How Long Does a Car Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates
You'll be redirected in a few seconds. Please don't exit this window.
If you are not redirected within 30 seconds, please click here to continue.
Quebec
If you are looking for a car insurance quote in Quebec, you will be directed to LowestRates.ca, part of the RATESDOTCA Group Ltd family of companies, where you will be able to compare quotes from top insurance companies in that province.
Nous sommes là pour vous aider
Malheureusement, notre site n'est pas en capacité de vous proposer une soumission en ligne en français pour le moment. Toutefois, vous pouvez nous contacter afin qu'un agent francophone vous assiste dans votre recherche du meilleur prix.
1-888-854-2503
Lundi – Vendredi: 8h - 20h HAE
Samedi: 10h – 16h HAE
If you are looking for a car insurance quote in Quebec, you will be connected with one of our dedicated insurance partners offering quotes in that area.
Si vous recherchez une soumission pour une assurance auto au Québec, nous allons vous connecter avec l'un de nos partenaires dans ce secteur.
If you are looking for a travel insurance quote and reside in Quebec, you will be connected with one our dedicated insurance partners offering quotes in that area.
Si vous recherchez une soumission pour une assurance voyage et résidez au Québec, nous allons vous connecter avec l'un de nos partenaires dans ce secteur.
If you are looking for a life insurance quote and reside in Quebec, you will be connected with one our dedicated insurance partners offering quotes in that area.
If you are looking for a home insurance quote in British Columbia, you will be connected with one of our dedicated insurance partners offering quotes in that area.
The Cheapest Quote For Your Car Insurance.
Save an average of $676 on car insurance.*
Compare car insurance quotes from companies across Canada
How to get your auto insurance quotes on RATESDOTCA
Ready to compare quotes and save?
Tell us about your vehicle
Answer a few basic questions about your driving & car insurance history.
Compare your quotes
See quotes from insurance companies side by side.
Choose the right coverage
Find the right protection for your vehicle.
Get Covered
Connect with the provider and secure your rate.
COVID-19 Update: We're here for you.
These are uncertain times, but one thing that is certain is our commitment to you. As an online business, we're set up to help you remotely so you can still take care of your insurance, mortgage and money decisions.
To learn about financial relief, insurance rebates, billing flexibility and other relief efforts offered by insurance and personal finance companies, read our COVID-19 insurance relief guide. You can also use our Covid-19 rebate calculator to figure out how much money these efforts can help you save on your auto insurance premiums during this unprecedented time.
What others have to say
Based on 4,255 reviews
"
The lady did a pretty thorough and helpful job. I appreciated the info, john
John Van Mackelberg
1 day, 10 hours ago
"
Ratesdotca was a great experience. Got a quick quote and someone called me back quickly and pit me in touch with a broker to get finalized quote and answer any questions. They have a variety of options and match you with the best insurance for you. Takes the thinking out of the searching process.
Lisa
1 day, 12 hours ago
"
This website is amazing! Very professional and responsive representatives reach out to help you find the best possible insurance rates, they do everything for you!
Joseph
2 days, 1 hour ago
"
I got a great rate and great service!
Carolyn Lucio
2 days, 7 hours ago
"
The service I received was very insightful and helpful to decide on insurance rates. I really appreciate the help by RATESDOTCA
Karthik
3 days, 1 hour ago
"
Prompt response and very helpful at comparing rates across several insurance providers.
MRW CA
3 days, 6 hours ago
"
These people are very prompt and friendly! Went online for a quote and they called me back the next day to connect me with their broker who was able to provide me with a cheap quote and explain what I was getting on the same day. No complaints in getting a quick hassle-free quote!
TK
3 days, 7 hours ago
"
I was contacted immediately by a helpful and friendly staff member who guided me as I sought a new insurance provider
Andrea Fries
5 days, 10 hours ago
"
I'm so happy of the insurance that I got and getting a quote is fast and easy and their customer service is very efficient.
Dexter
6 days ago
"
It was a while ago. Things went well. Broker was very nice and professional. I got a good result.
Dave
1 week ago
"
It's a great customer experience. The whole process just took less than 15 minutes and I was given a very good quote. Follow-up action by the team was effective
David
1 week ago
"
I couldn't ask for better care. They were on top of all my needs. They steered me into the right direction. Thank you!! Anita
Nini
1 week, 1 day ago
What is a car insurance quote?
