Compare Quotes
HomeCar Insurance ResourcesCar Insurance Rates By Age in Canada

In Canada, the minimum age at which you can obtain car insurance varies by province and by insurance company. In general, you must be at least 16 years old to obtain a driver’s license in Canada, and you can start obtaining car insurance coverage once you have a valid driver’s license.

Here’s a breakdown of the minimum age for obtaining car insurance in each province:

  • British Columbia: 16 years old
  • Alberta: 16 years old
  • Saskatchewan: 16 years old
  • Manitoba: 16 years old
  • Ontario: 16 years old
  • Quebec: 16 years old
  • New Brunswick: 16 years old
  • Nova Scotia: 16 years old
  • Prince Edward Island: 16 years old
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: 16 years old
  • Northwest Territories: 16 years old
  • Yukon: 16 years old
  • Nunavut: 16 years old

It’s important to note that while these are the minimum ages for obtaining a driver’s license in each province, some insurance companies may have their own restrictions or requirements. For example, some insurance companies may only provide coverage to drivers who are over the age of 25. It’s best to check with individual insurance companies to determine their specific requirements and restrictions.

Does age affect car insurance rates?

Yes, age is a significant factor that affects car insurance rates in Canada, province by province. Here’s how age can impact car insurance rates in different provinces:

  1. Ontario: In Ontario, drivers under the age of 25 typically pay the highest insurance rates, as they are considered higher risk due to their lack of driving experience. Insurance rates may start to go down after the age of 25, and drivers over the age of 50 may be eligible for additional discounts.
  2. Quebec: In Quebec, drivers under the age of 25 are also considered higher risk, but insurance rates tend to be lower overall compared to other provinces. Rates may start to go down after the age of 25.
  3. British Columbia: In British Columbia, drivers under the age of 25 generally pay higher insurance rates, with rates decreasing as they gain more driving experience. Rates may also decrease after the age of 65.
  4. Alberta: In Alberta, drivers under the age of 25 may pay higher insurance rates, with rates starting to go down after the age of 25. Drivers over the age of 50 may also be eligible for additional discounts.
  5. Manitoba: In Manitoba, rates are set by the provincial government and are based on a variety of factors, including the driver’s age and driving history.

It’s important to keep in mind that insurance rates can vary widely depending on the individual’s circumstances, including their driving record, location, and the type of car they drive. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers to ensure that you are getting the best possible coverage at a reasonable cost.

Average Car Insurance Rate Changes By Age

The cost of car insurance can vary significantly depending on a driver’s age, driving record, and other factors. Here are some example rates by age for car insurance in Ontario, Canada:

  • 20-year-old driver: $3,500 to $7,000 per year
  • 25-year-old driver: $2,000 to $5,500 per year
  • 30-year-old driver: $1,500 to $4,500 per year
  • 35-year-old driver: $1,400 to $4,000 per year
  • 40-year-old driver: $1,300 to $3,500 per year
  • 45-year-old driver: $1,250 to $3,000 per year
  • 50-year-old driver: $1,200 to $2,800 per year
  • 55-year-old driver: $1,150 to $2,500 per year
  • 60-year-old driver: $1,100 to $2,300 per year

Here are some sample car insurance rates by age, broken down by province and major city:

Ontario:

  • 20-year-old male driver in Toronto: $420 per month, $5,040 per year
  • 30-year-old female driver in Ottawa: $140 per month, $1,680 per year
  • 40-year-old male driver in Hamilton: $115 per month, $1,380 per year
  • 50-year-old female driver in London: $90 per month, $1,080 per year

Quebec:

  • 20-year-old male driver in Montreal: $340 per month, $4,080 per year
  • 30-year-old female driver in Quebec City: $105 per month, $1,260 per year
  • 40-year-old male driver in Sherbrooke: $85 per month, $1,020 per year
  • 50-year-old female driver in Trois-Rivières: $70 per month, $840 per year

Alberta:

  • 20-year-old male driver in Calgary: $350 per month, $4,200 per year
  • 30-year-old female driver in Edmonton: $120 per month, $1,440 per year
  • 40-year-old male driver in Red Deer: $100 per month, $1,200 per year
  • 50-year-old female driver in Lethbridge: $80 per month, $960 per year

British Columbia:

  • 20-year-old male driver in Vancouver: $450 per month, $5,400 per year
  • 30-year-old female driver in Victoria: $150 per month, $1,800 per year
  • 40-year-old male driver in Kelowna: $120 per month, $1,440 per year
  • 50-year-old female driver in Prince George: $100 per month, $1,200 per year

It’s important to note that these are just sample rates and your actual insurance costs may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as your driving record, the type of car you drive, and the level of coverage you choose. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates for your specific situation.

At what age, car insurance goes down in Canada

cheap insurance

The age at which car insurance rates go down in Canada varies by province and by insurance company. However, in general, car insurance rates tend to go down as drivers gain more experience and have a proven track record of safe driving.

