The 25 Best Car Insurance Companies in Ontario For 2023

Best car insurance companies in Ontario
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    Every driver needs car insurance. Exploring the best car insurance companies in Ontario helps you find the right coverage at the best price. And while every company provides the same mandatory coverage, not all car insurance companies deliver equally.

    The average Ontarian spends $1,634 a year or $137 a month on car insurance. When you invest that much, you want to get the best value for your money and seize all available discounts.

    You have many factors to consider when choosing the best car insurance company. These include their customer service, premium calculations and what discounts and additional coverage options they offer. In this article, we’ll break down the top 25 best car insurance companies in Ontario.

    As you shop around, our car insurance comparison tool can help you find a policy that fits your needs.

    A Brief Refresher: Car insurance in Ontario

    Before we begin to compare insurance companies, let’s review how car insurance in Ontario works. While car insurance is compulsory across Canada, Ontario, drivers have four types of mandatory coverage. You must carry:

    • liability coverage
    • accident benefits (also known as statutoryaccident benefits schedule)
    • uninsured automobile coverage
    • direct compensation property damage

    Together, they provide the most basic protection. Additionally, most drivers choose to add optional coverage and add-ons to fill in the gaps. Other types of coverage include collision coverage, which pays for repairing or replacing your vehicle after a collision, regardless of who is at fault.

    Further, you can opt for comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. Think of severe storms, thefts or vandalism. Common add-ons include rental car coverage, roadside assistance, and extended coverage.

    Calculating your monthly car insurance payment

    Your monthly car insurance payment is also known as a premium. When you choose more coverage and add-ons, your premium goes up. Your premium also increases if you have a higher chance of making a claim. To predict this likelihood, insurance companies analyze all kinds of data. The biggest factors that contribute to your premium are the type of vehicle you drive, your driving record, your neighbourhood, and personal details, such as age and gender.

    For example, sports and luxury cars cost more to repair and replace in the event of a collision or other damage. As a result, your premium will be higher than that of a typical family sedan. Also, the more densely populated a neighbourhood, the higher the odds of theft, vandalism, and collisions on busy roads. If you under 25, insurance companies will likely view you as a higher risk due to your lack of experience then raise your premium. Similarly, statistically men get into more accidents than women, so they usually end up paying more for car insurance.

    Hearing all this, you’re probably wondering how you can lower your insurance premium. That’s where company-specific discounts can come in handy. Often, insurance companies will offer great discounts when you bundle home and car insurance with the same provider. You can also qualify for discounts by increasing your safety rating by adding features like alarms and anti-theft devices to your car.

    Lastly, don’t just settle for the first insurance company you find. Instead, shop around and compare car insurance quotes! The following list of the best car insurance companies in Ontario begins your search, not in any particular order. You may also consider using an insurance broker or contacting companies directly.

    Here are the best car insurance companies in Ontario:

    1. Surex (Brokerage)

    Canadian insurance broker Surex aims to help customers compare auto insurance from the best car insurance companies in Ontario. They help you find the best quote within minutes, saving potentially hundreds of dollars a year. Surex’s process starts with a personalized online quote.

    The company also matches you with a Licenced Insurance Advisor, who can help you make the final purchase through Surex’s site. The broker describes this service as “no generic call centres, just real people helping you with all of your insurance needs.”

    2. Belairdirect

    Belairdirect runs as an Ontario and Quebec-based home and car insurance company. Since the company’s establishment in 1955, it has spread across Canada. In 1977, Belairdirect became the first insurance company in North America to offer online quotes. Ever since, it has continued to strive for technical innovation and boundary-pushing products.

    The company prides itself on its first-rate customer service, earning prizes for best call centre management. Some of Belairdirect’s service features include an online chat with certified insurance agents, free online quotes and a 30-minute claims guarantee. It also offers various discounts to suit different drivers. Multi-vehicle customers can save up to 15 percent on their car insurance, while customers can access major savings when they bundle home and auto insurance.

    3. YouSet (Brokerage)

    Insurance broker YouSet compares car and home insurance for customers in Ontario and Quebec. Its technology manages thousands of algorithms to find the best insurance quote for you.

    Its automated platform screens the market for all potential quotes that apply to you. After answering a few questions, YouSet’s search technology does the rest. The company promises a personalized auto insurance quote in less than four minutes. In addition to its online tool, YouSet has customer service representatives readily available via online chat, email and phone. 

