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Cheap Ottawa Car Insurance Quotes

Ottawa drivers saved an average of $438* on their car insurance premiums with RATESDOTCA.

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Written By Joel Kranc

Contributing writer

Updated Aug. 30, 2024

Car insurance in Ottawa

As a car owner in Canada, you are obliged to have auto insurance. Ottawa car insurance works under Ontario auto insurance regulatory model. Here are the mandatory and optional coverages and common endorsements:

Mandatory and optional auto insurance in Ottawa

Insurance type  Mandatory coverage Optional/Additional coverage
Third-Party Liability $200,000 minimum. Provides coverage in the event of a lawsuit resulting from an accident where you are at fault. Coverage can be increased to $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million, with up to $2 million limit.
Direct Compensation-Property Damage (DC-PD) Covers damage to your car, or loss of use of your vehicle, if someone else is at fault. Must involve another insured vehicle. For additional vehicle coverage including for when you are at-fault, consider collision coverage.
Uninsured Automobile Insurance Provides up to $200,000 in coverage if you are injured or killed by an uninsured driver, or if your vehicle is damaged as a result of a hit-and-run by an unidentified, uninsured motorist. Family Protection Coverage is an optional coverage that includes additional coverage of up to $1 million in the case of a hit-and-run by an uninsured motorist.
Statutory Accident Benefits Provides coverage if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Covers medical expenses that aren’t covered by OHIP. Coverage limits can be increased.
Collision Coverage (Also Upset Coverage) Optional Covers the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle following a collision with another vehicle, an object, or property.
Comprehensive Coverage Optional Covers damages caused by named perils identified under the Specified Perils coverage, as well as losses from other perils like falling or flying objects, theft, fire, hail, windstorms, missiles, and vandalism.
Specified Perils Coverage Optional Covers damages caused by named perils such as theft, attempted theft, explosions, natural disasters like fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, rising water, earthquakes, and also other perils specified in your policy. Specified perils do not cover damages due to vandalism, breakage of glass, etc.
All-Perils Coverage Optional Combines collision/upset and comprehensive coverage. Also provides additional protection if a household member or an employee steals your vehicle.
OPCF 20: Coverage for Transportation Replacement Optional Covers the cost of your transportation replacement and rental car insurance if you were to get into a car accident or if your vehicle is stolen.
OPCF 27: Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s) Optional Covers if you damage a borrowed or rental vehicle. The coverage limit is usually around $25,000 to $50,000.
OPCF 39: Accident Waiver/Forgiveness Optional Protect your premium from rising when you have your first at-fault accident.
OPCF 43: Waiver of Depreciation Optional Protects you by removing your insurer's right to deduct depreciation from the value of your vehicle when settling a claim. This coverage is for new vehicles with fewer than 5,000 kilometres.
OPCF 44R: Family Protection Coverage Optional Protects you if you or a family member is injured, regardless of whether you or your family members are in the car when the accident occurs

Insurance in Ottawa is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FRSA), which is responsible for licensing insurance companies.

While providers are regulated, FRSA allows rate increases or adjustments to pay for operating costs, claims and profit. Besides mandatory coverage, Ottawa drivers can opt for policy endorsements on:

  • Rented or leased vehicles
  • Transportation replacement
  • Liability for damage to non-owned automobiles
  • Removing depreciation deduction
  • Family protection coverage

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Recent auto insurance quotes in Ottawa

Recent Auto Insurance Quote from OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Male, Age 25
2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GL 4DR
November 10, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 251 / month
$3,014 / year
Average Quote
$ 377 / month
$4,525 / year
Savings
$ 126 / month
$1,511 / year
or
33.39 %
Recent Auto Insurance Quote from OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Male, Age 20
2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8 TSI 4DR
November 10, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 314 / month
$3,764 / year
Average Quote
$ 499 / month
$5,984 / year
Savings
$ 185 / month
$2,220 / year
or
37.10 %
Recent Auto Insurance Quote from OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Male, Age 42
2016 FORD FIESTA SE 4DR
November 10, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 77 / month
$923 / year
Average Quote
$ 151 / month
$1,812 / year
Savings
$ 74 / month
$889 / year
or
49.06 %
Auto insurance quotes are compared from CAA, Coachman Insurance Company, Echelon Insurance, Economical Insurance, Gore Mutual, Pafco, Pembridge, SGI, Travelers, Zenith Insurance Company

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How much does car insurance cost in Ottawa?

Car insurance in Ottawa is lower than the provincial average — $300 a year less, a significant saving for those living in our nation’s capital. We looked at quotes offered to 35-year-old drivers with clean driving records in different Ottawa neighbourhoods. For this demographic, insurance prices range from $1,206 at the low end to $1,378 at the high end in the Ottawa area.

