Key Takeaways
- Gender rating is not universal: Auto insurance rules are provincial. Some public systems emphasize driving record, vehicle, and territory instead of age/sex.
- “Averages” can mislead: Published gaps (like “women pay ~5% less”) are benchmarks, not a guarantee for your quote.
- Province matters more than gender: Average premiums vary widely by province and region, often dwarfing any gender effect.
- Gender “X” isn’t automatically higher: Insurers may price it using female rates, an average rate, or by excluding gender-depending on the insurer and province.
- Best move: Compare multiple quotes using the same coverage, deductibles, vehicle details, annual km, and postal code-then ask what’s driving the price.
On This Page
Quick answers
Do men pay more than women for car insurance in Canada?
Often, yes-but not always. In some private-market provinces and for some driver profiles (especially younger drivers), insurers may reflect statistically different claim patterns in pricing. But in other provinces-especially where public auto insurance is dominant-gender may not be used as a rating factor at all.
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Is gender used to set auto insurance rates everywhere in Canada?
No. Auto insurance is provincially regulated. Some provinces (and public insurers) emphasize other factors such as driving record, territory, vehicle, and use.
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Will changing my gender marker lower my premium?
It depends on your province and the insurer’s filed rating rules. In some jurisdictions, gender may not be used for pricing. In others, it can be one input among many. If you’re updating documents, ask the insurer: “Is gender used as a rating factor for this product in my province?”
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What matters more than gender for pricing?
In many cases, driving record, years licensed, postal code/territory, vehicle, annual kilometres, and coverage choices move the price more than gender does.
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Do non-binary or “X” drivers pay more?
Not necessarily. Some insurers may price “X” using female rates, an average of male/female, or by excluding gender-depending on provincial rules and the insurer’s approach.
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What the data says (and what it can’t)
Most “men vs women pay X% more” headlines come from one of three sources:
- Quote datasets (comparison sites): what shoppers were shown online for a given set of inputs.
- Bound premium summaries (insurer/broker books): what customers actually paid after underwriting and verification.
- Public insurer examples or regulator benchmarks: sometimes province-specific, sometimes limited to basic coverage contexts.
Reality check: quote averages are not your premium
Averages can be skewed by who shops online, what coverage they chose, and whether details were entered consistently. Use published gaps to frame questions-then validate with controlled quotes using identical inputs.
Benchmark: published “gender gap” claims
One Canadian guide reports that women pay about ~5% less than men on average for auto insurance (as a broad benchmark). Treat this as a directional statistic, not a promise for your quote.
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Benchmark: how big province differences can be (often bigger than gender)
To put the gender conversation in context, here are average written premium benchmarks (a broad market measure) reported for December 2024. These are not “your quote,” but they show how much the province/region can move price before personal factors are even considered.
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Methodology (for the table below)
- Metric: “Average written premium” benchmark (market-level).
- Timing: As of December 2024.
- Use: Context only-individual premiums vary by driver, vehicle, territory, and coverage.
| Region | Average written premium (Dec 2024) | 10-year avg annual change |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $2,068 | 3.5% |
| Alberta | $1,818 | 6.6% |
| British Columbia | $1,522 | 0.9% |
| Saskatchewan | $1,361 | 2.3% |
| Manitoba | $1,235 | 3.8% |
| Atlantic (grouped) | $1,259 | 4.5% |
| Quebec | $1,044 | 4.3% |
Ontario example: regulator-published average premiums (June 2025)
If you’re in Ontario, FSRA publishes rolling averages that can help you sanity-check your premium against the market. Again: this is not a “male vs female” table-this is a province/region context that often explains more variance than gender.
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Methodology (for the table below)
- Metric: Average annual premium for Ontario private passenger vehicles over the past 12 months.
- Date: As of June 2025 (and prior snapshots shown).
- Use: Benchmark only-your quote can be higher/lower based on your profile and coverage.
| Ontario region | As of June 2025 | As of Oct 2024 | As of June 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario (overall) | $2,120 | $2,006 | $1,927 |
| GTA | $2,765 | $2,638 | $2,543 |
| Other Urban | $2,031 | $1,918 | $1,842 |
| Rural | $1,698 | $1,592 | $1,521 |
City snapshot: “gender gap” can vary by location and age
Some quote studies show that the direction and size of the gap can vary by city and age band. For example, one Canadian analysis using standardized quote comparisons reported differences by city and age group (e.g., Toronto vs Calgary vs Montreal). Use this as a directional example-not a guarantee.
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Methodology (for the table below)
- Type: Standardized quote comparison using assumed driver profiles.
- Why it matters: The gap can widen or narrow based on territory, age band, and how insurers segment risk.
- Best practice: Replicate this logic with your own exact inputs (same coverage, same vehicle, same km).
| City | Age band | Example finding |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 20 | Male quotes higher than female in the study example |
| Calgary | 30 | Gap smaller than some larger markets in the study example |
| Montreal | 40 | Gap can be modest depending on the profile in the study example |
Important
City-level tables are especially sensitive to assumptions (coverage, driving history, vehicle, km, insurer mix). Use them for context, then run controlled quotes with your exact details.
