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Written by Nolan Wilson July 13, 2026 8 min read

Protect yourself and vehicle with the right type of auto coverage

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ThinkInsure makes it easy for Canadians to compare and buy the right car insurance coverage. With one dedicated team, we help you find protection that fits your vehicle, driving habits, and budget.

Whether you are insuring your first car, renewing your current policy, or looking for better car insurance coverage options, we are here to help. From basic liability to comprehensive and collision coverage, we guide you through your choices so you can feel confident behind the wheel.

We also offer coverage for specialty vehicles. Compare coverage options from top Canadian insurance companies and choose a policy designed for the way you drive.

Types of car insurance quick facts

  • ThinkInsure compares car insurance coverage from Canada's top insurance companies.
  • Comparing coverage options through ThinkInsure is 100% free with no obligation to buy.
  • Helping Canadians compare and buy insurance coverage for over 50 years, rated 4.7 stars across 1,500+ Google reviews.
  • Many drivers save by comparing coverage. Premiums vary significantly by carrier, even for the same coverage.

We've got you covered for all types of auto coverage needs

ThinkInsure will help you find the best auto insurance coverage to protect you while you are behind the wheel. We will make sure you get the best value for your policy and save.

Mandatory car insurance

All drivers must have car insurance in Ontario to drive. At a minimum, you need $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, accident benefits, and uninsured motorist coverage. It is recommended that drivers increase their liability coverage and add optional coverage to stay protected in all driving situations. Compare car insurance quotes for mandatory coverage from Canada's top providers, including coverage for high-risk drivers who have unique needs.

Optional car insurance

Optional car insurance coverage can be added to your policy to expand your protection. You can increase existing coverage limits and add extra coverage for a range of driving threats and liabilities. The most common optional coverages are collision, comprehensive, and DCPD, and we can help you choose from a wide range of extra coverage to meet your specific driving needs.

How to compare car insurance coverage

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Mandatory and optional types of automobile coverage

Types of mandatory car insurance coverage

Third-party liability (TPL)

Covers claims against you from an at-fault accident. Basic plans start at $200,000, and you can increase coverage to $2 million. Most drivers carry at least $1 million.

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Accident benefits

Protects drivers and passengers injured in an accident, including costs above OHIP, such as medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, and income replacement. As of July 1, 2026, some benefits will become optional.

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Uninsured motorist

Covers you if you are injured by an uninsured driver or in a hit and run. Standard coverage is $200,000, and you can increase it up to $1 million.

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Types of optional car insurance coverage

Collision insurance

Provides protection if you are in an accident with another vehicle or object. It covers the cost of repairing your vehicle.

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Comprehensive car insurance

Protects you from loss in a non-driving event, paying to repair your vehicle after vandalism, theft, weather damage, and other non-driving damage.

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All perils insurance

Combines collision and comprehensive protection. You are covered against all threats unless they are specifically excluded from your policy.

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Specified perils car insurance

Covers only what is specified or named in your policy. Anything not listed is not covered. It is a more affordable option than comprehensive.

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Direct compensation property damage

Covers damage to your vehicle in collisions that are not your fault. Loss of use coverage is also included.

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Accident forgiveness

Protects drivers after a first at-fault collision, so your premium does not increase after your first at-fault accident.

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Mandatory vs optional coverage compared

Not sure how the two types differ? Here is a side-by-side comparison of mandatory and optional coverage:

Mandatory vs optional car insurance coverage compared
Feature Mandatory coverage Optional coverage
Required by law Yes No
Purpose Basic protection and legal compliance Enhanced financial protection
Customization Limited Highly customizable
Cost Lower (minimum required) Additional premium costs
Coverage scope Covers others primarily Covers your own vehicle and broader risks

Additional coverage endorsements (OPCF)

Ontario Policy Change Forms (OPCFs) are endorsements you can add to customize your coverage. Here are some of the most common:

Common OPCF endorsements and what they do
Endorsement What it does
OPCF 19A: Agreed value Guarantees payment of the full pre-agreed value of your vehicle in a total loss.
OPCF 20: Transportation replacement Provides transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
OPCF 23: Lienholder protection Protects lienholders in total loss situations, with direct insurer payment up to the loan amount.
OPCF 27: Rental car coverage Physical damage protection for vehicles you drive that are not your own, including rentals.
OPCF 28: Reducing coverage for named persons Lets you remove someone you live with from your policy to help reduce premiums.
OPCF 39: Accident forgiveness Protects your driving record and rating after a first at-fault accident.
OPCF 43: Waiver of depreciation Removes your insurer's right to deduct depreciation when settling a claim.
OPCF 44R: Family protection Protects you if an at-fault driver does not have enough coverage to compensate injured victims.
OPCF 49: Agreement not to recover Removes direct compensation property damage (DCPD) coverage from your policy.

Types of coverage for Alberta drivers

Car insurance requirements for coverage can vary between provinces such as Ontario and Alberta. While Alberta offers similar coverage, the rules, coverage, and policy options differ. Learn more about Alberta car insurance coverage if you live in the province.

Why choose ThinkInsure for your auto coverage?

We've served the Ontario insurance market for over 50 years.

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Auto insurance coverage types FAQs

All drivers have unique driving needs. Choosing the right amount of car insurance coverage is about balancing legal requirements, financial protection, and personal risk tolerance. While minimum coverage may be enough to drive legally, it may not fully protect you if you are in a serious accident. Choose the amount of coverage that gives you the protection you need based on your driving habits and fits within your budget. Speak with our insurance experts if you have questions.

Full coverage refers to a policy that includes mandatory coverage as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. It does not mean you are protected from everything or that your limits are maxed out. It is ideal for drivers with new or expensive vehicles and those who want peace of mind knowing they are covered.

It is not required, but it is highly recommended. Mandatory coverage provides basic protection for limited situations. Optional coverage expands your financial protection and allows you to customize your policy to meet your specific driving needs.

No. While auto insurance is mandatory nationwide, each province and territory sets its own rules, coverage requirements, and system structure. Things that can differ include the insurance system (public or private), mandatory coverage requirements, minimum liability requirements, coverage limits, the types of optional coverage available, and the types of car insurance discounts on offer.

Yes. Generally, insurers let you increase or decrease policy limits, add or remove optional coverage, adjust your deductible, add or remove drivers, and update how you use your vehicle. You cannot change mandatory coverage, and any changes must still meet the requirements of your financing or lease agreement.

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Talk to an advisor about your coverage types

With mandatory and optional coverage types to choose from, building the right policy can be confusing. Our RIBO licensed advisors can help you choose the right mix for your situation and find you the best rate.

Personalized coverage

Our advisors help you build a policy from the right mix of mandatory and optional coverage for your vehicle, your budget, and how you drive.

Compare multiple quotes

We instantly compare coverage and rates from our large selection of insurance providers to find you the lowest price.

Get your auto policy

Choose the provider that offers the best coverage and rate for your needs. We often can get you insured the same day.

Speak with an advisor today!

Call us if you have questions about which coverage types to add, your limits, or endorsements. We often can get you insured the same day.

Get expert savings advice

Start with the mandatory coverage you are required to carry, then add optional coverage based on your vehicle value and how you drive. For most drivers, collision and comprehensive are worth it, and increasing your liability limit above the minimum costs little. Compare a few quotes before you decide.

Wasim Khan ThinkInsure insurance broker

Wasim Khan

Insurance Broker (RIBO) Follow Wasim Khan on Linkedin

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Sources

The information on this page is for general guidance about the types of car insurance coverage in Canada. Mandatory coverage requirements, limits, and available options vary by province and territory and can change, so the figures here are provided as a reference. 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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