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The best car insurance companies of 2026
Drivers should always compare multiple quotes to find the best policy for their needs, and that doesn’t always mean the lowest-priced premium. Instead, a great rate should provide value and quality, with attentive customer service, an easy claims process, and personalized policy offerings.
The Rates.ca Annual Best Auto Insurance Study surveyed 14,676 auto insurance customers in Ontario about their experiences with Canada’s top auto insurance providers. These customers are from five major insurance brokerages that collectively serve more than 220,000 personal line customers.
Customers were asked about their satisfaction levels across multiple categories, from claims processing to ease of communication, as well as coverage options and overall trustworthiness.
Here are the top-ranking auto insurance companies in 2026.
Rates.ca Annual Best Auto Insurance Study 2026
CAA Insurance Company
About the winner
CAA Insurance Company ranks as the top insurer for the third year in a row, also placing first in: Most Trustworthy, Best Product & Value, and Best Communication & Clarity.
Customers praise its low rates and strong claims service. Many use its recommended repair shops.
Its products address real needs, like MyPace, which rewards low-mileage drivers skeptical of traditional usage-based insurance.
Key takeaways
- CAA Insurance leads the market with strong customer satisfaction.
- Competitive rates are the top reason customers choose it.
- The company scores highly for product value, meeting customer needs, and policy innovation.
- It also excels in communication clarity, with nearly all respondents satisfied with their policy documents and over half reporting they are very satisfied.
Intact Insurance
About the winner
Intact Insurance achieved outstanding scores for its claims process. Customers find Intact reps easy to reach, knowledgeable, and proactive. The vast majority report quick claims resolutions.
Over half of customers bypassed their broker and went straight to Intact, underscoring its reputation for hassle-free service.
Of all insurers, Intact Insurance customers are also the most likely to use the company’s app for updates.
Key takeaways
- Intact Insurance is a trustworthy brand, according to the majority of customers surveyed.
- Top-ranked for ease of its claims process; customers say it’s clearly outlined and that reps are helpful.
- Quick claims handling drives satisfaction, with nearly two-thirds of those very satisfied.
- Intact Insurance customers are more likely to reach out directly than calling their broker.
Northbridge Insurance
About the winner
Northbridge Insurance promises quick support: calls are answered within 20 seconds, and an adjuster follows up within three hours.
This speed and efficiency helped drivers rank it among Canada’s best car insurers.
It earns strong marks for claims experience, and customers say it delivers solid value for the premiums they pay without compromising service.
Key takeaways
- Northbridge Insurance is a trustworthy brand according to survey respondents.
- Earned top marks for claims experience across virtually all aspects of the claims process
- Ease of claims handling and expert representatives are key strengths for Northbridge Insurance.
- High ratings for product offerings and overall value.
How we got our ranking
To properly evaluate how great an insurance company is, you have to look way beyond online reviews. In collaboration with Pollara Strategic Insights, we surveyed 14,676 drivers in Ontario about their interactions with their insurers and specific experiences when filing claims to capture new trends and evolving expectations.
According to our methodology, we also asked them to rate their satisfaction with their insurance companies across a few critical areas, including: brand trustworthiness, claims experience, communication, products and billing.
This year, we also expanded the field and allowed insurers to rank for the following titles:
- Best Overall
- Most Trustworthy
- Best Auto Claim Experience
- Best Product & Value
- Best Communication & Clarity
To find the best overall scores, we took the scores for each survey category and weighted averages based on customer demographics, brokerage and insurance carrier.
What is a car insurance quote?
A car insurance quote estimates your premium for a car insurance policy. Insurance companies calculate the quote using the information you provide, such as your age, the car you drive, your driving history, and your postal code. Every insurer uses a unique formula to calculate your car insurance quote, so even if you provide the same information to different insurance companies, no two quotes will look the same.
