Skip to main content
image of suv and Ontario city buildings in the background
50+ Years experience icon

Years experience

Proudly Canadian icon

Proudly Canadian

Licensed insurance experts icon

Licensed advisors

Private & secure platform icon

Private & secure

Author photo

Written by Nolan Wilson July 23, 2026 7 min read

Compare car insurance quotes and save

Canadian driver comparing car insurance quotes

Like most drivers, you are probably tired of paying too much for car insurance. The most effective way to lower your premium is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers. Every company prices the same driver differently, and the gap can be over $1,000 a year for identical coverage.

ThinkInsure compares car insurance quotes from Canada's top providers, applies every discount you qualify for, and helps you get the lowest available rate. Comparing is quick, free, and there is no obligation to buy. Our licensed advisors work for you, not the insurance companies.

You can compare quotes online in a couple of minutes, or speak with a licensed advisor who will do the comparison for you. We will make sure you get the lowest rate for the coverage you need.

Car insurance quotes quick facts

  • The same driver can see quotes that differ by over $1,000 for identical coverage.
  • A quote is free and obligation-free; it does not affect your credit or current policy.
  • The average cost of car insurance in Canada is about $1,321/yr.
  • Online quotes take a couple of minutes, or an advisor can do it for you by phone.

Recent cheap car insurance quotes

Car on the road

Quote Date:

2026/08/01

Location:

Ottawa, ON

Vehicle:

2025 HYUNDAI – KONA PREFERRED 4DR 2WD

Best Price

Intact My Drive


$1,095/yr

$91/m

Intact


$1,213/yr

$101/m

Wawanesa


$1,302/yr

$108/m

GORE


$1,310/yr

$109/m

Savings from top 4 lowest quotes

$215/yr

Quote Date:

2026/07/15

Location:

Toronto, ON

Vehicle:

2025 MERCEDES-BENZ – GLA250 4DR AWD

Best Price

Intact My Drive


$2,466/yr

$205/m

Intact


$2,739/yr

$228/m

Wawanesa


$3,184/yr

$265/m

SGI Canada


$3,202/yr

$266/m

Savings from top 4 lowest quotes

$736/yr

Quote Date:

2026/03/25

Location:

Kingston, ON

Vehicle:

2022 MAZDA – CX-5 GX 4DR AWD

Best Price

Wawanesa


$1,839/yr

$153/m

Intact My Drive


$1,882/yr

$156/m

Pembridge


$1,928/yr

$160/m

GORE


$1,977/yr

$164/m

Savings from top 4 lowest quotes

$138/yr

Quote Date:

2026/07/31

Location:

Mississauga, ON

Vehicle:

2018 HYUNDAI – TUCSON 4DR AWD

Best Price

Pembridge


$1,923/yr

$160/m

Intact My Drive


$2,461/yr

$205/m

Wawanesa


$2,607/yr

$217/m

GORE


$2,714/yr

$226/m

Savings from top 4 lowest quotes

$791/yr

How does getting a car insurance quote work?

A car insurance quote is an estimate of how much an insurance company will charge you for coverage. It is based on the information you provide about yourself, your car, and your driving history. It is not a guaranteed price; the final price you pay might be slightly different after a full application and underwriting process.

Each company uses a custom formula to calculate quotes, so checking quotes from multiple companies to find the lowest rate is a good idea. Once you submit a quote request, insurance companies assess your risk level. They review your information to determine the likelihood you would get into an accident and how much a claim would cost them.

What information is needed to get a car insurance quote?

image of information needed to get a car insurance quote

As part of the quoting process, you will answer a series of questions about yourself, your driving habits, and your vehicle. Here is the information you will need to get a car insurance quote:

  • Basic personal information: your name, gender, age, phone number, and email.
  • Mailing address and postal code: your level of risk is associated with where you live. Certain cities, neighbourhoods, and postal codes have more traffic, accidents, thefts, and expensive claims.
  • Driver's licence: to show proof of your licence type and its validity.
  • Vehicle make, model, and year: your vehicle type and value affect the cost of insuring it. A car that is a common target for theft will be more expensive to insure.
  • Driving habits: how many kilometres you drive and whether you use your car for personal or business use.
  • Insurance and driving history: a clean record is rewarded with cheaper insurance; a poor history increases premiums.
  • Coverage requirements: the level of protection you choose affects your premium.
  • Policy start date: tell your advisor when you need the policy to start.

Always be honest with the information you provide. False or misleading information makes your quote inaccurate and is grounds for a policy to be cancelled or a claim denied. Accurate information gets you a cheaper, reliable quote.

How long do car insurance quotes last?

It depends on the provider. For some insurers, quotes are valid for 30 or 60 days; some may be longer or shorter. Speak with your insurance advisor for clarification. If you receive a quote you like, act quickly to secure the rate, as premiums can change as often as quarterly.