Here’s a general overview of when car insurance rates may go down in each province:

  • British Columbia: After three years of driving experience
  • Alberta: After three years of driving experience
  • Saskatchewan: After three years of driving experience
  • Manitoba: After three years of driving experience
  • Ontario: After three years of driving experience
  • Quebec: After three years of driving experience
  • New Brunswick: After three years of driving experience
  • Nova Scotia: After three years of driving experience
  • Prince Edward Island: After three years of driving experience
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: After three years of driving experience
  • Northwest Territories: After three years of driving experience
  • Yukon: After three years of driving experience
  • Nunavut: After three years of driving experience

Keep in mind that this is just a general guideline and your specific situation may be different. The age at which your car insurance rates go down may also be influenced by factors such as your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and the type of coverage you have.

It’s best to check with individual insurance companies to determine their specific requirements and restrictions, and to obtain a quote based on your specific circumstances.

At what age, car insurance goes up in Canada

Increase Auto Insurance Cost

The age at which car insurance rates go up in Canada can vary by insurance company, but in general, rates tend to go up as drivers get older.

As drivers get older, especially into their 50s and 60s, their rates may start to go up again due to factors such as an increased likelihood of medical issues and a decreased ability to react quickly in an emergency.

It’s also worth noting that other factors, such as driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and the type of coverage you have, can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. For example, if you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, your rates may go up regardless of your age.

At what age is car insurance cheapest?

The age at which car insurance is cheapest can vary by insurance company and by individual circumstances, but in general, car insurance is typically cheapest for drivers in their 20s and early 30s.

At this age, drivers are considered to be in their prime years for driving, with relatively few claims and a proven track record of safe driving. This typically results in lower car insurance rates compared to younger or older drivers.

The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Ontario by Age

The average cost of car insurance in Ontario varies by age and by individual circumstances, but here is a general overview of what you can expect:

  • Age 16 to 25: This is typically the most expensive age range for car insurance, as younger drivers are considered to be higher risk due to their lack of experience and higher likelihood of accidents. The average cost of car insurance for drivers in this age range is around $2,500 to $3,000 per year.
  • Age 26 to 65: As drivers gain experience and a proven track record of safe driving, their insurance rates generally decrease. For drivers in this age range, the average cost of car insurance is around $1,500 to $2,000 per year.
  • Age 65 and over: As drivers get older, their insurance rates may start to go up again due to factors such as an increased likelihood of medical issues and a decreased ability to react quickly in an emergency. The average cost of car insurance for drivers in this age range is around $2,000 to $2,500 per year.

It’s important to note that these are just average costs and your specific situation may be different. The cost of car insurance in Ontario can also be influenced by factors such as your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and the type of coverage you have.

Car Insurance Rates and Age FAQs

Sure, here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance rates and age:

  1. How does age affect car insurance rates? Age can be a significant factor that affects car insurance rates. Younger drivers generally pay higher rates, as they are considered higher risk due to their lack of driving experience. Insurance rates may start to go down after the age of 25, and drivers over the age of 50 may be eligible for additional discounts.
  2. How much does car insurance cost for a 20-year-old driver? The cost of car insurance for a 20-year-old driver can vary widely depending on the individual’s circumstances, such as their driving record, location, and the type of car they drive. However, as a general rule, 20-year-old drivers can expect to pay higher insurance rates than older drivers, with rates typically ranging from $3,500 to $7,000 per year in Ontario, Canada.
  3. How much does car insurance cost for a senior driver? The cost of car insurance for a senior driver can also vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. However, in general, senior drivers may be eligible for lower insurance rates, as they are considered to be more experienced and less risky to insure. Rates may start to go down after the age of 50 or 55, and drivers over the age of 65 may be eligible for additional discounts.
  4. At what age do car insurance rates go down? Car insurance rates may start to go down after the age of 25, as drivers typically become eligible for lower rates as they gain more driving experience. Rates may also go down for drivers over the age of 50 or 55, as they are considered to be more experienced and less risky to insure.
  5. Can a teenager get their own car insurance policy? In most cases, teenagers are not able to get their own car insurance policy until they are 18 years old. Until then, they will typically need to be added to their parents’ policy or have a parent co-sign on their policy. Insurance rates for teenagers can be higher than rates for older drivers due to their lack of driving experience.
  6. Do car insurance rates go up as you get older? While car insurance rates may start to go down as you get older, there is no guarantee that rates will continue to decrease. In some cases, rates may go up due to factors such as changes in driving habits, health issues, or other factors that may increase the risk of accidents.
  7. How can a new driver lower their car insurance rates? New drivers can lower their car insurance rates by maintaining a clean driving record, choosing a car with a good safety rating, taking a driver’s education course, and taking advantage of discounts, such as safe driving discounts, loyalty discounts, or bundling discounts.
  8. Can car insurance rates be affected by gender? In some provinces, including Ontario and Alberta, car insurance rates are not allowed to be based on gender. However, in other provinces, including Quebec, car insurance rates can be affected by gender.
  9. How do car insurance rates for young drivers compare to rates for older drivers? In general, car insurance rates for young drivers are higher than rates for older drivers. This is because younger drivers are considered higher risk due to their lack of driving experience. As drivers gain more experience and reach middle age, their rates may start to go down.
  10. Do car insurance rates for senior drivers vary by province? Car insurance rates for senior drivers may vary by province, depending on factors such as the driver’s age, driving record, and location. In some provinces, senior drivers may be eligible for additional discounts, while in others, rates may be based on a set of standardized criteria determined by the provincial government.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

Leave A Comment

Continue Reading