After applying for a policy, an insurance company's next step is to figure out how much risk you pose to them — what is the likelihood of you getting into a car accident, and how expensive will the damage be?
Insurance companies use roughly the same methodology to assess risk. Here are the main things that influence your rate:
- Your age
- Your forward sortation area (the first three letters of your postal code)
- How long you've had your licence
- The type of car you're looking to insure
- Your insurance history
In addition to the criteria above, car insurance companies in Ontario can also use the following factors to calculate your rate:
- Your gender
- Your licence level
Depending on your answers, insurers will place you in a specific rating group (people with similar profiles). Your rating group determines how much you pay for coverage.
Insurance companies have an ideal customer they want to attract. Most insurers reserve their lowest rates for experienced drivers over 50.
On the other hand, some companies are willing to assume more risk, so they offer inexperienced drivers coverage at competitive rates. You can't tell which insurer will provide you with the lowest rate based on their advertisements. It's better to compare rates from multiple insurance companies.
Use our car insurance calculator to calculate and compare 50+ auto insurance quotes from Canadian car insurance companies to find your best quote.
What are the different types of car insurance in Canada?
Car insurance in Canada can be categorized by the provincial insurance system, how the vehicle is used, and the driver's risk profile. Provinces use private, public, or hybrid systems; drivers may need personal, commercial, or ride-sharing insurance; and insurers may classify drivers as preferred, standard, or non-standard.
What's the difference between private and public car insurance in Canada?
Canada uses private, public, and hybrid car insurance systems, depending on the province. In private markets, drivers can compare quotes from multiple competing insurers. In British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, a government-run insurer provides mandatory basic coverage, although drivers may have additional options for extended coverage. Quebec uses a hybrid system that combines public bodily injury coverage with private property damage and liability insurance.
| System | Provinces and territories | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Private | Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut | Multiple private insurers offer coverage, allowing drivers to compare policies and quotes. |
| Public | British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba | A Crown corporation provides mandatory basic coverage, generally when the vehicle is registered. Drivers cannot compare providers for basic coverage, although additional or optional coverage may be available separately. |
| Hybrid | Quebec | The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec provides public no-fault coverage for bodily injury or death caused by a traffic accident. Drivers purchase mandatory civil liability coverage for property damage, along with optional vehicle coverage, from private insurers. |
The main difference is how drivers buy mandatory coverage. In a public insurance system, basic insurance is provided by the provincial Crown corporation, so drivers cannot compare insurers for that portion of their policy. In a private insurance system, drivers can buy coverage directly from an insurer, work with a broker, or use a rate comparison site to compare quotes.
What's the difference between personal, commercial, and ride-sharing car insurance?
The type of car insurance you need depends on how the vehicle is used. The main categories are personal, commercial, and ride-sharing insurance.
| Type | Who needs it | How is it purchased |
|---|---|---|
| Personal car insurance | Most drivers — anyone using a car for commuting, errands, or leisure | Available directly from insurers, through brokers, or on rate comparison sites |
| Commercial | Businesses and drivers who use a vehicle primarily for commercial activities, deliveries, transporting customers, or other business purposes | Usually arranged directly with an insurer or through a commercial insurance broker |
| Ride-sharing | Drivers for platforms like Uber or Lyft | Coverage depends on the platform, province, and insurer; a personal-policy endorsement may also be required |
A personal policy may not cover regular commercial use or accidents involving a company-owned vehicle. Depending on how the vehicle is used, the driver may need commercial car insurance or a business-use classification on the policy.
Ride-sharing coverage depends on the province, platform, and insurer. A ride-sharing platform may provide commercial coverage while its app is active, but drivers may still need an endorsement or permission from their personal insurer. Tell your insurer before driving for a ride-sharing platform because failing to disclose commercial or ride-sharing use could affect your coverage.
What are preferred, standard, and non-standard car insurance classifications?
