Car Insurance and Moving to Ontario
4 min. read
Ontario’s roads are unique. From dense downtown cores in Toronto and Ottawa to the open stretches of Highway 17 along Lake Superior, driving in Ontario is meant to be yours to discover. But to travel these roads confidently, you need proper Ontario car insurance that protects you when conditions change without warning.
The right policy matters when visibility drops from clear to zero in under an hour, when winter storms roll in unexpectedly, or when vehicle theft happens overnight while you’re asleep. That’s why having coverage built for Ontario — and guidance from an Ontario car insurance broker who understands the system — is essential.
At Humberview Insurance, we help you understand Ontario’s mandatory car insurance coverages and recommend optional protections that make sense for how and where you drive. We compare pricing and coverage options from multiple Ontario insurers to help you find a policy that fits both your needs and your budget. Whether you’re an experienced driver, a new G2 driver, or someone looking for a fresh start after tickets or accidents, we make navigating Ontario car insurance clear and stress-free — so you can drive with confidence anywhere in Ontario.
| Driver Type | Typical Monthly Range | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced driver, clean record | $130 – $190 | $1,600 – $2,300 |
| New G2 driver | $300 – $500 | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| High-risk driver with DUI | $350 – $650 | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| Driver with one at-fault accident | $220 – $330 | $2,600 – $4,000 |
| Driver with 1–2 minor tickets | $180 – $260 | $2,200 – $3,200 |
| Driver in GTA areas (Brampton, Mississauga) | $200 – $300 | $2,500 – $3,600 |
| Driver in Northern Ontario towns | $120 – $160 | $1,400 – $2,000 |
(These price ranges are general estimates based on common insurer rating patterns across Ontario. Actual premiums vary depending on the company and the individual driver profile.)
Provides protection if you are legally responsible for injuring someone or damaging another person’s property. This coverage also includes legal defence costs. Ontario drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, though higher limits are strongly recommended.
Covers damage to your vehicle when you are not at fault, and the accident occurs in Ontario with another
insured vehicle. Your own insurer pays for the damage instead of pursuing the other driver’s insurer.
As of January 1, 2024, Ontario drivers may have the option to opt out of DCPD under certain circumstances.
Opting out can reduce premium but significantly limits coverage, and should be reviewed carefully with a broker.
Protects you if you are injured or your vehicle is damaged by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run situation. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or does not carry valid insurance.
Provides no-fault benefits if you are injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who
caused the accident. This coverage can include medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement,
and caregiver benefits, subject to policy limits.
Ontario drivers also have the option to increase certain
Accident Benefits coverages beyond the standard limits. These optional increases can provide broader protection
depending on your circumstances and should be reviewed carefully with a licensed Ontario car insurance broker.
Covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or an object (such as a pole or guardrail), regardless of fault. A deductible usually applies.
Covers non-collision losses such as theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, weather events, and animal impacts. A deductible typically applies.
Combines Collision and Comprehensive coverage into one policy, providing the most complete physical damage protection for your vehicle. It also offers broader theft protection compared to Collision alone.
Protects your insurance record from the premium increase normally associated with your first at-fault accident. Eligibility usually requires a clean driving history for usually at least 6 years.
Prevents depreciation from being deducted if your vehicle is written off. If eligible, the insurer pays either the original purchase price or the original MSRP, whichever is lowest, depending on the endorsement and policy terms.
Provides reimbursement or direct access to a rental vehicle after an insured loss, subject to daily and maximum limits. This coverage is especially important if your vehicle is essential for work or daily transportation.
Car insurance in Ontario is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). While the province sets mandatory minimum coverage requirements, drivers still have flexibility to customize their policy based on their vehicle, driving habits, and personal risk tolerance.
Every Ontario auto insurance policy is built using two core layers of coverage:
The minimum insurance required by law to operate a vehicle in Ontario.
Additional protection you can choose to add to help protect your vehicle and provide greater financial security.
An Ontario car insurance broker can help you understand how these coverages work together and which options make sense for your specific situation.
Drivers in the Greater Toronto Area typically pay more due to higher traffic volumes, increased collision frequency, and elevated vehicle theft rates.
In contrast, Northern Ontario tends to have lower overall premiums because of reduced traffic density, though insurers still factor in winter driving risks and wildlife collisions.
Car insurance rates in Ontario are influenced by more than just your driving record. Insurers assess a combination of individual, vehicle, and regional risk factors when calculating premiums.
