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Things to Know Before Getting Sarnia Car Insurance
If you’re planning to get car insurance in Sarnia, here are some things to know:
- Mandatory coverage: In Ontario, drivers are required to have mandatory car insurance coverage, which includes third-party liability, accident benefits, and uninsured automobile coverage.
- Car theft: Sarnia has a higher-than-average rate of car theft, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent theft. Consider installing an anti-theft device or using a steering wheel lock.
- Winter driving: Sarnia experiences cold and snowy winters, so it’s important to be prepared for driving in these conditions. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, and keep an emergency kit in your car with items like a shovel, blankets, and a flashlight.
- Insurance rates: Car insurance rates in Sarnia can vary depending on a range of factors including driving record, age, and type of car. It’s important to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate.
- Traffic safety: Sarnia has a relatively low rate of traffic fatalities, but it’s still important to drive safely and obey traffic laws. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in high-traffic areas.
- Local insurance brokers: Working with a local insurance broker can be helpful in finding the best rates and coverage options for your specific circumstances. Sarnia has several independent insurance brokers operating in the area.
- Discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts to help lower your insurance costs. Some common discounts include safe driver discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, and bundling home and auto insurance.
What is the Average Car Insurance Cost in Sarnia?
According to recent data, the average cost of car insurance in Sarnia is $1,225 per year.
The average car insurance costs range for different driver profiles in Sarnia would be as follows (note that these are estimated monthly costs and may vary depending on the insurance company and other factors):
| Driver Profile | Liability only | Liability + Collision | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 Driver | $118 – $333 | $148 – $418 | $169 – $478 |
| G2 Driver | $107 – $303 | $134 – $380 | $153 – $433 |
| G Driver | $95 – $268 | $119 – $338 | $135 – $382 |
| Teenage Driver | $397 – $1,122 | $496 – $1,403 | $565 – $1,598 |
| Young Driver | $166 – $469 | $207 – $586 | $236 – $668 |
| High-risk Driver | $235 – $664 | $294 – $831 | $335 – $949 |
| Occasional Driver | $83 – $235 | $104 – $295 | $118 – $335 |
| Pleasure | $89 – $252 | $111 – $314 | $126 – $357 |
| Commuting | $130 – $367 | $163 – $461 | $186 – $526 |
| Good Driver | $76 – $214 | $95 – $270 | $108 – $307 |
| Bad Driver | $386 – $1,091 | $482 – $1,363 | $549 – $1,554 |
| New Driver | $257 – $727 | $321 – $908 | $366 – $1,037 |
| Secondary Driver | $85 – $241 | $107 – $303 | $122 – $346 |
| 17 Years Old | $424 – $1,199 | $530 – $1,498 | $604 – $1,713 |
| Seniors | $83 – $235 | $104 – $295 | $118 – $335 |
| Over 55 Years Old | $79 – $223 | $99 – $281 | $113 – $321 |
| Students | $143 – $404 | $179 – $507 | $204 – $578 |
| International Driver | $231 – $654 | $289 – $818 | $330 – $934 |
| Newcomers | $277 – $782 | $346 – $979 | $394 – $1,116 |
| Men Driver | $120 – $339 | $150 – $424 | $171 – $484 |
| Women Driver | $114 – $322 | $142 – $402 | $162 – $460 |
| Married Couples | $86 – $243 | $108 – $306 | $123 – $349 |
| Usage-Based | $100 – $283 | $125 – $354 | $143 – $406 |
| Uber/Lyft | $208 – $588 | $260 – $736 | $297 – $840 |
| Personal use | $107 – $303 | $134 – $380 | $153 – $433 |
| Business use | $139 – $393 | $174 – $492 | $199 – $564 |
| Commercial use | $234 – $661 | $293 – $829 | $334 – $946 |
The estimated monthly car insurance costs range for different types of cars in Sarnia would be as follows:
| Car Type | Liability only | Liability + Collision | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $63 – $178 | $79 – $224 | $90 – $256 |
| Convertible | $118 – $333 | $147 – $416 | $168 – $476 |
| Hatchback | $61 – $173 | $76 – $216 | $87 – $247 |
| Wagon | $68 – $193 | $85 – $242 | $97 – $276 |
| Coupe | $89 – $252 | $111 – $314 | $126 – $357 |
| SUV | $83 – $235 | $104 – $295 | $118 – $335 |
| Truck | $74 – $210 | $92 – $260 | $105 – $297 |
| Minivan | $79 – $223 | $99 – $281 | $113 – $321 |
| Van | $83 – $235 | $104 – $295 | $118 – $335 |
| Electric Car | $111 – $315 | $139 – $394 | $158 – $448 |
| Hybrid Car | $91 – $257 | $114 – $324 | $130 – $368 |
| Multi Car | $74 – $210 | $92 – $260 | $105 – $297 |
| Exotic Car | $316 – $894 | $395 – $1,118 | $450 – $1,274 |
| Luxury Car | $204 – $577 | $255 – $722 | $291 – $824 |
| Classic Car | $106 – $300 | $132 – $374 | $150 – $425 |
| Vintage Car | $99 – $280 | $123 – $348 | $140 – $396 |
| Sports Car | $208 – $588 | $260 – $736 | $297 – $840 |
| Leased Cars | $85 – $240 | $106 – $301 | $121 – $343 |
| 2 Door | $91 – $257 | $114 – $324 | $130 – $368 |
The average car insurance costs range in Sarnia for a driver profile of age 35, married, based on driving history would be as follows:
| Driving History | Liability only | Liability + Collision | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 at-fault accident | $116 – $329 | $145 – $410 | $165 – $467 |
| 2 at-fault accidents | $149 – $422 | $186 – $526 | $212 – $601 |
| 1 non-fault accident | $70 – $198 | $88 – $249 | $100 – $284 |
| DUI conviction | $317 – $897 | $397 – $1,122 | $452 – $1,280 |
| 1 speeding ticket | $68 – $193 | $85 – $242 | $97 – $276 |
| 2 speeding tickets | $110 – $311 | $138 – $391 | $157 – $445 |
How Does Sarnia’s Average Car Insurance Cost Compare to Other Cities?
