Auto Insurance in Ontario, Compared by a Licensed Broker

Insure Me Good is an independent Ontario insurance brokerage. We compare more than 20 insurers, plus specialty markets, to find car insurance that fits your driving record, your vehicle and your budget. Abhishek Bedwal, a RIBO-licensed broker, explains what is required, what is optional and what each choice means when you claim, in English, Hindi or Punjabi.

Reviewed by Abhishek Bedwal, RIBO-licensed broker. Updated September 2026. Verify a broker at RIBO.

Auto Insurance in Ontario, Compared by a Licensed Broker in Ontario

Key facts

  • Ontario law requires four coverages on every auto policy: liability, accident benefits, direct compensation property damage and uninsured automobile.
  • The legal liability minimum is $200,000. Most drivers choose $1 million or more.
  • Ontario insurers must offer a discount for winter tires.
  • Two drivers with the same car can pay very different prices, so comparing insurers matters.
  • A broker compares insurers for you at no extra charge to you.

Who needs this

Most drivers do not need a complicated policy. They need the right one, explained clearly. We help:

  • Families adding a teen or a second car
  • New drivers in G1, G2 and G
  • Newcomers to Canada with driving experience from another country
  • Drivers with tickets, at-fault claims or a lapse in coverage (see our high-risk auto page)
  • People who lease or finance a vehicle and need to meet lender rules
  • Anyone who drives for work, delivery or rideshare and is not sure their policy allows it
  • Drivers who are shopping around at renewal and want a second opinion before they switch

What every Ontario auto policy includes

By law, every policy on a licensed vehicle in Ontario carries these four coverages:

  • Third-party liability. Pays if you injure someone or damage their property. The legal minimum is $200,000, but most people choose $1 million or more, because a serious accident can cost far more than the minimum.
  • Statutory accident benefits. Pays medical, rehabilitation and income-related benefits after an accident, whoever is at fault. Ontario changed its accident benefits rules on July 1, 2026, and some benefits are now optional. We explain your choices and record them on the signed consultation form.
  • Direct compensation property damage. Handles damage to your vehicle and its contents when another driver is at fault.
  • Uninsured automobile. Protects you if you are hit by someone who has no insurance or cannot be found.

Optional coverages worth a real conversation

  • Collision. Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision, whoever is at fault, less your deductible.
  • Comprehensive. Pays for theft, fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects and hitting an animal.
  • Family protection (OPCF 44R). Tops up your liability protection if you are hit by an at-fault driver who carries only the minimum. It is inexpensive and often overlooked.
  • Limited waiver of depreciation (OPCF 43). Helps you replace a newer vehicle with less depreciation taken off after a total loss.
  • Loss of use. Helps pay for a rental while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim.
  • Non-owned automobile (OPCF 27). Adds liability protection when you rent or borrow a car.
  • Accident forgiveness and minor conviction protection. Offered by some insurers. Worth comparing because the rules differ.
  • Winter tires. Ontario insurers must offer a discount when you use winter tires. We make sure you are getting it.

What changes the price of car insurance

No two drivers get the same price, even on the same street. Insurers look at:

  • Your driving record, including tickets and at-fault claims
  • How many years you have held a licence, in Canada or elsewhere
  • Your vehicle, including make, model, age and repair cost
  • Where the car is kept and how far you drive each year
  • Whether you commute, use the car for pleasure only or use it for business
  • Your coverage choices and deductibles
  • Whether you have had continuous insurance without gaps
  • Discounts such as winter tires, multi-vehicle, home and auto bundling, approved driver training and telematics

Because every insurer weighs these factors differently, the cheapest insurer for one household is rarely the cheapest for the next. That is why comparing matters.

How we work

  1. You tell us about your drivers and vehicles. A phone call is usually enough. We can help in Hindi, Punjabi or English.
  1. We check your record. With your permission we review your driving and claims history so nothing surprises you later.
  1. We compare insurers. We approach the standard market first, then specialty markets if your record calls for it.
  1. We explain the options. You see what each policy covers, what it leaves out and why the prices differ.
  1. You choose, and we handle the paperwork. We arrange proof of insurance and stay available for changes and claims questions.

