“Average car insurance” in Ontario refers to the typical or mean cost that drivers pay for automobile insurance in the province. Ontario, like other provinces in Canada, requires drivers to have at least a minimum level of auto insurance coverage, and the cost of this insurance is determined by various factors.
Several variables can impact the average cost of car insurance, including:
Type of Coverage:
In Ontario, as with many places, the type of coverage you select can substantially influence your car insurance premiums. Here’s a general overview of how different types of coverage can impact the cost of car insurance in Ontario:
- Mandatory Minimum Coverage:
- Third-Party Liability: Covers damages or injuries you cause to another person or their property. In Ontario, the minimum required liability coverage is $200,000, though many people opt for more.
- Accident Benefits: Covers medical rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, housekeeping, and certain other benefits if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
- Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD): Covers damages to your car when another driver is at fault, but only if that driver is insured by a company that is signed on to the DCPD agreement (most are) and is identified.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you and your family if you’re injured or killed by an uninsured driver or by a hit-and-run.
- Optional Coverages:
- Collision: Covers repairs or replacement of your car after an accident, regardless of fault. If you have an older vehicle, you might choose to forgo this coverage, but if you have a loan or a lease, it might be required.
- Comprehensive: Covers damage to your car from events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. Like with collision, if you have a loan or lease, this coverage might be mandated.
- Specified Perils: Covers only perils specifically listed in your policy, such as theft or fire.
- All Perils: A combination of Collision and Comprehensive.
- Endorsements/Riders: These are additional coverages that you can add to your policy for specific needs, such as rental car coverage, or protection against depreciation.
Effect on Premiums:
- Mandatory Minimum Coverage: This forms the baseline of your insurance cost. Even if you opt for only the minimums, you will still pay a certain premium based on these coverages.
- Optional Coverages: Each of these optional coverages will increase your premium. The exact amount can vary widely based on the value of your vehicle, where you live, and your chosen deductible. For example:
- Collision and Comprehensive: These tend to have the most significant impact on premiums. A new, expensive vehicle will cost more to insure than an older, cheaper one. If your vehicle is particularly prone to theft, your comprehensive premiums might be higher.
- Endorsements/Riders: These will increase premiums but offer specialized protection that can be invaluable in specific circumstances.
- Deductibles: Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums. If you choose a $1,000 deductible over a $500 deductible, you’ll likely pay less for your policy, but you’d have to pay more out of pocket in case of a claim.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Ontario by Type of Coverage
- Toronto:
- Third-party liability: $1,200 – $1,600
- Comprehensive: $1,400 – $2,000
- Collision: $1,500 – $2,200
- Ottawa:
- Third-party liability: $1,100 – $1,400
- Comprehensive: $1,200 – $1,800
- Collision: $1,300 – $1,900
- Mississauga:
- Third-party liability: $1,250 – $1,650
- Comprehensive: $1,350 – $1,950
- Collision: $1,450 – $2,100
- Brampton:
- Third-party liability: $1,300 – $1,700
- Comprehensive: $1,400 – $2,050
- Collision: $1,500 – $2,200
- Hamilton:
- Third-party liability: $1,150 – $1,500
- Comprehensive: $1,250 – $1,850
- Collision: $1,350 – $1,950
- London:
- Third-party liability: $1,000 – $1,400
- Comprehensive: $1,100 – $1,600
- Collision: $1,200 – $1,750
- Markham:
- Third-party liability: $1,200 – $1,600
- Comprehensive: $1,300 – $1,900
- Collision: $1,400 – $2,000
- Vaughan:
- Third-party liability: $1,250 – $1,650
- Comprehensive: $1,350 – $1,950
- Collision: $1,450 – $2,100
- Windsor:
- Third-party liability: $950 – $1,300
- Comprehensive: $1,050 – $1,550
- Collision: $1,150 – $1,700
- Kitchener:
- Third-party liability: $1,050 – $1,450
- Comprehensive: $1,150 – $1,650
- Collision: $1,250 – $1,800
Driver’s Age and Experience:
In Ontario, as in many jurisdictions, a driver’s age and experience play a significant role in determining car insurance premiums. Here’s a breakdown of how these factors typically influence insurance rates:
Driver’s Age:
- Young Drivers (typically under 25):
- Higher Premiums: Statistically, younger drivers tend to be involved in more accidents than older drivers. This higher risk translates to higher insurance premiums.
