
In Canada, auto insurance costs can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your age, driving history, and location.
To get a car insurance quote, you'll typically need to be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license.
Types of Insurance
In Canada, you're required to buy third-party liability insurance, with a minimum benefit of $200,000 in most provinces, except for Quebec ($50,000) and Nova Scotia ($500,000).
The good news is that you have some flexibility when it comes to choosing the right coverage for your car. If you're not relying on third-party financing, the decision is yours.
If you're financing or leasing your car, your lender may require more coverage than the mandatory minimum. This is to protect the underlying asset in case of an accident.
If you have a brand new car or a luxury car, it's worth considering extra insurance coverage. This is because you couldn't easily replace or repair a car of this value.
In Canada, there are different categories of auto insurance coverage available, including third-party liability, collision, and comprehensive.
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Insurance Costs and Eligibility
To be eligible for car insurance in Canada, you need to meet certain requirements. You must be a resident of Canada and have a valid driver's licence, even if it's not a full licence.
The car you're insuring must be for personal use, and you can't have been convicted of auto insurance fraud in the last 10 years. You must also be honest with your insurance company about your residency, the car, and any modifications you've made to it.
If you've had past losses or convictions, it may be harder to find an insurance company that will offer you coverage. However, you can still buy Facility Insurance or go with an insurance company that specializes in high-risk drivers.
Here are some factors that affect your car insurance costs:
- Regulatory regime: Some provinces have public insurance, while others have private companies subject to provincial regulations.
- Loss ratios: Insurance companies have different loss ratios in each province, which affects their profit margins.
- Population: Densely populated cities tend to have higher auto insurance premiums due to a higher likelihood of collisions and theft.
- Right-to-sue laws: Quebec has lower insurance rates because drivers can't sue for damages, while Ontario has higher rates due to the right to sue.
- Mandatory minimums: Each province has different rules about how much insurance you need to buy, which affects your premium.
What Determines the Cost?
So, you're wondering what determines the cost of auto insurance? Well, it's largely based on your licence level - not having a full licence will cost you more. Having a full licence, on the other hand, can lower your premium.
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Your driving history is also a big factor, with insurance companies favoring drivers who have many years of claims-free driving experience. If you're a new driver with little experience, previous claims, and driving convictions, you can expect to pay more.
Age is another significant factor, with young drivers being more likely to be in a collision due to inexperience. This is reflected in the higher premiums they pay.
Men often pay more than women for auto insurance, unfortunately. It's not just about being male or female, though - it's about the statistics.
Your postal code also plays a role, with urban dwellers paying more than drivers in rural areas. This is likely due to the higher risk of accidents in urban areas.
The amount of coverage you buy is another factor, with comprehensive car insurance policies costing more than basic ones.
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What's the Cost?
The cost of car insurance can be a significant expense for many drivers. Car insurance estimator tools may be available, but they often require less information and can be less accurate.
Car insurance costs vary considerably throughout Canada, with some provinces having significantly higher premiums than others. Ontario and B.C. have the highest car insurance premiums.
Regulatory regimes play a role in determining car insurance costs. Public insurance is provided in some provinces, such as B.C., Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, while Quebec has a hybrid public-private regime.
Loss ratios also impact car insurance costs. Insurance companies have different loss ratios in every province or territory, with a high loss ratio meaning they're paying out more in claims.
Densely populated cities tend to have higher auto insurance premiums, as there are more cars on the road and a higher likelihood of collisions and theft.
In Quebec, drivers do not have the right to sue for damages, which contributes to lower insurance rates. In contrast, Ontario allows drivers to sue for damages, which increases costs for insurance companies and is passed on to consumers.
Mandatory minimums also affect car insurance costs. Each province has different rules about how much insurance you need to buy, with some requiring more coverage than others. For example, in Newfoundland and Labrador, you need to buy $500,000 worth of car insurance.
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Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for car insurance in Canada, you need to meet some basic requirements. You must be a resident of Canada, which means you need to have a permanent address in the country.
Having a valid driver's licence is also essential, even if it's a learner's permit or a temporary licence. This shows that you're a responsible driver who knows the rules of the road.