Here is a list comparing the average car insurance cost in Sarnia to that of other cities in Ontario:
- Toronto: The average car insurance cost in Toronto is around $1,700 to $2,000 per year, which is higher than the average cost in Sarnia.
- Ottawa: The average car insurance cost in Ottawa is around $1,100 to $1,500 per year, which is similar to the average cost in Sarnia.
- London: The average car insurance cost in London is around $1,200 to $1,500 per year, which is similar to the average cost in Sarnia.
- Windsor: The average car insurance cost in Windsor is around $1,100 to $1,300 per year, which is similar to the average cost in Sarnia.
- Hamilton: The average car insurance cost in Hamilton is around $1,300 to $1,600 per year, which is higher than the average cost in Sarnia.
Which Cars Have the Cheapest Car Insurance in Sarnia?
The cost of car insurance in Sarnia can vary depending on many factors, including the make and model of the vehicle being insured. Here are a few cars that may have lower insurance rates in Sarnia, along with their average insurance cost:
- Honda Civic: The Honda Civic is a popular compact car that is known for its reliability and safety features. The average insurance cost for a Honda Civic in Sarnia is around $1,100 to $1,300 per year.
- Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla is another popular compact car that is known for its fuel efficiency and affordability. The average insurance cost for a Toyota Corolla in Sarnia is around $1,100 to $1,300 per year.
- Mazda3: The Mazda3 is a compact car that is known for its sporty styling and performance. The average insurance cost for a Mazda3 in Sarnia is around $1,100 to $1,300 per year.
- Hyundai Elantra: The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car that offers good fuel economy and a comfortable ride. The average insurance cost for a Hyundai Elantra in Sarnia is around $1,100 to $1,300 per year.
- Ford Escape: The Ford Escape is a popular SUV that offers good cargo space and features. The average insurance cost for a Ford Escape in Sarnia is around $1,200 to $1,400 per year.
How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in Sarnia?
If you’re looking to get the cheapest car insurance in Sarnia, here are a few tips:
- Shop around: One of the most effective ways to find affordable car insurance is to compare quotes from multiple providers. Be sure to check with both large and small insurance companies to get a broad range of options.
- Increase your deductible: Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Increasing your deductible can lower your insurance premium, but be sure to choose a deductible that you can afford to pay if you need to file a claim.
- Consider a usage-based insurance program: Some insurance providers offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits and adjust your rates accordingly. If you’re a safe driver, this could be a good way to lower your insurance costs.
- Bundle your insurance policies: Many insurance providers offer discounts for customers who bundle multiple policies, such as car and home insurance.
- Ask about discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts for safe driving, good grades, and other factors. Be sure to ask about any potential discounts that you may qualify for.
- Consider the type of car you drive: The type of car you drive can impact your insurance rates. Consider choosing a car that is known for its safety features and reliability, as these factors can lower your insurance costs.
- Work with a local insurance broker: Working with a local insurance broker who is familiar with the Sarnia area can be helpful in finding the best rates and coverage options for your specific circumstances.
Sarnia Car Insurance Facts
Here are some car insurance facts specific to Sarnia:
- Car insurance rates in Sarnia can vary depending on a range of factors including driving history, age, and type of car. It’s important to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate.
- Sarnia has a higher-than-average rate of car theft, which can impact insurance rates. It’s important to take precautions to prevent theft, such as installing an anti-theft device or using a steering wheel lock.
- The minimum mandatory car insurance coverage in Ontario includes third-party liability, accident benefits, and uninsured automobile coverage.
- Ontario operates on a no-fault insurance system, which means that in the event of an accident, each driver’s own insurance company pays for their damages and injuries.
- Ontario drivers can purchase optional additional coverage, such as collision, comprehensive, and specified perils coverage. These options can provide additional protection for your vehicle in case of damage or loss.
- Sarnia has a number of local insurance brokers who can help you find the best rates and coverage options for your specific needs.