Areas with heavier traffic volumes such as busier parts of Toronto or Mississauga experience a higher frequency of collisions, which increases overall claim costs.
Ontario has seen a significant rise in auto theft in recent years. Vehicles that are stolen more frequently are often more expensive to insure, regardless of the driver’s record.
Ontario experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including snow, ice, freezing rain, and hail. These conditions contribute to a higher number of collision and comprehensive claims across the province.
Modern vehicles incorporate advanced technology and sensor systems, increasing both the complexity and cost of repairs. Rising inflation has further driven up parts and labour costs, especially for imported components. Electric vehicles can also involve higher repair costs due to specialized components, battery systems, and limited certified repair facilities.
False or inflated claims raise overall claim costs, which can affect baseline premiums across the entire Ontario car insurance market. It really does cost everyone more.

Auto theft continues to rise across Ontario, and some vehicles are now considered high-theft models, meaning they are stolen far more often than others. As a result, several insurers apply a theft surcharge to these vehicles.
If you drive one of these models, your insurance premium may be higher even with a clean driving record. The surcharge is based on the overall theft risk of the vehicle—not on your personal driving history. As of 2025 the surcharge is usually between $1,000 - $1,500 per year. (Varies by insurer and market data - High-theft classifications and surcharge rules vary by insurer and can change throughout the year based on claim data)
Some insurers may reduce or remove the theft surcharge if your vehicle is equipped with specific approved anti-theft systems. Read about and consider also the following. such as:
If you’re relocating to Ontario, your out-of-province driving history doesn’t automatically transfer.
Insurance companies may need proof of your past experience, claims history, and licensing before offering you the best possible rates.
Requirements can vary, and providing the right documents can make a big difference in what you pay.
Learn more about what you’ll need — and how to avoid paying more than necessary — in our full guide for Drivers Coming to Ontario From Another Province.
Ontario car insurance rates depend on several factors, including your postal code, the type of vehicle you drive, and how you use it. Areas with higher traffic, theft, or claims activity often have higher premiums, and vehicles with higher repair costs or lower safety ratings can cost more to insure. Your driving record, experience, and any tickets or accidents also affect your rate. The coverage options you choose may increase your premium, while discounts for bundling, multi-vehicle policies, and safe driving can help lower costs.
If you’ve recently moved to Canada and are getting your Ontario driver’s licence, your international driving experience may help lower your car insurance rate — but only under certain conditions. Most insurers primarily recognize Canadian or U.S. driving history, however some companies may give credit for up to 3 years of international experience when proper documentation is provided.
To qualify, drivers typically must:
Providing the right documents can significantly improve your rating and help you avoid paying higher premiums as a newly licensed driver in Canada.

Add your house policy to get a multi-line discount..
Insuring your vehicles with the same company can result in a multi-vehicle discount.
In Ontario, there are many options for car insurance whether through agents, brokers or direct companies. There are many offerings.
Determine how much you are comfortable covering yourself if minor damage occurs and adjust your deductible accordingly.
Some insurers charge a maximum rate of 1.3% for paying for your car insurance on a monthly basis. If your company is charging you for paying monthly – ask about paying annually or in larger installments to avoid fees.
Installing winter tires on your vehicles just makes sense for winter driving, but it can also save you money on what you pay for your car insurance.
If you are a young or inexperienced driver the price you pay for car insurance might be improved by taking an approved driver training course.
Many Ontario insurers offer telematics programs that track driving habits such as braking, acceleration, speed, and time of day. Safe driving behaviour can earn significant discounts — often up to 25% — and participating in a telematics program can help offset high premiums for more expensive vehicles.
Wildlife running across roads and highways is very common and it is something to watch out for.
Snow tires will help you control and stop in inclement weather, they do make a difference.
Check the weather of where you are planning to go. Even an hour away can be the difference between rain or shine.
Choosing the right Ontario car insurance provider matters — and at Humberview Insurance, we focus on making the process simple, fair, and personalized. As an independent, Ontario-based insurance brokerage, we work for you, not the insurance companies. Here’s what sets us apart:
We Compare Multiple Ontario Insurers
Instead of quoting just one company, we compare rates from several leading Ontario insurance providers. This helps you find the best price and coverage options available for your driving profile.
Clear, Straightforward Advice
Ontario auto insurance rules can be confusing. Our licensed brokers explain everything in plain language so you understand your coverage, your choices, and how to save money without compromising protection.
