Save on car insurance in Dartmouth.
Save on car insurance in Dartmouth.
We’re one of Dartmouth’s largest independent brokers. We specialize in auto insurance. With a simple online quote or a quick call, you will get quotes from up to eight insurance companies. And with savings of up to 30%, you’ll be on the road with Dartmouth’s best auto protection and benefits. That’s a promise.
Dartmouth, just a skip away.
Dartmouth amalgamated with Halifax in 1996, making it a part of the greater Halifax area. But it still has a vibe all its own. With its own identity, you cross the bridge into a community where you can walk along the waterfront and take in the amazing view of Halifax from across the water. It’s an adventure to experience. Your insurance can be as unique as your route and your world. At Munn Insurance you can find the most competitive auto insurance in Dartmouth and save while you’re doing it.
Driving in Dartmouth – Tips to keep you on the road.
KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL.
New regulations in Nova Scotia have changed from it just being illegal to text or use your phone while driving to cover all hand-held communication/entertainment devices, or any other prescribed electronic device. This also includes using the GPS. Plan everything before you put the car in drive. It will take about two years from passage before all new regulations and the new law are in place, but practice makes perfect. Start your good driving habits now.
HELP KEEP WORKERS SAFE.
When an emergency vehicle pulled over with its lights flashing, the law is motorists must slow down to 60 km/h or obey the speed limit if it’s lower than 60 km/h. If the road has two or more lanes in one direction, motorists must also move into another lane farther away from the stopped vehicle if it can be done safely. A motorist must obey these laws for ambulances, police vehicles, fire department vehicles, Department of Lands and Forestry fire vehicles, fire chiefs’ or deputy fire chiefs’ vehicles, conservation officers’ vehicles, motor vehicle and carrier inspectors’ vehicles, public safety vehicles such as sheriffs and bridge patrol officers, and tow trucks that are stopped at the scene of a fire or collision or assisting a vehicle. A fine can be as high as $350 for a first offence, with the potential to go higher.
CHECK YOUR VEHICLE.
Always keep your car well maintained. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and your fluids are all at proper levels. Maintain a consistent check that your vehicle’s equipment is functioning properly. Also, seasons change abruptly in the Maritimes. Always be ready for autumn to suddenly become winter.
GIVE PEDESTRIANS A HEAD START.
In developments from Fall 2019, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Provincial Government made strides in protecting pedestrians and motorists. Statistics revealed in the first eight months of 2018 there were 120 vehicle-pedestrian collisions in the municipality with 61% of them happening in a crosswalk. To improve safety, Halifax has installed what is referred to as “advanced pedestrian lights” at six high-pedestrian traffic intersections in the City, five in Halifax and one in Dartmouth. A green pedestrian “walking man” signal comes on for several seconds before the traffic light turns green. In this way, pedestrians are given a head start to proceed forward into the crosswalk and be seen.
A few facts about car insurance in Dartmouth.
- The average age of auto insurance policyholder in Dartmouth is 36
- The average age of drivers in Dartmouth is 49
- The number of accident claims in Dartmouth in 2018 was 5100
- The top automotive brands we insure in Dartmouth are
- 81% of people in Dartmouth drive Cars
- 19% of people in Dartmouth drive Trucks
Facts and myths about Dartmouth.
FACTS
Dartmouth amalgamated with Halifax on April 1, 1996.
Dartmouth has been nicknamed the City of Lakes, after the large number of lakes located within its boundaries.
The community is linked to Halifax by the oldest continuously operating salt water ferry service in North America with the first crossing having taken place in 1752.
Dartmouth was initially a sawmill and agricultural outpost of Halifax. In the mid 19th century, it grew with the construction of the Shubenacadie Canal and more importantly, with the rise of successful industrial firms such as the Dartmouth Marine Slips, the Starr Manufacturing Company, and the Stairs Ropeworks.
MYTHS
Amalgamation didn’t happen until 1996. Before that it wasn’t officially a region of the City of Halifax.