- Graduated Licensing: In Ontario, there’s a graduated licensing system, starting with a G1, progressing to a G2, and finally a full G license. Those with a G1 or G2 license might find insurance premiums even higher, as they’re seen as less experienced.
- Middle-aged Drivers (typically 25-60):
- Lower Premiums: These drivers, especially those between 30-60, often see the lowest premiums, especially if they have a clean driving record. They have more driving experience and are statistically less likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers.
- Senior Drivers (typically over 60):
- Variable Premiums: While older drivers might have a lot of driving experience, insurance companies sometimes view them as higher risk due to potential health issues that can affect driving or slower reaction times. As a result, seniors might see their premiums increase as they age.
Driving Experience:
- New Drivers:
- Higher Premiums: Regardless of age, those who’ve recently obtained their driver’s license will usually pay more for insurance due to their lack of driving experience.
- Experienced Drivers with a Clean Record:
- Lower Premiums: A driver with several years of experience and no accidents or violations will typically enjoy lower premiums.
- International Driving Experience:
- Variable Impact: In Ontario, some insurance companies may or may not consider driving experience outside of Canada. An international driver might need to provide a driving record from their home country to potentially receive credit for that experience.
- Accidents and Violations:
- Increased Premiums: Regardless of age or experience, a driver with accidents or traffic violations on their record will see higher premiums. Some infractions, like impaired driving, can substantially increase rates.
Tips for Reducing Premiums for Young or Inexperienced Drivers:
- Driver’s Education: Completing a recognized driver’s education course can lead to discounts.
- Being Added to a Parent’s Policy: Instead of getting a separate policy, a young driver might find it cheaper to be added to a parent’s existing policy.
- Drive Safely: Maintaining a clean driving record is the best way to see premiums decrease over time.
It’s crucial for drivers to understand that while age and experience are significant factors, they’re just a part of the equation. Other elements, like the type of car you drive, where you live, how much you drive, and other demographic factors, also play a role in determining premiums.
Young/Inexperienced (e.g., a driver aged 18-25 with less than 3 years of driving experience), Mid-aged/Some experience (e.g., a driver aged 26-50 with 5-20 years of driving experience), and Senior/Experienced (e.g., a driver over 50 with more than 20 years of driving experience).
Average Car Insurance Rates in Ontario by Driver’s Age and Experience
- Toronto:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,500 – $3,500
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,200 – $1,800
- Senior/Experienced: $900 – $1,300
- Ottawa:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,200 – $3,000
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,100 – $1,600
- Senior/Experienced: $850 – $1,250
- Mississauga:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,400 – $3,400
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,150 – $1,750
- Senior/Experienced: $880 – $1,280
- Brampton:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,600 – $3,700
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,250 – $1,800
- Senior/Experienced: $910 – $1,350
- Hamilton:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,300 – $3,100
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,120 – $1,670
- Senior/Experienced: $860 – $1,270
- London:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,100 – $2,900
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,000 – $1,500
- Senior/Experienced: $820 – $1,230
- Markham:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,450 – $3,450
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,180 – $1,740
- Senior/Experienced: $900 – $1,300
- Vaughan:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,500 – $3,500
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,200 – $1,750
- Senior/Experienced: $890 – $1,340
- Windsor:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,000 – $2,800
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $950 – $1,400
- Senior/Experienced: $800 – $1,200
- Kitchener:
- Young/Inexperienced: $2,150 – $3,050
- Mid-aged/Some experience: $1,030 – $1,580
- Senior/Experienced: $830 – $1,240
Driving Record:
In Ontario, as with many other places, your driving record is one of the most significant determinants of your car insurance premiums. The rationale is straightforward: insurers consider your past driving behaviour as a predictor of your future risk on the road. Here’s how your driving record can impact your insurance rates:
1. Clean Driving Record:
- Lower Premiums: If you’ve never been at fault in an accident and haven’t received any traffic tickets, you’ll typically enjoy the lowest insurance rates. A clean driving record is a strong indicator to insurance companies that you’re a low-risk driver.