- It’s important to stay up to date on changes to insurance regulations and requirements in Ontario, as these can impact your coverage and rates.
List of Best Car Insurance Companies in Sarnia
Here are some of the best car insurance companies in Sarnia, along with a brief company description and bullet point reviews from customers across the internet, along with their star ratings:
- Allstate Insurance Canada: Allstate is one of the largest insurance companies in North America, offering a wide range of insurance products including car insurance. Customers appreciate the company’s helpful and knowledgeable staff, as well as their competitive rates. Star rating: 4.7/5.
- Belairdirect: Belairdirect is a popular insurance provider that offers a range of coverage options for cars and other vehicles. Customers appreciate the company’s easy-to-use online quote system, as well as their helpful and friendly customer service. Star rating: 4.6/5.
- Intact Insurance: Intact is a large insurance company that offers a range of car insurance coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Customers appreciate the company’s competitive rates and helpful customer service. Star rating: 4.4/5.
- State Farm: State Farm is a popular insurance provider that offers a range of car insurance coverage options, as well as other insurance products such as home and life insurance. Customers appreciate the company’s personalized service, as well as their competitive rates. Star rating: 4.3/5.
- Wawanesa Insurance: Wawanesa is a well-known insurance provider that offers a range of car insurance coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Customers appreciate the company’s competitive rates and helpful customer service. Star rating: 4.1/5.
List of Best Car Insurance Brokers in Sarnia
Here are some of the best independent car insurance brokers in Sarnia, along with a brief company description and bullet point reviews from customers across the internet, along with their star ratings:
- Magermans and Raes Insurance Brokers: Magermans and Raes is an independent insurance brokerage that has been serving Sarnia and the surrounding area for over 60 years. Customers appreciate the company’s personalized service and helpful staff. Star rating: 5/5.
- Sarnia Insurance: Sarnia Insurance is an independent insurance brokerage that offers a range of insurance products including car insurance. Customers appreciate the company’s competitive rates and knowledgeable staff. Star rating: 4.9/5.
- Guthrie Insurance Brokers: Guthrie Insurance is an independent insurance brokerage that has been serving Sarnia and the surrounding area for over 100 years. Customers appreciate the company’s friendly and helpful staff, as well as their competitive rates. Star rating: 4.8/5.
- Rapid City Insurance Brokers: Rapid City Insurance is an independent insurance brokerage that offers a range of insurance products including car insurance. Customers appreciate the company’s personalized service and competitive rates. Star rating: 4.5/5.
- Aaxel Insurance Brokers: Aaxel Insurance is an independent insurance brokerage that offers a range of insurance products including car insurance. Customers appreciate the company’s helpful staff and competitive rates. Star rating: 4.3/5.
Tips for Drivers in Sarnia
If you’re driving in Sarnia, here are a few tips to help you stay safe and navigate the city’s roads:
- Be aware of local traffic patterns: Sarnia has a mix of urban and rural areas, and traffic patterns can vary depending on the time of day and location. It’s important to be aware of local traffic patterns and plan your route accordingly.
- Watch for construction: Like many cities, Sarnia has ongoing road construction projects that can cause delays and changes to traffic patterns. Keep an eye out for construction signs and follow the posted speed limits in construction zones.
- Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists: Sarnia has a number of walking and biking trails, and it’s important to watch for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in high-traffic areas.
- Prepare for winter driving: Sarnia experiences cold and snowy winters, so it’s important to be prepared for driving in these conditions. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, and keep an emergency kit in your car with items like a shovel, blankets, and a flashlight.
- Be aware of local parking regulations: Sarnia has a mix of on-street and off-street parking options, and it’s important to be aware of local parking regulations to avoid tickets or towing.
- Obey traffic laws: It’s important to obey traffic laws in Sarnia, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals. Watch for school zones and be prepared to slow down and stop for pedestrians.
- Be prepared for tolls: Sarnia is home to the Blue Water Bridge, which connects Canada and the United States. If you plan to cross the bridge, be prepared to pay tolls in Canadian or U.S. currency.
What are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Sarnia?
Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in Sarnia, based on the number of collisions reported over a recent period of time:
- London Road and Modeland Road: This intersection had 59 collisions reported over a five-year period.
- Indian Road and Confederation Street: This intersection had 45 collisions reported over a five-year period.
- Exmouth Street and Colborne Road: This intersection had 42 collisions reported over a five-year period.
- Christina Street and Confederation Street: This intersection had 41 collisions reported over a five-year period.
- London Road and Colborne Road: This intersection had 40 collisions reported over a five-year period.
Total Reportable Collisions in Sarnia
According to the annual reports by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, here are the total number of reportable collisions (both fatal and non-fatal) that occurred in Sarnia between 2013 and 2021:
- 2013: 1,107
- 2014: 1,058
- 2015: 1,109
- 2016: 1,146
- 2017: 1,152
- 2018: 1,096
- 2019: 1,135
- 2020: 824 (note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in traffic volume and reportable collisions in 2020 compared to previous years)
- 2021: data not yet available
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.
