Common Myths about Auto Insurance

Insurance can be confusing at the best of times, but here are some of the most common misconceptions about auto insurance coverage in Canada.

The color of your car affects your insurance rate: Most people may not know it, but the insurance industry is colour-blind. It doesn't matter if your car is blue, red, silver, white, or black, your insurance rate for that make and model of car will always remain the same. 

A 2-door car is more expensive to insure than a 4-door: Not necessarily. Insurance companies rate cars based on the claims history of that vehicle. They look at things like accident frequency, repair costs, theft, vandalism and safety ratings for each make and model. When these factors are combined, a 4-door could cost more to insure than a 2-door model.

Getting a parking ticket means your insurance rates will go up: Parking tickets by themselves do not count against your driving record or your insurance, but unpaid fines could affect your ability to renew your driver's licence or worse result in a licence suspension - which will affect your rate.

Canada to open foreign credential office in India

Canada plans to establish a key office in India to facilitate recognition of foreign credentials, a move likely to help Indian immigrants seeking jobs in the country. “We want newcomers to be able to use their skills as soon as possible in Canada,” Jason Kenney, the Citizenship and Immigration Minister, said, adding that in the past immigrants arrived at the airport only to sink or swim. Mr. Kenney said the government proposed to open new offices in India, China, the Philippines and Britain for recognition of foreign credentials.

A Great Site for Newcomers to Canada

Welcome to Canada!

This Government of Canada sponsored site, named Newcomers Canada, provides newcomer with rich information about: news, job posting, interview tips, resume and cover letter example and much more...

Go to the site here>>

Useful Info for Newcomers: 2

Place to Live: The cost of housing in Canada varies in each city and region. Rents and home prices are generally higher in Vancouver and Toronto than in other cities. Housing costs also depend on your location within the city. Initial cost effective choice is renting an apartment. Apartment postings can be found in a number of places, especially if you are wanting to share an apartment. A good place to search for apartments is the local newspaper. Other places to look is Universities, Libraries, and even sometimes Bustops. In some cities such as Toronto, there are special apartment magazines than solely rent apartments, houses, and condos. Also ask friends or colleagues who might be able to help you.

Useful Info for Newcomers: 1

Food and Cooking in Canada may be different from what you were used to in your native country. Like everyone who moves to a new country, you will probably have to make changes in some of the ways you buy, store and cook food. Most Canadians shop for food at large stores called supermarkets. You can also purchase food at smaller grocery stores and specialty shops. In larger cities with well-established immigrant communities, you may find specialty food stores that sell food from your home country. However, some of your traditional foods may not be available in Canada or may be very expensive. List of Supermarkets include: Costco, No Frills, Metro, Loblaws, Price Chopper, Sobeys etc.

Tip: Cooking is always cheaper than buying cooked food