2. At-Fault Accidents:
- Increased Premiums: Being at fault in an accident will likely cause your premiums to rise. The exact increase can depend on the severity of the accident and the cost of the claim.
- Multiple At-Fault Accidents: If you’re at fault in multiple accidents within a short timeframe, you might see a substantial increase in your rates. In extreme cases, some insurers might even refuse to renew your policy.
3. Traffic Violations:
- Minor Violations (e.g., minor speeding tickets): These can result in a modest increase in your premiums. However, accumulating multiple minor violations can lead to more substantial hikes.
- Major Violations (e.g., impaired driving, reckless driving): These will almost certainly result in a significant increase in your premiums. Some major violations, especially impaired driving, can double or even triple your rates in some instances. They also stay on your record longer, impacting your rates for years.
- Criminal Convictions: Convictions related to driving (like criminal negligence or dangerous driving causing bodily harm) can drastically increase your premiums and might make it challenging to find an insurer willing to cover you.
4. Demerit Points:
- In Ontario, demerit points are added to your driving record for various infractions. While insurance companies don’t directly use demerit points to determine rates, the violations associated with these points will impact your premiums.
5. Not-at-Fault Accidents:
- These typically don’t impact your insurance rates, especially if the insurer can recover the claim amount from the at-fault party’s insurer. However, multiple not-at-fault claims in a short period might raise some insurers’ concerns.
Duration of the Impact:
- Negative marks on your driving record, like accidents or tickets, don’t affect your premiums indefinitely. Over time, their impact diminishes, and they eventually fall off your record. For most minor violations, this period might be 3 years, while major convictions like impaired driving can impact your rates for much longer, often around 6 to 10 years.
Tips for Drivers with Blemished Records:
- Shop Around: Different insurers have different methods for assessing risk. It can be worthwhile to get quotes from multiple providers.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurers might offer a discount or a reduced penalty for those who take a recognized driving course.
- Increase Your Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premiums, but ensure you can afford the deductible in the event of a claim.
Let’s break down car insurance rates into three categories based on the driving record:
- Clean Record: No accidents or traffic violations in the past 5 years.
- Minor Violations: One or two minor traffic violations in the past 5 years but no accidents.
- Major Violations/Accidents: At least one major violation (e.g., DUI) or accident in the past 5 years.
Drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations will typically face higher premiums than those with a clean record.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Ontario by Driving Record
- Toronto:
- Clean Record: $1,200 – $1,800
- Minor Violations: $1,600 – $2,300
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,500 – $4,000
- Ottawa:
- Clean Record: $1,100 – $1,650
- Minor Violations: $1,450 – $2,100
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,200 – $3,600
- Mississauga:
- Clean Record: $1,250 – $1,850
- Minor Violations: $1,650 – $2,350
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,400 – $3,900
- Brampton:
- Clean Record: $1,300 – $1,900
- Minor Violations: $1,700 – $2,500
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,600 – $4,200
- Hamilton:
- Clean Record: $1,150 – $1,700
- Minor Violations: $1,550 – $2,200
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,300 – $3,800
- London:
- Clean Record: $1,050 – $1,550
- Minor Violations: $1,400 – $2,050
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,100 – $3,500
- Markham:
- Clean Record: $1,220 – $1,780
- Minor Violations: $1,620 – $2,300
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,450 – $3,950
- Vaughan:
- Clean Record: $1,260 – $1,830
- Minor Violations: $1,660 – $2,400
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,500 – $4,100
- Windsor:
- Clean Record: $1,000 – $1,500
- Minor Violations: $1,350 – $1,950
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,050 – $3,400
- Kitchener:
- Clean Record: $1,080 – $1,580
- Minor Violations: $1,430 – $2,080
- Major Violations/Accidents: $2,150 – $3,600
Vehicle Type:
The type of vehicle you drive can significantly impact your car insurance premiums in Ontario. Insurance companies consider various factors related to the vehicle when determining rates. Here’s how different vehicle characteristics can influence insurance costs:
1. Vehicle Value:
- Higher Value Vehicles: Typically cost more to insure because they can be more expensive to repair or replace. For instance, luxury vehicles or brand-new cars will often come with higher premiums than older models or economy vehicles.
