Get the best driver insurance quotes for Canadians
In under 5 minutes you can compare personalized first-time driver car insurance quotes from Canada's top providers, for free.
How to compare new driver car insurance quotes with Ratehub.ca
- Share information
Tell us a little about yourself and your auto coverage needs.
- Compare quotes
We instantly show you auto insurance quotes for first-time drivers in Canada.
- Save money
Choose your quote and secure your car insurance rate online.
A few things we’re proud of
1,200,000
monthly users
11 years
young
Over 1M
better choices made
Trusted partner
to Canada’s top financial institutions
What is new driver insurance?
Whether you're a new Canadian resident, new to driving, or a young driver, you need car insurance to legally drive in Canada. Being a new driver comes with numerous challenges, but no greater than simply having a lack of experience - a cause for concern for car insurance companies. Remember, insurance providers are insuring you in case a risk becomes a reality, so new driver car insurance is often more expensive as the risks associated with inexperienced drivers is higher.
However, with a few tips, and by comparing auto insurance quotes, you can find the best car insurance for first-time drivers.
How car insurance works for new drivers
Obeying the road rules and how to drive in Canada will help keep your rates lower as a first-time driver, while you accumulate experience. The more you know how car insurance for new drivers works, the easier it is to find and maintain a cheaper rate.
To begin, most of Canada works in a no-fault system (Saskatchewan, Alberta). No-fault insurance means if you are ever involved in an accident, whether you’re at fault or not, you’ll only ever work with your own insurance company to file a claim. It helps to speed up the claims process.
In Canada, each province has their own regulatory body that governs how the car insurance industry works. Even though there are regional differences regarding the rules, regulations and coverages, there are also a lot of similarities, such as the mandatory coverages that make up a basic car insurance policy.
Third-party liability
Liability insurance covers other people and their property. The minimum amount of coverage for third-party is $200,000 in most provinces, but many Canadians opt for $1-2 million.
Accident Benefits
Accident benefits covers any related costs to heal injuries after you're in an accident. In general, there is coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic, and other specialized rehabilitation services. Accident benefits coverage also pays income replacement, and death and funeral benefits.
Uninsured motorist
Uninsured motorist protection is injury coverage for you and your family if you're injured in an accident with an uninsured driver. If you're able to identify the driver, your car may also be protected. New drivers in Alberta aren't mandated to have this coverage, but everywhere else, you need it.
Compare car insurance quotes for new drivers.
The cost of insurance for new drivers is typically high, which is why it's important to compare quotes to find the cheapest rate for you.
Optional insurance coverage for new drivers
Many options are available from endorsements, add-ons, specific perils, to extensions of coverage. But comprehensive and collision insurance are the most common and standard additions to any car insurance policy. If you're leasing a car, your lender may require this coverage in addition to the mandatory minimums.
Collision
Collision insurance protects your car if you're the at-fault driver in a crash. If you're not at fault, you can use direct compensation property damage (DCPD) in provinces where it exists, or you'll need to pursue the at-fault driver for damages.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance protects your car when it’s parked from vandalism, damaging weather like hail storms and lightning, and falling objects like trees.
In general, car insurance for new drivers works in the same way as a regular experienced driver. Where they start to differ is in price. Auto insurance providers examine risk factors when calculating car insurance costs. One of those factors is the driver's experience. Whether you are a first-time driver or a new driver to Canada, you will be treated as an inexperienced driver by most Canadian car insurance companies.
Insurers use historical statistics and data to come up with a unique rate based on the driver’s profile. It's a bit stereotypical, but the industry believes that history dictates what the future may hold, so they use pricing as a safeguard against inherent risk. Inexperienced drivers have an extensive track record of being higher-risk drivers, due to the volume of accidents and traffic infractions. So, while it’s important to build a policy that fits your situation, you need to be aware of the ways you could save on insurance as a new driver.
How much is new driver car insurance?
An estimate for car insurance for new drivers would be anywhere between 3-6 times the price of insurance for someone with a clean extensive history of safe driving. New driver insurance costs depend on many factors, including age, location, make and model of car. Here are some examples of first time auto insurance rates in Ontario. We're using a 2016 Honda CR-V as the car for each sample quote, then we'll adjust the age and experience for comparison purposes. The driver is male and living in Toronto.
Sample new driver insurance rates
Driver Profile |
Age |
Estimate car insurance |
First-time driver (older) |
39 |
$457-$796 |
New Canadian w/ prior driving experience |
39 |
$266-$435 |
Young driver, previously insured w/ parents |
22 |
$292-$650 |
First-time driver (younger) |
20 |
$673-$1,389 |
How to get cheap first-time drivers insurance
Provide valid proof of out-of-country driving experience
Compare insurance quotes for first-time drivers
Take a designated driver course
Use parents or more experience driver's policy
Ask for discounts
Increase your deductible
Reduce your third party liability coverage
Drive safe, traffic tickets may increase your rate
Install an anti-theft device in your car
Buy winter tires
Buy a car that is cheaper to insure
Consider telematics (or usage-based insurance)
Bundle your car insurance with your home insurance
Ready to see if you can save on your first-time driver insurance?
Auto insurance can be expensive for first-time drivers, so it's important to take every step to finding your most affordable rate. Comparing the market should always be your first step when shopping for a new policy.
Frequently asked new driver insurance questions
Can I drive a new car without insurance?
No, it's illegal, and if caught, you will face hefty fines and penalties.
How much is insurance for a new driver in Ontario?
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the average car insurance in Ontario is $1,505 per year. Expect to pay 3-6 times that amount, at least $4,500, if you're going with a comprehensive insurance policy. There are many ways to reduce your insurance, including usage-based insurance, which charges you based on your driving habits.
How much is ICBC insurance for a new driver?
New driver insurance in BC could cost about 3.5x as much compared to the provincial average. Still, much will depend on the age, experience, vehicle, and location of the driver.
How much to add a new driver to insurance?
The insurance rate for a car is based on the primary driver, but adding a secondary driver will increase your premium. The price will be significant is the additional driver is young, inexperienced, and already has demerit points. Your insurance rate will be minimal for a new driver who is older with experience.