Save an average of $772* on Ontario car insurance.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Ontario

Maintaining a conviction-free driving record is, without a doubt, the best way to keep your premiums down, but there are plenty of other ways to save.

1. Compare quotes: Of course, the easiest way to save money is to compare auto insurance quotes on RATESDOTCA. If you're looking to buy a new car, compare quotes for the vehicles you're considering to see which one is the cheapest to insure.
   
   
2. Increase your deductible: The deductible is what you must pay out of pocket if you file a claim. The more you agree to pay, the lower your premium will be.
   
   
3. Bundle home and auto insurance: If you bundle your home and auto insurance under the same insurance company, you can save 5 to 15% off both policies. This is also called a multi-line discount.
   
   
4. Change into winter tires: Ontario roads face some harsh winter conditions. Save 5% on your car insurance by installing winter tires for the season.
   
   
5. Know what coverage you need: Review your coverage each year and cancel any add-ons you no longer need. For example, cancelling your collision coverage would make economic sense if you drive an older car and buying a new one would be more cost-effective.
   
   
6. Pay annually: If you can pay your premiums annually rather than monthly, you can often save a bit. Some insurance companies offer a discount on the payment of annual premiums upfront.
   
   
7. Drive less: The less you drive, the more you save. If you commute to work via car, switching to transit can slash your premiums. If you don't drive as much as you used to, call your insurance company and let them know.
   
   
8. Driver's education: Most insurance companies offer discounts for new drivers who complete driver training from a Ministry of Transportation accredited driving school. A defensive driving course can also make you eligible for discounts.
   
   
9. Multi-vehicle discounts: Like multi-product discounts, multi-vehicle discount allows you to insure more than one vehicle under the same insurance company to snag a 5 to 15% discount on your premiums.
   
   
10. Group discounts; If you are part of a professional association, union, or non-profit association, you may be eligible for group discounts.
    
    
11. Safety features: Installing approved anti-theft devices or safety features on your car can lead to discounts. Check device eligibility before you purchase and install it.
    

Rising car thefts in Ontario: Protect your wheels and secure affordable coverage

Car theft poses a significant challenge in Ontario, with one vehicle stolen every 48 minutes. Unfortunately, this problem is on the rise, and it coincides with an upward trend in car prices. Between 2022 and 2023, car prices surged by 21.3%, resulting in an average new vehicle cost of $66,288. These combined factors are driving up insurance costs for all drivers, not only those with theft coverage. Insurance companies must raise rates for all drivers to some extent to cover the claims of customers whose cars have been stolen. This collective adjustment helps manage the costs associated with theft-related claims.

To safeguard your vehicle and potentially prevent your insurance premiums from increasing, consider trying some of the following measures.

1. Choose your car based on insurance cost: Doing some research will help you control your insurance costs before you even take ownership of a car. The make and model significantly influence insurance. If cost reduction is a priority, opt for an entry-level vehicle — used ones are particularly cost-effective to insure since they don’t require specialized parts and labour. Additionally, modest cars are less appealing to thieves (unlike SUVs and crossovers, which tend to attract their attention). The Equite Association keeps track of models that are less prone to theft, and several GM models make the list.
   
   
2. Park in a private garage: If possible, avoid parking overnight outside. The safest place to park your car is in a private, covered garage. Doing this can impede car thieves and might lower your insurance rate.
   
   
3. Explore aftermarket security systems: Thieves are outpacing the security measures provided by manufacturers (such as car immobilizers). To enhance protection, consider installing aftermarket devices. Doing so could reduce your risk exposure and potentially lower your car insurance premium. Available products include:
   • Steering wheel clubs,
   • Wheel locks,
   • AirTags,
   • OBD port locks,
   • Pedal locks,
   • Faraday pouches,
   • Security cameras for your home and inside your car.

*Shoppers in Ontario who obtained a quote on RATESDOTCA and transacted via our contact centre from July to December 2021 saved an average amount of $772. The average savings amount represents the difference between the shoppers’ average lowest quoted premium and the average of the second and third lowest quoted premiums generated by RATESDOTCA.