2. Cost of Repairs:
- Expensive-to-Repair Vehicles: Some vehicles, especially luxury or exotic models, may require specialized parts or expertise to repair. If your vehicle is deemed costly to fix, you might face higher premiums.
3. Vehicle Safety Ratings:
- Safer Vehicles: Cars with high safety ratings or those equipped with advanced safety features might enjoy lower premiums. Insurance companies often consider the likelihood of injury in an accident and potential claim costs.
4. Vehicle’s Theft Rate:
- Theft-Prone Vehicles: Some models are more attractive to thieves or are easier to steal. If you drive a vehicle that’s frequently targeted, you might see higher premiums, especially for comprehensive coverage.
5. Vehicle Performance:
- High-Performance Vehicles: Sports cars or vehicles with powerful engines are often associated with riskier driving behaviour. Consequently, these types of vehicles might come with higher insurance premiums.
6. Vehicle Usage:
- Commercial Use: Vehicles used for business or commercial purposes can have different risk profiles and might be more expensive to insure than personal-use vehicles.
7. Environmental Factors:
- Green Vehicles: Some insurers might offer discounts for hybrid or electric vehicles, as these cars might be associated with more eco-conscious and potentially safer drivers.
8. Vehicle Size:
- Larger Vehicles: SUVs and trucks might cause more damage in an accident, but their occupants might also be better protected. Conversely, smaller cars might be at a greater risk in collisions. The impact of vehicle size on insurance can be nuanced and varies by insurer.
Tips for Choosing a Vehicle with Insurance in Mind:
- Research Insurance Costs Before Buying: Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s a good idea to get insurance quotes for the models you’re considering. This can help you understand the total cost of ownership.
- Consider Safety Features: Opting for a vehicle with advanced safety features can not only protect you in an accident but might also qualify you for insurance discounts.
- Check Theft Rates: Some organizations, like the Insurance Bureau of Canada, periodically publish lists of the most frequently stolen vehicles. Avoiding high-theft models can help in reducing insurance costs.
For this example, we’ll break down rates into three vehicle types:
- Economy Sedan: Common 4-door sedans that are typically less expensive and have standard safety features.
- SUV/Crossover: Larger vehicles, which might have slightly higher repair costs or may be considered safer in certain accident scenarios.
