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How much does car insurance cost in Scarborough in 2026?
In 2026, the average car insurance premium in Scarborough is $3,180 per year (about $265 per month). Premiums in Scarborough are 19.87% higher than the provincial average of $2,653. This makes Scarborough 174th out of 181 Ontario communities for car insurance affordability.
How Rates.ca finds the average car insurance premium
Rates.ca’s Auto Insuramap is an interactive map that shows how car insurance rates compare across Ontario’s forward sortation areas (FSA).
The estimated premiums for each FSA are based on the average of the three lowest premiums quoted. These quotes were acquired from Rates.ca using a specific driver profile: a 40-year-old male driver with 16 years of continuous insurance history, driving a four-door Honda Civic that is approximately five years old at the time of quoting.
Very young men tend to pay more for car insurance than young women. We made our driver persona 40-years-old because the differences in premiums for men and women tend to resolve by then. We also made it male to avoid understating the premiums.
From there, we matched the FSAs to their corresponding city, town, or community, along with the number of quotes we received from real Rates.ca users in that area. The average premium for each municipality was weighted based on the number of quotes.
The estimated premium for all of Ontario was calculated by averaging the municipal averages.
Key numbers: Scarborough car insurance
- Drivers in Scarborough pay an average of $265 per month and $3,180 per year for car insurance.
- Scarborough is 174th out of 181 Ontario communities for car insurance affordability.
- Rates vary by postal code within Scarborough. Premiums are lowest in M1N at $2,750 and highest in M1P at $3,354.
- After years of increases, premiums are stabilizing — now is a good time to shop around and compare quotes.
As of March 2026
Changes coming to Ontario car insurance in 2026
Car insurance prices in Ontario will continue rising in 2026, but not as sharply as they did in 2023. Still, many drivers may notice higher premiums when their policies renew this year.
- Factors like increasing healthcare costs, cars being more high-tech, and auto theft are leading to higher insurance claims payouts. Insurance companies have raised premiums to cover these costs.
- On July 1, new rules will also change how accident benefits work in Ontario. Some benefits that used to be included automatically will now become optional.
- If you get a new policy after July 1, many accident benefits will not be included unless you ask for them.
- Choosing to do away with the newly optional accident benefits may save up to 5%, but you could lose access to tens of thousands of dollars in critical benefits.
- With the cost of everything rising, it can be tempting to cut down on coverage. Comparing car insurance quotes can help you save without giving up protection.
Scarborough auto insurance rates compared to the GTA
According to Rates.ca data, drivers in Scarborough pay about $3,180 per year for auto insurance as of March 2026.
Drivers here pay premiums that are higher than in Burlington, which is the cheapest city for car insurance in the GTA at $2,109 per year.
However, insurance costs in Scarborough are lower relative to the premiums in Brampton, the most expensive city in the region at $3,802 per year.
Compared to the GTA’s overall average premium ($3,072), car insurance rates in Scarborough are 3.52% higher.
Car insurance premiums depend on many factors, such as the number of claims in an area, the amount of time drivers spend on the road, and each driver’s personal and insurance history.
Scarborough vs. the GTA: average car insurance rates (2026)
| Rank | City | Annual premium | Difference vs. Scarborough (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | $2,109 | -33.68% |
| 2 | Oakville | $2,167 | -31.86% |
| 3 | Uxbridge | $2,175 | -31.60% |
| 4 | Port Perry | $2,193 | -31.04% |
| 5 | Whitchurch-Stouffville | $2,203 | -30.72% |
| 6 | Newcastle | $2,235 | -29.72% |
| 7 | Sunderland | $2,260 | -28.93% |
| 8 | Orono | $2,269 | -28.65% |
| 9 | Newmarket | $2,275 | -28.46% |
| 10 | Halton Hills | $2,317 | -27.14% |
| 11 | Georgina | $2,380 | -25.16% |
| 12 | Milton | $2,384 | -25.03% |
| 13 | Aurora | $2,397 | -24.62% |
| 14 | East Gwillimbury | $2,399 | -24.56% |
| 15 | Bowmanville | $2,407 | -24.31% |
| 16 | Courtice | $2,435 | -23.43% |
| 17 | Whitby | $2,483 | -21.92% |
| 18 | Richmond Hill | $2,491 | -21.67% |
| 19 | Oshawa | $2,559 | -19.53% |
| 20 | Pickering | $2,650 | -16.67% |
| 21 | Ajax | $2,692 | -15.35% |
| 22 | Caledon | $2,794 | -12.14% |
| 23 | Downtown Toronto | $2,888 | -9.18% |
| 24 | King City | $2,894 | -8.99% |
| 25 | Markham | $2,900 | -8.81% |
| 26 | Mississauga | $3,078 | -3.21% |
| 27 | Scarborough | $3,180 | 0.00% |
| 28 | East York | $3,207 | 0.85% |
| 29 | Vaughan | $3,259 | 2.48% |
| 30 | Etobicoke | $3,277 | 3.05% |
| 31 | North York | $3,348 | 5.28% |
| 32 | Brampton | $3,802 | 19.56% |
GTA average premium: $3,072
Updated March 2026
Scarborough car insurance rates by postal code
The lowest average premium in Scarborough is found in the M1N area, where drivers pay $2,750 annually. Meanwhile, drivers in M1P have the highest average premiums at $3,354 per year.
