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All about car insurance in Kitchener
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance and MoneySense
Kitchener is a city in the region of Waterloo, Ontario. In Its beginnings, it was known as the Town of Berlin due to the high population of German Mennonite farmers. Kitchener’s streets are not laid out in a British grid pattern, but more of a radial pattern (more familiar to the early Germans). The problem with the radial pattern is you can end up with five-lane intersections and many popular streets narrow as you get closer to the core. The city is also surrounded by highways: Highway 7, Highway 8, Highway 85, Highway 24, along with the 401 – so it’s fairly easy to get in and out of the city. Once you’re inside the city, however, you need to be mindful of roundabouts and avoid downtown King Street altogether.
Auto insurance in Ontario is a requirement. Private companies issue coverage, but the system is overlooked by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). This ensures rate increases are substantiated – simply put, an insurer can't raise rates without prior approval from the regulatory body. Rate increases also need to be backed by financial records.
Kitchener (along with the rest of Ontario) also operates under a no-fault insurance system. This doesn't mean you'll never be deemed at fault after an accident. Instead, it means that you'll generally be making claims under your own insurer, regardless of fault.
To learn everything there is to know about auto insurance in the city, be sure to read on. When you're ready, you can also compare personalized car insurance quotes to find your best rate. We can connect you with a licensed broker who will guide you seamlessly through the process of securing your Kitchener car insurance policy.
Did you know?
The previously mandatory coverage, Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD), has been made optional for Ontario drivers as of January 2024. Many insurance experts are warning drivers about the implications of opting out, however, as the financial risk may not be worth the potential savings. Learn more about optional DCPD in our blog linked below.
Standard Kitchener auto insurance coverages
In Kitchener, three are four standard car insurance coverages – third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured motorist, and direct compensation for property damage.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist
Direct compensation for property damage
Optional Kitchener auto insurance coverages
Aside from the mandatory coverages, you can also add optional coverages to your Kitchener car insurance policy. These options are mainly there to help cover the loss and damage of your personal vehicle.
Collision
Comprehensive
Specified perils
All perils
Emergency roadside assistance
Popular Kitchener auto insurance endorsements
To further customize your car insurance, you can also add Ontario Policy Change Forms (OPCFs) to your policy. While the selection of endorsements may differ depending on the provider you choose, here are some popular options for Kitchener drivers.
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How much is car insurance in Kitchener?
In Kitchener, the average cost of car insurance is about $1,200 per year – or $100 per month. Keep in mind, however, that rates are calculated based on your individual profile – to find the exact cost you'll be paying, be sure to compare personalized car insurance quotes with us. Below are three sample quotes our Kitchener users received from us in March 2024.
- $54/month
63-year-old female
driving a 2019 Mazda CX-3 under CAA Insurance
- $110/month
34-year-old male
driving a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe under Heartland Farm Mutual
- $147/month
36-year-old male
driving a 2008 Toyota Corolla under Economical Insurance
Factors that impact your Kitchener car insurance rate
It pays to shop the market for cheap Kitchener car insurance. This is because different insurers offer different rates based on a list of personalized factors. Here, we cover a few main ones, so you can better understand how insurers come up with your quote.
Age
Younger drivers tend to pay the highest car insurance rates due to statistical risk factors.
Gender
Males tend to pay higher premiums than their female counterparts due to statistical risk factors.
Location
Where you live in Kitchener matters. Busy areas with high crime rates will inevitably come with higher premiums.
Vehicle type
Cars that expensive to repair and replace will cost more to insure – and the same goes with highly-stolen ones.
Vehicle use
Do you drive for business or for pleasure? Pleasure-use cars tend to come with cheaper insurance rates.
Driving history
Your Kitchener driving history is looked at by insurers. A clean record shows low-risk which means low premiums.
Driving behaviour
More time on the road equals more risk – so expect to pay higher premiums if you commute daily.
License class
If you have your full driver's licence in Kitchener, expect to pay cheaper premiums than a novice driver.