Fast, Hassle-Free Quotes
Whether you prefer to fill out a form, email us, or call, we make getting an Ontario car insurance quote quick and convenient.
Local Ontario Knowledge
Different cities and postal codes across the province have different rating factors. We understand how premiums vary in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Ottawa, Barrie, London, and everywhere in between — and we help you navigate these differences confidently.
Trusted by Ontario Drivers Since 1982
With over 40 years of serving communities across Ontario, we’ve helped thousands of drivers find the right insurance at the right price.
Ontario’s legal minimum includes $200,000 in Third-Party Liability, plus Accident Benefits, Direct Compensation–Property Damage (DC-PD), and Uninsured Automobile Coverage.
Recommended:
Most drivers choose $2 million in liability coverage.
Given today’s vehicle values, medical costs, and lawsuit exposure—especially in the GTA—higher limits are strongly advised.
The provincial average is roughly $160–$180 per month ($1,900–$2,200 annually).
Important:
Rates vary significantly by postal code.
In the GTA, premiums commonly start around $200–$250 per month and can increase based on your vehicle, driving record, and local theft rates.
A new G2 driver with no prior insurance history can expect $300–$450+ per month.
Historically, the highest average premiums appear in:
Ontario premiums are primarily driven by:
While no single vehicle is always the cheapest, cars with:
…tend to have lower premiums.
Examples of commonly lower-cost models include:
Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Outback, Mazda3, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ford Escape.
Yes. All licensed household members must be declared, even if they rarely drive.
Exception:
If a licensed driver in the household will never operate the insured vehicle, an Excluded Driver Endorsement (OEF 28A) may be added to the policy. This removes coverage for that person while driving the insured vehicle — they cannot operate it under any circumstances.
In some situations, a household driver who has their own separate auto policy may not need to be listed on your policy, but this depends entirely on the insurance company’s underwriting rules. Each insurer treats these situations differently, so it’s important to confirm with your broker before making any assumptions.
A single theft claim usually does not increase your insurance premium by itself, especially if it’s your first comprehensive claim. However, multiple theft or comprehensive claims within a short period—typically three to five years—can affect your options. Many insurers have underwriting rules that limit or remove comprehensive coverage after a certain number of theft-related claims, even if you are not at fault.
Additionally, vehicle theft risk is often rated at the vehicle level, not the driver level. This means premiums may increase due to theft trends affecting specific models or postal codes, rather than because of your personal claim history. In some cases, repeated theft exposure may require moving to a different insurer or result in higher premiums due to limited market availability.
Car insurance rates in the GTA are generally higher than in other parts of Ontario due to dense traffic, frequent collisions, and elevated auto theft activity. Drivers in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and surrounding areas often see higher premiums because insurers experience more frequent and more costly claims in this region. Even neighbouring cities within the GTA can vary significantly in pricing based on postal code and local claim patterns.
Southwestern Ontario typically sees more moderate insurance rates compared to the GTA. Cities such as London, Kitchener, Windsor, and Guelph have a mix of urban and rural driving conditions, which can influence risk differently. While traffic volumes are lower than in the GTA, factors such as severe weather, highway commuting, and varying theft rates still play a role in determining premiums. Many drivers in this region benefit from more stable and competitive pricing.
Eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, Kingston, and surrounding communities, generally experiences competitive insurance pricing due to lower population density and fewer large-scale theft trends compared to the GTA. However, winter weather, long-distance commuting, and regional claim frequency still affect rates. Insurers assess each city and postal code individually, meaning premiums can vary even between neighbouring towns.
Northern Ontario often offers some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in the province. Lower traffic density and fewer large-scale collisions contribute to favourable pricing. However, long rural highways, wildlife collisions, severe winter storms, and limited visibility conditions can all influence risk. Areas such as Sudbury, Thunder Bay, North Bay, and surrounding towns still see variation in premiums based on local claim history and driving patterns.
Car insurance rates vary significantly across Ontario because each region carries its own level of risk based on local claim frequency, traffic density, theft trends, and weather conditions. Ontario insurers rely heavily on territorial rating — meaning even small geographic changes can affect pricing. For example, we’ve seen situations where a client moved to a different location even on the samestreet, but a shift in postal code resulted in an unexpected decrease in premium. These differences can be confusing, but they are the result of Ontario’s complex rating system. This is why working with an experienced Ontario car insurance broker is valuable: it helps ensure your coverage and pricing are reviewed properly and that you understand how regional factors may be affecting your rate.