How to get car insurance quotes online with ThinkInsure

1
step one car image

Start your quote

Enter your postal code and some basic information.

2
step three car image

Enter your driving details

Tell us about your driving habits and vehicle.

3
step three car image

Compare multiple quotes

Instantly see quotes from the leading insurance companies.

Choose the lowest rate, confirm the details with us, and get insured.

Factors that impact your car insurance quote

Each company uses a unique formula to assess your risk level and calculate your premium, and some weigh certain variables more heavily than others. There are variables you can control and others you cannot. Focus on the factors you can control to lower how much you pay. Here is what generally goes into your car insurance quote.

For how car insurance works across Canada and how the provincial systems differ, see our car insurance in Canada guide.

You are one of the biggest factors. How old you are, gender, and marital status matter. The unfortunate thing is you can’t change the majority of these. Most drivers will see premiums drop once they turn 25. Single males under 25 are the most likely to be in a crash. It’s a reason why they pay more than others.

To illustrate how much your age affects your rates, we collected customer data from our quoter (Jan 1, 2024 - Feb 5, 2025). We found that the average rate decreases as you age:

  • All drivers: $2,262
  • Young drivers under 25: $2,849
  • Age 26-35: $2,522
  • Age 36-49: $2,252
  • Mature and senior drivers (50+): $1,880
Location is a prime factor affecting how much you pay. You will pay more if you live in the city. Rural areas tend to pay less. Insurers use your postal code, neighbourhood, and region to assess the risk level in your area. They look at statistics for accident and claim occurrences, theft, and fraud to determine the risk level. Insurance costs can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on your province and city.

Rates are determined based on your vehicle's brand, model, year, and features. Cars that are expensive to repair or more likely to be stolen have higher premiums.

We compared quotes from over 20 top vehicle brands. Prices can vary greatly. Using actual quotes requested from our customers, we found that prices can vary by more than $900 per year, depending on your car brand.

Your driving record is a significant factor. How long you’ve been an insured and licenced driver, if you’ve completed driver training school, and tickets are all considerations. Staying claims-free and not having at-fault accidents on your record can help you pay lower premiums.

How much will your driving history affect your premium? The type of ticket you receive will impact how much your car insurance rates increase. Minor tickets will have less of an effect than major tickets. In the first year after a collision, you can expect an annual increase of 50% or more. In the following years (if you keep a clean record), you can expect to see a decrease.

Do you have a long commute each day? Do you drive infrequently? In general, the more you drive, the more you will pay. Why? The more you are on the road, the higher the likelihood you could be involved in a wreck. Notify your carrier if your driving activity changes, especially if you drive less.
Your coverage type, limits, and endorsements will all affect your premiums. For example, if you have a comprehensive policy and customize your plan with a number of endorsements, you will pay more than if you had a basic policy.
Do you qualify for any car insurance discounts? More than 20 types of car insurance discounts can help you save. Ask your provider about the discounts offered and take advantage of cost-saving opportunities. There are dozens of discounts available. They vary by company, and you may need to meet certain criteria.
Anyone with less than a full licence will pay more for insurance. A beginner’s or intermediate licence like a G1 or G2 has higher premiums because of the increased risk to insurers. You are less experienced behind the wheel and statistically more likely to crash. Drivers with a full licence have more experience. They are less likely to be in an accident than a younger driver.
Your insurance company has a direct effect on how much you pay. Staying with the same provider without assessing your options could cost you money. When your policy is up for renewal, it is recommended that you weigh your options.

We compared quotes from our top car insurance company partners and found that premiums can vary by up to $982 per year. Where you get your coverage can make a huge difference, so it literally pays to shop around.

What doesn’t affect car insurance rates?

There are a lot of factors that can influence your insurance premiums. There are also many things people typically believe can affect rates, but actually don’t. Here are things that do not affect your premium:

  • Vehicle colour
  • Employment history
  • Housing type
  • Parking tickets
  • Credit score (depends on the province)

What our car insurance customers say

4.6
Google ThinkInsure Google 5 star reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1613 Google reviews

See all reviews

Which is the best car insurance company in Canada?

Best car insurance rate image showing insurance company logos from the lowest to highest price

With premiums on the rise, drivers want to know which car insurance company is best. The honest answer is that there is no single best company. Each insurer uses its own formula, so the company that is cheapest for your neighbour can be one of the most expensive for you. The best car insurance company is the one that gives you the lowest rate for the coverage you need, and the only way to find it is to compare quotes side by side.

That is the advantage of comparing quotes through ThinkInsure. Instead of one price from one company, you see quotes from Canada's top providers at once. The same driver, same car, and same coverage can see quotes that differ by over $1,000 between insurers.