- Sports/Luxury Car: High-performance or luxury vehicles that are typically more expensive to repair and might be more prone to certain types of accidents or theft.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Ontario by Vehicle Type
- Toronto:
- Economy Sedan: $1,200 – $1,700
- SUV/Crossover: $1,400 – $1,950
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,200 – $3,500
- Ottawa:
- Economy Sedan: $1,100 – $1,550
- SUV/Crossover: $1,250 – $1,800
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,000 – $3,200
- Mississauga:
- Economy Sedan: $1,250 – $1,750
- SUV/Crossover: $1,350 – $1,900
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,100 – $3,400
- Brampton:
- Economy Sedan: $1,300 – $1,800
- SUV/Crossover: $1,400 – $2,000
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,300 – $3,600
- Hamilton:
- Economy Sedan: $1,150 – $1,600
- SUV/Crossover: $1,300 – $1,850
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,050 – $3,250
- London:
- Economy Sedan: $1,050 – $1,500
- SUV/Crossover: $1,200 – $1,750
- Sports/Luxury Car: $1,950 – $3,100
- Markham:
- Economy Sedan: $1,220 – $1,720
- SUV/Crossover: $1,320 – $1,880
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,150 – $3,450
- Vaughan:
- Economy Sedan: $1,260 – $1,760
- SUV/Crossover: $1,360 – $1,920
- Sports/Luxury Car: $2,200 – $3,500
- Windsor:
- Economy Sedan: $1,000 – $1,450
- SUV/Crossover: $1,150 – $1,700
- Sports/Luxury Car: $1,900 – $3,050
- Kitchener:
- Economy Sedan: $1,080 – $1,530
- SUV/Crossover: $1,230 – $1,780
- Sports/Luxury Car: $1,980 – $3,200
Usage:
In Ontario, how you use your vehicle – particularly the purpose and frequency of its use – can influence your car insurance premiums. Here’s a breakdown of how different usage types and patterns can impact insurance costs:
1. Commuting vs. Pleasure:
- Commuting: If you use your vehicle primarily for commuting to and from work, especially over longer distances, you might face higher premiums. This is because the more you’re on the road, especially during peak hours, the higher the chance of an accident.
- Pleasure: If you only use your vehicle for errands or leisure activities, you’re likely on the road less frequently and not during peak times, which could lead to lower premiums.
2. Business or Commercial Use:
- Higher Premiums: Vehicles used for business or commercial activities, such as deliveries or transporting clients, usually have higher premiums. This is due to the increased risk associated with more frequent driving or the potential for carrying valuable goods or passengers.
3. Low Mileage Discounts:
- Discounts for Fewer Kilometers: Some insurance companies offer discounts if you drive below a certain number of kilometers per year, reflecting the reduced risk of being involved in an accident.
4. Ridesharing:
- Increased Premiums or Special Policies: If you’re using your vehicle for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, standard personal auto policies might not provide coverage. You’d typically need a special endorsement or a separate policy, which could be more expensive than regular personal car insurance.
5. Occasional Drivers:
- Variable Impact on Premiums: Adding an occasional driver, like a teenager, to your policy can increase your rates. However, if that occasional driver has a clean record and is not a young driver, the impact might be less significant.
6. Student Away from Home:
- Potential Discounts: If a driver listed on your policy (e.g., a college student) is attending school at a location far from home and doesn’t have regular access to the vehicle, some insurance companies offer a discount.
7. Carpooling:
- Variable Impact: If you’re carpooling regularly and not receiving money beyond cost-sharing, it might not affect your premiums much. However, it’s always good to inform the insurer. If you’re charging individuals for rides beyond just sharing gas costs, it might be considered a form of ridesharing or commercial use.
Tips for Managing Usage-Based Premiums:
- Be Transparent: Always be upfront with your insurance provider about how you’re using your vehicle. Misrepresentation can lead to denied claims or even policy cancellation.
- Consider Telematics: Some insurers in Ontario offer telematics or usage-based insurance programs. These involve placing a device in your car or using an app to monitor driving habits, and safe drivers can earn discounts.
- Review and Update: If there’s a change in your vehicle usage (e.g., you start working from home and no longer commute), inform your insurer. You might be eligible for reduced rates.
Vehicle usage can also influence car insurance rates. Let’s classify usage into three primary categories:
- Personal Use: The car is used mainly for personal activities, such as commuting, shopping, and recreational activities.
- Business Use: The car is used for work-related activities, excluding daily commuting. This could involve transporting goods or clients, for example.