A car insurance quote estimates the premium you'll pay for a car insurance policy. The quote is calculated using the information you provide, such as your age, the car you drive, your driving history and your postal code. Every insurer uses a unique formula to calculate your personal car insurance quote, so even if you provide the same information to different insurance companies, no two quotes will look the same.
How do insurance companies calculate your auto insurance quote?
Auto insurance companies use the information you provide to determine the risk you pose as a client - i.e. how likely you are to make a claim, and how expensive that claim is likely to be. Different companies assess risk in their own unique way, which means the information you provide will yield a wide variety of quotes from different insurers.
There are factors that you cannot easily change about your quote - e.g. the car you drive or where you live - but other things, like the extent of coverage and the deductible you'll pay in the event of a claim, can considerably change the value of your quote. However, you can use our car insurance calculator to calculate and compare your auto insurance quotes from different insurance companies all at once, in order to find the best quote for yourself.
Where can I get car insurance quotes?
When it comes to shopping for a car insurance policy, you can choose to get your quotes from a variety of sources, such as an insurance agent or an online comparison site like RATESDOTCA. Shopping around for car insurance allows you to find the best deal possible.
Here are the different places you can find auto insurance quotes in Canada:
- Insurance agents - Insurance agents usually work with only one insurance company. They are basically resellers of that company's products, which means they can provide you with up-to-date information on the latest policies and discounts. Their job is to make sure that all your coverage needs are met while selecting and customizing your policy.
- Direct writers - Direct writers work for an insurance provider and sell insurance products either online or over the phone. Like an insurance agent, a direct writer issues policies from one provider, meaning that they are unable to comparison shop on your behalf.
- Insurance brokers - Insurance brokers work with multiple insurance companies (sometimes a few, sometimes 50+) to offer you different types of coverage, prices and service levels. Most insurance brokers offer you their services over the phone or in person, which can be time consuming for those who want to see quotes instantly.
- Insurance comparison sites - Similar to insurance brokers, car insurance comparison sites offer lots of options. You can instantly access quotes from of a variety of insurance companies and direct writers. When you shop online for car insurance by using a comparison site like RATESDOTCA, you can easily find the cheapest insurance quote available, saving you both time and money.
Back to the top.
Why do I want to compare car insurance quotes from different insurance companies?
You may have noticed that different insurance companies offer different rates for the same coverage. So how do you know if you have the best deal? By comparing quotes on RATESDOTCA of course!
There is a reason people trust us to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Canada: we make insurance transparent, simple, and fun. By comparing quotes, you can easily see which company is offering you the best insurance rate, based on your unique driving history and insurance needs.
Last year, drivers who shopped for car insurance quotes on RATESDOTCA paid 30% less than the average market rate.* Ready to compare quotes and save on your car insurance policy? Let's get started!
Factors that determine the cost of your car insurance quote
Insurance companies consider many factors when calculating your insurance rate.
- Vehicle type: The type of vehicle you drive impacts the premiums you pay. Different vehicles are associated with different risks including their likelihood of being stolen, how much they cost to repair, their safety rating and features, and claims history. There is also some perceived behavioural risk associated with different vehicles. Insurers are more willing to offer low rates to drivers with "sensible" vehicles. As a result, when shopping for insurance, you might notice your dad's 10-year old minivan suddenly seems more appealing.
- Commute distance: How much you drive will also affect your premiums, which is why you are always asked to provide your anticipated vehicle usage when obtaining a car insurance rate. The less you drive, the cheaper your car insurance premium is. The more you drive, the higher the chance that you could be involved in a motor vehicle accident, and the more you will have to pay for insurance.
- Driving history: Individuals with a clean driving can expect to pay lower premiums than those with tickets and/or accidents on their record. The number of years you have had a licence also matters.
- Demographics: Where you live makes a difference. Areas with higher occurrences of theft and collisions result in higher premiums. Your age can also come into play. Drivers who are 25 years old or older will generally pay less to insure a vehicle. This is based on data that shows that younger, less experienced drivers are more likely to be involved in traffic collisions.
