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In under five minutes, compare personalized auto insurance quotes online from Canada's top providers – your cheapest rate is only a few steps away.

How to compare car insurance quotes with Ratehub.ca

  1. Share information

    Tell us a little about yourself and your auto coverage needs.

  2. Compare quotes

    We instantly show you auto insurance quotes from top Canadian providers.

  3. Save money

    Choose your quote and secure your car insurance rate online.

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Recent cheap car insurance quotes from Ratehub.ca

Thousands of Canadians come to us weekly, looking for ways to save on their next auto insurance policy. Just like we've helped them compare the market with ease, we can do the same for you. Here are a few sample car insurance quotes Ratehub.ca users received on September 9, 2023 – to find out how little you could be paying, take advantage of our free comparison service and uncover your potential savings today.

  • $93/month

    42-year-old female

    driving a 2020 Toyota RAV4 under CAA Insurance

  • $124/month

    35-year-old male

    driving a 2011 Kia Soul under Heartland Farm Mutual

  • $162/month

    65-year-old female

    driving a 2010 Dodge/Ram Journey under Onlia Insurance

  • $179/month

    36-year-old female

    driving a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek under Travelers Canada

A few things we're proud of

  • 1,200,000

    monthly users

  • 11 years

    young

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    better choices made

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    to Canada’s top financial institutions

Why should I compare car insurance quotes?

Matt Hands

In 2021, we surveyed over 1,500 Canadians to learn more about auto insurance shopping behaviour within the country. 76% of policyholders claimed to be confident with the coverage they had in place – they did not feel overinsured or underinsured. On top of that, 65% of the group said they were happy with the rate they were currently paying.

But what about those that didn't feel this way? Shopping around for car insurance and comparing quotes online is one of the best ways you can ensure your policy meets all your coverage needs for the lowest rate possible.

While 64% of Canadians said they allow their policy to renew automatically when the time comes (leaving potential savings on the table), 51% also claimed a dislike for comparing car insurance quotes because it takes too long, and they don't believe they'll find a better deal. This is simply untrue – with us, you can save hundreds of dollars each year by taking just a few minutes out of your day.

64%

of Canadians allow their car insurance policy to auto-renew.

51%

of Canadians think comparing quotes is time consuming and ineffective.

Why do I need car insurance?

First and foremost, it's the law. Car insurance is a requirement for everyone who wishes to drive a car in Canada. The coverage is there to protect you from all kinds of financial implications, such as vehicle repairs after a collision or liability claims after an accident. 

In Canada, driving an uninsured vehicle is a serious offence – you could a heavy fine or even a license suspension. You'll also need to provide proof of an auto insurance policy before you're able to register your vehicle. 

How does car insurance work in Canada?

Even though auto insurance is legally mandated Canada-wide, the coverage requirements for a standard car insurance policy vary provincially (and it heavily depends on whether the province runs on a public or private insurance system). 

British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are public insurance markets where you buy auto insurance from the government (with the option of purchasing supplemental coverage from private insurers). Alberta, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada have private insurance companies vying for your business which is why comparing car insurance quotes online is an effective strategy for uncovering lower rates. Quebec, on the other hand, is a hybrid system that offers the cheapest car insurance rates. There, you buy injury coverage from the government and property damage from a private insurer.

Even though each province set's a minimum standard for coverage, most people purchase a more comprehensive insurance policy. In fact, in every province, you can customize your policy's coverages and amounts to further suit your personal needs.

Another thing to understand about auto insurance in Canada is the differences between the accident claim systems. Several provinces have shifted towards a no-fault insurance system in which you only deal with your own insurance company when seeking financial compensation for a collision you were involved in (regardless of fault). The other system is a tort-based system – many consider this to be inefficient as you'll need to deal with the at-fault driver's insurer to seek compensation.

Regardless of the rules in your province, not having the right auto insurance policy in place will leave you financially vulnerable if you're ever involved in an incident. So make sure you understand the coverage you need when shopping around for car insurance.

Types of car insurance in Canada

While the types of car insurance you're required to carry will differ from province-to-province, you'll have the option of customizing your policy with additional options, no matter where you're situated. Here's a quick overview of the main coverages in Canada.

Third-party liability


Accident benefits


Uninsured motorist


Direct compensation for property damage


Collision


Comprehensive


Optional endorsements


How auto insurance differs from province to province

Auto insurance works differently depending on where you're situated within the country. In the table below, we breakdown the key differences in each province, including public vs. private systems and mandatory vs. optional coverages.

    Compare car insurance quotes from Canada's top providers.

    Get personalized car insurance quotes in minutes, free of charge.

    How much is car insurance in Canada?

    Here is a chart displaying the average car insurance cost in Canada. Your car insurance rate will vary depending on a multitude of factors, but this can give you an idea of how average car insurance quotes differ across each province. To find the exact cost you’ll be paying for your auto coverage, be sure to compare auto insurance rates with us. 

    Source

    How are car insurance quotes in Canada calculated?

    1. Driver age

      The highest age-specific rate of passenger vehicle death in Canada was found among 16 to 24 year olds. Young drivers tend to see more expensive premiums, due to the increased risk they bring.

    2. Driver gender

      Statistics Canada found that males were nearly twice as likely to die in a vehicle collision compared to females. Not all provinces use gender as a quoting factor but many do – and of course, this leads to higher rates for male drivers.

    3. Location

      Generally speaking, living in rural areas will lead to cheaper insurance rates. Cities with large populations tend to come with high crime rates and busy streets – resulting in costlier premiums.