There is a ferry service that connects Halifax to Dartmouth. The MacKay Bridge was built in 1970 and connects both areas as well as the McDonald bridge. Thousands commute back and forth each day, as well as use the metro service.
There is a bus service with a fleet on 322 conventional buses, all of which are low floor and wheelchair accessible.
Dartmouth is home to a long list of K-12 schools, with both English and French programs. It is also home to post-secondary campuses, such as the Nova Scotia Community College Dartmouth campus.
We do the shopping. You get the savings.
Nova Scotians love choice. And they love saving too! At Munn Insurance, we deliver on both. As an independent insurance broker, we shop our extensive network of insurance partners to provide our Nova Scotia customers with the best coverage at the best rate. Some of the insurance companies we search for our customers include:
How Munn Insurance saves you money.
We work for you – that’s what an insurance broker does. We shop the market on your behalf, so Munn insurance can offer you the most access to the best discounts from our insurance partners.
- Bundling (Auto + Home Discount)
- Multiple Vehicle Discounts
- Experienced Drivers Discount
- Safe Drivers Discount
- Claims-Free Discount
- Loyalty Discount
- And Many More
Combine your home and car policies and save.
With Munn Insurance, home and auto policies are better together. It means extra savings and additional coverage. So combine them both and receive a discount on both. That’s like a double discount!
Combining also gives you the extra convenience of aligned renewal rates and less paperwork.
You can combine your auto policy with any Munn Insurance home policy for the following dwelling types:
- Private Homes
- Condos
- Tenants
- Cabins/Cottages
- Rented Dwellings
Special discounts and savings with a Munn Insurance group policy.
We recognize the value groups provide to Dartmouth. First Responders, Health Care Professionals, Alumni Associations, Educators and Instructors all play a vital role in helping others across Nova Scotia. They give so much, and we’re happy to give back. Munn Insurance Preferred Groups in Nova Scotia are able to take advantage of special discounts and many extra-valuable benefits.
- Special Group Discounts
- Mortgage & Real Estate Assistance
- 0% Insurance Financing
- Home Repair Assistance
- Legal Assistance
- Health Assistance
Get Dartmouth’s best leisure vehicle protection.
Nova Scotians love their leisure time and their leisure vehicles. MyRide Leisure Insurance from Munn Insurance is the most competitive, comprehensive leisure vehicle insurance available in Nova Scotia. Whether it’s your ATV, motorhome, motorcycle – or any of your leisure vehicles – A Munn policy offers more protection and value than any other program you’ll find.
- Boat and Watercraft
- ATV
- Snowmobile
- Classic Cars and Auto
- Motorhome, RV and Trailer
- Motorcycle
Car insurance laws in Dartmouth
It is mandatory to have auto insurance for all vehicles in Dartmouth. The province has enacted “financial responsibility laws” to ensure drivers are accountable for the financial consequences of their actions while on our roads.
Current limits for auto insurance in Dartmouth are:
- $500,000 liability coverage
- $50,000 medical payments coverage
- $2,500 funeral benefits
- Disability income/death benefits for persons injured or killed in an auto accident
- Uninsured and unidentified driver insurance
Nova Scotia has a no-fault-based insurance system. This means drivers can file claims with their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. In addition, the province does not take age or marital status into account when determining risk.
Dartmouth car insurance – your questions answered.
Our Latest Advice
Fall Checklist for Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia
Fall is one of the best times for landlords to take a close look at their rental properties.
The temperatures are dropping, winter weather is coming, and small maintenance issues that are manageable in September or October can become much bigger problems once snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive.
For landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, a little preparation in the fall can help reduce the risk of water damage, frozen pipes, heating failures, slips and falls, storm damage and other costly problems. Having the right landlord insurance in place is part of that protection — but so is staying on top of property maintenance before winter sets in.
It can also help protect your tenants, your rental income and your investment.
Here are 11 things landlords should check before winter arrives.
1. Check the Roof, Gutters and Drainage
Start at the top.
Look for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, signs of leaks and other roof issues. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water is being directed away from the foundation.
Fall rain can also help reveal drainage problems that may be harder to spot during dry weather.