The car you're insuring must be for personal use, not for business or commercial purposes. This is an important distinction, as commercial use can affect your insurance rates.
To be eligible, you must also not have been convicted of auto insurance fraud in the last 10 years. This is a serious offense that can lead to higher premiums or even policy cancellation.
Finally, you must be honest with your insurance company about your address, the car you're insuring, and any modifications you've made to it. This includes disclosing any past losses or convictions, which may affect your ability to find coverage.
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Insurance Options and Coverage
Insurance options and coverage are crucial to consider when purchasing auto insurance in Canada. Every province and territory has rules around the mandatory amount of insurance you have to buy to legally operate a car. The minimum benefit you need to purchase in most parts of Canada is $200,000, but in Quebec it's $50,000 and in Nova Scotia it's $500,000.
You'll also need to consider optional coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance. These are worth it for brand new cars and luxury cars, as they can help you pay for repairs or replace your vehicle if it's a total loss. For older cars, it's essential to weigh the cost against the potential benefit.
Here are some common types of auto insurance coverage available in Canada:
- Third-party liability insurance
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Specified perils coverage
- Family protection coverage
These coverages can help you respond to common property and liability risks, including damage to your vehicle, injuries to you or others, and liability for damage to another vehicle or property.
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Property & Liability
Property and liability coverage are two essential components of car insurance in Canada. Liability insurance is mandatory throughout the country and covers damages caused to another person or vehicle in an accident.
Liability coverage provides protection if you are sued for causing damage to another vehicle or injuring someone. You'll want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you so that your personal assets won't be at risk. This type of coverage is designed to respond if you are at fault in an accident.
Property coverage, on the other hand, is designed to respond if your vehicle suffers damage due to a collision or other covered event. This coverage is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended to protect your vehicle from damage or loss.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind about property and liability coverage:
- Property coverage is designed to respond to damage or loss to your vehicle, subject to a deductible.
- Liability coverage will provide protection if you are sued for causing damage to another vehicle or injuring someone.
- Liability coverage is mandatory throughout Canada.
- Property coverage is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended to protect your vehicle from damage or loss.
In Canada, liability coverage is a mandatory requirement, providing coverage for you if someone else is injured or their property is damaged in an automobile accident where you may be held liable. This type of coverage provides compensation for injuries to other people, legal expenses, or property damage caused by your vehicle if you are at fault in an accident.
Know Your Options
In Canada, you can choose from various types of auto insurance coverage, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and all perils coverages. These coverages respond to common property and liability risks, such as accidents involving your vehicle.
Liability insurance is mandatory throughout Canada, covering damages caused to another person or vehicle in an accident. Damages include medical bills, lost earnings, legal fees, and other expenses.
Accident benefits provide financial support for medical expenses if you're injured in a car accident. It can also be put towards funeral expenses if you're killed in an accident. Accident benefits are mandatory to purchase in most provinces, except in Newfoundland and Labrador.
You can also choose from various types of vehicles to be covered under your auto insurance, including personal-use vehicles, motorcycles, classics, and motor homes. Covered vehicles vary by province.
Some common perils that are not included in standard auto insurance policies include earthquake, explosion, and theft. Specified perils coverage responds to losses caused by these perils, which may include fire, hail, and windstorm.
Here are some common types of coverage available in Canada:
- Liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- All perils coverage
- Specified perils coverage
It's essential to review your insurance policy and talk to your insurance representative about your specific auto coverage to ensure you have the right protection for your needs.
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) is a type of insurance coverage that provides compensation for physical damage to your vehicle when another motorist is responsible.
DCPD is a direct compensation system, meaning you're compensated by your own insurer without waiting for a third-party decision.
This coverage is available to customers in Alberta, and it's effective as of January 1, 2022. All not-at-fault claims will be settled with DCPD.
DCPD coverage will be added to your policy when it renews, but you may want to contact your insurance broker for more information.
Not-at-fault claims in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, or the Yukon are still settled through the Third Party Liability claim process, and DCPD is not currently available in these regions.
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Saving Money and Discounts
You can save on car insurance by bundling your home and auto policies with the same insurer, resulting in substantial discounts on both premiums.