Car insurance rates in Scarborough vary by postal code. Differences in neighbourhood characteristics — such as claims frequency, collision rates, theft patterns, and traffic density — influence what drivers in any given area pay, since insurers use these factors to predict how likely customers will be to file a claim.
Scarborough car insurance: average premiums by postal code (2026)
| Rank | Postal code | Annual premium | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M1N | $2,750 | $229 |
| 2 | M1M | $2,878 | $240 |
| 3 | M1C | $2,999 | $250 |
| 4 | M1W | $3,035 | $253 |
| 5 | M1V | $3,081 | $257 |
| 6 | M1H | $3,108 | $259 |
| 7 | M1X | $3,123 | $260 |
| 8 | M1B | $3,155 | $263 |
| 9 | M1S | $3,181 | $265 |
| 10 | M1L | $3,199 | $267 |
| 11 | M1K | $3,229 | $269 |
| 12 | M1T | $3,229 | $269 |
| 13 | M1E | $3,283 | $274 |
| 13 | M1J | $3,283 | $274 |
| 13 | M1G | $3,283 | $274 |
| 16 | M1R | $3,301 | $275 |
| 17 | M1P | $3,354 | $280 |
Why we don't show complete postal codes
The first three characters of your postal code signfy the forward sortation area (FSA). An FSA covers a specific geographic region used to sort and deliver mail. Each FSA contains multiple postal codes.
Auto insurers also use FSAs to understand risk in an area. For example, if an FSA has more accidents or vehicle thefts than average, insurers may see that area as higher risk. This can lead to higher insurance premiums for people who live there.
We look at premiums at the FSA level because it shows clearer, more reliable pricing patterns. Since each FSA contains many postal codes, using the whole FSA helps smooth out small differences between individual addresses and gives a more accurate view of trends in your area.
Recent auto insurance quotes in Scarborough
Recent auto Insurance Quote from Scarborough, Ontario
Female, 25 years old
2024 KIA FORTE EX 4DR
June 23, 2026
Cheapest Quote
$ 139 / month
$ 1,671 / yearAverage Quote
$ 523 / month
$ 6,281 / yearSavings
$ 384 / month
$ 4,610 / year
73 %
Recent auto Insurance Quote from Scarborough, Ontario
Male, 34 years old
2024 VOLKSWAGEN TAOS COMFORTLINE 1.5 TSI 4DR 2WD
June 23, 2026
Cheapest Quote
$ 422 / month
$ 5,063 / yearAverage Quote
$ 962 / month
$ 11,546 / yearSavings
$ 540 / month
$ 6,483 / year
56 %
Recent auto Insurance Quote from Scarborough, Ontario
Female, 37 years old
2017 TOYOTA COROLLA SE 4DR
June 23, 2026
Cheapest Quote
$ 285 / month
$ 3,420 / yearAverage Quote
$ 424 / month
$ 5,092 / yearSavings
$ 139 / month
$ 1,672 / year
33 %
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.