    4. Aviva

    Long-standing Canadian insurance company Aviva Canada has roots dating back to the early 19th century. It provides home, auto and business insurance to three million customers. Aviva offers 24/7 claims service, aiming to make the reporting process as smooth as possible. Aviva also offers a service guarantee. If its staff cannot remedy your situation, or if you are not satisfied with the service you receive, Aviva will pay up. Its guarantee covers an amount equal to your annual premium plus the settlement amount you receive for your claim.

    For car insurance, Aviva offers various discounts, including home and auto insurance bundles and discounts for retirees. Drivers can also tap into savings when they insure more than one vehicle and maintain a clean driving record.

    5. CAA Insurance

    Canadian Auto Association (CAA) has a strong reputation for it emergency roadside assistance and membership program. However, the association also provides auto insurance to customers across Canada. For existing members, CAA offers an array of discounts and perks. Some of its discount programs include CAA MyPace, a usage-based program for people who drive fewer than 12,000 kilometres a year.

    Meanwhile, CAA Connect uses your personalized driving habits to calculate unique insurance discounts. Finally, Forgive and Forget gives you amnesty for your first at-fault accident. For convenience, CAA’s mobile app stores your insurance information. On the app, members can also request roadside assistance, access membership cards, and find nearby gas stations and repair shops.

    6. Allstate

    Originating in Illinois in 1931, Allstate expanded to Canada in 1953. Allstate’s Canadian headquarters are located in Markham, Ontario. Allstate offers auto and property insurance, with options to bundle and save. The company offers free, personalized quotes online, in person at one of their 90 community locations or over the phone. Customers can download the myAllstate app to make payments, access proof of insurance, and manage policy details from their phones.

    Allstate offers a wide range of discounts for all types of drivers, including a Good Student Driver Discount for those under 25 and a Retiree discount for those over 65. Additionally, safe divers can save up to $100 for every year they go without making a claim.

    7. Desjardins Insurance

    Quebec-based banking institution Desjardins offers a variety of services for Canadians, including car insurance. Desjardins offers good discounts, such as up to 35 percent off your home insurance when you bundle your auto and home insurance policies. It also offers various loyalty discounts and savings for those with multiple vehicles.

    You have the option to file a claim online, via 24/7 phone service, or through the Desjardins Insurance app. On the app, you can also view your insurance documents, update your personal information, and more. Desjardins ranks as the second-largest insurer and Canada and the most-reviewed insurance agency in Ontario.

    8. Onlia Insurance

    Toronto-based insurance company Onlia offers premium auto and home insurance at affordable prices through its completely digital platform. With Onlia, you can get a quote, buy and manage your policy online without any phone calls or paperwork. Onlia automatically applies any eligible discounts at checkout. Available savings from Onlia include car and home bundles, multi-car discounts, new car discounts for cars from 2020 or newer and discounts for customers of 3-plus years, among many others.

    9. The Personal

    The Personal, a Canadian home and auto insurance provider, extends coverage to members and employees of partner organizations. They have partnered with more than 700 organizations at competitive rates. Rates for members of participating organizations are typically lower than those available to the general public. The Personal is highly rated for customer service, ranking as a leader in client experience for home and auto insurance. Consult its website to find out if you belong to a partner organization.

    10. Echelon Insurance

    Echelon Insurance specializes as a member of the CAA Club Group family. It provides property and auto insurance for both individuals and businesses. Echelon stands out one of the best car insurance companies in Ontario for insuring drivers with poor driving records. These individuals with high claims frequency, multiple driving infractions, or license suspensions often get turned down by other companies. Echelon also offers personalized service and sophisticated pricing analysis.

    11. Beneva

    Newcomer Beneva formed as the result of a 2020 merger between La Capital and SSQ. Beneva’s mission is to offer the best insurance experience in Canada while keeping the process very simple. Its car insurance offerings include exclusive advantages for young adults (ages 20 to 30), young families, public service employees and retirees.

    12. Economical

    Economical insurance has provided insurance to Canadians since 1871. As one of the country’s leading and most trusted car and property insurance providers, Economical’s team of more than 600 specialized claims professionals offers 24/7 service. Economical offers several types of discounts, including savings for accident-free drivers, home and auto bundles, renewal discounts and more. It also leads as a special risk provider, offering insurance for those with multiple tickets or a complicated collision history.