Province rules: public vs private systems
Canada uses a mix of public and private auto insurance systems. This matters because:
- Public systems often emphasize standardized factors (record, vehicle, territory) and may avoid rating on age/sex for basic coverage.
- Private systems vary by province and insurer; rating variables and segmentation can differ based on filings and regulations.
A Canadian insurer resource explains that provincial governments can determine which factors insurers can and can’t use-and that age and gender may be considered in some provinces but not in others.
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Examples of how public insurers describe rating factors
- British Columbia (ICBC context): A human rights consultation report notes ICBC does not use age/sex/marital status to set premiums, focusing instead on vehicle factors, territory, use, and a claim-rated scale.
5 - Manitoba (MPI): MPI describes its premiums as based on objective factors like vehicle, where you live (territories), what you use the vehicle for, and driving record.
7 - Saskatchewan (SGI): A Canadian insurance trade publication reported SGI/Auto Fund does not use gender/sex designation as a rating factor.
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Pro tip: compare “basic” vs “optional” coverage apples-to-apples
In provinces with public basic insurance, the base portion may be priced differently than optional coverages. If you’re comparing across provinces (or even insurers), confirm you’re comparing the same bundle (limits, deductibles, and add-ons).
Gender “X” and non-binary drivers
More Canadians have documents that list gender as “X” (or prefer not to disclose). Insurers may handle this differently depending on provincial rules and the insurer’s rating plan.
One Canadian explainer notes that because historical data for “X” is limited, insurers may default to female rates, use an average of male/female, or exclude gender-depending on the insurer and jurisdiction.
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Questions to ask your insurer or broker
- Is gender used for rating for this product in my province? If “no,” you can stop chasing it.
- If my documents show “X,” how do you rate it? Ask for the insurer’s specific approach.
- What documentation do you need to update my policy? Avoid admin issues at renewal or claim time.
- Will changing the gender marker trigger re-underwriting? Some updates can cause the insurer to re-check eligibility.
Don’t guess-get it in writing
If you change your gender marker, request written confirmation (email is fine) of how it will be recorded and whether it impacts pricing in your province.
What usually matters more than gender
Even when gender is allowed as a rating variable, it’s typically one input among many. If your goal is to lower your premium, focus on the levers that usually move the price more.
| Factor | Why it matters | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Driving record | Claims/convictions can change eligibility and pricing tier | Ask how incidents are counted and when they fall off for rating |
| Years licensed | Experience bands can materially change premiums | Ensure licence dates are entered correctly and consistently |
| Postal code / territory | Local claim costs, theft exposure, and repair costs vary | If you moved, re-quote immediately; correct garaging address |
| Vehicle and trim | Repair costs, theft rates, and claim severity differ by model | Get quotes before you buy; use VIN when possible |
| Annual kilometres and use | More time on the road means more exposure | Estimate km realistically and keep it identical across quotes |
| Coverage choices | Limits, deductibles, and endorsements change what you’re buying | Lock your coverage for comparisons; price upgrades separately |
| Discounts | Bundling, multi-vehicle, winter tires, telematics can be large | Ask which discounts you missed and what proof is needed |
Why this matters
It’s common for people to attribute a price gap to gender when the real driver is territory, kilometres, vehicle trim, or missing discounts. Fix the “big levers” first.
How to compare quotes fairly (so gender isn’t a red herring)
If you want a meaningful answer to “Do men pay more than women?”, you need a controlled comparison. Most comparisons fail because multiple variables change at once.
Step-by-step: build a controlled quote comparison
- Lock the coverage: Same liability limit, deductibles, collision/comp, endorsements, and add-ons.
- Lock the vehicle: Same year/make/model/trim (ideally use VIN), same use type.
- Lock the address: Same postal code and garaging/parking answer.
- Lock annual kilometres: Use the same realistic estimate.
- Lock driver history: Same licence date, convictions, claims, training.
- Lock payment plan: Monthly vs annual can change total cost due to fees.
Ask for a quote audit, not just a price
When a quote is unexpectedly high, ask the insurer/broker to confirm inputs line-by-line: territory, vehicle trim, km, usage, driver history, and discounts applied. One incorrect assumption can explain most of the difference.
Household comparison: how to test male vs female without breaking coverage
- Copy your declarations page into a one-page “quote sheet.”
- Keep policy structure constant (same coverages and deductibles).
- Change one variable at a time (e.g., only the driver’s gender marker where applicable).
- Run at least 3–5 insurers (different companies weigh factors differently).
- Save PDFs/screenshots so you can identify what changed.
Common quote mistakes that create fake “gender gaps”
1) Annual kilometres entered differently
One person estimates 8,000 km/year; another enters 15,000 km/year “to be safe.” That can materially change the quote. Use a consistent estimate based on real usage (service records, commute patterns).