Preferred, standard, and non-standard are risk classifications insurers may use when evaluating drivers. They generally affect the premium, deductible, eligibility, and choice of insurer rather than the basic purpose of the coverage.
| Classification | Typical profile | Typical pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred | Strong driving and insurance history with few or no recent claims or convictions | Generally eligible for an insurer's lower rates |
| Standard | Does not qualify for preferred pricing but is still considered acceptable under standard underwriting rules | Generally pays more than a preferred driver |
| Non-standard | Has risk factors that may make coverage harder to obtain through the standard market | Generally pays higher premiums and may face different deductibles or eligibility conditions |
A driver may need non-standard or high-risk insurance because of factors such as:
- A licence suspension or revocation
- Multiple traffic convictions or at-fault accidents
- An impaired-driving conviction
- A history of missed payments or policy cancellations
- A significant gap in insurance coverage
How can you get car insurance quotes in Canada?
There are four main ways to get car insurance quotes in Canada: through an insurance broker, insurance agent, direct writer or insurance comparison site. Depending on where you live, you may also need to purchase some or all of your mandatory coverage from a public insurer.
Here’s how the main car insurance quote providers compare:
| Provider | How it works | Can you compare multiple insurers? |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance broker | A licensed broker works with multiple insurance companies and can recommend coverage from the insurers they represent. | Yes, among the insurers they represent |
| Insurance agent | An agent generally represents one insurance company and sells that insurer's products. | Usually no |
| Direct writer | An insurance company sells its policies directly to consumers, such as through its website or call centre. | No |
| Insurance comparison site | A comparison site such as Rates.ca lets you compare quotes from multiple participating insurance providers online. | Yes, among participating providers |
| Public insurer | In some provinces, mandatory auto insurance is provided through a government-owned insurer. | Depends on the province and coverage type |
If your goal is to compare prices, insurance brokers and comparison sites can give you access to options from more than one insurer. Agents and direct writers generally offer products from a single insurance company.
Which type of car insurance provider lets you compare the most options?
Insurance brokers and comparison sites can show you options from multiple insurance companies, although the number of insurers available depends on the broker or comparison site's participating providers. Agents and direct writers generally offer products from a single insurer.
How does Rates.ca compare car insurance quotes?
Rates.ca is an insurance comparison site that lets you compare car insurance quotes from multiple participating providers in one place. You enter your driver, vehicle and coverage information, and available quotes are returned based on the rates and underwriting criteria of participating providers. Comparing quotes through Rates.ca is free for consumers.
Recent car insurance quotes in Canada
Recent auto Insurance Quote from Belleville, Ontario
Female, 38 years old
2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GL 4DR
September 14, 2026
Cheapest Quote
$ 29 / month
$ 348 / yearAverage Quote
$ 71 / month
$ 849 / yearSavings
$ 42 / month
$ 501 / year
59 %
Recent auto Insurance Quote from Fruitland, Ontario
Male, 31 years old
2018 HONDA CIVIC EX 4DR
September 14, 2026
Cheapest Quote
$ 193 / month
$ 2,316 / yearAverage Quote
$ 259 / month
$ 3,104 / yearSavings
$ 66 / month
$ 788 / year
25 %
Recent auto Insurance Quote from Brampton, Ontario
Male, 24 years old
2024 HYUNDAI ELANTRA PREFERRED 4DR
September 14, 2026
Cheapest Quote
$ 604 / month
$ 7,252 / yearAverage Quote
$ 854 / month
$ 10,253 / yearSavings
$ 250 / month
$ 3,001 / year
29 %
Auto insurance quotes are compared from CAA, Coachman Insurance Company, Echelon Insurance, Economical Insurance, Gore Mutual, Pafco, Pembridge, SGI, Travelers, Zenith Insurance Company
Factors that affect your car insurance quote
Insurance companies consider many factors when calculating your insurance rate. Here are the main ones.
