When your car is lost or damaged to the point of needing repairs or replacement, you may find yourself in need of an alternate mode of transportation. Whether it’s rental cars, taxis, or public transportation, paying for another way to get around can be expensive.
OPCF 20 solves this problem by covering your transport expenses while waiting for your car to be repaired or replaced.
To understand how this endorsement works, what it covers, and its conditions and limitations, we reviewed FSRA’s official OPCF 20 form, the Ontario Automobile Policy, and FSRA’s consumer guidance.
What Does OPCF 20 Cover?
OPCF 20 responds to loss of use of the described automobile after insured damage (FSRA). It funds eligible substitute transportation for the insured driver. It doesn’t provide physical-damage coverage for every vehicle the insured drives.
How Much Does OPCF 20 Cost?
Based on our internal data collected since the beginning of this year, adding OPCF 20 to your policy typically costs around $50 to $80 in additional premium per year, depending on your location, age, driving record, etc.
The most common limits we see in our quote data are $1,500, $2,500, $2,000 and $3,000.
What Are the Limitations of OPCF 20?
The way the claims are handled varies by insurers. An insurer may arrange or direct-bill a rental, or may reimburse documented reasonable expenses. You should get authorization and confirm the daily and total limits before paying for anything.
OPCF 20 only covers your alternative transport expenses if your car is damaged by a peril you’re insured against. You will not get the reimbursement if, for example, your car is damaged by a falling tree branch but your policy only has collision coverage. There is also a maximum amount stipulated in the form that your insurance company will pay out per day or per occurrence.
Ask the adjuster which substitute-automobile or alternative-transportation expenses are authorized and reasonable under the form, whether direct billing is available and what is excluded.
Mechanics of OPCF 20 Explained
Benefits begin and end according to the timing clauses in the endorsement, which differ for theft and other insured losses. The form also caps payment at the maximum shown. You should ask the adjuster to confirm the approved class and duration of transportation.
Why Do I Need OPCF 20?
Your auto insurance policy will cover vehicle repairs and even replacement if your car is damaged or lost in an accident, theft, or other unfortunate event. Car repairs and replacement can take a bit of time, and you’ll need a way to get around while waiting for your vehicle to be available. OPCF 20 will ensure that you have a budget for alternative transportation methods to get you where you need to go.
If your daily routine relies on having a vehicle for your everyday commute, adding on OPCF 20 will give you security and peace of mind, knowing that if anything were to happen to your car, you would still be able to use a rental vehicle or other means of transportation to fulfill your daily needs.
How to Review Your Endorsements
There are a variety of endorsements you can add to your car insurance policy. In addition to OPCF 20, you can add other policy change forms like OPCF 27 and OPCF 43. If you’re unsure which endorsements your policy has or just want to review them, you can find the specific endorsements in the following places:
- On the declaration page of your auto insurance policy.
- On the coverage form.
- On the cover letter of your policy signed by your insurance representative.
OPCF 20 Equivalents in Other Provinces
If you live in a province other than Ontario, you can still take out a transportation replacement endorsement on your insurance policy. The specific name of the policy change form varies across provinces and is called the QEF 20 in Quebec, and the SEF 20 in Alberta and Atlantic Canada.