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Car insurance in Ottawa may cost less than other parts of Ontario but that doesn't mean you can't save even more. Our car insurance brokers are always ready to help you uncover more savings and reduce your premiums. Even though the Nations Capital is known for traffic congestion, it’s a safe place to drive and this is reflected in the price of auto insurance in Ottawa.

Ottawa drivers find the cheapest car insurance possible with us. We are partners with the leading insurance companies in Ontario so you can quickly find the best rates.

Comparing car insurance quotes is really easy and it just takes a couple of minutes to find the lowest price in Ottawa for your policy. Our advisors will make sure you have proper coverage for your driving needs and help you save more.

No matter where you live in Ottawa, ThinkInsure can help you get affordable car insurance. Start with an online quote or give us a call to find out more about your Ottawa car insurance savings options.

Keep reading to learn all about auto insurance in the capital city of Ottawa and find out some great ways to lower your premiums.

5 star reviews for Ottawa car insurance

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1230 Google reviews

We've helped thousands of Ottawa drivers get more affordable car insurance.

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Jay Stewart

2022-03-30 19:49:47

I started at 11 and was done and insured on my car before 3pm today March 30th Wednesday! I’m so excited and ecstatic that I’m back on the road, all thanks to the best man on the team Daryl Fardy! He was even willing to work with me a little extra long, if I needed which we did not. The service was absolutely amazing, I highly recommend Daryl Fardy.

Robert Raymond

2022-03-28 17:29:22

Was provided excellent help from Kimberly Laidis, all my questions and help I needed were provided by her fast and friendly!

jeremy severin

2022-03-24 22:58:07

I called and spoke to Ryan Arcuri To get insurance he went above and beyond because I was going to lose my insurance and in an hour he got me what I needed thanks again

Jay McCulligh

2022-03-23 21:59:36

Great place, quick, easy to deal with, I dealt with Darryl Fardy, very professional!

Russel Baskin

2022-03-23 13:38:02

I was helping my mother insure her car and home with ThinkInsure. Ryan Arcuri was patient and very helpful. He made took us through the steps to get coverage and cancel our existing policy. I would go back to Ryan with any future insurance needs.

Dylan Nash

2022-03-18 02:03:37

Darryl was awesome. Quick easy gave me the best price in town.

Aaliya

2022-03-15 22:24:31

Darryl Fardy made my experience with think insure amazing. He's friendly, informative and dependable. Would definitely recommend him to others.

Stephanie Lewis

2022-03-08 18:12:28

Great service from the get go. Dave answered all of my questions and even found a few mistakes that I made in my initial quote request, which ended up lowering the initial price. He found the best price and I recieved all documents in a timely manner. I would recommend, especially if you are a "high risk" situation, which I was.

How to compare cheap car insurance quotes in Ottawa

It's really easy to compare quotes and save on Ottawa car insurance with ThinkInsure.

1) Start your quote

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2) Enter your driving details

Provide your driving and vehicle information.

3) Compare the cheapest quotes

See quotes from the top car insurance companies.

Choose and buy

Choose the lowest rate. Confirm the details with our experts and get insured.

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How does car insurance work in Ottawa?

Ottawa car insurance rules are the same as the rest of the province. They are set by the provincial government. The industry is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO).

Insurance is required to operate a vehicle. All drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance in Ontario. This includes liability, accident benefits, and direct compensation property damage.

A no-fault system applies. This means if you are in an accident, you will deal with your insurer directly.

When shopping for car insurance quotes in Ottawa, you obtain insurance through private insurers. Many people use a car insurance broker so they can compare options from multiple insurance companies at the same time.

In additional to mandatory insurance, you can personalize your plan with optional coverage and endorsements. More on this below.

Mandatory Ottawa auto insurance

Here is the minimum amount of mandatory auto insurance coverage Ottawa drivers must have :

Third-party liability : You must have $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. But most typically have more. You can get up to $2 million in coverage.
Direct compensation property damage (DCPD) : This covers you in accidents where you are not the at-fault party. For example, you are rear-ended by another vehicle.
Statutory accident benefits : This ensures you will receive medical care that is above and beyond what is covered by OHIP. It will cover rehab, attendant care, and even lost income.
Uninsured motorist : This protects you if you were in an accident with an uninsured automobile or a victim of a hit and run.

The above will be included when you compare Ottawa car insurance quotes. However, you do have the option to add additional coverage to personalize your plan.

Optional auto insurance in Ottawa

You have a lot of options to customize your auto insurance in Ottawa. Drivers can adjust their policy based on their vehicle, driving habits, and other factors. Note that each change will affect your insurance rate.

