Jamie MacDonald
2026-05-07 14:59:32
★★★★★
Dylan Smith was a fantastic rep! Enjoyed our conversations and he was incredibly helpful and quick to get my policy replaced with a new one. Thank you.
What is collision car insurance?
Collision insurance is an optional type of coverage that provides protection to help cover the cost of damage if your vehicle is in an accident by hitting another car or object.
It provides financial assistance towards vehicle repairs or replacement if it is a write-off. If you lease or finance a car, it is likely mandatory to have collision coverage on your policy. You may also require this coverage to meet the conditions of your auto loan.
The need for this policy depends on your driving situation. Most drivers have it to reduce financial risk and have peace of mind. With it, you would be able to pay for repairs or replacement after an at-fault accident.
Collision car insurance: the quick facts
- Collision covers accident damage when you collide with another vehicle or object.
- Collision coverage is optional. However, it may be required if you lease your vehicle or to meet your auto loan lender's conditions.
- On average, adding collision insurance typically costs between $100 and $500 per year.
- The cost varies by insurer based on your driving history, vehicle value, car type, and deductible amount.
- Collision coverage does not cover damage when your vehicle is parked.
How to get quotes for collision car insurance
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What does collision insurance cover?
Collision pays for losses when your insured vehicle is in an accident with another car or rolls over. An object can include another vehicle, a trailer attached to a vehicle, the surface of the ground, or any object on the ground. Ontario auto insurance is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). The damage to your vehicle that it will cover includes:
- An accident with another vehicle, or another vehicle colliding with your automobile.
- A trailer attached to another vehicle.
- A hit and run if the incident is reported to the police.
- Colliding into a road sign, a street light, the ground, a pothole, an embankment, or another stationary object.
What is not covered by collision insurance?
Collision only provides coverage for auto accidents. It does not provide benefits if an object hits your vehicle. For example, if a tree falls on your car, that would be covered through comprehensive insurance.
Here is what you do not have coverage for:
- Damage when your vehicle is stationary.
- Damage to another driver's car.
- Medical costs.
How much does collision insurance cost?
The cost of adding collision varies based on your provider, your driving history, the current value of your vehicle, and your deductible amount.
On average, adding collision insurance to your policy typically costs between $100 and $500 per year. However, this is not a flat rate. Because collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of fault, the premium is highly personalized.
Key factors influencing your collision insurance rates include:
- Vehicle value: The higher the actual cash value of your car, the more it costs to insure. High-end SUVs and EVs generally command higher collision premiums.
- Your deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance applies. Choosing a higher deductible (for example, $1,000 instead of $500) will significantly lower your annual premium.
- Driving history: Drivers with a clean record and no recent at-fault accidents qualify for the lowest rates.
- Insurance provider: Rates vary between companies. Comparing quotes is the most effective way to find the lowest price for your specific profile.
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How does collision insurance work?
Collision insurance helps pay for repairing or replacing your car if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. The other driver's insurance might cover the damage if the other driver was at fault. If not, your collision insurance will cover the remaining costs up to the policy limits.
Imagine you are driving your car when another vehicle runs a red light and crashes into you. The accident causes damage to your car's front bumper and headlights. In this situation, your collision insurance will come into play.
To get your car repaired, file a claim with your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information and documentation. They will assess the damages and provide the funds needed to repair your car, minus your deductible.
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What is the difference between collision and comprehensive?
Collision coverage is an insurance policy that protects your vehicle if you are in an accident with another car or object. It protects your vehicle when it is in motion.
Comprehensive coverage offers protection against non-collision related damage or loss, such as theft or damage caused by harsh weather conditions. It protects your vehicle when it is parked. Both types of coverage are recommended so you have complete protection.
Do you need collision coverage on an older car?
Adding collision coverage to your car insurance may or may not be worth it, depending on whether it makes financial sense. Consider:
- Vehicle value: Consider dropping it if your annual premium and deductible cost more than 10% of your vehicle value.
- Coverage amount: Consider how much you currently pay annually.
- Deductible versus vehicle value: What is the difference between the deductible and the value? Does it make sense to file a claim for your insurer to cover the cost of repairs?
- Financial situation: Can you handle the cost of repairs or a new vehicle?
| Vehicle age / value | Collision recommended? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| New or leased | Yes | Required by lenders; high replacement cost. |
| 5 to 10 years old | Optional | Depends on the "10% rule" (premium versus car value). |
| Value under $3,000 | Likely no | Deductible and premiums may exceed the potential payout. |
When should you keep collision insurance?
While reducing coverage can save money, maintaining enhanced protection is often the smarter financial move under specific circumstances. You may want to keep your current level of coverage if:
- You do not have the funds to buy a new car: If you cannot afford to replace your vehicle, it is reasonable to keep the protection.