Why there is no single best insurer

  • A company that prices young drivers competitively may be expensive for mature drivers, and the reverse is also true.
  • An insurer that is cheapest in one city or postal code can be uncompetitive in another.
  • Discounts and underwriting appetite differ by company, so the lowest rate moves depending on your profile.

ThinkInsure compares quotes and coverage from leading Canadian insurers including Intact, Aviva, Economical, Travelers, and Wawanesa. See the full list on our insurance companies page.

The takeaway: do not shop for a company, shop for a rate. Compare quotes to see which insurer is best for you today.

Who can give you a car insurance quote?

You can get a car insurance quote from four kinds of providers, and they are not equal. Where you get your quote decides how many companies you can compare and how much advice you get.

  • Broker (like ThinkInsure): compares quotes from many insurers at once, plus licensed advice. A broker works for you, not the insurance company, and it is free to use.
  • Direct insurer: one quote from one company. Convenient, but no comparison and no independent advice on coverage gaps.
  • Insurance agent: tied to a single insurer. If that company's rates rise, an agent cannot move you to a cheaper competitor.
  • Comparison site (aggregator): quick estimates from several insurers, but it is a lead-generation platform, not an advisor. No guidance on whether your coverage is right for you.

ThinkInsure gives you the market access of a comparison site with the advice of a licensed advisor. You compare auto insurance quotes from Canada's top providers, and the comparison is free.

Types of car insurance quotes

Most drivers need a standard personal car insurance quote, but the right quote depends on your situation. ThinkInsure can compare quotes for different types of auto insurance policies:

Get a free auto insurance quote and find your lowest rate today

Saving on your auto insurance is easy with ThinkInsure. Compare auto insurance quotes from Canada's top insurance companies in only 2-3 minutes to get your lowest rate.

Get Quotes
ThinkInsure Google reviews 4.7 start rating

Ask about discounts when getting your car insurance quote

Insurers offer a wide range of car insurance discounts to help drivers save. A ThinkInsure advisor applies every one you qualify for when comparing car insurance quotes for you to find you the best price. Ask about these types of discounts when getting a quote:

car + home icon

Bundle your policies

Combine your auto & home coverage with one insurer.

Save up to 20%

Multi-vehicle icon

Multiple vehicles

Insure more than one vehicle on the same policy.

Save up to 15%

Usage-based insurance icon

Usage based insurance

Enrol in a telematics program and let safe driving pay off.

Save up to 25%

Winter tires icon

Winter tires

Install winter tires on your vehicle (mandatory discount in Ontario).

Save up to 5%

Driver training icon

Driver training

Complete an approved driver training course, especially helpful for new drivers.

Save up to 10%

Anti-theft device icon

Anti-theft device

Install an anti-theft device in your vehicle.

Save up to 15%

Electric or hybrid vehicle icon

Electric or hybrid

Some insurers offer a discount for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Varies by insurer

Private parking icon

Loyalty & more

Loyalty, retiree, claims-free, and higher-deductible discounts can all lower your rate.

Varies by insurer

See all car insurance discounts.

Mandatory and optional car insurance coverage

cars driving on neighbourhood street in Ontario

Every car insurance policy is built from mandatory coverage required in your province plus optional coverage you choose. When comparing quotes, make sure each quote is for the same coverage so the comparison is fair. Here is what your policy must include and what you should consider adding.

Required minimum auto coverage

Mandatory coverage Included in all auto insurance policies Policy limits
Third-party liability (TPL) Covers liability claims against you from an at-fault accident. Basic plans have $200,000 in TPL coverage. Coverage can be increased up to $2 million.
Accident benefits (AB) Covers the driver and passengers if injured in an accident, including costs above what OHIP covers. Includes medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, funeral, disability income, death benefits, and income replacement. Limits apply and can be increased.

NOTE: As of July 1, 2026, several accident benefits become optional under the Ontario government's reforms outlined in the 2024 Ontario Budget. Medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care remain mandatory. Other benefits (including income replacement and caregiver benefits) become opt-in. See our Ontario auto insurance reforms guide for the full breakdown.
Increase standard limits for both non-catastrophic ($130,000) and catastrophic ($2 million) injuries.
Uninsured motorist Also known as uninsured automobile coverage. It covers you if you are injured by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run.

Standard coverage is $200,000.
Additional coverage up to $1 million.

Optional coverage to enhance your policy

Optional insurance coverage Coverage can be added to your policy Recommended
Collision coverage Protection if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or an object (e.g., a tree, street sign, or light post).

Comprehensive coverage This protects you from loss or damage from non-driving events. Coverage includes theft, vandalism, falling objects, and damage from the weather (wind, hail, flooding).

