GO Auto is a direct auto insurer owned by the Co-operators Group

GO Auto is a Canadian auto insurance company that sells policies directly to drivers rather than through independent agents. It operates in most provinces across Canada and is owned by the Co-operators Group, a larger financial cooperative. The company focuses on standard auto coverage — liability, collision, comprehensive, and optional add-ons — and markets itself on direct sales and online management.

The company does not operate in every province. GO Auto is available in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. If you live in Quebec, Nova Scotia, or other provinces, you will need to look at other insurers. Availability can also vary by postal code within provinces where GO Auto operates, so checking their website with your address is the only way to know if you can get a quote.

GO Auto handles most transactions online or by phone rather than requiring visits to an office. You can get a quote, purchase a policy, make changes, and file claims through their website or by calling their customer service line. This direct model typically means lower overhead costs, which the company passes along as lower premiums compared to some traditional insurers, though price varies based on your driving record, location, and vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • GO Auto is available only in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and availability varies by postal code within those provinces.
  • You can get a quote and purchase a policy online or by phone without visiting an office, and you manage your policy through their website or app.
  • GO Auto offers standard auto coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive, and optional add-ons like accident forgiveness and roadside information.
  • Your premium depends on your age, driving record, vehicle type, coverage limits, and deductible choices, and you can adjust these factors to see how they affect your rate.
  • Claims can be reported online, by phone, or through their mobile app, and the company assigns an adjuster to assess damage and arrange repairs.

Coverage types and what each one covers

GO Auto offers the standard auto insurance coverage categories required or available in Canada. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to another person or their property. In most provinces, liability is mandatory, and minimum limits are set by law — typically $200,000 in Ontario and $300,000 in Alberta, though these vary. You can choose higher limits if you want more protection.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you hit another car, object, or structure. It does not cover damage from weather, theft, or vandalism. You choose a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — and higher deductibles lower your premium. Comprehensive coverage covers damage from events other than collisions: theft, weather, falling objects, and vandalism. Like collision, it uses a deductible you select.

GO Auto also offers optional add-ons. Accident forgiveness means your first accident does not increase your premium. Roadside information covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and other roadside emergencies. Uninsured motorist protection covers you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. The cost and availability of these add-ons vary, and you choose which ones to include when you buy or renew your policy.

How to get a quote and what information you will need

GO Auto quotes are available online through their website or by phone. To get a quote, you will need basic information: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current coverage details if you have existing insurance, and driving history. The online quote tool walks you through these fields and shows you rates for different coverage combinations in real time.

The quote process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online. You can adjust coverage limits and deductibles to see how they affect the price. GO Auto will also ask about how you use your vehicle — commute distance, annual mileage, whether it is parked in a garage — because these factors influence risk and therefore premium. Once you have a quote, you can purchase the policy when ready online or take time to compare it with other insurers.

Quotes are usually valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on the province and current promotions. If you do not purchase within that window, you can request a new quote. GO Auto does not charge for quotes, and getting one does not commit you to buying a policy.

How premiums are calculated and what affects your rate

Your GO Auto premium is based on several factors that the company uses to estimate the likelihood you will file a claim. Age and driving experience matter significantly — younger drivers and those with less than three years of driving history typically pay more. Driving record is one of the largest factors: accidents, traffic violations, and claims history all increase your rate. A clean record over several years can lower it.

Vehicle type affects premium because repair costs, theft rates, and safety ratings vary. A sports car or luxury sedan usually costs more to insure than a sedan or SUV. Coverage limits and deductibles are your choice: higher limits and lower deductibles mean higher premiums. Choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $500 will reduce your rate, but you pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.

Location influences rate because accident and theft rates vary by postal code. Urban areas often have higher premiums than rural ones. Annual mileage and commute distance matter because more time on the road increases accident risk. Some insurers, including GO Auto, offer usage-based programs where a mobile app tracks your driving habits and can lower your rate if you drive safely.

GO Auto also considers whether you bundle policies — insuring your home and auto with the same company typically qualifies you for a discount. Discounts for things like defensive driving courses, good student grades, or paying your full premium upfront may also be available, though these vary by province and change over time.