Vehicle type
The type of vehicle you drive impacts the premiums you pay. Some cars are associated with additional risks, including their likelihood of being stolen, how much they cost to repair, and their safety rating and features. There is also some perceived behavioural risk associated with different vehicles. Insurers are more willing to offer low rates to drivers with "sensible" cars. As a result, when shopping for insurance, you might notice your dad's 10-year-old minivan suddenly seems more appealing.
Commute distance
How much you drive will also affect your premiums, which is why insurers always ask for your anticipated vehicle usage. The less you drive, the cheaper your car insurance premium is. The more you drive, the higher your chance of being involved in a car accident, and the more you will have to pay for insurance.
Driving history
Individuals with clean driving histories can expect to pay lower premiums than those with tickets and accidents on their record. The number of years you have had a licence also matters.
Demographics
Where you live makes a difference. Areas with higher occurrences of theft and collisions result in higher premiums. Your age can also come into play. Drivers aged 25 or older will generally pay less to insure a vehicle. Statistics show that younger, less experienced drivers are more likely to be involved in traffic collisions.
Coverage type
The larger the scope of the coverage and the higher the coverage limits you choose, the more you will pay for insurance. The deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket following a claim, also influences your insurance premium. The insurer will offer a cheaper rate if you are willing to take on more risk with a higher deductible.
Discounts
Most insurance companies will provide discounts if you meet specific criteria. For example, if you have winter tires or more than one vehicle, you may be eligible for discounts. When you get quotes with Rates.ca, we ask the same questions as the insurers to ensure you are getting the lowest possible price.
Age and gender
Teens and twenty-somethings pay the most for car insurance. Within that demographic, males can expect to pay significantly more than females. By age 35 and beyond, the differences between men and women mostly even out. That said, men should expect to pay a little more for their coverage. Insurance companies are allowed to set their own rates for non-binary drivers but only if it's in line with what has been approved by provincial regulators. Insurance providers often charge the low end of the average male or female rate.
Marital status
In most of Canada, insurance companies are allowed to ask about your marital status to set your auto insurance premium. The exceptions are Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and B.C. One explanation why insurance companies care about your relationship status is that spouses will likely take turns driving the vehicle, which changes the risk profile of insuring that vehicle. Luckily for single drivers, just because a company can ask about marital status doesn't mean they will. Insurance providers all have slightly different formulas for evaluating risk and setting premiums. That's why it's crucial to compare rates from multiple companies to find the lowest price.
FSA
This stands for Forward Sortation Area, which is represented by the first three characters of your postal code. Insurance providers look at these geographic markers to help set your rate since location affects the probability of future claims. Insurers look at the following characteristics in an FSA to calculate risk: the number of vehicle thefts in the area, the amount the insurer has paid out to policyholders, and incidences of insurance fraud. Generally, drivers in commuter cities pay higher insurance rates than drivers in rural areas.
Driving experience
The longer you've held a licence and car insurance, the cheaper your insurance will be. The inverse is also true: If you don't have a lot of experience driving, insurance companies view you as riskier to insure. For example, if you get your driver's licence in your thirties, your rates may be comparable to drivers in their twenties.
Claims history
An insurance claim is a request by a policyholder to the insurance provider for compensation for a covered loss. Insurers look at your history of claims and use it as an indicator of what to expect from you in the future. Suppose you have a history of making at-fault claims. In that case, your insurance company will view you as someone who is high-risk to insure. It will charge you non-standard (i.e., above average) rates for coverage. It's important to note that this holds even if your insurer validates a claim and provides compensation. If you are at fault for the incident, your insurance rate will go up at renewal. (You can protect your record by purchasing an accident forgiveness endorsement.)
Why should I compare car insurance quotes from different companies?
Which car insurance company is right for you? It's impossible to know for sure if you don't shop the market.
Insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage. That means there are savings to be found. Last year, drivers who shopped for car insurance quotes on Rates.ca saved an average of $500+ on their annual premium.*
Rates.ca makes insurance transparent, simple, and fun. By comparing quotes, you can easily see which company offers you the best insurance rate based on your unique driving history and insurance needs.
Find out why people trust us to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Canada and compare rates today. Ready? Let's get started.
How to get the cheapest auto insurance quote
To find cheaper car insurance, start by comparing quotes from several insurers. It also helps to keep a clean driving record, choose a vehicle that costs less to insure, and make sure your coverage and deductible still suit your needs.
Compare quotes before you buy or renew
Insurers can charge very different prices for the same driver, vehicle and coverage. When comparing quotes, use the same coverage limits and deductibles so you can see which option is actually cheaper.
Keep a clean driving and claims record
Tickets and at-fault claims can increase your premium. In Ontario, insurers commonly consider driving convictions from the preceding three years when making underwriting decisions. The longer you go without new convictions or claims, the more likely you are to qualify for a lower rate.
Choose a vehicle that costs less to insure
Cars that are cheaper to repair or replace and are stolen less often may come with lower insurance costs. Before buying a vehicle, compare insurance quotes and check Équité Association's most-stolen vehicle list.
Review your coverage
If your vehicle is older or has a lower value, it may be worth reviewing whether you still need collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
Before removing either one, consider whether you could afford to repair or replace the vehicle yourself. Financed and leased vehicles generally require both coverages.
Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford
Raising your deductible may lower your premium because you agree to pay more toward a claim. Just make sure the amount would still be manageable if you had an accident, theft or other covered loss.
Consider usage-based insurance
Usage-based insurance may be worth considering if you drive less than average or consistently drive safely. Depending on the program, the insurer may use your mileage or driving behaviour when calculating your discount or renewal price.
Not every option will make sense for every driver. Comparing quotes is usually the best place to start, followed by reviewing your vehicle, coverage and deductible.
Ask a broker: I don't want all my insurance with one company. What if I find a better deal?
What many people don't realize is that bundling your insurance often unlocks discounts that aren't available when policies are split. It can mean real savings — anywhere between 10% to 25%.
If you are paying $1,200 per year for auto and $1,000 per year for home, bundling can save you $220 to $550 annually.
Having everything with one provider also means having one renewal date, one bill, and one contact for claims or questions. It's like having all your subscriptions in one app — easier to manage and less chance of missing something.
- Jessica Symes, registered broker (RIBO ID: 49040)
What car insurance discounts should you ask about?
Eligibility and savings vary by insurer and province. Ask whether you qualify for:
- Winter tire discount: You could save up to 5% with a winter tire discount when eligible winter tires are installed during the required period.
- Multi-vehicle discount: You could save up to 15% when more than one vehicle is insured with the same company.
- Driver training discount: New drivers could save up to 12% after completing an approved driver training course.
- Student or alumni discount: Eligible students, graduates or alumni association members could save up to 25%.
- Employer or professional-group discount: You could save up to 10% through an eligible workplace, union or professional association.
- Anti-theft discount: You could save up to 20% for qualifying anti-theft devices or tracking systems.
- Annual-payment savings: Paying your car insurance premium annually instead of monthly could save you up to 10%.
- Low-mileage discount: Drivers who travel fewer kilometres could save up to 15%.
Comparing quotes can help you see which discounts apply and how much you could save.
How does auto insurance coverage differ by province in Canada?
Canada does not have one national auto insurance system. Each province and territory sets its own minimum coverage requirements and uses either a private, public or hybrid insurance model.
The table below compares minimum required liability, accident benefits, property damage systems and insurance regulators across Canada.
Insurance system: Private = coverage primarily sold by private insurers; Public = basic coverage provided through a public insurer; Hybrid = public and private coverage are combined.
