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Full coverage car insurance is a term that is commonly used to describe a comprehensive car insurance policy that provides a high level of protection for your vehicle. However, there is no standard definition of what constitutes full coverage, as the coverage options and limits can vary depending on the insurance company and the policy you choose.
Typically, full coverage car insurance includes:
- Liability insurance: This covers the costs of damage or injury that you cause to other people or their property while driving your vehicle.
- Collision coverage: This covers the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Comprehensive coverage: This covers damages to your vehicle from events such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters that are not related to a collision.
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: This covers the costs of damages or injury that you sustain in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.
In addition to these standard coverage options, many insurance companies offer additional options, such as personal injury protection, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
It’s important to remember that full coverage does not mean that your car insurance policy will cover all damages or costs that may arise from an accident. Each policy has its own set of limits, deductibles, and exclusions, so it’s important to understand the details of your coverage before you make a claim.
Average Full-Coverage Car Insurance Cost in Canada
Full coverage car insurance typically includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. The cost of full coverage car insurance can vary depending on many factors, including the type of car, the driver’s age and driving history, and the province or territory where the driver lives. Here are some approximate ranges for full coverage car insurance rates in five top provinces in Canada, along with driver profiles:
- Ontario:
- Toronto: $2,500 – $5,500 per year
- Driver profile: 35-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2021 Toyota Camry
- Ottawa: $1,800 – $3,500 per year
- Driver profile: 40-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2021 Honda Civic
- Hamilton: $2,000 – $4,500 per year
- Driver profile: 30-year-old with one at-fault accident on record, driving a 2020 Ford Escape
- London: $1,800 – $3,500 per year
- Driver profile: 25-year-old with one speeding ticket on record, driving a 2019 Mazda3
- Windsor: $1,700 – $3,000 per year
- Driver profile: 45-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Hyundai Elantra
- Quebec:
- Montreal: $1,200 – $2,500 per year
- Driver profile: 35-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2021 Toyota RAV4
- Quebec City: $1,000 – $2,000 per year
- Driver profile: 40-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Honda CR-V
- Gatineau: $1,100 – $2,200 per year
- Driver profile: 30-year-old with one at-fault accident on record, driving a 2019 Subaru Outback
- Laval: $1,200 – $2,500 per year
- Driver profile: 25-year-old with one speeding ticket on record, driving a 2018 Volkswagen Golf
- Longueuil: $1,000 – $2,000 per year
- Driver profile: 45-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Kia Sorento
- British Columbia:
- Vancouver: $1,800 – $4,000 per year
- Driver profile: 35-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2021 Toyota Highlander
- Victoria: $1,400 – $3,000 per year
- Driver profile: 40-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Honda Pilot
- Surrey: $1,500 – $3,500 per year
- Driver profile: 30-year-old with one at-fault accident on record, driving a 2019 Mazda CX-5
- Burnaby: $1,600 – $3,500 per year
- Driver profile: 25-year-old with one speeding ticket on record, driving a 2018 Ford Mustang
- Richmond: $1,400 – $3,000 per year
- Driver profile: 45-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Toyota 4Runner
- Alberta:
- Calgary: $1,800 – $4,000 per year
- Driver profile: 35-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2021 Honda Odyssey
- Edmonton: $1,700 – $3,500 per year
- Driver profile: 40-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Toyota Corolla
- Red Deer: $1,500 – $3,000 per year
- Driver profile: 30-year-old with one at-fault accident on record, driving a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
- Lethbridge: $1,400 – $2,800 per year
- Driver profile: 25-year-old with one speeding ticket on record, driving a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
- Fort McMurray: $1,800 – $3,800 per year
- Driver profile: 45-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Ford F-150
- Manitoba:
- Winnipeg: $1,200 – $2,800 per year
- Driver profile: 35-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2021 Kia Sportage
- Brandon: $1,000 – $2,200 per year
- Driver profile: 40-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Honda Civic
- Steinbach: $900 – $1,800 per year
- Driver profile: 30-year-old with one at-fault accident on record, driving a 2019 Hyundai Kona
- Portage la Prairie: $1,100 – $2,200 per year
- Driver profile: 25-year-old with one speeding ticket on record, driving a 2018 Toyota Corolla
- Thompson: $1,200 – $2,500 per year
- Driver profile: 45-year-old with a clean driving record, driving a 2020 Ford Escape
It’s important to note that these are just estimates and actual rates can vary depending on individual circumstances. Car insurance rates can also change over time based on changes to your driving record, insurance company policies, and other factors.