While your personal factors heavily influence your rate, some vehicles generally cost less to insure because they have strong safety ratings, affordable repair costs, lower theft risk, and favourable claims histories. Below are examples of models that often receive more affordable premiums in Ontario:
Low theft rates, reliable performance, and inexpensive replacement parts help keep insurance costs down.
Excellent safety ratings and a low cost of ownership make the Elantra one of the more affordable vehicles to insure.
Standard All-Wheel Drive and advanced safety systems contribute to fewer claims, improving its insurance profile.
Strong safety features and modest horsepower often result in less severe collision damage, keeping premiums lower.
This compact SUV benefits from high safety scores and widely available, low-cost parts.
Commonly listed among the cheapest SUVs to insure due to strong crash test results and affordable maintenance.
“Actual pricing varies by insurer, model year, safety features, and your individual driving profile.”

Ontario roads can change quickly during winter — especially with sudden snow squalls, freezing rain, and fast-moving storm systems. Before getting behind the wheel, it’s smart to check current and upcoming conditions using reliable tools such as:
Many collisions in Ontario happen during periods of rapidly deteriorating weather, and conditions can shift dramatically within just a few kilometers — particularly in areas impacted by lake-effect snow and winter microclimates. This unpredictability is exactly why it’s important not only to stay aware of weather conditions before driving, but also to ensure you have proper Ontario car insurance that responds when accidents occur during severe weather. The right coverage helps protect you, your vehicle, and your family when conditions change faster than expected.
While the winter-tire discount from insurers is usually small, the safety benefits are enormous.
Winter tires offer:
The difference between all-season and winter tires in poor weather is astronomical,
which is why every driver in Ontario should strongly consider using them from November to April.
They help prevent collisions — and avoiding even one accident is worth far more than the discount.

Ontario drivers experience a wide range of claim situations, from wildlife collisions in northern regions to rear-end accidents on major highways and vehicle thefts in the GTA. Below are examples of recent claim scenarios to help drivers understand how coverage typically responds in real-life situations. All examples are generalized and anonymized but reflect common situations Ontario insurers handle every day.
| Claim Type | Description | Location | Estimated Claim Cost | Coverage Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Collision | While travelling near Gravenhurst at night, a deer suddenly darted across the highway, causing major front-end damage to a Mercedes GLA, including the bumper, hood, grille, sensors, and windshield. | Gravenhurst | ~$24,000 | Comprehensive Claim. Deductible Applied. |
| Rear-End Collision (Not at Fault) | While travelling on the QEW near Appleby Line, a Mazda CX-5 was rear-ended by a distracted driver who did not notice traffic slowing ahead. Damage included the rear bumper, sensors, and related components. | Burlington | ~$12,000 | Direct Compensation–Property Damage No Deductible Applied. |
| Vehicle Theft | A 2020 Lexus RX350 was stolen from a residential driveway around 3 AM. The insurer initially paid the full claim amount. The vehicle was later recovered in damaged condition and sold at auction, with the insurer recovering approximately $40,000 of the loss. | Mississauga | ~$66,000 paid → ~$40,000 salvage recovery | Comprehensive (Theft) Deductible Applies. |
| Whiteout Collision – Total Loss | During severe whiteout conditions near the Barrie ONroute, a Subaru lost visibility and control, striking the vehicle ahead and was struck by other vehicles.. Extensive structural and front and back damage resulted in a total loss. | Barrie | ~$42,000 | Collision Coverage. Deductible Applied. |
| Intersection Collision | Two vehicles collided after a third partydriver failed to yield at a controlled intersection. Airbags deployed and the Ford Explorer involved was written off. | Hamilton | ~$48,000 | Direct Compensation–Property Damage (No deductible when 0% at fault) |
| Parking Lot Hit-and-Run | A parked Honda Civic was struck overnight, leaving damage to a door and fender. No driver was identified. | Toronto | ~$3,500 | Collision Coverage with 0% Deductible Applied |
| Parking Lot Reversal Collision – Disputed Liability | A driver in a Ford Edge stopped while attempting to exit a parking lot, and the vehicle ahead reversed and backed into them. With no dash cam footage or independent evidence and conflicting statements from both drivers, the claim was assessed as 50/50 responsibility. Shows why dash cam footage can be essential when insurers determine fault in Ontario car insurance claims. | Vaughan | ~$5,000 | Collison & DCPD Coverage. 50% Deductible applied. |
These examples are for general information only; every claim is unique and actual outcomes depend on the specific circumstances and policy details.