The combined deductible feature is a game-changer when a loss impacts both your home and auto policies. For instance, if your garage collapses on your car, you'd only need to pay one deductible for both home and auto repairs.
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The multi-car discount applies when you insure two or more vehicles with the same company, offering premium savings and convenience.
Having a clean driving record, with no convictions in the past 3 years and no at-fault accidents in the past 6 years, can lead to savings of up to 30% at renewal.
Here are some ways to save on car insurance:
- Deductibles
- Bundling
- Multi-car
- Group discounts
By insuring your home and auto with the same company, you can take advantage of the combined deductible feature and substantial discounts on both premiums.
Insurance Process and Requirements
To get auto insurance in Canada, you'll need to provide personal and vehicle information, such as your driver's license number, vehicle make and model, and annual mileage.
Most provinces require a minimum amount of liability insurance, which typically includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
You'll also need to choose from various coverage options, such as collision, comprehensive, and accident benefits.
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What Happens Next?
So you've got your car insurance quote and you're ready to move forward. The brokerage will get in touch with you right away to discuss your lowest quote and take you through the process of buying a policy.
They'll have access to the answers you provided on their form, so they'll be ready to go. This is one of the benefits of using a brokerage service - they do all the heavy lifting for you.
If you get caught driving without car insurance, you'll face some serious penalties. You'll get a fine, your license could be suspended for up to a year, and your vehicle might even be impounded.
If you're involved in a collision and you don't have insurance, you'll be responsible for any damages. This is a pretty big risk, especially since it's rare for one person to be 100% at fault in an accident.
You might think you're safe if you're driving a borrowed car, but the owner's insurance premium could increase if you're involved in a collision.
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Origin of Quotes
Our car insurance quotes come from a network of over 50 Canadian insurance providers that we've partnered with. We've worked hard to bring you a wide range of options.
These insurance companies have their own quoting software and underwriting processes that we use to calculate your quote.
Insurance Features and Add-ons
Canada insurance auto policies offer a range of additional coverages to protect you and your vehicle.
One important thing to note is that all loss or damage coverages are subject to specific limits, deductibles, and exclusions outlined in your policy.
You can expect to have various insurance features and add-ons available to customize your coverage to suit your needs.
Additional
Having additional auto insurance coverages can provide you with peace of mind on the road.
ERS insurance offers roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown or mishap while you're driving, covering costs like light mechanical labour and tire changes.
Additional coverages are subject to specific limits, deductibles, and exclusions outlined in your policy, so be sure to review the details.
With roadside assistance, you can get back on the road quickly, thanks to services like oil or gas delivery and locksmith services.
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Accident Forgiveness
Accident forgiveness is a feature that protects your driving record after your first at-fault accident, avoiding premium increases as a result.
This means that even if you're involved in an accident, your insurance rates won't go up due to the accident itself.
Insurance and Vehicle
You can get optional coverages for loss or damage to your own automobile, subject to a deductible.
Collision with another vehicle or object, vandalism, fire, theft, or damage from unexpected events such as hail, falling objects, or flooding are all examples of covered losses.
Having this type of coverage can give you peace of mind on the road.
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Accident Benefits
Accident benefits provide financial support for medical expenses if you're injured in a car accident.
In Canada, it's mandatory to purchase accident benefit coverage, except in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Accident benefits can also be put towards funeral expenses if you're killed in an accident.
You can receive crucial financial support for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and income replacement, regardless of fault.
Auto Accident Benefits coverage is optional for customers in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it's a good idea to consider purchasing it for added protection.
Accident benefits can provide compensation for medical care, income replacement, and more if you're involved in an accident.
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Collision
Collision insurance covers damage to your car in the event of a vehicle rollover or a collision with another vehicle or object. If your car is totalled, collision insurance will pay the cost of replacing it.
Collision insurance is optional, but it's worth considering for brand new cars and luxury cars. You may want to drop this coverage after a few years of use, once your car's value has depreciated.
If you're financing your car or leasing, your lender may require you to buy more coverage than the mandatory minimum. They want to protect the underlying asset in the event you get in an accident and the car is a total write-off.
Collision insurance will pay for damage to your car if it hits another car or an object, or if your vehicle rolls over. This includes damage from unexpected events like hail or flooding.