Frequently asked questions about full coverage car insurance:
Here are some frequently asked questions about full coverage car insurance:
- What is full coverage car insurance? Full coverage car insurance typically includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. It provides greater protection than just liability coverage, which only covers damages or injuries you may cause to others in an accident for which you are found to be at fault.
- Is full coverage car insurance required by law? No, full coverage car insurance is not required by law in most provinces and territories in Canada. However, some lenders or leasing companies may require it if you are financing or leasing a vehicle.
- How much does full coverage car insurance cost? The cost of full coverage car insurance can vary depending on many factors, including the type of car, the driver’s age and driving history, and the province or territory where the driver lives.
- What does liability coverage include? Liability coverage includes damages or injuries you may cause to others in an accident for which you are found to be at fault. It typically includes two types of coverage: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
- What does collision coverage include? Collision coverage includes damages to your own vehicle that occur as a result of a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
- What does comprehensive coverage include? Comprehensive coverage includes damages to your own vehicle that occur as a result of non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
- Do I need full coverage car insurance if I have an older car? The need for full coverage car insurance may depend on the value of your car. If your car is older and has a low market value, you may want to consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.
- What factors can impact my full coverage car insurance rates? Many factors can impact your full coverage car insurance rates, including your driving record, the type of car you drive, your age and gender, and the province or territory where you live.
- Can I get discounts on full coverage car insurance? Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts on full coverage car insurance for various reasons, such as safe driving, having multiple policies with the same insurer, or driving a car with certain safety features.
- How do I choose the right amount of coverage for my needs? Choosing the right amount of coverage depends on your individual needs and circumstances. It’s important to consider factors such as the value of your car, your driving habits, and your budget when selecting the right coverage for you. You may want to speak with an insurance agent for guidance on selecting the right coverage.
- Can I customize my full coverage car insurance policy? Yes, some insurance companies may allow you to customize your full coverage car insurance policy to better fit your individual needs. For example, you may be able to adjust your deductible amount or add additional coverage options.
- Will my full coverage car insurance cover damages caused by a natural disaster? Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your full coverage car insurance policy, it may cover damages to your car caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes.
- What should I do if I’m in a car accident? If you’re in a car accident, the first priority should be to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Call the police and seek medical attention if necessary. You should also exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and file a claim.
- Can my full coverage car insurance be canceled if I file a claim? No, your insurance company cannot cancel your full coverage car insurance policy simply because you filed a claim. However, if you have a history of filing numerous claims, your insurance company may choose not to renew your policy when it expires.
- What is an insurance deductible? An insurance deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying before your insurance company begins to pay for covered damages or expenses.
- How does my deductible affect my full coverage car insurance rates? Typically, the higher your deductible, the lower your insurance rates will be. However, you should consider your ability to pay the deductible in the event of an accident when selecting your deductible amount.
- Can I change my deductible amount? Yes, you may be able to change your deductible amount when renewing your insurance policy or by contacting your insurance company.
- How long does a full coverage car insurance policy last? A full coverage car insurance policy typically lasts for one year. You will need to renew your policy each year to maintain coverage.
- What should I do if I want to switch insurance companies? If you want to switch insurance companies, it’s important to compare rates and coverage options from multiple providers. Once you have selected a new provider, you can contact your current insurance company to cancel your current policy and begin coverage with the new provider.
- What should I do if my full coverage car insurance claim is denied? If your full coverage car insurance claim is denied, you may want to contact your insurance company to ask for an explanation of the denial. If you believe the denial was made in error, you may be able to appeal the decision or seek legal counsel.
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.