Pay attention to:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Loose flashing
- Signs of previous leaks
- Blocked gutters
- Damaged downspouts
- Water pooling near the foundation
- Exterior drains that are not flowing properly
A small roof or drainage issue in the fall can become a much larger water problem once winter weather arrives.
2. Inspect and Service the Heating System and Fireplaces
A heating failure in January is much more serious than one in September.
Make sure the property’s heating system is operating properly before cold weather arrives. Depending on the property, that could include:
- Electric baseboards
- Heat pumps
- Furnaces
- Boilers
- Oil-fired equipment
- Propane fireplaces or heating systems
- Wood-burning appliances
Where appropriate, have heating equipment serviced by a qualified professional.
If the property has a propane fireplace or propane heating appliance, have it inspected and serviced as recommended and make sure vents and surrounding areas are clear.
If the property uses oil heat, check the condition of the oil tank and related equipment.
If there is a wood stove or other wood-burning appliance, make sure required inspections and maintenance are up to date.
A reliable heating system is not only about tenant comfort. It can also help protect against frozen pipes and other winter damage.
3. Protect Against Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
Frozen pipes can cause significant damage very quickly.
Check vulnerable plumbing in:
- Exterior walls
- Unheated basements
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
- Utility rooms
- Areas exposed to drafts
Pay particular attention to exterior faucets and water lines before freezing temperatures arrive.
Remove garden hoses from exterior taps. A hose left connected can trap water in the faucet or supply line and contribute to freezing and damage.
Where the plumbing is designed for it:
- Shut off the interior water supply valve serving exterior faucets
- Open the exterior tap to drain remaining water
- Drain other seasonal exterior water lines
- Make sure exposed or vulnerable pipes are adequately protected
Also check for existing plumbing leaks, signs of moisture and other water issues before winter.
Make sure tenants know what to do if the heat stops working or they discover a leak. Where appropriate, they should also know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to contact you quickly in an emergency.
4. Check Windows, Doors and Exterior Openings
Inspect exterior windows and doors for:
- Drafts
- Damaged weatherstripping
- Failed caulking
- Broken locks
- Cracked glass
- Water intrusion
- Doors or windows that do not close properly
Cold air and moisture entering the building can increase heating costs and potentially expose plumbing to lower temperatures.
Pay particular attention to older windows, basement doors and other areas that are exposed to wind and weather.
5. Inspect Steps, Walkways, Decks and Railings
Fall is a good time to identify exterior hazards before snow and ice cover them.
Check:
- Steps
- Walkways
- Driveways
- Decks
- Porches
- Handrails
- Guardrails
- Exterior lighting
Look for loose boards, cracked concrete, uneven surfaces, damaged steps, deteriorated railings and other issues that could create a safety or liability risk.
A small problem that is easy to see in the fall can become much harder to spot once it is covered by snow or ice.
6. Make a Snow and Ice Removal Plan
Do not wait for the first snowfall to decide who is responsible.
Make sure there is a clear plan for:
- Shovelling steps
- Clearing walkways
- Clearing driveways
- Salting or sanding icy areas
- Maintaining common entrances
Depending on the rental arrangement, the work may be handled by the landlord, tenant or a contractor.
What matters is that the responsibility is clear and the work gets done.
If you use a snow-clearing contractor, confirm arrangements before the busy winter season begins.
7. Check Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Fire Safety
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and check batteries and expiry dates where applicable.
Also look at:
- Fire extinguishers, where provided
- Dryer vents
- Electrical panels
- Heating equipment
- Chimneys
- Emergency exits
Fire and carbon monoxide safety should be part of regular property maintenance throughout the year, but fall is a good time to make sure everything is ready before heating systems are working harder and tenants are spending more time indoors.
8. Prepare the Exterior for Fall and Winter Storms
Take a walk around the property and look for anything that could become a problem during high winds, heavy rain, snow or ice.
Check for:
- Loose siding
- Damaged shingles
- Weak or dead tree branches
- Loose fencing
- Unsecured sheds
- Outdoor furniture
- Garbage containers
- Items stored on decks or balconies
Anything that can move in high winds can potentially damage your property or someone else’s.