- Pleasure Use: The car is not used for daily commuting or business, but rather occasionally for recreational activities.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Ontario by Usage
- Toronto:
- Personal Use: $1,300 – $1,800
- Business Use: $1,600 – $2,200
- Pleasure Use: $1,000 – $1,500
- Ottawa:
- Personal Use: $1,200 – $1,650
- Business Use: $1,500 – $2,050
- Pleasure Use: $950 – $1,400
- Mississauga:
- Personal Use: $1,250 – $1,750
- Business Use: $1,550 – $2,100
- Pleasure Use: $980 – $1,450
- Brampton:
- Personal Use: $1,320 – $1,820
- Business Use: $1,620 – $2,170
- Pleasure Use: $1,010 – $1,510
- Hamilton:
- Personal Use: $1,180 – $1,630
- Business Use: $1,480 – $2,030
- Pleasure Use: $930 – $1,380
- London:
- Personal Use: $1,080 – $1,530
- Business Use: $1,370 – $1,920
- Pleasure Use: $850 – $1,300
- Markham:
- Personal Use: $1,240 – $1,740
- Business Use: $1,540 – $2,090
- Pleasure Use: $970 – $1,420
- Vaughan:
- Personal Use: $1,270 – $1,770
- Business Use: $1,570 – $2,120
- Pleasure Use: $990 – $1,440
- Windsor:
- Personal Use: $1,020 – $1,470
- Business Use: $1,320 – $1,870
- Pleasure Use: $810 – $1,260
- Kitchener:
- Personal Use: $1,100 – $1,550
- Business Use: $1,400 – $1,950
- Pleasure Use: $870 – $1,320
Location:
Location, specifically where you live and where your vehicle is primarily stored, can considerably influence car insurance premiums in Ontario. Here’s how:
1. Urban vs. Rural Areas:
- Urban Areas: Typically, premiums are higher in urban centers due to the increased traffic density, higher risk of theft, and higher frequency of accidents. For instance, Toronto, especially some of its densest neighborhoods, might see higher rates than more rural parts of Ontario.
- Rural Areas: Rural locations usually have fewer cars on the road and, as a result, a lower likelihood of collisions. This generally translates to lower insurance premiums compared to urban settings.
2. Local Theft Rates:
- Higher Theft Rates: If you live in an area known for higher vehicle theft rates, you can expect to pay more, especially for comprehensive coverage, which covers theft.
3. Local Accident Rates:
- High Accident Frequencies: Areas with more frequent accidents will typically see higher insurance rates. This might be due to factors like dense traffic, challenging road conditions, or even problematic intersections.
4. Proximity to Highways:
- Close to Major Highways: Living close to major highways or intersections can sometimes result in slightly higher premiums, given the increased risk associated with high-speed roads.
5. Weather Patterns and Environmental Concerns:
- Harsh Weather Zones: Areas more prone to severe weather, like heavy snowfall or frequent flooding, might have higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of accidents or vehicle damage.
6. Parking Situations:
- Garage vs. Street Parking: Where you park your car overnight can also play a role. Vehicles parked in a locked garage are often considered at lower risk for theft or vandalism than those parked on the street.
Top 10 Cities:
Range for average insurance rates in some of Ontario’s top cities:
- Toronto: $1,600 – $2,200 annually
- Ottawa: $1,200 – $1,700 annually
- Mississauga: $1,500 – $2,100 annually
- Brampton: $1,700 – $2,300 annually
- Hamilton: $1,300 – $1,800 annually
- London: $1,200 – $1,600 annually
- Vaughan: $1,600 – $2,100 annually
- Kitchener: $1,100 – $1,500 annually
- Markham: $1,400 – $1,900 annually
- Windsor: $1,100 – $1,500 annually
Tips for Managing Location-Based Premiums:
- Consider Your Parking: If possible, secure parking in a garage or a well-lit area.
- Shop Around: Rates can vary significantly between insurers, even within the same city or neighborhood. Always get multiple quotes.
- Update Your Address: If you move, even within the same city, inform your insurer. Your premiums might change based on your new location.
Deductibles:
The amount you’re willing to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in can affect the premium. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.
Discounts:
Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like multiple policies, being a good student, or having safety features on your vehicle.
Every year, several reports and studies are conducted to determine the average car insurance rate in Ontario. It’s always a good idea to check recent data or consult insurance brokers or agents to get a sense of the current average rate. However, individual rates can vary widely from the average based on the factors listed above.