Source credit: the supplied A-Z Insurance article by James on Xiaohongshu, “Insurance Claims Explained.” This is a fact-checked adaptation for the company website.
“Why do I owe $1,000 for repairs when the other driver caused the collision?” Start with the DCPD deductible on your insurance certificate. Being not at fault does not necessarily mean having a zero deductible. The accident conditions and purchased coverage matter too.
What DCPD does
Direct Compensation–Property Damage lets you claim qualifying vehicle, contents and loss-of-use damage from your own insurer for the portion of an Ontario collision for which you are not at fault. It is separate from third-party liability. FSRA’s DCPD explanation
The accident generally must occur in Ontario and involve at least another vehicle insured through an Ontario-licensed insurer or one that has filed the required undertaking with FSRA. Insurance details and fault need verification; another driver’s roadside admission does not settle the coverage decision.
Check the DCPD deductible separately
Some policies have no DCPD deductible, while others have a selected amount. Do not confuse it with the Collision or Comprehensive deductible. FSRA on deductibles and pricing
Here is a simplified illustration, not a client case or quote: assume a qualifying DCPD collision, 0% fault, $5,000 of covered repair damage and a $1,000 applicable DCPD deductible. Ignoring other adjustments, the insurer could pay $4,000 and you would bear $1,000. A partly at-fault collision requires a different calculation. FSRA’s claims-process guide
Compare the saving with the risk you retain
Ask for every deductible and the corresponding premium when comparing quotes. A non-zero DCPD deductible may reduce the relevant premium, but consider whether you could pay that amount even after a collision you did not cause.
If you discover an unexpected deductible, ask to review the application, quote, renewal and change records. Do not assume a broker secretly changed it without evidence. Equally, do not let a lower total price distract from the selected conditions.
A deductible is different from opting out
Since 2024, OPCF 49 has allowed a written waiver of DCPD recovery and removes the relevant vehicle’s Collision or All Perils coverage. Its warning explains that collision losses within the waiver will not be recoverable from your insurer, the at-fault party or their insurer, even when you are not at fault. FSRA’s OPCF 49
That is a much broader decision than choosing a $1,000 deductible. Financed or leased vehicle owners should consult the finance or leasing company before signing.
Questions about a claim calculation
- Is the claim being handled under DCPD, Collision or another coverage?
- Which facts and fault rule support the assigned percentage?
- Which deductible applies, and how was the payment calculated?
- How can I request a review if the documents differ from my understanding?
Ask the adjuster to explain and review a disputed decision, then use the insurer’s complaint process if needed. Retain photographs, reports, policy documents and correspondence. FSRA’s claims and dispute guidance
Contact A-Z Insurance to check your DCPD selection and deductible before purchasing or renewing.
Phone: 905-707-2929. Email: info@azinsure.ca.
This article provides general information checked on October 11, 2026. The illustration is simplified; actual payments depend on applicable law, policy wording and the facts.