When dealing with Ontario auto insurance, you’ve likely come across references to an OPCF. It’s an endorsement to your auto insurance policy. This article explains some of the most common forms.
What Is an Ontario Policy Change Form?
An OPCF becomes part of your auto insurance policy and changes the coverage described in the form.
These forms can:
- increase your coverage;
- limit your coverage;
- suspend coverage;
- change how claims are paid;
- determine the amount of certain deductibles; or
- describe how to determine the value of vehicles.
What Are the Most Common Ontario Policy Change Forms?
| Form | What it does | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| OPCF 5 | Lets an owner or lessor rent or lease the listed automobile and extends coverage to the specified lessee | Is this the right form for my lease arrangement? |
| OPCF 16 and 17 | Suspends specified driving-related coverages and later reinstates them | What refund is written on the form, and when is coverage active again? |
| OPCF 19 | Limits the amount paid for loss or damage | What is the stated limit, and how could it affect a total loss? |
| OPCF 19A | Sets an agreed value for the automobile | What evidence supports the agreed value? |
| OPCF 20 | Provides transportation-replacement coverage after an insured loss | What daily and total limits apply? |
| OPCF 27 | Extends specified coverages when insured people drive, rent or lease non-owned automobiles | Which people, vehicles, territories, limits and deductibles apply? |
| OPCF 28 | Reduces stated coverage for named people | Which limits, coverages and deductibles remain? |
| OPCF 28A | Excludes a named driver from coverage while operating listed automobiles, with limited exceptions | Can the household reliably prevent that person from driving? |
| OPCF 40 | Applies the stated deductible to a fire loss | What deductible would I pay? |
| OPCF 43 or 43A | Removes a depreciation deduction for eligible owned or leased automobiles | How long does it last, and which settlement conditions apply? |
| OPCF 44R | Provides family-protection coverage when an at-fault driver has too little insurance or cannot be identified | Does its limit match my liability limit? |
How to Add an Ontario Policy Change Form to Your Insurance
Below are some pointers to follow when requesting an OPCF:
- Discuss your insurance needs with your insurer, agent or broker. Tell them about situations that may not be covered under your basic policy. If they suggest an Ontario Policy Change Form to change coverage, ask questions until you understand how it affects your insurance. Don’t ask them to add a particular OPCF without understanding its purpose.
- Get everything in writing, including changes to coverage, any associated cost or credit, and the effective date of the OPCF. If you’re unsure whether adding or removing coverage will affect your premium, ask your insurance company to provide that information.
- Read through all of your auto insurance documents.
Read More: Learn More About Car Insurance in Ontario
What Is the Difference Between an OAP, OAF and OPCF?
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| OAP 1 | The standard Ontario owner’s policy wording |
| OAF 1 | The owner’s application for automobile insurance |
| OAF 2 | A driver application used to collect driver-specific information |
| OPCF | An endorsement that changes a specific part of the policy |