You can expect to pay a deductible for collision insurance claims.
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Uninsured Vehicle
Having the right insurance coverage is crucial when it comes to protecting yourself and your vehicle from uninsured drivers. Uninsured vehicle coverage, also known as uninsured motorist coverage, is designed to cover costs related to your injury or death after an accident caused by another driver who is either uninsured or unidentified, such as a hit-and-run driver.
This type of coverage only pays for damage to your vehicle if the uninsured driver is also identified. If you're involved in an auto accident with an uninsured driver, you'll want to have this coverage to help cover your medical expenses and repair costs.
Uninsured vehicle coverage can provide peace of mind, especially if you live in an area with a high number of uninsured drivers. It's a smart investment to consider when purchasing car insurance.
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Renting
Renting a car can be a convenient option, especially when your vehicle is in the shop after an accident. Accident Benefits provide crucial financial support for medical expenses and income replacement.
If you're renting a car, you may be eligible for Loss of Use coverage, which covers the cost of a rental vehicle while your vehicle is under repair. This coverage is subject to the coverage limit.
You should contact your insurance company to see if they extend coverage to rental cars in Canada, as they may also cover rental cars in the US.
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Mandatory
Mandatory insurance is a serious business in Canada. Driving without insurance is a very serious offence that can lead to being considered a "high risk" driver by insurers and higher premiums or even refused insurance.
Before you put license plates on your car, renew your vehicle registration, or buy a temporary permit, you need to purchase car insurance. In fact, it's a requirement to have car insurance before you can even get on the road.
If you're involved in a collision that results in injuries, your mandatory insurance coverage can provide some vital protection. Here's what you can expect:
- Protection for liability for bodily injury or death of a person or damage to property because of the ownership/use or operation of your vehicle
- Coverage for physical damage to your vehicle if you reside in a province where direct-compensation physical damage (DCPD) is mandatory and you have not opted out of that coverage
- Financial assistance if you're unable to work due to injuries
- Financial protection if you hurt someone and are sued
It's worth noting that the mandatory amounts of coverage vary by province and territory, and these requirements are subject to change. So, be sure to check what's required in your area.
Insurance Comparison and Tips
To choose the right coverage, you need to buy third-party liability insurance, which has a minimum benefit of $200,000 in most parts of Canada. However, Quebec requires only $50,000, and Nova Scotia requires $500,000.
The mandatory minimum coverage is not always enough, especially if you're financing your car with a loan or leasing. Your lender may require more coverage to protect their asset in case of an accident.
If you're not relying on third-party financing, you can decide whether to buy extra coverage like collision and comprehensive. It's worth it for brand new cars and luxury cars, as they can't be easily replaced or repaired.
A car's value depreciates rapidly, so you may want to drop extra coverage after a few years of use. However, it's essential to weigh the extra cost against the benefit your insurance company will pay in case of an accident.
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Auto insurance quotes are compared from CAA, Coachman Insurance Company, Economical Insurance, Gore Mutual, Pafco, Pembridge, SGI, Travelers, and Zenith Insurance Company.
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Insurance and Province
In Canada, auto insurance rules and regulations vary significantly from one province to another.
Some provinces, like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia, have government-provided auto insurance programs.
Alberta, Ontario, and the territories have privatized auto insurance markets, meaning private insurers set the rates and coverage.
Quebec uses a hybrid system, where the government provides personal injury coverage, while direct compensation property damage coverage is set by private insurers.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba have government-provided auto insurance programs, which can be a relief for residents who may not have access to private insurance.
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and the territories also have privatized auto insurance markets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car insurance cost in Canada?
Canadian car insurance costs average between $1,300 and $1,800 per year, varying based on coverage options and individual factors. Learn more about the factors that influence car insurance prices in Canada.
Can I use my US auto insurance in Canada?
Yes, your US auto insurance typically covers you in Canada, with the same coverages and limits as at home. However, it's always a good idea to check your policy details before crossing the border.
What car insurance do I need in Canada?
In Canada, you need liability insurance to cover damages to others or their property, but it doesn't cover your own vehicle. To ensure comprehensive coverage, consider adding additional insurance types to your policy.
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