WealthRocket is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the website, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Drive Smarter, Save Faster: The Best Car Insurance in Ontario

padlock icon

Why you can trust us

The team at WealthRocket only recommends products and services that we would use ourselves and that we believe will provide value to our readers. However, we advocate for you to continue to do your own research and make educated decisions.

Choosing the best auto insurance provider in Ontario may seem straightforward – just compare rates, coverage, and deductibles. But provincial regulations, driver demographics, and local roads all impact your insurance needs. In Ontario, you need to consider factors like the province’s mandatory minimum liability limits, the high population density of cities like Toronto and Ottawa, and the prevalence of winter driving hazards.

While other provinces have unique approaches to auto insurance – such as Quebec’s public liability coverage and Manitoba, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan’s crown corporations – Ontario residents rely on private insurance providers to meet their needs.

With numerous options available, it can be challenging to navigate the Canadian market and find the best auto insurance for your individual circumstances. However, by focusing on the specific requirements and regulations of Ontario, you can make an informed decision that suits your budget, driving habits, and coverage needs.

Below, you’ll find the best car insurance companies in Ontario.

1. Sonnet

Sonnet Insurance revolutionized the Canadian auto insurance industry by becoming the first online-only provider. Leveraging data and analytics, they offer customized coverage solutions in under 5 minutes.

Their streamlined process is easy to follow: simply answer a series of questions about your vehicle, driving habits, and other relevant factors. Then, customize your coverage with optional add-ons before receiving a quote and purchasing.

As a busy Ontario driver, Sonnet’s online platform makes it quick and convenient to get insured without sacrificing personalized service. Plus, their award-winning customer support team is always available to help – so you’re never alone in case of an issue.

2. TD Insurance

As one of Ontario’s largest banks, TD Insurance offers a stable and reputable car insurance solution that’s hard to beat. With TD, you get more than just auto insurance – you can also bundle home, life, and other policies under one roof.

While their phone service may have longer wait times, TD makes up for it with online account management and in-person support at any of their branches. Plus, they offer innovative tools like co-browsing to help you navigate the policy process.

3. Co-Operators

Co-operators is a unique insurance company that offers a personal touch with the strength and stability of a multinational corporation. They have a strong presence in rural areas, where larger auto insurance companies may not have a footprint. This makes them an excellent option for people living outside the city who need reliable car insurance coverage.

As a member-owned company, Co-operators prioritizes transparency and accountability. Their clients and advisors work together to shape business practices, strategy, and core values through an advisory panel. This means you can trust that your interests are being represented, and that the company is working in your best interest.

Co-operators also offers an exclusive rewards program for loyal customers. The Member Loyalty Program pays clients a loyalty payment that can be used to offset the one-time membership fee. Plus, the company’s commitment to education means you’ll have access to expert advice on car insurance in Ontario and your province.

Whether you’re looking for personalized service or just want to know more about how car insurance works, Co-operators is an excellent choice. Their local touch and global strength make them a unique and trustworthy option for people who value community and stability.

4. Rates.ca (formerly Kanetix.ca)

If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance option in Ontario, Rates.ca is a great resource. Similar to online exclusive providers like Sonnet, this platform allows you to compare rates from multiple Canadian insurers at once. With over 30 options, including Intact, Sonnet, BMO, RBC, and The Co-operators, you can easily find the best deal for your needs.

By answering a few quick questions about your vehicle in a short survey, Rates.ca helps you identify the cheapest car insurance option available. And with their claim that most drivers save an average of 30% on their monthly premium, it’s clear that this platform is worth checking out.

Rates.ca offers a unique advantage over traditional insurers: transparency and choice. By allowing you to compare rates from multiple providers at once, they empower you to make informed decisions about your car insurance coverage.

Whether you’re looking to save money or simply want more options for your car insurance needs, Rates.ca is an excellent resource to explore. With its user-friendly interface and extensive network of Canadian insurers, it’s a great place to start your search for the cheapest car insurance available.

5. RBC

RBC Insurance is a stable and trustworthy option for Canadians, backed by one of Ontario’s most recognized banks. Like TD Insurance, RBC offers a wide range of insurance services and options, including car, home, life, and travel insurance.

One of the benefits of choosing RBC Insurance is their online discounts. Get an immediate 5% discount on your car insurance just for getting a quote online, and save even more by bundling your policies together – including home, car, and term life insurance.

RBC also offers convenient claims support services, available to you 24/7. Their claims response line is always open to help with any questions or concerns you may have, and their anonymous advice line allows you to ask about filing a claim without affecting your policy. With RBC Insurance, you can trust that you’re getting reliable coverage from a reputable provider.

6. Desjardins

As one of Ontario’s top insurance providers, Desjardins offers a range of benefits that make it comparable to other reputable insurers like RBC, TD, and The Co-operators. With Desjardins, you can get an online quote and take advantage of bundling discounts to save on your premiums.

But what really sets Desjardins apart is its comprehensive online platform. You can manage all aspects of your insurance policy from the comfort of your own home, including viewing documents, adding a vehicle, filing a claim, estimating premiums for new vehicles, and making changes to your policy. This level of convenience makes it easy to stay on top of your insurance needs.

Desjardins also offers innovative tools like Adjusto, an app that tracks your driving habits and rewards safe behavior with savings on your monthly premium. Plus, you can take advantage of a range of standard discounts typical of leading auto insurance companies, including multi-vehicle discounts, student discounts, environmental discounts, and more. With Desjardins, you get the peace of mind that comes with working with a reputable insurer, combined with the convenience of modern online tools.

