Car Insurance Ontario | Which Provider Offers the Best Premiums for Your Needs?

August 3, 2021 | Editorial Team

Car Insurance Ontario

Ontario is the most expensive province in Canada for car insurance. On average, insurance in Ontario is $600 higher than other provinces in Canada! There are several reasons why this is the case, including the escalating level of insurance fraud. The extreme weather in Ontario, such as storms and floods, cause damage to vehicles. If you live in Ontario, you are required by law to have insurance on cars. So how do you find an affordable insurance policy that still gives you the coverage you need?

The province of Ontario requires you to have certain types of insurance coverage by law. These include:

  1. Third-Party Liability Coverage
  2. Direct Compensation – Property Damage
  3. Uninsured Automobile Coverage
  4. Accident Benefits Coverage

Today, we will look at how to find the best car insurance policies in Ontario and what factors may affect your auto insurance cost.

RATESDOTCA

Ontario is a big province with a vast amount of auto insurance providers. Finding the best provider and policy for you can be tricky. Using RATESDOTCA, you can compare car insurance quotes across Ontario to find the best policy. You may be offered different prices for the same level of coverage from various car insurance providers. So, how do you choose the best option for you and your vehicle?

Enter your personal information, vehicle details and your insurance and driving history. RATESDOTCA will then provide you with a list of quotes. You can then set the coverage level you require and look at quotes within your price range.

Pros

  • Drivers who use RATESDOTCA save 30% on average on their car insurance costs.
  • They are an independent company, so they will not try and influence your decision. They are honest and transparent when providing your quotes.
  • You can compare car insurance prices across Ontario in a few short minutes, making your insurance process quick and straightforward.
  • You can save money (up to an additional 15%) by combining your home and auto insurance.
  • You have a wide range of policies and coverage options available to choose from.
  • Comparing car insurance on RATESDOTCA is entirely free.
  • They are linked with more car insurance providers than any other comparison website. This means you will be able to see the best car insurance rates in Ontario.
  • You can select the coverage level you require. For example, do you need third-party liability coverage or theft protection?
  • You can get renewal reminders when your auto insurance policy is due to end. This ensures you can check your current provider is offering you the best rate.

Cons

  • Often, smaller providers of car insurance in Ontario do not use comparison sites such as RATESDOTCA.
  • There is no live chat feature if you need quick advice about your auto insurance quote or policy.
  • Ontario is only one of three provinces where RATESDOTCA is available. If you have moved out of Ontario when your car insurance renewal is due, you may no longer be able to use their website.

Summary

RATESDOTCA helps drivers in Ontario find the best policy at an affordable cost. Their website allows you to perform a quick and efficient search for car insurance in Ontario, saving you time and money. Peruse your quotes and decide which insurance company you would like to choose. The application process can then be done online quickly. Many drivers in Ontario are already using RATESDOTCA to get insurance for a car. To see if this is a smart option for you, visit their website today.

The Importance of Car Insurance

In Ontario, you are required by law to have auto insurance. Failure to have insurance on a car can result in a fine of up to $50,000! You could also have your driving license suspended, and your vehicle may be seized. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident that is deemed your fault and do not have valid auto insurance, you may be held personally responsible for medical costs.

Previously driving without insurance will also mean you will be deemed to be high-risk in the future. An insurance company/insurance broker may charge you a higher rate or refuse to provide you with any insurance.

Having good car insurance also protects you. If you have damage to your vehicle or have your vehicle stolen, your auto insurance will cover the costs of your repairs or help you get a replacement vehicle. Additionally, if you are involved in a car accident, your insurance may cover any medical bills or physiotherapy you may require. Your insurance policy may also replace any lost earnings or provide compensation in the event of injury or death.

The Different Types of Car Insurance

As mentioned earlier, Ontario requires you to have some car insurance coverage by law. In Ontario, you are required to have a minimum of $200,000 in Third Party Liability Coverage. If you are involved in an accident that is your fault, this will cover you for any damages, injuries, or death. Accident Benefits covers you for any expenses that you are not covered under Canada’s healthcare system. This includes rehabilitation, income loss, funeral costs, and housekeeping costs.

Ontario law also required you to have Uninsured Automobile Coverage. If you are involved in an accident whereby the other driver is uninsured, your own car insurance policy will cover you. The final requirement for your car insurance under Ontario law is Direct Compensation cover. This protects you if the accident is not your fault.