How to manage your policy online and make changes

Once you have a GO Auto policy, you can manage it through their website or mobile app. You log in with your username and password to view your policy details, coverage limits, deductible, and renewal date. You can read your proof of insurance document — required to carry in your vehicle — at any time.

To make changes, you can update your address, add or remove drivers, change your vehicle, or adjust coverage limits through the online portal. Some changes take effect when ready; others require confirmation or may affect your premium. If you are unsure whether a change will increase or decrease your rate, you can use the quote tool to see the impact before you confirm.

You can also pay your premium online, set up automatic payments, or change your payment schedule. GO Auto typically offers monthly, quarterly, or annual payment options. Paying annually usually costs less than paying monthly because you avoid monthly payment fees, though the upfront cost is higher.

How to file a claim and what to expect

If you have an accident or damage to your vehicle, you can report a claim to GO Auto online, by phone, or through their mobile app. When you report a claim, you will provide details about what happened, when it occurred, and where. If another vehicle was involved, you will need the other driver's insurance information and contact details. Take photos of the damage and the accident scene if it is safe to do so.

After you report a claim, GO Auto assigns an adjuster to your case. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. Depending on the damage and your coverage, the adjuster may authorize repairs at a GO Auto-approved repair shop or arrange for an independent assessment. If your vehicle is a total loss, the adjuster will determine its value and offer a settlement.

The time from claim report to settlement varies. Minor claims with clear liability may be resolved in days; complex claims or disputes over fault can take weeks. GO Auto will keep you updated on the status of your claim through their online portal or by phone. If you disagree with the adjuster's assessment, you have the right to request a second opinion or pursue dispute resolution through your province's insurance regulator.

Cancellation, renewal, and switching to another insurer

Your GO Auto policy renews annually on the date specified in your policy documents. Before renewal, GO Auto will send you a renewal notice with your new premium. If the rate has increased significantly or you want to compare options, you can shop around with other insurers. You are not locked into renewing with GO Auto.

To cancel your policy, you can do so online, by phone, or in writing. Most provinces require at least 15 days' notice before your cancellation takes effect, though GO Auto may allow when ready cancellation in some cases. If you cancel mid-term, you may owe a cancellation fee or lose a discount you received for paying upfront. Check your policy documents for the specific terms.

If you switch to another insurer, make sure your new coverage starts before your GO Auto policy ends so you are never without insurance. Your new insurer will handle the transfer of your proof of insurance to your vehicle registration. GO Auto will refund any unused premium if you cancel before your renewal date, though this is calculated based on the number of days remaining in your policy term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a GO Auto quote if I have a poor driving record?

Yes. GO Auto will provide a quote regardless of your driving history, but your premium will reflect accidents, violations, or claims. The quote shows you the actual cost based on your record. If the rate is too high, you can compare it with other insurers or ask GO Auto about discounts you might may have access to for, such as defensive driving courses.

Does GO Auto offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance?

GO Auto is part of the Co-operators Group, which offers home and auto insurance. Bundling policies with Co-operators typically qualifies you for a discount, but you should confirm the discount amount when you get a quote. The discount varies by province and your specific situation.

What happens if I miss a payment on my GO Auto policy?

If you miss a payment, GO Auto will typically send you a notice and allow a grace period — usually 15 days — to pay before your coverage is cancelled. If your policy lapses, you will have no insurance coverage, and driving without it is illegal. Contact GO Auto when ready if you miss a payment to arrange payment and restore your coverage.

Can I change my deductible or coverage limits between renewals?

Yes. You can adjust your deductible and coverage limits at any time through your online account or by calling GO Auto. Changes typically take effect when ready or on the date you specify. Lowering your deductible or increasing coverage limits will increase your premium; raising your deductible or lowering limits will decrease it.

How do I know if GO Auto operates in my province or postal code?

The easiest way is to visit GO Auto's website and enter your postal code in the quote tool. If GO Auto does not serve your area, the tool will tell you. GO Auto currently operates in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, but availability within those provinces varies by location.