All perils This combines collision and comprehensive. You have protection for all perils unless they are expressly excluded.
Specified perils Your policy protects all the perils listed. Anything listed is covered. This is more affordable than comprehensive while still providing most of the protection.
Direct compensation property damage (DCPD) DCPD covers damage for accidents when you are not at fault. It also covers loss of use. This is part of the no-fault system. As of January 1, 2024, drivers have the ability to opt out of this coverage using OPCF 49.

Emergency roadside assistance Get roadside assistance when you need it. Many insurers offer this as part of their policy or as an add-on. Some services include towing, battery boost, flat tire, and more.

Ways to get a cheaper car insurance quote

Finding a cheaper car insurance quote starts with comparing, because the lowest quote for you may come from a company you may not have checked on your own. The same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars between insurers. Beyond comparing, here are the most effective ways to get the lowest rate:

  • Compare quotes before every renewal: Rates change, and so does which company is cheapest for you. Comparing annually is the single most effective habit.
  • Bundle home and auto: Combining policies with one insurer can save up to 20%.
  • Raise your deductible: Agreeing to pay more out of pocket lowers your premium.
  • Keep a clean record and stay claims-free: The biggest long-term lever on price.
  • Ask about every discount: An advisor applies the ones you qualify for automatically.
  • Consider usage-based insurance: Safe drivers can save with a telematics program.
  • Maintain continuous coverage: Gaps in coverage raise your rate; staying insured keeps it lower.

A ThinkInsure advisor compares quotes from Canada's top providers to find you the lowest available rate, at no cost to you. Compare car insurance quotes to see your lowest rate today.

Why compare car insurance quotes with ThinkInsure?

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

RIBO & AIC licensed advisors to assist you with all your insurance needs.

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.

Car insurance quote FAQs

Every insurer uses its own formula to price risk, so the same driver can receive quotes that differ by over $1,000 for identical coverage. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the only way to know you are getting the lowest rate, and it is free to do.

There is no single company that is cheapest for everyone; it depends on your driver profile, vehicle, and location. Intact may be lowest for one driver while Aviva or Wawanesa is lowest for another. The only way to know is to compare quotes from multiple providers.

The fastest way is to compare quotes and switch to a lower-priced insurer. You can also raise your deductible, bundle home and auto, add winter tires, and ask an advisor to apply every discount you qualify for.

A car insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket on a claim before your insurer pays the rest. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium, but means you pay more if you make a claim.

A quote is an estimate based on the information you provide. The final price is confirmed after a full application and underwriting. Providing accurate information up front keeps your quote close to your final rate.

Nothing. Comparing quotes and getting advice through ThinkInsure is completely free with no obligation. We are compensated by the insurance companies, so there is no cost to you.

Most drivers see rates drop at 25, with the lowest rates for mature drivers (50+). Rates are highest for drivers under 25 due to higher risk. Comparing quotes and staying claims-free helps at any age.

ThinkInsure compares and places auto insurance in Ontario and Alberta. See our Ontario car insurance and Alberta car insurance pages for province-specific rates.

Yes. You can compare car insurance quotes online in a couple of minutes, or have a licensed advisor do the comparison for you by phone. Either way it is free, with no obligation.

Yes. Auto insurance and car insurance mean the same thing in Canada, so an auto insurance quote and a car insurance quote are identical. The terms are used interchangeably.

woman driving a car on highway

Save more by comparing car insurance quotes today

On average, you could save $934* by comparing car insurance quotes with ThinkInsure. Find the best rates from multiple providers in a couple of minutes. Get a quote online, or give us a call. Our experts will gladly help you find a great rate and get you insured.

Get Quotes

Sources

* Based on the difference between the average lowest premium and the overall average premium from our quotes from January 1, 2024, to February 5, 2025, for drivers with a full licence and clean driving records.

** The average cost of car insurance in Canada is based on the most recent rates available for the province and territory premiums.

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.

Insurance Blog And News

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

car smoking from accident and man calling insurance company
2026-07-15

Car Insurance Deductibles

Learn how car insurance deductibles work in Ontario. Discover how choosing a $500 vs. $1000 deductible impacts your auto insurance premiums and claim payouts.

two people looking at a car for damage after an accident
2026-06-22

What is the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) in Ontario?

The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule in Ontario ensures certain benefits are available to any person injured in a car accident. In this blog, we’ll discuss what the statutory accident benefits schedule is and the role it plays in insurance and accident benefits claims.

cop car lights flashing
2026-06-18

Ontario Demerit Points System

Accumulated a few demerit points on your driving record? Here are some of the most common questions about demerit points in Ontario, how the demerit points system works, and if they can impact insurance.

pastel pink vintage car parked near trees
2026-06-15

OPCF – Explaining Ontario Policy Change Forms

There are situations where you will want or be required to have additional insurance, often in the form of optional enhancements called the Ontario Policy Change Form (OPCF).

More ways to save on car insurance