Minimum auto insurance requirements by province and territory
| Province / Territory | Min. liability | Accident benefits | Property damage (own vehicle) | Uninsured auto | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB (Private) | $200,000 | Mandatory — $50,000/person | DCPD included | Mandatory | AIRB (rates) |
| BC (Public) | $200,000 | Mandatory — Enhanced Care (no-fault), no cap | Public — ICBC | Mandatory | BCUC (Basic rates only) |
| MB (Public) | $500,000 | Mandatory — PIPP no-fault benefits | Public — MPI | Mandatory | PUB |
| NB (Private) | $200,000 | Mandatory — $50,000/person | DCPD included | Mandatory | NBIB |
| NL (Private) | $200,000 | Optional (must be offered; buyer may decline) | DCPD included | Mandatory | PUB |
| NS (Private) | $500,000 | Mandatory — $50,000/person (Section B) | DCPD included (Section A) | Mandatory (Section D) | NSUARB |
| NT (Private) | $200,000 (incl. $10,000 property-damage cap) | Mandatory — $25,000/person medical | No DCPD | Mandatory | Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (GNWT) |
| NU (Private) | $200,000 (incl. $10,000 property-damage cap) | Mandatory — $25,000/person medical (uninsured coverage bundled in) | No DCPD | Mandatory (within accident benefits) | Dept. of Economic Development & Transportation |
| ON (Private) | $200,000 | Mandatory core — $65,000 non-cat. / $1M cat. (med/rehab/attendant care only) | DCPD optional (OPCF 49) | Mandatory | FSRA |
| PEI (Private) | $200,000 | Mandatory — $50,000/person | DCPD included | Mandatory | IRAC |
| QC (Hybrid) | $50,000 private | Public plan — SAAQ, uncapped bodily injury | DCA applies | Public plan (SAAQ) | AMF (private side) / SAAQ |
| SK (Public) | $200,000 | Mandatory — No-Fault or Tort benefits | Public — SGI | Mandatory | SRRP |
| YT (Private) | $200,000 | Mandatory — $10,000/person | No DCPD | Mandatory | Superintendent of Insurance |
*Ontario: As of July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain part of the mandatory core coverage. DCPD is included by default but can be opted out of under OPCF 49.
DCPD = Direct Compensation for Property Damage. Accident benefit limits are not directly comparable because provincial systems structure and define benefits differently. Last reviewed: August 2026.
| Province | Premium |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $1,991 |
| Ontario | $2,164 |
| British Columbia | $1,358 |
| Manitoba | $1,235 |
| Saskatchewan | $1,361 |
| Quebec | $1,067 |
| Nova Scotia | $1,475 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,466 |
| New Brunswick | $1,325 |
| Prince Edward Island | $1,117 |
| Yukon | $994 |
| Nunavut | $1,197 |
| Northwest Territories | $1,198 |
Disclaimer: Provincial averages sourced from regulatory and industry bodies: AIRB/GISA (AB, NS, NB, NL, PEI), FSRA (ON), ICBC (BC), GAA/SAAQ (QC), GISA (territories), Statistics Canada drawing on MPI and SGI data (MB, SK). Reference periods vary by province. Quebec figure reflects hybrid public-private system and is not directly comparable to fully private markets.
Car insurance quotes by company
| Aviva | Learn More |
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| Facility Association | Learn More |
| GEICO | Learn More |
| Gore Mutual | Quote Now |
| Grey Power | Learn More |
| Hagerty | Learn More |
| IA Financial Group | Learn More |
| Northbridge | Learn More |
| PAFCO | Quote Now |
| Pembridge | Quote Now |
| Perth | Learn More |
| RBC | Learn More |
| RSA | Learn More |
| Scoop Insurance | Quote Now |
| SGI | Quote Now |
| SONNET | Quote Now |
| TD Insurance | Learn More |
| Travelers | Quote Now |
| Wawanesa | Quote Now |
| Western Assurance | Learn More |
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Frequently asked questions about car insurance
Is it legal to drive without car insurance?