Mandatory and optional auto insurance in Scarborough
| Protection type & status | Coverage details & risks |
|---|---|
| Third-party liability [MANDATORY] | $200,000 minimum in coverage is required. Provides coverage in the event of a lawsuit resulting from an accident where you are at fault. Ontario drivers are encouraged to buy at least $1M in third-party liability insurance. |
| Accident benefits: Basic medical & rehab [MANDATORY] | Provides coverage if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Covers medical expenses that aren’t covered by OHIP. |
| Accident benefits: Income & family support [OPTIONAL] | Replaces lost wages, caregiver costs, and funeral expenses. After July 1, 2026, this coverage is no longer included by default on new policies; you must actively opt-in to keep your income safety net. Renewing policies will keep this coverage. |
| Uninsured automobile [MANDATORY] | 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. |
Direct compensation property damage [OPTIONAL] | DCPD is a standard coverage. It covers damage to your car, or loss of use of your vehicle, if someone else is at fault. DCPD is automatically included in all policies, but an insurance professional can remove it using form OPCF 49. Insurance experts, as well as the Ontario regulator, warn against this. |
| Collision [ADD-ON] | Covers the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle following a collision with another vehicle, an object, or property. Usually required for leased vehicles. |
| Comprehensive [ADD-ON] | 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. Usually required for leased vehicles. |
| Specified perils [ADD-ON] | 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 [ADD-ON] | Combines collision/upset and comprehensive coverage. Also provides additional protection if a household member or an employee steals your vehicle. |
| OPCF 20: Replacement vehicle [ADD-ON] | 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: Rental car liability [ADD-ON] | Covers if you damage a borrowed or rental vehicle. The coverage limit is usually around $25,000 to $50,000. |
| OPCF 39: Accident forgiveness [ADD-ON] | Protect your premium from rising when you have your first at-fault accident. |
| OPCF 43: Depreciation waiver [ADD-ON] | 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 [ADD-ON] | Increases your coverage if you're injured or killed in a collision involving an underinsured, uninsured, or unidentified driver. This coverage also applies if you or a family member is injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist. |
| OPCF 49: DCPD opt-out [ADD-ON] | Removes DCPD coverage from your insurance policy. |
| Legend | Essential: Critical coverage you should always have, with few exceptions Caution: Think carefully before removing Optimal: Useful add-on |
Key factors that influence car insurance premiums in Scarborough
Car insurance rates in Scarborough are based on your overall risk profile. Insurers evaluate several key factors to determine how likely you are to file a claim.
Quick answer: Your premium is mainly affected by your location, driving record, vehicle, annual mileage, coverage level, and available discounts.
Main factors that affect your premium in Scarborough
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Location (postal code) | Scarborough has some of the highest car insurance rates in Ontario, and your postal code plays a significant role. Densely populated areas with high claim frequency, such as parts of Malvern, Rexdale-adjacent corridors, and sections near Kingston Road, tend to carry the steepest premiums. |
| Driving history | Accidents, traffic violations, and past claims increase your premium, while a clean driving record helps keep costs lower over time. In a high-rate market like Scarborough, a strong driving history matters even more. |
| Vehicle type | Cars that are expensive to repair, replace, or more likely to be stolen usually cost more to insure. Scarborough consistently ranks among the areas with the highest auto theft rates in the GTA, making vehicle choice and comprehensive coverage particularly important here. |
| Annual mileage | The more you drive, the higher your risk of being involved in an accident. Many Scarborough residents commute into downtown Toronto via the DVP or Highway 401, logging significant daily mileage that can push premiums higher. |
| Coverage level | Choosing additional coverage beyond the minimum required increases your premium but provides more financial protection. Given Scarborough's elevated theft and accident rates, optional coverage such as comprehensive and collision is worth careful consideration. |
| Discount eligibility | Your age, occupation, education, and affiliations may qualify you for discounts. Scarborough's diverse and large workforce means employer group discounts, union affiliations, and professional association rates are worth checking with your insurer. |
| Additional drivers | Adding drivers to your policy increases overall risk and can raise your insurance costs. Scarborough's large multigenerational household population means multiple family members are often sharing vehicles, which can have a meaningful impact on premiums. |
| Bundled policies | Insuring multiple policies, such as home and auto, with the same provider can reduce your premium through bundle discounts. With Scarborough's mix of homeowners and condo owners, bundling home and auto is a practical and widely available way to offset the area's higher base rates. |
Many of these factors can be adjusted. See below for ways to lower your car insurance premium in Scarborough.