  • Ottawa average: $1,257
  • Ontario average: $1,557

Why is Ottawa car insurance lower than the provincial average?

Insurance is all about risk. Insurance companies deem Ottawa a less risky place for drivers and thus offer cheaper car insurance to its drivers. Given the population and density of the GTA, for example, compared to Ottawa, insurers are willing to keep costs lower in an area with fewer cars and commuters.

The RATESDOTCA Auto Insuramap is an interactive online map that lets users search for the estimated auto insurance rate in a city or neighbourhood by postal code.

All estimated premiums are based on a 35-year-old male driving a 2018 Honda Civic four-door with a clean driving record (gender becomes less of a concern for insurance providers after age 30).

Ottawa car insurance premiums by postal code

Postal code Location Average premium

K1G 

Ottawa 

$1,378 

K1K

Ottawa 

$1,378 

K1L 

Ottawa-Vanier 

$1,378 

K1S

Ottawa 

$1,335 

K2C

Ottawa 

$1,335 

K2G 

Ottawa-Nepean 

$1,335 

K2H

Ottawa-Nepean 

$1,335 

K2J

Ottawa-Nepean 

$1,335 

K2R 

Ottawa-Nepean 

$1,335 

K1M

Ottawa-Rockliffe 

$1,335 

K1J 

Ottawa 

$1,256 

K1B

Ottawa - Gloucester 

$1,256 

K2K 

Ottawa - Kanata 

$1,256 

K2L 

Ottawa - Kanata 

$1,256 

K1H

Ottawa 

$1,239 

K1V

Ottawa 

$1,239 

K1T

Ottawa - Gloucester 

$1,239 

K1X 

Ottawa - Gloucester 

$1,239 

K2M

Ottawa - Kanata 

$1,239 

K2T 

Ottawa - Kanata 

$1,239 

K2V 

Ottawa - Kanata 

$1,239 

K2W

Ottawa - Kanata 

$1,239 

K4M

Ottawa- Manotick  

$1,239 

K2E 

Ottawa-Nepean 

$1,239 

K1A

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K1N 

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K1P

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K1R 

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K1Y

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K1Z

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K2A

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K2B

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K2P

Ottawa 

$1,217 

K4C

Ottawa - Cumberland 

$1,206 

K4P

Ottawa - Greely 

$1,206 

K1C 

Ottawa-Orleans  

$1,206 

K1E Ottawa-Orleans  

$1,206 

K1W

Ottawa-Orleans  

$1,206 

K4A

Ottawa-Orleans  

$1,206 

K2S

Ottawa-Stittsville  

$1,206 

Above average insurance premium numbers are according to data from RATESDOTCA Insuramap.

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Cheapest car insurance in Ottawa

The cheapest car insurance for Ottawa drivers costs $1,206 per year (according to data pulled in Dec. 2021) and can be found in the following postal codes:

  • Stittsville (K2S)
  • Orleans (K4A, K1W, K1E, K1C)
  • Greely (K4P)
  • Cumberland (K4C)

These are suburban verging on rural areas, which likely means fewer drivers and less risky driving conditions.

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How do Ottawa’s car insurance rates compare to other cities in Ontario?

Comparing the top 10 most expensive insurance areas in Ontario, it is clear that drivers in Ottawa seeking auto insurance will save at least $500 compared to people in Nobleton, for example, and more than $800 compared with people in Vaughan, the most expensive area of the province to buy auto insurance.

Rank  City  Estimated 2021 premium  Change from 2020 
1.  Vaughan  $2,179  -6.7% 
2.  Ajax  $2,104  -1.7% 
3.  Richmond Hill  $2,025  -11.4% 
4.  Brampton  $1,976  -26.8% 
5.  Mississauga  $1,971  -16.9% 
6.  Pickering  $1,959  -0.1% 
7.  Toronto  $1,953  -11.3% 
8.  Oshawa  $1,833  +12.1% 
9.  Whitby  $1,792  +0.9% 
10.  Nobleton, Schomberg, Orangeville, King City  $1,766  +14.2% 
44. Ottawa $1,257 +3.60%

Rate estimates are based on a 35-year-old driver of a 2018 Honda Civic with a clean driving record

Comparing Ottawa's average premium ($1,257 annually) with the top 10 most expensive insurance areas in Ontario, it is clear that drivers seeking auto insurance will save at least $500 compared to people in Nobleton, for example, and more than $800 compared with people in Vaughan, the most expensive area of the province to buy auto insurance.

