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Written by Nolan Wilson July 13, 2026 8 min read

Protect yourself and your vehicle with the right coverage

Driver comparing car insurance coverage options

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 policy, or looking for better 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 Canada's top insurance companies and choose a policy designed for the way you drive.

Quick car insurance coverage 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 for over 50 years, rated 4.7 stars across 1,500+ Google reviews.
  • Premiums vary significantly by carrier, even for the same coverage, so many drivers save by comparing.
Mandatory

the legal minimum: liability, accident benefits, uninsured

Optional

collision, comprehensive, all perils, DCPD, and more

100% free

compare coverage with no obligation to buy

50+ years

helping Canadians find the right coverage

How to compare car insurance coverage

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Driving details

Enter your vehicle and driving information.

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Choose the best rate and confirm your policy details with us.

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All car insurance coverage types

Car insurance includes mandatory coverage that every driver must carry and optional coverage you can add to expand your protection. All drivers must have car insurance in Ontario, which at a minimum includes $200,000 in third-party liability, accident benefits, and uninsured automobile coverage.

Optional coverage can be added to increase your limits and protect against a wider range of risks. The most common optional coverages are collision, comprehensive, and DCPD. Compare car insurance quotes for the coverage you need, including coverage for high-risk drivers.

Mandatory car insurance coverage

Third-party liability

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

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Accident benefits

Protects drivers and passengers injured in an accident, including costs above OHIP. Some benefits will become optional on July 1, 2026.

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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 can increase to $1 million.

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Optional car insurance coverage

Collision insurance

Protects your vehicle if you are in an accident with another vehicle or object, covering the cost of repairs.

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Comprehensive insurance

Protects against non-driving losses such as vandalism, theft, and weather damage.

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All perils insurance

Combines collision and comprehensive, protecting you from all risks unless specifically excluded.

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Specified (named) perils

Covers only the perils named in your policy. A more affordable option than comprehensive.

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Direct compensation property damage

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

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Accident forgiveness

Protects your record after your first at-fault collision, so your premium does not increase.

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Mandatory vs optional car insurance coverage

Mandatory coverage is the legal minimum you need to drive, while optional coverage expands your protection. Here is how the two compare:

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.

Alberta car insurance coverage

Coverage requirements 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 policy?

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

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Car insurance coverage FAQs

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

Full coverage refers to a policy that includes mandatory coverage plus 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.

It is not required, but it is highly recommended. Mandatory coverage provides basic protection for limited situations. Optional coverage expands your financial protection and lets you customize your policy for 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 differ include the insurance system (public or private), mandatory coverage requirements, minimum liability requirements, coverage limits, optional coverage types, and available car insurance discounts.

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 car insurance coverage

With mandatory and optional coverage 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 with a new automobile policy on the same day.

Speak with an advisor today!

Call us if you have questions about which coverages 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.

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Wasim Khan

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Sources

The information on this page is for general guidance about 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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