New Drivers Car Insurance Quotes

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Do you need new drivers car insurance?

Every day we talk to first-time and new drivers – new to Ontario or Canada – who are looking for affordable insurance. They’re frustrated because sometimes the Ontario driving system doesn’t give new drivers credit for their driving experience from their previous country. It feels like going backward. Sometimes the process of getting a full licence seems slow or unfair.

Car insurance in Ontario and other parts of Canada for new drivers is treated differently. Insurance providers must work within the government’s provincial driving system. This means that they must set rates for new drivers according to how the government has recognized your driving and your licence. Even if you are a mature driver, if you have little experience, it will be reflected in how much you pay. Below we’ll discuss new driver car insurance and outline ways for you to save.

How to compare new driver car insurance quotes

Complete these quick and easy steps to compare quotes and find the lowest rate.

1) Start your quote

Enter your postal code and some basic information.

2) Enter your driving details

Provide your driving and vehicle information.

3) Compare quotes

See quotes from the leading companies.

Choose your policy

Choose the lowest rate. Confirm the details with our experts and buy your policy.

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5-star car insurance for new drivers

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1378 Google reviews

We help thousands of new drivers get insured and save on their auto insurance.

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Robert Storey

2024-04-19

Thanks to Evan for his great advice and great service!

SHIRAZ HUDDA

2024-04-17

Great experience with Todd Allen, very personable and excellent customer service! Highly recommend wish I knew earlier could have saved thousand$

Paul Ricketts

2024-04-16

I would like you to know how thankful i am to have been assisted by Neil Sullivan. His courteous, prompt and thorough service should be acknowledged and applauded.

Eric Kim

2024-04-11

**Updated to 5-stars - Felicia (Supervisor) called almost immediately after this review went up - validated my concerns (ie. confirmed with system notes, that I wasn't crazy), checked everything was good now on my end, and will use the experience as coaching points. This one call has completely changed my view** Terrible broker. I was "assigned" to them when I signed up for CAA insurance (via CAA's website). In the last two weeks alone, I've had to follow up with several different agents on my request (updates to my policy, because the initial set up was also incorrect for deductible, coverage, etc). It's almost as if the agent listens to my words, says they'll get to it and call back, but in reality just hang up and move on. I mean, they're all super friendly on the phone, but actions speak louder than words, and there hasn't been much action on their end. Easily the worst insurance broker I've interacted with.

M Matin

2024-04-08

Shakir was very professional and friendly, excellent service!

Jennifer Kan-Hodgson

2024-04-07

Todd Allen is prompt, efficient and courteous! Thinkinsure has the best rates!

Dan

2024-04-04

Todd Allen was able to help me find a low rate for home and auto. Thanks Todd!

Matt Amaral

2024-04-04

I had my first call with Bailey Molella, and right from that call I knew I was good hands with getting me a suitable quote for my insurance . I had to do some thinking about it still so I let Bailey know that I would contact him at a later date , and he was very understanding . When I did call back it was like we had just picked up from where we had left off , lots of support lots of help from him in making sure I had the right insurance company to move forward with . He was an absolute pleasure working with and highly recommend having him as your broker .

What is new driver car insurance?

New driver car insurance is a type of coverage intended for people who are new to the country or province. They can also be new to driving - typically mature drivers who are over 25 years old.

New and young drivers are often confused. New drivers are different from young drivers, who fall in the 16-24 age range. It is also commonly called first time car insurance.

Who needs new driver car insurance?

There are several types of people who fall unto the new driver car insurance category:

New immigrants
New Canadians with previous driving experience
You move from another country to Canada
You move to a new province
Recently licenced drivers
Mature drivers getting insured for the first time
Young adults

If you fall into one of the above categories, we can help you get car insurance quotes from the leading providers in the country.

How does car insurance work for new drivers?

Licensing and insurance go hand in hand. New drivers will need to transfer their driver's licence when they move and apply for insurance. Here is what you need to know about this process:

Switch your licence

You can drive with your licence from another province or country for 60 days
You must apply for a licence within 60 days
If you hold a non-Ontario licence, you can drive for 60 days before you must switch your licence
You must go in person. You can’t apply online.
Apply at a Drive Test Centre location or a Service Ontario location.

Information to supply

Take an eye test
Show original identification that has your legal name, date of birth, and signature.
Show your original, valid out-of-province or foreign licence.
Show original supporting documents that show proof of your vehicle experience.
Pay the fees.
Fill out an application.

Depending on your situation, the government may want you to write a test or take a road test before you get a full licence.