Collision insurance : This covers you if you are in a car accident or hit a stationary object. For example, you back into a tree or hit a mail box.
Comprehensive : Protection for damage to your vehicle from vandalism, theft, and weather-related damage.
All perils : This brings collision and comprehensive together under a single policy.
Specified perils : You will be covered for the specific threats that are outlined in your plan. You have coverage for what is listed in your policy. If its not listed, it’s not covered.

Other types of optional coverage include :

Emergency roadside assistance
Rental car coverage (OPCF 27)
Accident forgiveness (OPCF 39)
Waiver of depreciation (OPCF 43)
Other riders and endorsements

Optional coverage varies based on your insurance provider. Make sure you are clear about what is being offered by an insurer before you purchase your policy. If you have any questions about how auto insurance works in Ottawa we'll be happy to help you.

Recent Ottawa auto insurance quotes

2022/09/10

Car insurance shopper in OTTAWA, ON
Vehicle: BUICK LACROSSE V6 4DR 2017
CAA My Pace	$690
CAA Connect	$970
CAA	$1,023
Pembridge	$1,163
Savings from the top 4 lowest quotes	$473

2022/09/23

Car insurance shopper in OTTAWA, ON
Vehicle: JEEP RENEGADE LIMITED 4DR 4WD 2015
CAA Connect	$1,008
CAA My Pace	$1,035
CAA	$1,066
Aviva	$1,282
Savings from the top 4 lowest quotes	$274

2022/09/07

Car insurance shopper in OTTAWA, ON
Vehicle: MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 4MATIC 4DR COUPE 2018
CAA Connect	$1,021
CAA My Pace	$1,044
CAA	$1,074
Aviva	$1,302
Savings from the top 4 lowest quotes	$281

2022/09/15

Car insurance shopper in OTTAWA, ON
Vehicle: MAZDA TRUCK/VAN CX-5 GS 4DR AWD 2015
CAA My Pace	$1,031
CAA Connect	$1,463
Economical	$2,024
Coachman	$2,229
Savings from the top 4 lowest quotes	$1,198

2022/09/30

Car insurance shopper in OTTAWA, ON
Vehicle: NISSAN SENTRA 1.8 SR 4DR 2014
CAA Connect	$879
CAA My Pace	$898
CAA	$925
SGI Canada	$1,155
Savings from the top 4 lowest quotes	$276

What is the average Ottawa car insurance cost?

The costs for car insurance in Ottawa are lower than in other larger cities in the province. Many drivers pay less than the provincial average of $1,634. Some pay between $900 and $1,100 annually. The average car insurance premium in Ottawa is $1,150.

Ottawa auto insurance rates vs. other Ontario cities

Ottawa is known for its safe roads and car insurance rates reflect this fact. Insurance premiums are generally less than in other regions in the province. In some instances, you will pay hundreds of dollars less per year than in the GTA, for example.

Average Ottawa car insurance rate compared to other Ontario cities info graphic

What are the cheapest areas in Ottawa ON for auto insurance?

Car insurance premiums typically are more if you live in Napean and the surrounding area. This includes Blossom Park, Greenboro, Leitrim and Findlay Creek.

Drivers in Ottawa could be paying as much as $1,000 more than others depending on where they live in the city.

The most affordable neighbourhood is the Gloucester area (Blackburn Hamlet, Pine View and Sheffield Glen). Drivers in this area commonly see premiums a few hundred dollars less annually.

Average premiums by neighbourhood

Ottawa

Orleans

Napean

Stitttsville

Gloucester

Kanata

Barrhaven

Ottawa postal codes with lower car insurance premiums

See what postal codes are below the city's average rate of $1,151/yr.

Area	Postal codes	Average rate
Ottawa	K1A, K1R, K2P, K2C, K2B, K2A, K1Z, K1V, K1S, K1P, K1M, K1N, K1L, K1K, K1H, K1G	➜ Below
Orleans	K1C	➜ Below
Napean	K0A	➜ Below
Stitttsville	K2S	➜ Below
Gloucester	K1B	➜ Below
Kanata	K2K	➜ Below
Barrhaven	K2J	➜ Below

Ottawa auto insurance rates differ for each neighbourhood

Where you live in Ottawa matters for how insurers calculate your auto insurance. Prices can vary significantly based on which neighbourhood you reside in.

That's where we can help you. With our large selection of partners, we'll search for the lowest rate for your neighbourhood.

Gloucester
Nepean
Vanier
Rockcliffe Park
Blackburn Hamlet
Orleans
Barrhaven
Kanata
Stittsville
Manotick
Riverside South
Greely
Burritts Rapids
Ashton
Fallowfield
Kars
Fitzroy Harbour
Munster
Carp
North Gower
Metcalfe
Constance Bay
Osgoode
Richmond

What factors affect car insurance in Ottawa?