- Coverage type: The larger the scope of the coverage and the higher the coverage limits you choose, the more you will pay for insurance. The deductible, which is the portion that you must pay out of pocket following a claim, is also important in the calculation of your insurance premium. If you are willing to take on more risk with a higher deductible, the insurer will offer a cheaper rate.
- Discounts: Most insurance companies will provide you with discounts if you meet certain criteria. For example, if you have winter tires, or if you have more than one vehicle, you may be eligible for discounts. When you get quotes with RATESDOTCA, we ask the same questions as the insurers do to ensure you are getting the lowest possible price.
Back to the top.
Information that you need to get and compare car insurance quotes online
RATESDOTCA makes it easy for you to get an accurate auto insurance quote. You will be asked to provide basic information about yourself that will help insurance companies determine your premium. All we need is:
- Your age, gender and marital status.
- Your name and address, and names of any other drivers in your household.
- Your vehicle make and model.
- Number of years you have held a driver licence.
- Your insurance claims history.
Oh, and don't worry, RATESDOTCA values your privacy, and will never sell your personal information. Your info will remain safe, secure, and protected.
Back to the top.
The types of car insurance coverage in Canada
Auto insurance is required by law in every Canadian province and territory. The type(s) or coverage and the amount of coverage required vary by location.
Mandatory car insurance requirements typically include the following coverages:
- Third-Party Liability
- Direct Compensation-Property Damage (DC-PD)
- Uninsured Automobile Insurance
- Accident Benefits
Here's a breakdown of each of these coverages:
- Third-party liability: This coverage protects against losses incurred from third-party claims when you are found to be at-fault for an accident. This includes damage to someone else's property, bodily injury or death. Your auto insurance quote will always include third-party auto insurance coverage, because it's mandatory across all provinces and territories in Canada.
- Direct compensation-property damage (DC-PD) : This coverage means the insurer compensates you directly when your vehicle is damaged in an accident for which you are not at fault. It covers the damage to your vehicle, its contents and the loss of use of your vehicle. Property damage coverage is mandatory in Canada, except in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
- Uninsured automobile protection : This coverage protects you if you get in an accident with someone who does not have valid insurance coverage. It can also protect you if you're the victim of a hit-and-run.
- Accident benefits : This coverage protects you from injury in a collision, whether you are the driver, a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist. There are four main types of accident benefit coverages: income replacement, medical benefits, death/funeral benefits and miscellaneous benefits.
Optional car insurance coverages
These are the optional coverages you can add to a car insurance policy. Note that in some provinces or territories, these coverages may be mandatory.
- Collision coverage: This coverage protects your vehicle against damage that occurs from a collision with an object (like another car). With this coverage, your provider will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, up to its actual cash value, regardless of who is at fault. Collision insurance is not mandatory, except in Manitoba.
- Comprehensive coverage : Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damage to your vehicle, such as theft, hail, vandalism, etc. Comprehensive insurance is only mandatory in Manitoba.
- Specified perils coverage : This coverage protects against damages caused by named perils, such as theft, attempted theft, explosions and natural disasters, like fire or lightning. Only perils specified by the policy are covered.
- All-perils coverage : This coverage is a combination of both collision and comprehensive insurance. All perils coverage protects your vehicle from all causes of loss except those directly mentioned as exclusions in your policy. It also provides additional protection if your car is stolen or damaged by another driver.
Back to the top.
Car insurance in Canada: A national picture
Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia operate within a public car insurance model. Car insurance in these provinces is available through the government. In other provinces, including Alberta and Ontario, drivers must purchase insurance from private insurance companies. Quebec is the only province that uses a mix of both.
In each province and territory, a minimum amount of auto insurance is required by law. This typically includes third-party liability insurance, which covers medical expenses and property damage caused by the insured (aka, you). There's also some level of accidents benefits or property damage coverage that is also mandatory.
Average rates vary across the country. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, British Columbia has the highest average auto insurance rate in Canada, averaging $1,832 per year. Ontario and Alberta are in second and third place, averaging $1,505 and $1,316 respectively. Drivers in Quebec pay the least in Canada, with an average premium of just $717.
