Statutory Conditions – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
The vast majority of people have never read their auto insurance policy. They may be surprised to learn that there are several “Statutory Conditions” in the policy. While there are many different “Statutory Conditions”, there is one in particular that can cost you a great deal of money.
For many people, when their birthday comes, they are only concerned that they are one year older while at the same time hoping that they are one year wiser.
They tend to forget that a birthday usually marks a different milestone – renewing their driver’s licence. The consequences of failing to do so are much more than a small fine – it can literally cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If you drive without a licence, and get in a crash, regardless of whose fault it is, you will lose income replacement benefits, visitor expenses, non-earner benefits and caregiver benefits. You may lose your collision coverage and be left with no car, but a car payment. Depending on your injuries or how much you car is worth, you may lose enough money to purchase a large home with a pool.
Next time you have a birthday, check the expiry date on your licence. It will save you far more than a simple fine.
About the Authors
Brian Cameron joined Oatley Vigmond in 1999 after obtaining his law degree from Western University. Beginning his journey in an articling position, fresh out of law school, the first case he argued in court was a small claim’s trial for the firm’s then-senior partner, who was suing a dry cleaner who’d lost three of his dress shirts. Brian won that action for $285 plus costs, and has been with the OV team ever since. He became a partner in 2008.