There are many factors that can affect the cost of your auto insurance in Ottawa. The main things to consider are :

Vehicle type

The type of car you drive will impact your rates. If you drive an expensive sports car it will cost more to insure than a family sedan. Having a vehicle with a good safety rating will help keep your insurance costs down.

Your age

Once you turn 25 you will see premiums drop. Mature and more experienced drivers are favoured by insurers and rewarded with savings. Why? They are less of a risk to cause an accident or file a claim.

Driving history

Your driving record is one of the main factors used by insurers to determine rates. Staying tickets and claim free will get you a better quote. Once you start to have tickets and accidents on your record, you can expect to pay more for insurance.

Location

The postal code where you live is used when calculating your policy costs. Premiums can vary based on accidents and theft rates for different areas of the city. For example, if you live in a quiet neighborhood with a low crime rate, you’ll pay less than an individual who lives in an area with a high crime numbers because the risk is greater.

How you use your vehicle

How you use your vehicle is an important consideration for insurers. If you use your vehicle for commuting or work you will pay more for your insurance. Why? You’ll be on the road longer and more often than the average driver.

Limits and coverage

Deductible limits and types of coverage included in your policy affect the total cost. Prices go up when you add more coverage. Lowering your deductible will lower your payments.

Discounts

The number of and types of discounts applied to your plan will affect your payments. Make sure you talk with your insurer about discounts you qualify for based on your age, driving record, experience, and more.

Ottawa car insurance companies

You may be inclined to choose a local Ottawa insurance company for your car insurance. But the best car insurance companies for you could be located anywhere in the province. ThinkInsure can help you compare car insurance quotes from all the top companies whether they are in Ottawa or not.

Here are some of companies we can get Ottawa drivers insured with :

Speak with our Ottawa insurance brokers about your options today. Whether you are considering Usage Based Insurance (UBI), have a classic car, or you’re in the high risk insurance category, we’ll ensure you get the best policy for your situation.

Ottawa car insurance FAQs

Why are auto insurance rates lower in Ottawa compared to other cities?

Ottawa has lower auto insurance rates because companies consider it to be less risky. This means claims costs are lower versus other areas in the province. There are fewer instances of fraud and theft. Fewer instances of things like collisions and theft help to keep overall costs down.

Can you get cheap Ottawa auto insurance with ThinkInsure?

Yes, you can get cheap car insurance in Ottawa with ThinkInsure. We are partners with the leading insurance companies in Canada. Our professionals will quickly search for the lowest quotes for you. You'll receive additional advice to make sure you save as much as possible.

Get started by comparing quotes online or call us to find a lower rate.

Do Ottawa car insurance rates change frequently?

Yes. Car insurance prices in Ottawa change frequently. Rate increases can happen multiple times per year. This is why it’s important to get a quote each time your insurance is up for renewal. A lot can happen in a year including how much you pay for insurance.

What is the cheapest car insurance company in Ottawa?

There isn’t a single company that has the cheapest car insurance rate in Ottawa. This will vary from provider to provider. Depending on your needs, one provider may offer better options. The best way to find who is the cheapest is by comparing quotes.

Who sets auto insurance rates in Ottawa?

Auto insurance rates in Ottawa and the rest of the province are set by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). All requests for rate changes by insurers must be approved by the FSRA.

Why are auto insurance prices in Ottawa increasing?

Ottawa, much like other regions, has seen auto insurance continue to go up. There is an upward trend in the province. In general, they are increasing because of higher repair claim costs, accident stats, and fraud.

About auto insurance and driving in Ottawa

The home of Parliament Hill has more than 1.1 million residents (including Gatineau). There are more than half a million licensed drivers. This bilingual city is located on the banks of the Ottawa River in the Eastern part of Ontario. Its roads are bustling with commuters and travellers.

Set on a large portion of land, long commutes are the norm. This is especially the case during the cold and snowy winter months. Therefore, Ottawa drivers need car insurance that will protect them against all threats and risks.

You’re bound to get caught up in traffic, experience delays, and see accidents. Let’s just hope you are not part of one. It's important to be protected with a good car insurance policy in Ottawa. Get a quote today and pay less by exploring your options and finding more affordable insurance rates.