- You are leasing or financing: If you have a vehicle lease or loan, it may be part of the terms.
- You have a history of accidents: The added protection can help cut costs on your claims and premiums.
- You prefer peace of mind over taking risks: Having it as part of your Ontario car insurance will make the claims process easier.
Why choose ThinkInsure for collision car insurance?
We've served the Ontario insurance market for over 50 years.
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Compare coverage and rates from our large selection of auto insurance providers.
Get exceptional customer service. We like happy customers and have a 4.7/5 Google rating.
Collision insurance FAQs
While it sounds like a standard form of car insurance coverage, it is not mandatory. But it is recommended, especially if you have a newer vehicle.
Without collision, you will have to pay out of pocket. You would have to repair damage to your vehicle from an at-fault accident.
It depends on your personal automobile policy. Some policies include rental cars. If you have the OPCF 27 endorsement, it will apply to rental cars.
If you are involved in an accident and do not have collision coverage, but you are not at fault, damage to your vehicle will still be covered. However, in the case of a hit and run, you would only be covered under the collision portion of your insurance if you had the coverage. Even if you are not at fault, you would not be covered during a hit and run without collision coverage.
A deductible is a mandatory part of adding collision to your policy. As with standard automobile insurance, you can choose the value. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium cost; you only pay this amount if you file an accident claim. Most insurers offer a $500 deductible. Depending on the plan, it can cost between $100 and $1,000. Speak with our team today to see how much adding collision coverage will affect your monthly payments.
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) covers the cost of repairing your vehicle when you are not at fault, or only partly at fault, in a collision with another insured vehicle. In most cases, there is no deductible. Collision coverage, on the other hand, is optional protection that pays for damage to your vehicle when you are at fault, when you strike a stationary object, or when a hit and run occurs.
Collision insurance is not mandatory, while liability insurance is. Third party liability insurance protects against claims of damage and injuries to people and property. Together, they provide better overall protection when driving.
5 star auto insurance reviews
KCAP KCAP
2026-05-07 14:46:38
★★★★★
Big shout out to Darryl for helping me out and turning a sour experience to a splendid one Shubham left me in the wind for a couple days even after I had a his team member reach out to him and left a voicemail . Called back the next day and Darrly handle everything on the spot so thank you Darryl
Zhiqing Xu
2026-04-30 20:06:56
★★★★★
Had a great experience with Sohel Rahman. The whole process is easy and clear without any unnecessary back and forth. Got the insurance exactly as I wanted in 1 day. Highly recommended!
Chris Arsenault
2026-04-21 20:09:51
★★★★★
Great experience with Todd Allen at ThinkInsure. Very professional and helpful. Thanks Todd!
Russell Turner
2026-04-21 14:26:53
★★★★★
Gabe was great and looked after my issue
Sandy Kerr
2026-04-19 13:47:28
★★★★★
I would like to recognize our Broker, Jeff Plesman to thank him for always providing us with outstanding and professional customer service. Thank you so much Jeff, we appreciate you. ;-)
Tony Sturino
2026-04-17 20:37:33
★★★★★
Gabe, as usual takes care of my demanding insurance issues, very professional, I like the way he calls to update me on any new features Thanks again
Anna Kacina
2026-04-16 15:29:05
★★★★★
Excellent service, great price
Talk to an advisor about collision car insurance
Our RIBO licensed advisors can help you decide whether collision coverage is right for your vehicle and budget, and find you the best rate. Get non-biased advice on adding collision to your Ontario auto policy.
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Choose the provider that offers the best collision coverage and rate for your needs. We often can get you insured with a new automobile policy on the same day.
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Call us if you have questions about deductibles, the 10% rule, or whether to keep collision as your car ages. We often can get you insured the same day.
Get expert savings advice
Match your deductible to what you could comfortably pay out of pocket; a higher deductible lowers your premium. Use the 10% rule as a guide: if your annual premium and deductible add up to more than 10% of your car's value, collision may not be worth it. Keep collision while your vehicle is financed or leased.
Wasim Khan
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Sources
The information on this page is for general guidance about collision car insurance in Ontario. Coverage terms, limits, deductibles, and costs vary by insurer and policy, and any premium or deductible figures are illustrative. For regulatory details on Ontario auto insurance, see the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). Speak with a ThinkInsure RIBO licensed advisor to confirm what applies to your policy.
Nolan Wilson
Content Marketing Manager
Nolan is a content marketing manager and writer at ThinkInsure. He has 15+ years of experience in the insurance industry, working with brokerages and direct insurers to create compelling insurance content, specializing in auto, home, and commercial.
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