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Which companies offer car insurance quotes in Ottawa?

Ottawa residents are fortunate to have an abundance of insurance companies to choose from when seeking the cheapest car insurance rates. Most companies prefer if you apply for a quote using their online services, but you can also call. Those companies include:

Companies 

Company type 

Phone 

Address 

Allstate 

Insurance company 

1-800-255-7828 

2950 Bank St., Unit 8, Ottawa, ON K1T 1N8 

Aviva 

Insurance company 

1-800-387-4518 

100 King St. W. Toronto, ON, M5X 1000 

Belairdirect 

Direct Writer 

1-833-644-7899 

111 Prince of Wales Dr. Unite #200, Ottawa, ON K2C 3T2 

Co-operators 

Insurance company 

1-877-545-2667 

1565 Carling Ave. Unit 614, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1   

Desjardins 

Insurance company 

 

1-888-277-8726 

250 Albert St., Ottawa, ON K1P 6M1     

Intact Financial Corporation 

Insurance company 

 

1-855-399-1771 

1200 St. Laurent Blvd. Unit 004A, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8 

LowestRates.ca 

Quotes Comparison 

1-844-726-0907 

360 Adelaide St. West, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M5V 1R7  

Onlia Insurance 

Direct Writer 

1-844-472-7905 

Online only         

PC Insurance 

Insurance broker 

1-800-205-7171 

500 Lakeshore Blvd. W. #600, Toronto, ON M5V 2V9  

RATESDOTCA 

Quotes Comparison 

1-844-726-0907 

225 King St W, Suite 1000,Toronto, ON, M5V 3M2  

RBC Insurance 

Insurance company 

 

1-888-925-0946 

2212 Bank St. B, Ottawa, ON K1V 1J6    

ScotiaLifeFinancial 

Insurance company 

 

1-833-224-7306 

350 Albert St., Suite 2100, Ottawa, ON K1R 1A4   

Surex 

Insurance broker 

1-855-242-6612 

3050 Harvester Rd., Burlington, ON L7N 3J1    

TD Insurance 

Insurance company 

1-866-361-2311 

2191 Bantree St., Ottawa, ON K1B 4X3     

What factors affect your Ottawa car insurance premium?

Car insurance premiums are never determined by just one thing. Your insurance provider has to assess risk from many angles to come up with a quote for you. These factors include:

  1. Your car: Certain vehicles are prone to theft, may be involved in more accidents and can cost more to repair – all factors leading to higher insurance premiums. Alternatively, some cars are cheap to repair, making premiums on those cars lower.
  2. Driving history: If you have a lot of experience behind the wheel, your insurance rates will likely be lower (assuming your driving record is clean).
  3. Age: Unfortunately, auto insurance companies base risk on a driver’s age and gender. Younger male drivers typically pay more than younger female or older female and male drivers. There’s not much you can do about it until you reach the age of 25. So stay safe.
  4. Where you live: Insurance companies will base premiums on location. Even if you live in the same city as someone else, you may pay very different rates because providers look at “location-oriented” risk and claims histories. A city like Ottawa has a lower average rate than the province at $1,257 versus $1,557.
  5. Your provider: Rates can fluctuate depending on your provider and if you have a history with them. Some offer bundled packages with other insurance or have different plans depending on your driving needs. Using sites like RATESDOTCA can help you determine the cheapest car insurance provider in Ottawa that best suits your needs.
  6. Driving habits: Premiums will vary depending on your driving needs. For example, your rates will fluctuate if you are a long-distance commuter versus a short-trip diver. In other words, the more you drive, the higher your rates are likely to be. Again, keeping your driving record clean and staying safe are some of the best ways to keep insurance rates lower, even if you are in your car a lot of the time.

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Top 7 tips on getting a cheaper car insurance premium in Ottawa