Many drivers in Ontario choose to have additional protection. This often includes:

  • Collision Coverage – covers you if you are involved in any type of collision, including collisions with objects.
  • Perils Coverage – Protects you from losses caused by fire, natural disasters, explosions and theft, among other things.
  • Comprehensive Coverage – Protects you from a huge variety of risks, including vandalism, falling objects and hail or storm damage.
  • All Risk Coverage – This is a combination of collision and comprehensive coverage.

The coverage level you choose will depend on your insurance needs, insurance budget, and vehicle price. If your car were damaged in an incident that is not covered by the mandatory insurance in Ontario, you would be responsible for the cost of any repairs or replacements. If you could not afford these costs, it may be sensible to take out an auto insurance policy with a higher coverage level.

Contributing Factors and How Your Car Insurance is Calculated

There are a variety of factors that affect your car insurance rates in Ontario. Some of these may be factors you can control or change, whereas others will not. We will look at some of these items below.

  1. Driver Demographics – Your age will be one of the biggest indicators of your car insurance cost. Drivers below the age of 30 are typically charged more for auto insurance. Those over 70 years of age may also see their premium rise. Male drivers are also seen as a higher risk than females. This is especially true for younger drivers. Your employment status and income may also affect your insurance quote. Those with a steady job and reliable income are less likely to default on their monthly payments.
  2. Driving Experience – Those with a clean driving record are more attractive to an insurance company. If you have multiple speeding tickets, your insurance cost could rise by up to 40%. If you have a DUI (driving under the influence), your insurance cost could double in price! Having previously made insurance claims can also negatively impact your quote. Also, not having a full driving license may suggest that you are an inexperienced driver. This makes you less attractive to insurance companies.
  3. Car Features – There are several features of your car that may affect the insurance premium in Ontario. A newer car may have a lower insurance cost than an older car. A faster car is usually more expensive to insure, as is a vehicle with a bigger, more powerful engine.
  4. Winter Tires – With the harsh winters in Ontario, having winter tires will be viewed favourably by your car insurance company. It should allow you to receive a discount on your policy.
  5. Purpose – If you are using your car for business purposes, you may not be allowed to take out a personal insurance plan. Alternatively, you may have to choose insurance that provides specific coverage.
  6. Where You Live – Auto insurance prices can vary in Ontario. Bigger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, or Brampton are likely to have higher insurance costs than more rural Ontario areas. Additionally, if you live in a high-crime area, you may be more likely to be a victim of property damage and seen as high-risk by your insurance provider.

Tips on How You Can Reduce the Cost of Your Policy

There are several things you can do to reduce the cost of your car insurance in Ontario.

  • A Safety Awareness Course – This will show you are a responsible driver and aware of Ontario’s safety rules and driving laws.
  • Drive less annually – Your auto insurance premium may be lower if you drive fewer kilometres per year.
  • Raise the price of your deductible – The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium.
  • Shop around – Use comparison websites and shop around to get the best vehicle insurance in Ontario.
  • Keep a good driving record – Drive responsibly, stick to the speed limit and avoid making insurance claims.
  • Choose your coverage wisely – Only include additional coverage on your policy that you really need. Remove any extras you do not require.
  • Look for discounts – You may get discounts by combing your insurance policies. Discounts are also available for students. You may also qualify for loyalty discounts or good driver discounts.
  • Add extras – Sometimes, adding extra cover such as theft protection can lower your insurance car premium cost.
  • Pay annually – Paying your premium annually instead of monthly can save you money.
  • Choose your car wisely – A car that is often stolen can result in higher insurance premiums. Additionally, modifying your vehicle in any way can push your premium up.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best car insurance in Ontario is now easier than ever! Ontario has a reputation for being one of the most expensive provinces for auto insurance. However, there are things you can do to help reduce your cost. Using insurance comparison sites such as RATESDOTCA can help to reduce your insurance premium. Choose the level of coverage that you need while ensuring you have the insurance coverage required by Ontario law

To avoid your insurance premium rising, keep a good driving record and avoid making claims on your insurance. It is possible to have low car insurance rates in Ontario without sacrificing the high level of coverage you and your vehicle deserve.