This page is for informational purposes only. MyChoice is not affiliated with the company.
Certas Auto Insurance Overview
| Available in Canada? | Yes, through the Desjardins Insurance home-and-auto business. |
| Available in Ontario? | Yes. |
| Direct, broker or affinity distribution | Direct/agency distribution under the Desjardins Insurance brand. Certas Direct products are distributed by Desjardins General Insurance Services Inc.; a separate Desjardins Agent network is also used in Ontario. |
| Underwriting company | Certas Direct Insurance Company underwrites direct Ontario automobile and property insurance. Policies sold through the Desjardins Agent network may instead be underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company; customers should check the declarations page. |
| How to get a quote | Start a quote online; some customers can complete the purchase online, while others schedule a call. Ontario customers can also contact a Desjardins Agent. |
| How to report a claim | Online, in the Desjardins Insurance Home-Auto app, or 24/7 by phone at 1-888-776-8343. |
| Digital account or app | Desjardins Insurance Online Services and the Home-Auto app support policy documents, pink slips, policy changes, claims filing/tracking and Ajusto. |
How Certas-Underwritten Auto Coverage Works
- Ontario auto policies offer mandatory coverage plus optional Collision and Upset and Comprehensive (All Perils other than Collision or Upset) protection.
- Optional features include Accident-Free Protection (accident forgiveness), Travel Costs (up to the stated policy limit for taxi, transit or rental costs after an insured loss), short-term rented/borrowed vehicle coverage, and the bundled Trouble-Free Option.
- New-vehicle 5-Year Replacement Cost and the Value Plus Option for eligible used vehicles are advertised, subject to eligibility and endorsement terms.
- Ajusto is Desjardins’ usage-based program. It gives a 10% enrolment discount for the first six months; after sufficient driving, the personalized premium may decrease or increase according to the driving score.
Read More: What Coverage Can Ontario Drivers Get
Certas and Desjardins Auto Insurance Savings
- Zero Violations (up to 10% for qualifying drivers), Young Drivers, Multi-Vehicle and home-and-auto bundle savings.
- Ajusto provides a 10% sign-up discount for the first six months, followed by personalized pricing based partly on driving behaviour.
- An Online Quote discount is disclosed for eligible new Ontario auto customers who start their quote online.
- Eligibility, savings and exclusions vary; the policy wording and quote control.
Opening a Certas or Desjardins Auto Claim
About Certas Car Insurance
Do not describe Certas as Canada’s third-largest P&C insurer unless current evidence supports that claim. Also, don’t attribute customer figures of Desjardins General Insurance Group (whose financial-services business dates back to 1900) directly to Certas.
Certas Direct Insurance Company is part of Desjardins General Insurance Group and is the underwriter of Desjardins Insurance property and auto insurance products sold directly to consumers in Ontario and Alberta.
Rates vary according to the applicant’s profile. Because discount eligibility also differs, compare Certas Direct-underwritten auto policies in Ontario and Alberta with a current quote instead of describing premiums as universally comparable or easy to reduce.
Certas Review Score Compared With Competitors
| Insurance Provider | Company’s Online Rating |
|---|---|
| Certas | 2.1/5 |
| Economical | 2.2/5 |
| Allstate | 1.7/5 |
| Millennium | 3.2/5 |
| Echelon | 2.1/5 |
Certas Direct Car Insurance Pros & Cons
The main advantages and drawbacks below come from public online reviews by people who bought car insurance from Certas.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good Customer Service | Frequent Rate Increases |
| Stable Renewal Rates | |
| Flexible Claims Handling |
What Other Insurance Products Does Certas Direct Offer?
Desjardins Insurance automobile and property insurance products sold through Certas’s direct sales operation in Ontario and Alberta are underwritten by Certas Direct Insurance Company. Homeowner, condo and tenant insurance products are subject to eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.
Desjardins Insurance policies sold through Desjardins Agents in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick are underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.