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Insurance is an important consideration for Ontario’s 8.5 million drivers, but as auto insurance requirements and costs vary across Canada, it can sometimes seem a little confusing. What insurance do you need? How much will it cost, and can you get a better deal elsewhere while remaining protected?
We’re here to help clear the confusion with a definitive guide of everything you need to know about insurance in Canada’s most populous province. Let’s start with some of Ontario’s most reputable auto insurance providers, shown in the table below. Compare their rates, reviews and options, click on a company’s name to learn more about them, or apply for your insurance quote, all from one convenient place. And read on to learn about the ins and outs of Ontario auto insurance.
Everyone in Ontario operating a vehicle - of any kind - must have auto insurance. This includes those with G1 and G2 licenses, people driving motorbikes and other road-certified vehicles, and those driving for commercial purposes. If you are found driving without proper insurance, you may face penalties ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, suspension of your driver’s license, and sometimes even confiscation of your vehicle.
Ontario law requires that all drivers have the following auto insurance coverage:
As well as the above, there are optional forms of auto insurance available throughout Ontario. This includes:
All insurance policies have exclusions, and these commonly include:
Ontario law requires drivers to purchase their auto insurance from private, for-profit insurance companies licensed and regulated in the province. You can obtain this insurance directly from an insurance company, or via an insurance broker. Some of the most trusted auto insurance providers in the province are listed in the table above.
Ontarians have to pay the most for their auto insurance of any people in Canada; the average cost is just over $160 a month, compared to the national average of $110. However, this amount can vary widely, from driver to driver and from company to company, so always shop around.
Insurance rates depend on:
Women often get lower rates than men, older drivers get better rates than younger drivers, and those who drive more will have to pay more for their insurance. If you have any incidents in your driving history, or have had insurance denied or revoked at any time in the past, you will have to pay a premium for your coverage.
There are a few ways to qualify for cheaper auto insurance:
Here are some simple questions to help you sift through your choices when shopping for auto insurance in Ontario:
Yes! All drivers in Ontario, at all levels, operating any kind of road-certified vehicle on Ontario’s public roads, need insurance that meets the province’s minimum required levels.
The average cost of auto insurance in Ontario is $160 a month, which is about $50 a month higher than the national average. This may be more or less, depending on your individual circumstances.
Ontario has over 80 different companies offering auto insurance; some are listed in the table shown above. They are all licensed and regulated by the provincial government, and your auto insurance is only valid if you purchase it from a licensed provider.
Getting auto insurance is a very quick process; once you’ve provided your personal details and the car’s information, an insurer can give you an accurate quote in minutes. If you decide to move forward, your coverage can start as soon as the next business day.
Yes, all motorcyclists, including those with M1 and M2 licenses, need auto insurance.
Yes, and insurance for RVs and other vehicles is mandatory. Talk to your auto insurance provider about your coverage options.
Yes - but not every insurance company will agree to cover you if you have a poor driving history. Those that do will charge you more, as you will be considered a high risk driver. If you’re struggling to find a company that will cover you, take a look here.
Accident forgiveness is when an insurance company will “forgive” the first at-fault accident that appears on your insurance record; this forgiveness means that your insurance costs won’t increase because of the accident.
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