OPCF 16 & 17: Suspend Your Insurance
Planning to store your vehicle? Understand how OPCF 16 and OPCF 17 allow you to suspend and reinstate your car insurance while maintaining some protection and avoiding insurance gaps.
Understanding OPCF 16 & OPCF 17
Two Ontario Policy Change Forms that work together to suspend and reinstate your auto insurance coverage.
OPCF 16: Suspension of Coverage
OPCF 16 suspends your auto insurance while your vehicle is not being driven. Your policy remains active with limited coverage, and you continue paying premiums at your usual rate.
- Vehicle must be properly stored (not on the street)
- Maintains some coverage for parked vehicles
- Eligible for refund after 45+ days
- No fee to apply OPCF 16
OPCF 17: Reinstatement of Coverage
OPCF 17 reinstates your full auto insurance coverage when you're ready to drive again. This form must be completed before operating your vehicle.
- Restores all standard coverages
- No fee to reinstate coverage
- Must contact broker before driving
- Avoids insurance gaps
When Should You Use OPCF 16?
Common scenarios where suspending your insurance with OPCF 16 makes sense.
Extended Travel
Planning a long trip or snowbirding? Suspend your insurance while your vehicle sits unused at home.
Seasonal Vehicles
Store your summer car, motorcycle, or convertible for winter without paying full insurance rates.
Vehicle Repairs
If your car isn't drivable and will be off the road for an extended period during repairs or restoration.
License Suspension
Your driver's license is suspended and you won't be driving for a while but want to keep basic coverage.
Health Reasons
Medical conditions prevent you from driving temporarily, but you plan to return to driving later.
Work Abroad
Temporary work assignment or education overseas means your vehicle will be unused for months.
Pros & Cons of Suspending Insurance
Understanding the benefits and limitations helps you make the right decision.
Pros
- Lower Premiums:
You pay reduced premiums while your vehicle is not being used, with potential refunds after 45 days.
- Maintains Coverage:
Your vehicle is still protected from damage while parked, and you retain some benefits as a passenger.
- No Insurance Gaps:
Avoids lapses in coverage that can result in higher premiums when you need insurance again.
Cons
- Can't Drive:
The vehicle cannot be driven by anyone while OPCF 16 is active. Doing so is illegal and voids coverage.
- Limited Protection:
Coverage is reduced compared to full insurance. Some protections may not apply while suspended.
- Potential Rate Increases:
Upon reinstatement, premiums may increase depending on market conditions and insurer policies.
Important Rules to Follow
Failure to follow these rules can result in denied claims and legal consequences.
Vehicle Must Be Properly Stored
Your vehicle cannot be parked on the street. It must be stored in a garage, driveway, or proper storage facility.
Absolutely No Driving
You cannot operate your vehicle in any capacity while OPCF 16 is active. This includes moving it short distances.
Call Before You Drive Again
You must contact your broker to apply OPCF 17 and reinstate coverage BEFORE operating your vehicle again.
Minimum 45-Day Period
To receive a refund, your vehicle must be off the road for at least 45 consecutive days with OPCF 16 active.
Applies to New Vehicles Too
If you acquire a new vehicle while OPCF 16 is active, call your insurer immediately to prevent the suspension from carrying over.
Why Not Just Cancel Your Insurance?
Cancelling your policy outright may seem simpler, but it can cost you more in the long run.
Problems with Cancelling:
- Cancellation Fees: You'll typically pay a fee, often 10% of your remaining premium (short-rate cancellation).
- No Protection: Your vehicle has zero coverage. If it's damaged by fire, theft, or vandalism, you pay out of pocket.
- Insurance Gaps: Gaps in coverage history can be viewed as red flags by insurers, resulting in higher premiums later.
- Legal Risk: If anyone drives the uninsured vehicle, it's illegal and can result in serious penalties and convictions.
Why OPCF 16 is Better:
OPCF 16 maintains a measure of protection while your vehicle is in storage, keeps your insurance history continuous, may provide accident benefits as a passenger in other vehicles, and offers potential premium refunds after 45 days without cancellation fees.
How to Apply for OPCF 16 & OPCF 17
The process is straightforward when you work with Rocket Insurance.
Applying for OPCF 16 (Suspension)
- Contact Rocket Insurance at 416-628-1962 or email info@rocket-insurance.ca
- Provide your policy number and vehicle details
- Confirm where your vehicle will be stored
- Specify the start date for suspension (must be future date or today if vehicle is already in storage)
- Review and sign OPCF 16 form
- Receive confirmation of suspension
Applying for OPCF 17 (Reinstatement)
- Contact Rocket Insurance BEFORE you drive your vehicle at 416-628-1962 or info@rocket-insurance.ca
- Provide your policy number and confirm you're ready to drive again
- Specify the reinstatement date (cannot be backdated)
- Review updated premium if market rates have changed
- Sign OPCF 17 form to reinstate full coverage
- Receive confirmation that you can legally drive again
Ready to Suspend Your Insurance?
Our team will guide you through the OPCF 16 and OPCF 17 process to ensure your vehicle stays protected while you're not driving.