Compare Ontario car insurance quotes
In under five minutes, compare personal Ontario auto insurance quotes from some of Canada's top providers, for free.
How car insurance in Ontario works
Matt Hands, Business Director, Insurance
Car insurance in Ontario, and across Canada is a requirement for all drivers, but there are some provincial differences in coverage requirements.
To begin, Ontario operates in a no-fault insurance system. No-fault means drivers use their own insurance company regardless of who is at-fault in an accident.
Ontario auto insurance is provided by private insurance carriers and is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). FSRAO ensures rate increases are substantiated.
Available coverage is broken down into two categories - mandatory and optional.
Mandatory Ontario auto insurance coverage includes (full descriptions below)
- Third-party liability
- Accident benefits
- Uninsured automobile insurance
- Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
Optional Ontario car insurance coverage includes (full descriptions below)
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Specified perils
- All perils
There are also Optional Policy Change Forms (OPCF) which are endorsements you can add to your coverage. Here are 3 common Ontario endorsements.
- OPCF 20 - covers the cost of a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced
- OPCF 27 - Ports your existing insurance to a rental car or car you borrow
- OPCF 43 - Removes depreciation in calculating the value of your car when settling a claim
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Historical Ontario auto insurance rates
Since the start of the year 2000 the Ontario car insurance industry has seen significant change in the average rates they charge to consumers. On average there has been a +52.35% increase in cost of car insurance in Ontario. The last few years have seen the rates level out a bit more, with subtle increases and decreases, but in the early 2000 there were significant price swings on both sides of the equation. In Ontario, car insurance rate changes are a result of a few factors such as market inflation, insurance fraud and claims volumes. The volatility of the auto insurance market has resulted the residents of Ontario paying the most for their policies.
The historical rate changes shown below are based on all the drivers insured each year by every insurance company in Ontario. The rates are approved and tracked by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). In order for an Ontario insurer to be approved for a rate change, as required by law, the proposed rates must be just and reasonable, not excessive, and not going to impair a company’s financial solvency. Ontario car insurance providers submit their proposed changes to FSRAO for approval along with supporting actuarial data.
Mandatory coverage for auto insurance in Ontario
Mandatory insurance is mostly about protecting you from damage you may cause to others and their property. Protecting you car is in optional coverages.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
Are you getting the best price for Ontario auto insurance?
How to get cheap car insurance in Ontario
Shop and compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Ontario, and also the best value for you and your vehicle. Rates may change up to four times a year, but lucky for you comparing Ontario car insurance with us is free.
Stay with your current insurer
Some Ontario auto insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years. Especially if they add family members or multiple vehicles to their policy.
Bundle your policies
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a dip in premiums.
Get a multi car discount
If you have multiple drivers and vehicles in the same household, by putting them all on one policy can 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 double your deductible, it could save you money.
Ask about discounts
If you’re a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, it could help you get cheaper Ontario car insurance
Pay premiums annually, instead of monthly
Paying monthly adds administrative costs to your insurer, so if you’re able to pay in full annually you can lower your premiums.
Maintain a good driving record
If you’re a safe driver, obey the rules of the road and drive according to road conditions you can reduce your chances of an accident. Car crashes stay on your insurance record for up to ten years and can result in higher premiums.
Install winter tires
You can save up to 5% simply by adding winter tires to your car. Unless you're in Quebec, where it's mandatory.
How to get an Ontario driver's licence
In 1994, the Ontario government introduced its graduated licensing system requiring each driver to progress through a 3-step educational program to be a fully licensed driver. Successfully participating in the graduated licensing system allows you to legally operate a car or motorcycle.
Prior to this '94, a driver only needed to pass a single written and road test in order to become fully licensed.
Once you begin the graduated licensing journey you have a 5-year window to earn your G licence. At a minimum it will take you at least 20 months to become fully licensed. Let’s take a quick look at this phased approach:
G1 licence in Ontario (or level one) eligibility criteria
G2 licence in Ontario (or level two) eligibility criteria
G licence in Ontario (or level three) eligibility criteria
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Frequently asked questions about Ontario auto insurance
How much is car insurance in Ontario?
Who can drive my car under my insurance in Ontario?
Do I need auto insurance in Ontario?
Does my Ontario car insurance cover me if I drive for Uber or Lyft?
Can you register a car without insurance in Ontario?
How do I report a claim in Ontario?
Why does car insurance in Ontario cost so much?
Is roadside assistance required in Ontario?
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Ontario?
Author Bio
Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance
Matt started his professional career at CARPROOF where he honed his marketing and analytical skills for over 3 years. Matt then took his wealth of experience to Ratehub.ca’s Toronto offices, working with insurance providers, agents, and brokers to grow and expand the Insurance business unit. He is a thought leader in the community and a valuable insurance resource to respected publications like the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Huffington Post, Yahoo News, and 680 news radio in Toronto.
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