What countries can you switch your licence from?

Here is the list of countries that Ontario has agreements with to switch or exchange licences with:

Another Canadian province or territory
Canadian Forces Europe
U.S.A.
Australia
Austria
Belgium
France
Great Britain
Germany
Isle of Man
Japan
Korea
New Zealand
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Switzerland
Taiwan

If your country of origin is not on the list:

You might be able to get reductions in mandatory tests and wait time prerequisites.
You must still take an eye test.
You must take the knowledge test.

Read more about licence exchanges and foreign licence applications if you are new to Ontario.

How much does car insurance cost for a new driver?

All new drivers want affordable car insurance. But as a new driver, you will see higher than average rates. How much you will pay will depend on your specific situation. For example, an experienced driver that just moved from another country will have lower rates than a mature driver who is getting insurance for the first time.

Other things like age, experience, vehicle type, and many other factors all play a role. You can estimate car insurance prices for a new driver by comparing quotes with an advisor. This is the most accurate way to see how much it will cost for insurance.

What you'll need to get auto insurance as a new driver?

The information you will need to supply will depend on your situation. If you are a first-time driver, you will simply need to apply for coverage. If you are moving from another province, you can typically transfer your coverage and stay with your existing insurer.

New drivers who are coming from another country will need the following to help them get coverage:

Show acceptable identification – ID
Have a valid non-expired licence
Bring a Letter of Authentication from your previous insurer
A Drivers Abstract reports stating your driving experience.

Tips for new drivers to lower car insurance costs

There are many things new drivers can do to make car insurance more affordable. There are discounts for new drivers and other ways to save. Try these helpful tips:

Get a referral from your previous insurer: They can write a letter to confirm that you have a clean driving record and no history of speeding tickets.
Shop and compare your options: Get estimates from insurers. You will find that there can be a difference between providers. Don't have unnecessary coverage.
Check rates before you buy a car: Ask your advisor whether your vehicle is expensive to insure. Models that are stolen often or in accidents more often cost more to insure.
Get your full licence as soon as you can: Make sure to find out if you can reduce your time as a G1 or G2 driver.
Take a driver training course: Even if you have driving experience, take a government-approved driving course. Passing a driving course shows that you are educated on the rules and etiquette of the road here.
Avoid tickets and traffic violations: Keep your record clean and be a safe driver. Your premiums will reflect your good driving habits.
Take advantage of loyalty and multi-product discounts: If you renew your policy, your provider may offer you a loyalty discount. And if you have your car and home together with the same insurer, you may get a multi-product (or multi-vehicle) discount. If you still go to school, ask about the good student discount. Ask your insurer about the discounts they can offer you.
Go with a Usage-Based Insurance program: These programs offer sign-up discounts and reward good driving behaviours with additional savings. Some drivers can save up to 25%.

New driver insurance FAQs

When does car insurance go down for new drivers?

Insurance will go down as you gain more driving experience. From an age perspective, it goes down when you turn 25. Rates can also go down when you qualify for new discounts.

Can new drivers operate a vehicle without insurance?

No. You cannot legally drive without a valid licence or insurance. All new drivers must have car insurance that meets the minimum requirements of their province.

Why is new driver car insurance so expensive?

New drivers are unproven from a car insurance perspective. They don't have insurance history yet so they will pay more for premiums. They usually have minimal experience behind the wheel or they are new to driving in Canada. As a result, new drivers are more likely to get into a collision. This makes them a greater risk to insure.

What is the best car insurance for new drivers?

The best car insurance for a new driver is the policy that meets your coverage requirements for the lowest price. As a new driver, you have access to the same types of coverage as all other drivers. Match your needs to a plan that makes the most sense for your situation.

What are the top car insurance companies for new drivers?

Most insurance companies can help new drivers get coverage. So, there isn't one insurer that is the best overall. Shop and compare to see what insurers have to offer. Choose a company based on its ability to offer you the best combination of price and coverage.

Compare new driver auto insurance quotes

Make sure you get the best auto insurance premium and policy if you are a new driver in Canada. We'll help make the process of getting insured simple and easy. You can shop and compare quotes from the top insurers in the country in a couple of minutes. Get started online or give us a call.

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Insurance Blog And News

Read our insurance blog to get helpful tips, information and news.

2024-04-25

New Drivers Car Insurance

Find a lower rate for new drivers car insurance by comparing quotes from the top providers in Canada.

Compare new driver car insurance quotes from the leading providers

Do you need new drivers car insurance?