borders (but still within Canada) and some of your medical benefits drop away.

Rebecca Lee

May 11, 2022

3-minute read

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Picture this.

You fly across Canada to visit your friend in Kelowna, B.C., and the two of you decide to go hiking. Then, while excitedly clamouring through the forest to get a better view of the skyline, you trip on a tree root and hit your head.

Your friend scrambles to call an ambulance.

About the author

Rebecca is one of our freelance writers. When she’s not camped out in front of her Mac, find her shamelessly adding books to her must-reads pile while actually just re-reading Harry Potter. Say hello on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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What you need to know about buying a property outside of Canada

Whether you’re looking to spend your retirement years in perfect weather, or you’re an independent worker ready to escape Canada’s rising cost of living, buying property overseas may be a serious consideration.

Sinead Mulhern

May 5, 2022

6-minute read

This article has been updated from a previous version.

About the author

Sinead Mulhern is a Canadian journalist who writes about health, fitness, travel and personal finance. A former Torontonian, she is now based in Medellin, Colombia where she freelances for Canadian publications while travelling.

Everything you need to know about accident forgiveness

Accident forgiveness can help keep your auto insurance rate low after your first at-fault collision. However, there are certain eligibility requirements and limitations to the endorsement.

Leah Golob

May 3, 2022

3-minute read

If you’ve been careful behind the wheel, then you don’t want your first at-fault accident to raise your auto insurance premium.

The accident forgiveness endorsement was created to avoid exactly just that.

Typically, when someone gets into a car accident for which they are determined to be at fault, their auto insurance rate goes up whenever they renew or purchase a new policy.

About the author

Leah Golob is a freelance journalist, content marketing writer and editor based in Toronto. She’s written extensively on the financial industry for trade and consumer publications, such as The Globe and Mail, Corporate Knights, Investment Executive and more. Learn more about her work at LeahGolob.com.

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30% of Canadian homeowners unaware they must pay extra for flood and earthquake insurance

The ultimate guide to mortgage closing costs in Canada

There are several additional fees homebuyers should prepare for when shopping for a property — apart from a substantial down payment. Here’s a comprehensive list of closing costs.

H.G. Watson

April 26, 2022

10-minute read

You’ve saved the money, seen many houses, and, at last, you are ready to make an offer on a home. But as you move toward closing the sale, you’ll have to spend a bit more money. In Canada, almost all home sales come with mortgage closing costs.

Preparing for all of them will ensure you’re not caught off guard — and soon, you’ll get to relax in your brand new home.

About the author

H.G. Watson is a writer based in Toronto. Her work has appeared in Chatelaine, Vice, Flare, Maisonneuve, The Walrus and more. You can find her at @hg_watson on Twitter.

What you should know before refinancing your mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can be a great way to lower your interest rate, consolidate and pay off debts, or even access existing equity in your property. However, there are potential risks and costs associated with the switch.

Zandile Chiwanza

April 21, 2022

4-minute read

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Did you know that as a homeowner, you can pay off your current mortgage with a new one that has more favourable terms and conditions?

Refinancing is a great way to lower your interest rate, consolidate and pay off debts, or even tap into some of your home’s equity.

About the author

Zandile is a freelance personal finance journalist. She previously worked as a personal finance writer at LowestRates.ca and before that, the content editor for Real Estate Management Industry News. As a self-proclaimed budget warrior, Zandile dedicates most of her time to advocating for financial wellness.