Car insurance in Toronto
Drivers in Toronto are required by law to have car insurance. If you are found driving without valid auto insurance, your driver's license will be suspended and your vehicle will be towed. Fines for not carrying valid auto insurance is ranging from $5000 to $50,000.
Toronto operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means drivers always go through their own insurance company, no matter who is at fault in an accident. Auto insurance in Toronto is a privatized industry, meaning you purchase your policy from a licensed insurance broker, insurance agent or direct writer.
Toronto auto insurance rate & regulations
Toronto auto insurance is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), formerly known as the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), an agency of the Ministry of Finance. FSRA regulates all Ontario auto insurance rates to ensure their rate changes are reasonable, while also allowing them to charge enough to cover their operating costs, future claims from consumers and make a profit. Auto insurance providers must apply to increase or decrease their rates, and usually request rate adjustments due to changes in a particular coverage.
Direct writers vs. insurance brokers vs. quote comparison websites
There are more ways to buy insurance than ever before. Here's a breakdown of all the entities that exist to help Canadian consumers get coverage.
First, there's the classic insurance company. These institutions underwrite policies and rely on dedicated agents to sell their products. Agents can only sell the products offered by the insurance company.
Many insurance companies now offer a convenient option known as 'direct writing'. This term refers to a division of an insurance company that underwrites and sells simplified policies directly to consumers. With direct writers, you can complete your purchase online without the need for an agent. This not only saves you time but also often results in lower premiums due to their streamlined operations. However, it's important to note that direct writers may not be suitable for those considered high-risk to insure.
Insurance brokers offer quotes from multiple companies. However, they do not sell insurance; they can only refer you to an insurance company, which will then complete the sale. Brokers earn commissions from the insurance companies they partner with, which makes their services free for consumers.
Quote comparison websites, such as RATESDOTCA, offer a flexible and accessible way to compare insurance options. They aggregate quotes from multiple brokers and insurance companies, allowing you to easily see the range of prices and policies available. If you find a price you like, we will transfer you to the company offering it. It's as simple as using a hotel or flight comparison website. Plus, there's no obligation to follow-up on a quote.