No. All registered vehicles in Canada must have insurance, as required by law. If you own and drive a vehicle, you are required to take out a basic car insurance policy that includes all mandatory coverages. You also risk having your license suspended, and your vehicle impounded, not to mention facing sky-high insurance rates in the future.
Here are the penalties for driving without insurance in some provinces:
- B.C.: Fine of $276, no demerit points taken off, according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
- Alberta: A fine of $2,875 to $10,000 for the first offence. A second offence carries a fine of $5,000 to $20,000.
- Saskatchewan: Driving an unregistered car carries a penalty of $580 (basic insurance is included in the cost of registration). Re-offending within 12 months can lead to having your vehicle seized for seven days.
- Manitoba: Driving without registration carries a $298 fine, and driving without insurance carries a $672 fine.
- Ontario: The first offence carries a minimum fine of $5,000 and the possibility of licence suspension. Repeat offences can result in fines of $10,000 to $50,000 with the possibility of licence suspension and the car being impounded for three months (you are charged the impoundment fees). A surcharge of 25% is added to all fines. No demerit points are added.
- Quebec: A fine of up to $2,800, plus an automatic licence suspension, with the possibility of being barred from obtaining one in the future.
- Nova Scotia: Convictions result in licence suspension and a fine. The fine for a first offence is between $1,250 to $2,000. Repeat convictions carry fines of up to $5,850.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: A fine of $2600 and six demerit points. A second or third offence carries a fine of $3900 and six demerit points. Your car's registration may also be cancelled, and it could be impounded.
Is Rates.ca car insurance service available throughout Canada?
Are the auto insurance rates you show accurate?
What you see is what you get. The auto insurance quotes you receive are accurate, based on the details you provide. A representative from the insurance company will confirm your information before issuing a policy. As long as your details stay the same, so will your rate.
What’s a car insurance deductible, and how does it work?
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay in the event of a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. A driver with a $500 deductible and $2,000 in damage resulting from an accident will pay $500 out of pocket while the insurance company covers the remaining $1,500. Think of a deductible as your share of the repair cost.
Your deductible will also determine your policy premium. The higher the deductible you are willing to pay, the lower your insurance rate will be.
Which auto insurance companies will I get quotes from?
Rates.ca partners with more than 50 top insurance companies in Canada, more than any other comparison site. Our partners include Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, Jevco and Echelon, to name a few. See our full list of insurance partners here.
*More than 50% of Rates.ca users in Canada who obtained an auto insurance quote from January to December 2025 saw savings ranging from $250 to $1,150, with an average savings of $620.68. The average savings amount represents the difference between the users’ average lowest quoted premium and the average of the second and third lowest quoted premiums generated by Rates.ca.
**The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) is the self-regulatory organization in charge of overseeing insurance brokers working in the province. Its mandate is to protect the public by ensuring that brokers meet provincial standards for licensing, professional competence, and ethical conduct. It maintains a public database of registered brokers, which displays a broker's licensing status and their standing within RIBO.
Alexandra Bosanac, Content Manager
Alexandra Bosanac has been a content manager for Rates.ca since 2021, specializing in auto insurance. She began covering auto insurance in 2017. Alexandra has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University. Before joining the Rates.ca editorial team, she reported for the Canadian Business, the Toronto Star, the National Post, and the CBC.
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Adaptive driving equipment won't always raise your car insurance premium, but disclosure of changes that could impact a car's value is mandatory.
Buying Canadian cars may be top of mind in ongoing tit-for-tat tariff spat with U.S., but price advantages aren’t connected to assembly location.
Dramatic change ahead for Alberta drivers from new insurance rules governing payouts to people injured in automobile accidents.
Summer heat can be tougher on your car battery than winter cold. Check out tips to protect your battery during soaring temperatures.
Windshield repairs typically cost $50 to $150 in Canada, while replacements can exceed $1,000 depending on damage, coverage, and type of vehicle.