Coverages & discounts
More protection will lead to higher rates, but asking for discounts can help combat the cost.
How to get cheap Kitchener car insurance quotes
While insurers are the ones that quote you, there are many steps you can take to make sure you're getting the cheapest Kitchener car insurance on the market. Here, we cover ten different tips to help lower your premium.
- Shop & compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Kitchener. Rates can potentially go up whenever you renew, but lucky for you comparing personalized Kitchener car insurance quotes with us is free.
- Stay loyal
Some Kitchener car insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years – but don't let this deter you from shopping the market.
- Bundle insurance products
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a policy bundle discount.
- Insure multiple vehicles together
If you have multiple drivers and multiple vehicles in your household, putting them all under one policy can help save you money.
- Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the portion you pay when settling a claim before your insurer will pay the rest. If you’re willing to increase it, you'll pay less in premiums.
- Ask about discounts
Ask your insurer about group rates – for professionals, alumni, and more. Oftentimes, Kitchener insurance companies will offer discounts to members of certain organizations.
- Pay premiums annually
Paying monthly premiums adds administrative costs to your insurer. If you’re able to pay in full annually, you'll likely pay a bit less in the long run.
- Keep a clean record
The cheapest rates go to the safest drivers in Kitchener. Car crashes can stay on your record for years, causing your insurance premium to go up substantially.
- Install winter tires
As Kitchener roads can get dangerous in the winter, insurers often offer a cheaper rate to those who install winter tires.
- Drive less
The more you drive, the more risk you're inevitably exposed to. Simply driving less can help save you money on your car insurance premium.
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Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Kitchener
How do I get the best car insurance in Kitchener, Ontario?
The best auto insurance in Kitchener is a personal choice. You can pay for all the optional coverages and endorsements, which will cost more, but it gives you peace of mind. Alternatively, if you want the cheapest auto insurance in Kitchener, you can do that by minimizing your coverage and only choosing what's mandated by the province. However, saving money in the short term could cost you much more if you're in an accident. It's best to find a balance that works for you.
If you have a new car, it's worth it to have collision and comprehensive car insurance. If you have a family, get the OPCF44R coverage and increase your accident benefits to ensure they are protected. Speak with a Kitchener car insurance broker to walk you through your options.
Who is the best car insurance broker in Kitchener?
Selecting the best car insurance broker in Kitchener is really a personal choice. If you use our car insurance quoter, we'll connect you with a licensed Ontario car insurance broker who can finalize your quote and help answer any questions you may have. Car insurance brokers are provincially licensed, so as long as the broker is a member of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario, they can help you.
What are the best car insurance companies in Kitchener?
When we think about the best car insurance companies, we usually default to major players like Aviva, Belairdirect, CAA, Desjardins, or Allstate. However, the real question is what is the best insurance company for you? So, it's helpful to compare insurance quotes and review their values.
For instance, Onlia is a new player (backed by worldwide underwriters) with some cool perks like usage-based insurance that rewards your driving. Compare car insurance quotes to see what company gives you the lowest car insurance rate in Kitchener based on your unique profile, then customize to suit your needs.
Which city has cheaper car insurance - Kitchener or London?
On average, London has cheaper car insurance, but by about $5 per month. Location is an important factor when calculating your rates. However, don't lie to your insurer about your location. Doing so can lead to a cancellation of your policy or a denied claim when you need it most. The insurance company is charging you based on risk given your details, if one of those details is wrong, they may be repercussions.
Can you have two car insurance policies in Kitchener?
Yes, you can have multiple car insurance policies no matter where you are, but you shouldn't need both. For instance, if you're getting a second policy because you're driving for Uber and your original insurance company won't cover Uber, consider switching from your old provider to the one that allows ride-sharing. If you're in an accident, your original insurer won't cover you anyway.
You can add an occasional driver to your existing policy if someone has started to drive your car more regularly. You don't need a second policy for that either.