7. InsuranceHotline.com

For those looking for another option to compare car insurance rates, InsuranceHotline.com is a direct competitor to Rates.ca. Like Rates.ca, it allows you to compare rates from over 30 Canadian insurance companies, including Intact, Sonnet, and The Co-operators.

In terms of functionality, there’s little difference between the two sites. Both offer the same level of comparison and allow you to find the cheapest car insurance option available. However, InsuranceHotline.com claims a slightly lower average savings rate of 26% compared to Rates.ca’s 30%.

One area where InsuranceHotline.com stands out is in its customer service. Some clients praise the company for its helpful and responsive support team, making it a strong contender for those who value good customer service. Ultimately, whether you choose InsuranceHotline.com or Rates.ca will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What is Car Insurance?

Car insurance in Ontario provides financial protection for vehicle owners in the event of various types of accidents and incidents. A standard car insurance policy typically includes coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision or other covered perils, as well as medical expenses and funeral costs if you or a passenger is injured or killed in an accident.

Additional coverage options may also be available, such as comprehensive coverage that protects against vehicle theft, fire, and accidents not caused by a collision (e.g. vandalism, weather damage). The specific types of coverage and limits will depend on the comprehensiveness of your policy and any add-ons you purchase.

Why Do You Need Car Insurance?

In Ontario, driving without auto insurance can result in severe penalties and financial consequences. But beyond the risks of fines and license suspension, there are several reasons why you need auto insurance:

You need auto insurance to protect yourself from paying an exorbitant cost if you’re involved in a car accident. Without coverage, you could be personally responsible for damages and injuries that can cost upwards of $10,000 or more. This is why having auto insurance is crucial – it shields you from financial ruin and ensures that you have the funds to cover unexpected expenses.

How does car insurance work?

In Ontario, car insurance is mandatory and administered by the province or licensed brokers. You must purchase a basic package that includes liability coverage and accident benefits, which covers loss of income or medical treatment.

If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll file a claim with your insurance company. They’ll assign someone to investigate the incident and determine fault.

Your policy will cover various aspects:

  • Liability insurance: Covers damages and injuries to others if you’re at fault
  • Accident benefits: Covers loss of income or medical treatment for you and your passengers
  • Collision coverage (optional): Covers damage to your vehicle, minus your deductible
  • Uninsured automobile protection: Covers damages if the other party is uninsured

It’s essential to keep records of medical treatment and documentation to support injury claims.

What Factors Determine Car Insurance Rates?

Auto insurance holders pay for insurance through monthly premiums. You may be shocked by how much your car insurance rates can cost, and it can take several years to bring the cost down.

There are some of the factors that can determine car insurance rates, including:

Driving experience

New drivers and drivers with less experience pay more in car insurance premiums than drivers with years of experience.

Driving history

Insurance companies will assess at least a three-year driving history through documents like a driving record statement, driver’s license history, and accident reports.

Insurance companies will assess at least a three-year driving history through documents like a driving record statement, driver’s license history, and accident reports.

If there are demerits on your driving history, accidents you’ve been at fault for, and you have an overall bad driving record, expect to pay more in premiums if you can be insured at all.

Driving frequency

You can get mileage discounts on car insurance rates if you don’t drive frequently, but insurance companies will want to know if you commute to work every day and how far it is from your home.

Driving infractions

Driving infractions are part of your driving history that the auto insurance company will notice.

Particularly infractions happen in a moving vehicle, so parking tickets are not contributing factors to premium costs. What factored in are demerits and major infractions, along with how frequently they’ve happened.

Driver age

Older drivers have more experience than younger drivers, so their premiums tend to be cheaper. However, premiums go up again when you hit the last decades of your life, as your driving has the potential to worsen with age.

Driver gender

Statistics show that Canadian men are more likely to launch a car insurance claim than women, so insurance premiums tend to be cheaper for women.

Driver address

Where you live can affect your cost of insurance, especially if you live in a more populated area or a neighbourhood with a higher crime rate involving vehicles.

Vehicle type

Expensive cars are much more costly to repair and replace. The same goes for high-performance sports cars that create more risk in terms of speed or theft. That said, those with more expensive and flashier cars will pay more.

How Does it Differ from Province to Province?

In Canadian provinces where a public option exists, the provincial government provides the mandatory insurance you must have and sets the minimum amounts of these required coverages. However, optional coverages such as collision damage or uninsured motorist coverage are available from both the government and private insurers.

Whether you live in a province with a public or private car insurance, the mandatory minimum coverage differs between provinces.

Most provinces require third-party liability of $200,000, but Quebec only requires $50,000 for property damage within the province and personal injury and property damage outside the province. This is because in Quebec, private insurers cover civil liability and property damage while a public plan covers bodily injury sustained in an accident.

Finally, the insurance your required to have is different between provinces.

All provinces require third-party liability, but it varies after that. For example, Alberta only requires Third-Party Liability and Accident Benefits, while Ontario adds Direct Compensation, Property Damage, and Uninsured Automobile Protection to that policy.

For a more comprehensive list of required insurances, look up your province at The Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

Family looking at laptop in insured home

Best Home Insurance in Canada

Aaron Broverman September 3, 2024

Read more
Couple canoeing in a lake

Best Life Insurance Providers in Canada

Zack Fenech September 3, 2024

Read more
Female smiling after using dental insurance

Best Dental Insurance in Canada

Aaron Broverman September 3, 2024

Read more
Father sitting with his two kids in family home

Best Insurance Companies in Canada

Aaron Broverman September 3, 2024

Read more
Pet owner looking at pet insurance while dog looks at her

Best Pet Insurance in Canada

Nadya Camerino September 3, 2024

Read more
Woman sitting with her pet dog

Trupanion vs. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review

Nadya Camerino July 11, 2024

Read more