When employees drive their own cars to client meetings, collect supplies or visit a jobsite, “the car is insured” is not the end of the discussion. Review both the declared use of the employee’s vehicle and the business’s potential liability. This is general guidance for Ontario businesses and employees, not a new regulatory announcement.

Separate commuting from work-related trips

Driving to a regular workplace is different from travelling for company business. Aviva’s public guidance distinguishes ordinary commuting from work use and asks people using a personal vehicle for their job to explain that use to their insurance representative. Whether a personal policy needs adjustment or another arrangement is appropriate depends on the activities and the insurer’s requirements. Aviva’s vehicle-use guidance

Employees should check their vehicle policy first

Describe the purpose, frequency, estimated kilometres and area of travel, including any passengers or goods carried. Section 1.4.1 of FSRA’s current standard OAP 1 Owner’s Policy requires prompt reporting of changes to application information, including vehicle use; significant changes also involve written notification requirements. The form is approved for use from July 1, 2026. That does not mean the disclosure obligation began on that date. FSRA policy, printed page 3

Ask for written confirmation of how work use is reflected in the insurance arrangements, and retain the final policy or endorsement. An employer’s mileage or fuel reimbursement does not replace that check.

Businesses should ask about non-owned auto liability

Ask the commercial broker about non-owned automobile liability. Intact Public Entities describes coverage for liability exposures involving vehicles not owned by an organization but used on its behalf, generally designed to operate above the vehicle’s own insurance. Conditions still apply: an employee taking a work trip does not automatically trigger a payment under the employer’s policy. This is general guidance, not identical wording across insurers. Intact Public Entities FAQ

Separate two questions: what happens if the company faces a liability claim, and what happens if the employee’s own car is damaged? Do not equate liability protection with repair coverage, or assume employer coverage removes the need for accurate disclosure under the employee’s policy.

Prepare a short travel-use checklist

The following is A-Z Insurance’s suggested discussion approach, not a regulator-prescribed checklist:

• Which roles involve travel, whose vehicles are used, and for what tasks?
• Has the employee’s insurance representative confirmed that use?
• What relevant business coverage exists, with what limits, exclusions and triggers?
• Who reports and reviews changes in vehicles, duties or travel frequency?

Start with a situation summary without identity documents; exchange any required records through an agreed secure channel. Explore our commercial auto insurance and personal auto insurance services, or contact A-Z Insurance about coordinating the two.

By A-Z Insurance. Information checked October 20, 2026. Scope: general insurance information for Ontario. Actual arrangements depend on use, underwriting, policy terms and applicable law. This article does not determine liability or guarantee a claim outcome.

A-Z Insurance | Checked October 22, 2026 | For Ontario business insurance buyers

A falling market average is a reason to review your business insurance, not a discount already attached to your next bill. Before asking “How much less?”, ask “Am I comparing the same business and the same protection?”

What changed, and when?

Marsh released its third-quarter 2026 Global Insurance Market Index on October 21, 2026. It reported a 6% average decline in Canadian commercial insurance renewal rates. This is market research, not an Ontario regulatory rate approval, and it is not a personal auto or home insurance forecast. [1]

The Canadian report records different movements by coverage: property −8%, casualty −3%, financial and professional lines −4%, and cyber −5%. Marsh says the figures reflect its client-portfolio mix. They are not a promise that every Ontario business, insurer or policy will receive the same change. [2]

Why might your own renewal differ?

A renewal is not necessarily a repeat purchase. Your premises, operations, insured values or selected coverage may have changed. TruShield’s public renewal checklist asks businesses to review changes in their name, address, products or services, replacement-cost limits and vehicle use. It is a preparation aid, not a new October 2026 requirement. [4]

Marsh also reports a split liability market: US-exposed, loss-affected and complex risks can face less favourable terms. A national average should therefore not be used to predict your individual result. [2]

Compare more than the bottom line

IBC recommends an annual review of current assets, earnings, risks and losses, and cautions that choosing a higher deductible requires considering what the business can afford to pay after a claim. [3]

Our practical suggestion is to ask for a side-by-side explanation of the existing policy, the renewal and any alternative quote. Use these five questions:

• What business information changed, and has each insurer received the same updated facts?
• Are the insured amounts, covered locations and activities comparable?
• Which deductibles, sub-limits, exclusions or conditions differ?
• Is the quoted total for the same period, and are taxes, fees and any payment-plan charges clearly identified?
• Which questions or insurer requirements remain unresolved before I decide?

Give your broker a clear brief

Prepare your current policy, renewal offer, a summary of business changes and the claims information requested for the quotation. Identify your priority: reducing cost without losing needed cover, reviewing a deductible you could fund, or exploring a specific gap.

Ask A-Z Insurance to explain the available options and their trade-offs. We do not guarantee a premium reduction, a particular market outcome or a claim payment. Any change must be confirmed under the applicable policy and insurer requirements.

This article combines a dated Canadian market update with general preparation suggestions for Ontario businesses. Figures describe Q3 2026; they do not automatically apply to later renewals. Actual coverage depends on the issued policy, endorsements, limits, deductibles and exclusions.

Related services

• Commercial insurance
• Contact A-Z Insurance

Public sources and dates

Rechecked October 22, 2026. Dates below identify the sources, not this article’s publication date.

1. Marsh: Global commercial insurance rates fall 5% in Q3 2026 (2026-10-21)
2. Marsh: Canada Insurance Market Rates — Q3 2026 (Q3 2026 report; accessed 2026-10-22)
3. Insurance Bureau of Canada: Managing your business insurance premiums (No publication date displayed / 未显示发布日期)
4. TruShield Insurance: Business insurance renewal checklist (Undated public checklist / 未注明日期的公开清单)