Mandatory minimum auto insurance coverage across Canada
| Province or Territory | Mandatory Minimum Liability | Mandatory Minimum Coverage | Average Annual Premiums |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Third party liability $200,000 | Accident benefits | $1,316 |
| British Columbia | Third party liability $200,000 | Accident benefits, Uninsured automobile protection | $1,832 |
| Manitoba | Third party liability $200,000 | All perils (collision, comprehensive), Personal injury, Hit and run, Inverse liability protection | $1,140 |
| New Brunswick | Third party liability $200,000 | Accident benefits, Uninsured automobile protection, Direct Compensation – Property damage | $867 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Third party liability $200,000 | Uninsured automobile protection | $1,168 |
| Northwest Territories | Third party liability $200,000 | Property damage, personal injury | $978* |
| Nova Scotia | Third party liability $500,000 | Accident benefits, Uninsured automobile protection, Direct Compensation – Property damage | $891 |
| Nunavut | Third party liability $200,000 | Property damage, Personal injury | $963* |
| Ontario | Third party liability $200,000 | Accident benefits, Direct Compensation – Property damage, Uninsured automobile protection | $1,505 |
| Prince Edward Island | Third party liability $200,000 | Accident benefits, Uninsured automobile protection, Direct Compensation – Property damage | $816 |
| Quebec | Third party liability $50,000 | Accident benefits, Property damage | $717 |
| Saskatchewan | Third party liability $200,000 | Property damage, Personal injury | $1,235 |
| Yukon Territories | Third party liability $200,000 | Property damage, Personal injury, | $812* |
Above annual average insurance premium are according to data released by Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2020.
* Annual average of year 2017
Frequently asked questions about car insurance
Is it legal to drive without insurance?
No! All registered vehicles in Canada must have insurance, as required by law. If you own and drive a vehicle in Ontario, for example, you are required to take out a basic car insurance policy that includes four types of auto insurance. Vehicle owners in Ontario who do not carry valid auto insurance can be fined anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. You also risk having your license suspended and your vehicle impounded, not to mention facing sky-high insurance rates in the future.
Is RATESDOTCA car insurance service available throughout Canada?
RATESDOTCA is currently available to drivers in Ontario and Alberta.
Are the rates you show accurate?
What you see is what you get. The auto insurance quotes you receive are accurate, based on the details you provide. A representative from the insurance company will confirm your information before issuing a policy. As long as your details stay the same, so will your rate.
What's a deductible, and how does it work?
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay in the event of a claim before the insurance coverage kicks in. A driver with a $500 deductible and $2,000 in damage resulting from an accident will pay $500 out of pocket while the insurance company covers the remaining $1,500. Think of a deductible as your share of the repair cost.
Your deductible will also determine your policy premium. The higher the deductible you are willing to pay, the lower your insurance rate will be.
Which insurance companies will I get quotes from?
RATESDOTCA partners with over 50 top insurance companies in Canada, more than any other comparison site. Our partners include Intact, Aviva, Wawanesa, Jevco and Echelon, to name a few. See our full list of insurance partners here.
How much does it cost to use RATESDOTCA?
RATESDOTCA is 100% free to use. We are committed to saving you time and money.
What's the catch?
There is no catch! There are no hidden costs or strings attached. We make our money from the partners we work with, not from you.
Is it cheaper to shop direct?
No. Your quotes come straight from the auto insurance companies. They are the same rates you would get if you called them directly.
The last word
RATESDOTCA makes buying car insurance easy. We compare more insurance providers than anyone else, so you can be confident that you are getting the best deal.
*Shoppers in Ontario who obtained a quote on RATESDOTCA and transacted via our contact centre from August to December 2020 saved an average amount of $676. The average savings amount represents the difference between the shoppers' average lowest quoted premium and the average of the second and third lowest quoted premiums generated by RATESDOTCA.
Latest auto articles
Living with a bad driver shouldn't ruin your relationship with your auto insurance company. Here is how to keep your rate low.
If you decide to deliver fast food, you can skip the dishes, but don't skip the auto insurance coverage you need.
If your second vehicle is bulging the budget, it's time to hunt for savings. Here are five tips for affording your second vehicle.
Find more great auto insurance rates
By City
By Province
By Provider
By Type
By Brand
How Long Does a Car Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates
Source: https://rates.ca/insurance-quotes/auto