  1. Shop around: One of, if not the first things you should do is compare car insurance quotes from different insurance providers in Ottawa for cheap car insurance. RATESDOTCA can do that for you. With a few quick clicks, you’ll be able to find the most affordable car insurance in Ottawa and the provider offering it.
  2. Maintain a good driving record: It can’t be stressed enough. A clean driving record is the fastest road (get it?) to cheaper insurance rates. Insurance companies are all about assessing risk. The less risky a driver you are and prove yourself to be, the lower you will pay for insurance premiums.
  3. Increase your deductible: Depending on who you choose as your insurance provider, increasing your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance pays) is a relatively easy way to keep premiums down. But the savings are upfront. If you are in an accident and need to pay out of pocket, make sure you have savings to take care of it.
  4. Educate yourself: Insurance companies see taking a driver’s ed course favourably. The more you train, the better driver you become and the less risky you are to insurance providers.
  5. Check your payment options: Some insurance providers will offer discounts depending on how or when you pay. Allowing some companies to take payments directly from your bank account can offer savings. Paying upfront annually rather than monthly can also sometimes garner savings.
  6. Bundle: Many insurance companies offer bundling packages. Suppose you also need home insurance and use the same company as you are using for auto insurance. In that case, your company may offer a discount for giving them all of your business. The savings can range from 5% to 15%, depending on your chosen insurance company. Consider your insurance needs when seeking auto insurance and if bundling is an option, ask your provider for discounts.
  7. Review your existing policy: Many of us are on autopilot when it comes to our insurance. We buy it and forget about it. But if you’re in the market to save money on car insurance in Ottawa, consider reviewing your policy with your broker. If you are a safe driver or perhaps have an older vehicle, you may be able to reduce coverages and rates. Having only the minimum provincial coverages on your policy, without addons, can help save you money in the long run.

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Frequently asked questions about Ottawa car insurance

Why does Ottawa car insurance cost as much as it does?

The average cost for car insurance in Ottawa is $1,257. While that might be a significant expense to drivers in that city, it is by no means the most expensive in the province. The provincial average is $300 more annually, coming in at $1,557. 

But Ottawa is still a metropolitan North American city with many of the same driving risks and expenses experienced elsewhere. Comparing rates on RATESDOTCA is an excellent way to ensure your rates are the lowest they can be. 

Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Ottawa? 

Luckily, drivers in Ottawa have many insurance providers to choose from if they are looking for cheap car insurance. By comparing quotes on RATESDOTCA, drivers in Ottawa can find the best prices in minutes. 

Remember that where you live, your driving record and how you bundle (or not) your insurance will help you save money over time and help you keep rates low. 

Can I get month-to-month car insurance in Ottawa? 

Unfortunately not. Even if you are living in Ottawa for a short time or need insurance temporarily, standard auto insurance in Ontario lasts one calendar year. Some companies may offer six-month policies, but this is not the norm for car insurance. 

I am a newcomer to Canada. How can I buy car insurance in Ottawa? 

Driving experience from your home country will be helpful as you become a driver in Canada. Your previous insurance company will likely be able to provide proof of your insurance to your new Canadian provider. Likewise, as you build experience here, some companies will adjust your rate as you increase your local driving history. One of the best ways for newcomers coming to Ottawa (or Canada) to find the cheapest car insurance in Ottawa is to comparison shop through sites like RATESDOTCA.   

Comparison shopping on RATESDOTCA can also help educate you on the best choices for insurance in your area. Also, try to work with a broker who can advise you on how to get the lowest rates, which policies are available to newcomers, and how to keep rates low. 

If you have an international driver’s license, most carriers will require you to obtain a Canadian license before they write a policy. 

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Save on Ottawa car insurance today

Ottawa is a beautiful city, jam-packed with interesting things to see and do, and it has some of the safest roads in Canada. None-the-less, all drivers need car insurance, and the best way to ensure you are getting the best possible deal is by comparing quotes on RATESDOTCA. Go ahead, see how much you can save.

*Shoppers in Ottawa who obtained a quote on RATESDOTCA from January to December 2023 saved an average of $438 per year. The average savings represents the difference between the shoppers’ average lowest quoted premium and the average of the second and third-lowest quoted premiums generated by RATESDOTCA.

Joel Kranc ,
Writer

Joel Kranc is a freelance writer and content provider who has worked with RATESDOTCA since 2019. He holds an MA in political science from the University of Toronto and a film certificate from New York University.

He has been published in and worked for such companies as CNN, Rogers Media, Institutional Investor Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Infrastructure Investor, BenefitsPRO Magazine, Global Finance Magazine, With Intelligence, the CPP Investment Board, Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan, and many more financial services and industry publications.

He is the author of "Retirement Planning in 8 Easy Steps," which, when released in 2015, was No. 11 on the Publisher's Weekly US Bestseller List for Business and Finance, beating out Mark Cuban's "How to Win at the Sport of Business."

Education
  • Master's of Political Science, University of Toronto
Featured in
  • Benefits Canada
  • Institutional Investor
  • Plan Sponsor Magazine
  • Global Finance Magazine
  • Infrastructure Investor
  • Private Equity Investor
  • The Globe and Mail
  • Fund Directions Newsletter
  • BenefitsPRO
  • HR Professional
  • Advisor's Edge
  • Institutional Investor
  • Employee Benefit Advisor
  • Investing in Infrastructure Magazine (i3)

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