    4. Vehicle type

      The more expensive your vehicle is to repair or replace, the more expensive your insurance will be. But it doesn't stop there – cars with high theft and accident rates often see increased premiums also.

    1. Driving history

      Generally speaking, the more experience you have as a driver, the more safe you'll be. But if you have several convictions on your record, expect to see higher car insurance premiums.

    2. Driving activity

      It's no surprise that more time on the road equals to a higher likelihood of making a claim. So the longer your daily commute, the more expensive your premium will be. And one way to lower your premium is to simply drive less.

    3. Insurance coverage

      It's no surprise that adding on optional coverages and increasing your policy limits will lead a to higher auto insurance premium. The additional peace of mind doesn't come without a price.

    4. Applicable discounts

      Different insurers offer different types of discounts, so be sure to ask about your eligibility. Bundling multiple policies under one provider, for example, is a great way to save.

    What market conditions impact car insurance rates?

    There are a number of market conditions that impact the price Canadians pay for auto insurance, and unfortunately, a lot of these are largely out of the public's control. Insurers monitor the trends of these conditions, and use their learnings as the basis for their pricing model changes – this is done so companies can protect themselves and recoup lost funds. Here are a few major market conditions you should be aware of.

    How to get the cheapest car insurance quotes

    1. Compare quotes

      While two providers may offer the same coverages, the price of auto insurance can vary drastically. To make sure you're getting the best rate possible, be sure to shop the market.

    2. Bundle policies

      Insurance companies value loyal customers. By having your auto and home insurance bundled together under the same carrier, you can expect a substantial rate reduction.

    3. Increase your deductible

      The deductible is what you pay when something happens to your car before the insurance company pays the rest. Increasing your deductible will lower your annual premium.

    4. Get a group rate

      Many insurers offer discounts to members of professional organizations or affiliation groups – so it pays to ask about savings (literally).

    5. Install safety devices

      Insurance companies are all about lowering the risk of a claim. You could see a rate deduction by installing anti-theft devices or opting for a car that's already equipped with the newest safety features.

    1. Pay annually

      Paying your full premium up-front tends to be less money in the long run, compared to making multiple, monthly payments. This is because insurers like to see a commitment to the policy.

    2. Keep a clean driving record

      At-fault collisions and driving convictions stay on your insurance record for years and make your rates go way up – if you drive safely over a long period, you’ll pay the lowest car insurance rates.

    3. Track your driving

      According to a Ratehub.ca survey, only 12% of Canadians have tried usage-based insurance. If you haven't yet done so, opting-in for UBI (tracking your driving behaviour) can lead to big savings.

    4. Install winter tires

      While winter tires are only required in select provinces, it's always better to be safe than sorry – and the potential auto insurance savings are a plus.

    5. Take a course

      Accredited driving courses will not only make you a better driver, but it can also lead to cheaper car insurance rates. Insurers see graduates as a lower-risk policyholder.

    Compare cheap auto insurance quotes (for free).

    Now that you've learned how quotes are created and what factors impact your rates, it's time to see how much you can save on car insurance today.

    Recent auto insurance news in Canada

    Vehicle theft is becoming a major factor in the price we pay for auto insurance in Canada – so much that the auto insurance industry is looking for ways to improve theft prevention and vehicle security. According to an Équité Association report from November 2022, Canada has become a source country for the export of stolen vehicles due to the increased use of sophisticated theft technology.

    Unsurprisingly, Ontario is the leading province in the volume of stolen vehicles, but Alberta and Quebec are not too far behind. In Toronto alone, nearly 10,000 vehicles were stolen in 2022 – a figure which has risen yearly since 2018. Calgary, on the other hand, saw nearly a 25% increase in theft year-over-year. 

    The full impact of vehicle theft may hit Canadians differently, but the one thing that we will all face is an increase in our auto insurance premiums. As theft continues to rise, insurers will need to increase their rates in order to offset the increase in claims. Drivers of vehicles that have been identified as high-risk of theft will also see their rates rise more than the average Canadian.

    learn more about stolen vehicle trends

    Frequently asked Canadian auto insurance questions

    Is car insurance in Canada mandatory?


    Why are my car insurance quotes so high?


    How do I find the cheapest auto insurance rates?


    Is auto insurance different between provinces?


    What do I need to get car insurance in Canada?


    Do I need car insurance if I don't drive my car in Canada?


    Who has the best and cheapest car insurance?


    Do I need special insurance to drive for Uber?


    How does a car insurance deductible work?


    At what age does car insurance go down?


    What doesn't impact my car insurance rate?


    Do I need to purchase car insurance from my home insurance provider?


    Can I drive a car if I don't have auto insurance?


    Can I cancel my car insurance?


    What happens if I stop paying my car insurance premium?


    How long do car accidents stay on your record?


    How much does car insurance increase after an at-fault accident claim?


    All about your Ratehub.ca car insurance quote

    Your most frequently asked questions about our online car insurance process, answered.

    Ratehub.ca partners with top auto insurance companies across Canada, so you can compare your personalized car insurance quotes all at once. Each rate is calculated using the insurer's own underwriting and quoting process, so you can receive an accurate estimation based on your profile.

    Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

    With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio

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    About Ratehub.ca

    Whether you need a mortgage, credit card, savings account, or insurance coverage, we help you find and compare the best financial products for your specific needs.

    When it comes to mortgages, Ratehub.ca is more than just a place to research and compare the best rates. Our goal is to give Canadians the best mortgage experience from online search to close. This means offering Canadians the mortgage tools, information and articles to educate themselves, allowing them to get personalized rate quotes from multiple lenders to compare rates instantly, and providing them with the best online application and offline customer service to close their mortgage all in one place.

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