Example scenarios

Mistakes that cost Ontario drivers money

  1. Choosing only the minimum liability. A serious accident can cost far more than $200,000.
  1. Skipping family protection. OPCF 44R is inexpensive and protects you when the at-fault driver has only the minimum.
  1. Not telling the insurer about a change. A new driver, a move, a new job with a longer commute or business use can all change your policy.
  1. Letting coverage lapse. Even a short gap can raise your price for years.
  1. Assuming the renewal price is the best price. Renewal prices often drift up. Ask for a fresh comparison every year.
  1. Buying on price alone. Two policies that look alike can have different deductibles, exclusions and endorsements.

A short checklist before you renew or buy

  • Confirm every household driver is listed correctly
  • Check your annual kilometres and how you really use the car
  • Ask about winter tire, driver training, multi-vehicle and bundling discounts
  • Compare liability limits and your deductibles
  • Ask whether OPCF 43, 44R and loss of use are included
  • Review your accident benefits choices and the signed consultation form
  • Ask how a claim would affect your price

Standard market and specialty market auto insurance

ComparisonStandard insurersSpecialty (non-standard) insurers
Best forClean or mostly clean recordsTickets, at-fault claims, lapses, cancellations, some new drivers
PriceUsually lowerUsually higher, but often the only option available
Payment plansMonthly plans are commonLarger down payment is common
UnderwritingStricterMore flexible
Path forwardStay and earn loyalty benefitsImprove your record, then move back to standard rates
FAQ

Questions Ontario clients ask

How much does car insurance cost in Ontario?
It depends on your record, your vehicle, where you live, how you use the car and the coverages you choose. Two drivers with the same car can pay very different amounts. We compare 20+ insurers so you see real quotes for your situation rather than averages.
Should I use a broker or buy directly from an insurer?
A direct insurer can only quote its own products. A broker compares several insurers, explains the differences and works for you, not for one company. There is no extra charge to you for our service.
Can I get insurance with a G1 or G2 licence?
Yes. G1 and G2 drivers can be insured, either on their own policy or as a listed driver on a family policy. Being listed correctly matters. We help you decide which option makes sense.
I just moved to Ontario. Will my foreign driving experience count?
Some insurers recognize it if you can document it. Bring any letter of experience, licence or driving record you have, in any language, and we will tell you what is useful.
What are OPCF 43 and OPCF 44R?
OPCF 43 helps reduce depreciation when a newer vehicle is a total loss. OPCF 44R adds protection if an at-fault driver has only the minimum liability limits. Both are optional endorsements on your policy.
Can I change insurers in the middle of my policy?
Usually yes. You can cancel and move at any time, although your current insurer may charge a short-rate penalty. We check the numbers before you switch so you know whether it is worth it.
How often should I compare car insurance?
At least once a year, and any time something changes, such as a new driver, a new vehicle, a move or a ticket. Prices differ between insurers, and the gap can be large.
Will a ticket raise my rates right away?
Not always. Insurers see convictions when they review your record, often at renewal. The effect depends on the type of ticket and your insurer's rules. Bring us the details and we will check how each insurer treats it.
Can I insure a car I lease or finance?
Yes. Lenders usually require collision and comprehensive coverage with a maximum deductible. Tell us your lender's requirements and we will build them in.
Can I bundle car and home insurance?
Many insurers offer a discount when you insure both with them. We compare bundled and separate options, since the best combined price is sometimes with two different insurers.
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About the broker

Abhishek Bedwal · RIBO Certified Insurance Broker

Abhishek is a Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario (RIBO) licensed across the province, with local expertise across Durham Region, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Brantford and Windsor. Coverage is placed through The Insurance Lab, a division of BrokerUnion, giving clients access to 20+ Canadian insurers so the policy fits the risk — not the other way around.

RIBO LicensedThe Insurance Lab20+ Ontario Carriers

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Tell us what you need and we will compare suitable Ontario markets for you.

We speak English, Hindi and Punjabi.

Coverage placed through The Insurance Lab · Division of BrokerUnion

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