2) Commute vs pleasure use mismatched
If one quote is “commute” and another is “pleasure,” you’re not comparing like-for-like. Confirm how each insurer defines commuting and keep it consistent.
3) Garaging and parking assumptions differ
Garage vs street parking, or the vehicle being kept at a different address, can change the territory risk. Standardize these answers across quotes.
4) Discounts applied to one quote but not another
Bundling, multi-vehicle, winter tires, group/alumni, and telematics can create a gap that looks “demographic.” Ask each insurer to list every discount applied and any you missed.
5) Licence date or history entered incorrectly
Licence history errors are common-especially after moving provinces or changing licence class. Ensure the “first licensed” date is correct and consistent across quotes.
Decision flow
flowchart TD
A[Goal understand gender impact]
A --> B[Confirm province and product]
B --> C[Ask insurer if gender used for rating]
C --> D{Gender used}
D -->|No| E[Focus on record vehicle territory km coverage]
D -->|Yes| F[Run controlled quotes identical inputs]
F --> G{Meaningful difference}
G -->|No| H[Stop chasing gender optimize discounts and coverage]
G -->|Yes| I[Shop more insurers ask which factors drive gap]FAQs
Is it legal for insurers to charge different rates based on gender in Canada?
It depends on the province and the regulator’s rules for rating variables. Provincial governments can restrict which factors insurers can use, and practices differ across Canada.
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Why do some sources say women pay less on average?
Some datasets report an average gap (for example, around 5% in one Canadian guide). But “average” doesn’t mean “always,” and the gap can vary by age, city, and insurer.
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If I’m in B.C., does gender affect my basic insurance price?
A human rights consultation report notes ICBC does not use age/sex/marital status to set premiums, focusing instead on other risk factors.
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How do insurers price drivers with gender “X”?
Insurers may default to female rates, use an average, or exclude gender-depending on the insurer and province.
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What’s the fastest way to see if gender is affecting my premium?
Run a controlled comparison: identical coverage, deductibles, vehicle trim/VIN, postal code, annual km, and driving history-then compare across multiple insurers.
What should I do if an insurer won’t explain the difference?
Ask for the top three drivers of premium (territory, vehicle, record, kilometres, coverage) and a list of applied and missed discounts. Then shop again with the same quote sheet.
Sources
- Statistics Canada (11-621-M): Impacts of rising costs and claims on personal automobile insurance profitability and consumers in Canada. Appendix chart: Average written premium (Dec 2024). https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-621-m/11-621-m2025003-eng.htm
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA): Your average premium (Ontario, GTA, Other Urban, Rural) as of June 2025 and prior periods. https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/understanding-auto-insurance-rates/your-average-premium
- Rates.ca: Auto Insurance by Gender (includes a benchmark claim that women pay about 5% less on average). https://rates.ca/guides/car-insurance/gender
- LowestRates.ca: How do insurance companies set rates for gender X drivers (explains common pricing approaches such as female default or average). https://www.lowestrates.ca/blog/auto/how-insurance-companies-set-rates-gender-x-drivers
- Ontario Human Rights Commission: Consultation report on human rights issues in insurance (notes ICBC does not use age, sex, or marital status to set premiums). https://www3.ohrc.on.ca/en/consultation-report-human-rights-issues-insurance/auto-insurance
- The Co-operators: Public vs private auto insurance regulation and how Canada compares (notes provincial control over allowable rating factors). https://www.cooperators.ca/en/personal/resource-centre/protect-what-matters/auto-insurance-regulation
- Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI): Determining your rates (describes objective factors such as vehicle, territory, use, and driving record). https://www.mpi.mb.ca/determining-your-rates/
- Canadian Underwriter: How Gender X affects auto ratings for insurers (notes SGI does not use gender or sex designation as a rating factor in Saskatchewan). https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/insurance/how-gender-x-affects-auto-ratings-for-insurers-1004218049/
- LowestRates.ca (2020 quote test example referenced in discussion of city and age variability). https://www.lowestrates.ca/resource-center/auto/auto-insurance-gender-gap
Editorial standards / methodology
We prioritize Canadian regulators, Statistics Canada, provincial public insurers, and established Canadian insurance publications for market benchmarks. Quote datasets are treated as directional evidence only because premiums change with coverage choices, driving history, territory, vehicle trim, annual kilometres, and discount eligibility. Rules and insurer practices can change, so confirm details with a licensed insurer or broker in your province.
Update note
- Last updated: December 28, 2025
- Verified benchmark premium figures using regulator and Statistics Canada sources
- Improved methodology notes and tightened quote-comparison steps
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and isn’t a quote, contract, or legal advice. Coverage, eligibility, rating factors, and rules vary by province and insurer. Confirm details with your insurer or broker before you buy, renew, or change coverage.
About the Author: ALAN ISIK