Check out this useful information about Canada’s capital and driving in the city :

Highways

417 (Queensway)
Highway 416 (Veterans' Memorial Parkway)
174, 7, 16, 31

Public transit

OC Transpo (Light rail, bus)
Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO)
GO Transit

Parkways

Colonel By Drive
Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Rockcliffe Parkway
Aviation Parkway

Ride-sharing

Uber
Lyft

Attractions

Parliament Hill
Rideau Canal
Canadian War Museum
National Gallery of Canada
National War Memorial

Road trips

Montreal
Thousand Islands and Kingston
Prince Edward County
Montebello
Mont Tremblant

Parking

City of Ottawa Parking
Green P
Impark

Airports

Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport
Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport
Carp Airport

Busiest intersections

Queen Street and Bank Street
Huntclub Road And Riverside Dr.
Riverside Dr. and Industrial Avenue
Wellington Street West and Holland Avenue
Prince of Wales and Huntclub Road

Make sure you have proper auto insurance for Ottawa's driving conditions

Driving conditions can change at a moment’s notice, especially during the winter months. You can expect everything from high winds to rain, sleet, snow, or a combination of all. The roads can get downright nasty at times. Having proper auto insurance in Ottawa will give you peace of mind in knowing you’re protected should something happen.

96 mins

Avg. daily commute time

714 mm

Avg. annual rainfall

121 cm

Avg. annual snowfall

114

Rainy days per year

Snow days per year

Traffic stats and car insurance in Ottawa

Ottawa is known for its great communities, large highways, and traffic congestion. But it is actually one of the safest to drive in all of Canada. In fact, fatalities and injuries as a result of collisions have dropped by more than 50% over the past 3 decades. This is even with an increase in the number of drivers in the region.

It’s one of the reasons why car insurance rates in Ottawa are less than in other large cities. Here are some other important and interesting facts that impact driving and insurance in the city :

Accidents : Collisions are on the rise. There were 16,399 reported collisions in 2019. This is up by almost 2,000 from the previous year. 27 were fatal collisions.
Road safety is improving : According to the Ottawa Police 2014 Annual Report, criminal code traffic offences are down by 66%. Traffic notice offences are down by 14.6% and fatalities are down by 7.4%.
5,400 km of roads : The main freeways is Highway 417 (known as The Queensway) running through the middle of the city. There is also Highway 174 to Orleans, and Highway 416 connecting the city to Highway 401. It has 5,400 kms of roadways, 1,580 km of sidewalks, and 60 km of Transitway.
Busy intersections : Among the top 10 signalized intersection collision locations, Hunt Club Road and Riverside Drive topped the list. In 2019 it had 58 collisions. This is followed by Catherine St and Kent St with 43. The remaining had between 30-40 crashes.
Waterways and bridges : Two rivers and the canal run through the city. Traffic can build because of the limited bridges to cross. Plan your route accordingly to avoid congestion in these areas.

Tips for safe driving in Ottawa

Like any other city in the province, Ottawa offers a unique driving experience. With a combination of driving in residential areas, busy intersections, and along major roads, you should stay alert. One mistake could cause a spike in your auto insurance premiums.

Here are some ways to ensure you don’t have to file a claim and help you drive safely :

Wildlife : When driving on the outskirts or one lane roads, watch out for deer and other wildlife. It’s estimated there are more than 1,000 collisions with wildlife annually.
Winter tires : Installing winter tires will immediately qualify you for car insurance savings. Plus, you have improved traction and it makes it safer during wintery weather.
Slow down : Speeding is a leading cause of accidents and speeding tickets can negatively impact car insurance rates. It’s particularly important to slow down during the winter. Be careful of snowbanks and slick roads.
Tourists : Watch out for drivers and pedestrians visiting. There are lots of them, especially near popular attractions. Tourists can be less predictable than locals in how they drive.
Intersections : Intersections are a common location for collisions in the city. Slow down, be aware of your surroundings and be ready to make a sudden stop.
Downtown driving : There are right turn restrictions and lots of one way streets to navigate. Pay attention to the signage at all times to avoid confusion.

Want to save more on Ottawa car insurance?

We know you want to save on car insurance in Ottawa. Let us help you find the best deal by comparing the lowest car insurance quotes from the top providers in Ottawa. You’ll find the coverage you need at the most affordable price. Get started today with an online quote or give us a call.

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Insurance Blog And News

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

graphic of a Ontario licence plate and sticker close up

2022-09-23

Ottawa Car Insurance

Compare the best car insurance quotes in Ottawa from Canada's top providers to save more.

Find a better rate on Ottawa car insurance

5 star reviews for Ottawa car insurance

How to compare cheap car insurance quotes in Ottawa

1) Start your quote

2) Enter your driving details

3) Compare the cheapest quotes

Choose and buy

How does car insurance work in Ottawa?

Mandatory Ottawa auto insurance

Optional auto insurance in Ottawa

Recent Ottawa auto insurance quotes

Tips to get cheap auto insurance in Ottawa

Compare quotes when changing vehicles

Shop at renewal time

When there is a change in personal or driving information

When making a policy change

Combine policies

Install anti-theft devices

Increase your deductible

Take advantage of discounts

Use an independent provider

Check rates annually