Tips to get cheap car insurance in Scarborough
The best way to reduce your car insurance premium in Scarborough is to shop and compare quotes, fine-tune your policy, lower your driving risk, and take advantage of discounts available to you.
1. Compare and shop around
Best for: Drivers looking for the most significant potential savings.
- Compare quotes: Premiums differ between insurers, so getting multiple quotes can help you find a better deal.
- Bundle home and auto insurance: Combining policies under one provider can save you around 5% to 15%.
- Check group discounts: Your employer, alumni network, union, or professional association may have access to reduced rates.
2. Adjust your policy and payments
Best for: Drivers looking to cut costs without switching insurers.
- Raise your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible typically brings down your monthly premium.
- Review your coverage: Dropping optional add-ons you no longer use is a simple way to trim your bill.
- Pay annually: Certain insurers reward customers who choose to pay their full premium upfront.
3. Reduce your driving risk
Best for: Drivers with flexibility in how much or how far they drive.
- Drive less: Keeping your annual mileage low can reduce both your accident exposure and your premium.
- Limit additional drivers: Removing infrequent or higher-risk drivers from your policy may help lower your rate.
4. Use discounts that apply to you
Best for: Drivers who qualify for insurer-specific savings.
- Install winter tires: Many Ontario insurers provide a discount for equipping your vehicle with winter tires.
- Complete driver training: New drivers may be eligible for savings after finishing an approved driving course.
- Insure multiple vehicles: Bundling more than one car on a policy can save approximately 5% to 15%.
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Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Scarborough
Here's everything you need to know about car insurance in Scarborough.
Car insurance rules & regulations in Scarborough you need to know
Legal requirements
- All drivers in Ontario, including Scarborough, must have valid auto insurance by law.
- Penalties for driving uninsured include fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, driver's licence suspension, and vehicle seizure.
Long-term consequences of driving uninsured
- Insurance companies may label you as a "high-risk" driver, leading to higher premiums or denial of coverage.
- You may lose access to income replacement and non-earner benefits if involved in an accident.
- You could forfeit the right to sue an at-fault driver for compensation.
Car insurance is regulated in Ontario
- The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) oversees auto insurance rates in Scarborough and across Ontario.
- FSRA ensures rates are fair and sufficient to cover operating costs, future claims, and profits.
- Insurance providers regularly submit rate adjustment requests to FSRA based on market conditions and claim trends.
Why this matters
Being informed about the rules that govern car insurance in the province will help you avoid severe penalties and long-term financial consequences. Most importantly, it ensures you're protected in case of an accident.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Scarborough?
The answer will be unique to you. Each insurance company has its own way of calculating rates, so prices will vary from person to person. Your policy is also tailored to your needs and circumstances, which further impacts the final price. That's why it's important to always compare rates before you choose an auto insurance policy.
Rates.ca provides the easiest and quickest way to compare premiums for cheap car insurance in Scarborough.
If you have a policy and are thinking of switching, try talking to your existing provider about discounts. Insurance companies reward drivers for their experience on the road, driving history and needs, insurance policy bundles, and installing anti-theft devices, among other things.
Can I get month to month car insurance in Scarborough?
Most insurance companies don't offer temporary car insurance. In theory, you could opt for a 12-month policy and then cancel it before the end of the agreement, but you will likely face cancellation fees.
How do I get car insurance as a new driver in Scarborough?
Ontario drivers can apply for car insurance with an insurance broker (an independent advisor), an insurance agent (an employee of an insurance company), or a direct writer (insurance companies that sell directly to consumers, no agents or brokers involved).
Young drivers typically fall within the ages of 16-24, and they pay the highest insurance premiums of any age group. However, a new driver, irrespective of age, can save on premiums by being certified by a government-approved driving school, maintaining a clean driving record and practicing safe and responsible driving techniques.
Rates.ca can help you identify the cheapest deal on auto insurance.
How do I switch car insurance providers in Scarborough?
To switch car insurance providers in Scarborough, compare quotes, choose a new provider, and notify your current insurer. Ensure there is no lapse in coverage during the transition.
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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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Disclaimers
*More than 50% of Rates.ca users in Ontario who obtained an auto insurance quote from January to December 2025 saw savings ranging from $250 to $1,050, with an average savings of $583.87. 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.