Also look for branches hanging over the roof, driveway, walkways or neighbouring property. Use qualified professionals for tree work that is beyond basic maintenance, especially around buildings or power lines.
9. Check In With Your Tenants
A quick check-in with tenants before winter can help uncover small issues before they become bigger problems.
Ask whether there are any outstanding:
- Maintenance concerns
- Leaks
- Heating issues
- Drafts
- Damaged steps or railings
- Plumbing problems
- Other issues you should know about
Make sure tenants know:
- How to reach you
- Who to contact for urgent repairs
- What to do if the heat stops working
- How to report a leak or water problem
- Who is responsible for snow and ice removal
- How to contact you after hours if there is an emergency
Good communication can make a big difference.
A small issue reported early is usually much easier to deal with than one discovered after it has caused significant damage.
10. Pay Extra Attention to Vacant Properties or Units
A vacant property or unit needs extra attention, especially as temperatures drop.
With nobody living there, problems such as these can go unnoticed:
- A heating failure
- A burst pipe
- A leak
- Storm damage
- A break-in
- Other developing maintenance issues
Inspect vacant properties or units regularly and make sure heating, plumbing and other building systems are being maintained.
If a property will be vacant or unoccupied for an extended period, tell your insurance broker.
Vacancy can affect your insurance coverage or create additional insurer requirements, so do not assume your policy continues unchanged simply because you still own the property.
11. Review Your Landlord Insurance
Fall is a good time to check in with your insurance broker and make sure your landlord insurance policy still reflects the property as it is today.
Let your broker know about any significant changes, such as:
- Renovations or upgrades
- A new roof
- Plumbing or electrical updates
- Changes to the heating system
- A new propane fireplace or wood stove
- An added rental unit
- A change in how the property is rented
- A vacant or unoccupied unit
- The purchase of another rental property
It is also a good opportunity to review your coverage, deductibles and limits and ask any questions you may have about how your landlord insurance applies.
Take a few photos while you are doing your fall inspection as well.
Photos of the roof, exterior, steps, decks, heating equipment, major repairs and upgrades can give you a useful record of the property’s condition and the maintenance you have completed.
Keep those photos with your other property and maintenance records.
Insurance should keep pace with the property, so a quick seasonal check-in can help make sure nothing important has changed without being reflected in your policy.
Quick Fall Checklist for Landlords
Before winter arrives, check:
- Roof, gutters and drainage
- Heating systems, including propane and wood-burning appliances
- Plumbing and vulnerable pipes
- Garden hoses removed from exterior taps
- Exterior water lines winterized where applicable
- Windows and doors
- Steps, walkways, decks and railings
- Snow and ice removal arrangements
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Exterior storm hazards
- Tenants contacted and outstanding issues discussed
- Vacant properties or units inspected
- Landlord insurance reviewed
- Photos and maintenance records updated
The Bottom Line: A Little Work in the Fall Can Prevent Bigger Problems in the Winter
You cannot prevent every loss.
But many of the problems landlords face during an Atlantic Canadian winter start with something that could have been identified earlier.
A small leak.
A loose railing.
An aging roof.
A heating system that needs servicing.
A blocked gutter.
A garden hose left connected to an exterior tap.
An unclear snow-clearing arrangement.
Or a maintenance concern a tenant has noticed but has not yet mentioned.
Fall gives landlords an opportunity to find those issues while there is still time to deal with them.
A little preparation now can help protect the property, reduce liability risks, keep tenants safer and avoid much larger headaches when winter arrives.
Protect Your Rental Property With Local Insurance Experts at Munn Insurance
Good maintenance and the right insurance work together to help protect your rental property.
Munn Insurance’s local insurance experts work with landlords throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. Whether you own one rental property or a growing portfolio, we can help you understand your insurance options and find coverage that fits your property.
Get a landlord insurance quote today.
Visit: munninsurance.com/landlord-insurance-program/
Call: 1-855-726-8627
Protect the property. Protect the income. Protect the investment.
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