    13. Gore Mutual

    Gore Mutual ranks as one of Canada’s oldest insurance companies. The company has been in business for more than 180 years and continues to operate as an auto and property insurer. Gore Mutual offers a comprehensive list of optional add-ons for increased coverage, as well as options to bundle home and auto insurance. It promotes 24/7 expert claims service with dedicated ClaimCare Advisors.

    Gore Mutual offers several payment plans to suit your needs. For example, you have the option to pay your insurance premium in three monthly installments. Alternatively, you can set up an automatic monthly withdrawal from your chequing or savings account.

    14. Intact

    Intact Insurance operates as the largest auto, home and business insurance company in Canada. With more than four million customers, Intact has earned trust as an auto and home insurance brand in Canada. You can get an online quote by providing your basic information, or you can take advantage of Intact’s 24/7 phone service. Intact offers many discount options, including a home and car bundle with the potential to save up to 18% on your car insurance. The Intact Insurance app has a feature called myDrive. When you turn it on, Intact can personalize your premium based on how you drive.

    15. Wawanesa

    Wawanesa Insurance began in 1896 in the town of Wawanesa, Manitoba. It has since grown into a multi-national insurance company with more than 3,000 employees. The company is one of the largest auto insurers in Canada, but it still aims to operate with “small town values” of exceptional service and empathy. It offers customized policies and optional coverages to fit the needs of every driver.

    16. The Co-operators

    A group of Canadian farmers founded the Co-operators in 1945. It has since grown to a Canada-wide home, auto, travel, and life insurance provider with hundreds of agents in Ontario alone. On the Co-perators’ website, you can get an insurance quote and make your purchase or save and retrieve your quote for later. It also offers online services to help you manage your insurance from anywhere.

    Co-operators offers several incentives, including perks for new drivers who demonstrate safe driving behaviours, home and auto bundles. Further, you can tap into discounts for electric car drivers and accident forgiveness for divers who have been collision-free for six years.

    17. Jevco

    Mississauga-based Jevco Insurance was founded in 1980. In 2012, it became part of the Intact Financial Corporation. The company specializes in non-standard personal auto insurance. So, if you’ve had a hard time getting insured through other companies, Jevco is well worth a try.

    For example, Jevco insures drivers with multiple insurance claims, high frequencies of traffic convictions, and driver’s license suspensions. Due to its specialization in discounted rates for high-risk drivers, Jevco does not offer other types of discounts.

    18. Pembridge

    Pembridge Insurance was established in 1999, with headquarters in Markham, Ontario. The company provides a range of insurance products to Canadians at competitive prices. It also provides specialty coverage for recreational vehicles, such as boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Pembridge gets backed by Allstate Canada, giving it the financial stability of one of North America’s largest insurance companies.

    Pembridge has a strong list of additional coverage options and a range of discounts for different drivers. Some of its discount options include multi-vehicle, mature driver, retiree and renewal discounts. Pembridge’s claims assistance is available 24 hours a day.

    19. RBC Insurance

    RBC Insurance provides a long list of insurance products, including auto, home, life, and travel insurance. As one of Canada’s largest bank-owned insurance organizations, it has approximately 5 million clients and 2,800 employees globally. RBC has many channels for customers to access insurance solutions, advice, and information.

    By signing up for an online RBC Insurance account, you can manage your policy and make payments from your computer or cell phone. RBC Insurance offers a home and auto insurance bundle, which gives you to potential to save up to 10 percent.

    20. Sonnet

    Sonnet set up in 2016 as Canada’s first fully online home and auto insurance company. The company uses data and analytics to offer specialized coverage at a competitive price. Sonnet prides itself on its innovation and customer service, with a 91-percent customer satisfaction score. You can contact Sonnet’s Insurance Advisors via email, phone, or online chat.

    Sonnet’s online quotes take only five minutes to generate, giving you the option to buy online immediately. On its website, you can also report a claim and log in to manage your policy. If you drive a Nissan or Infiniti, you’re in luck because Sonnet offers an exclusive discount for those models. It also offers multi-vehicle discounts and home and auto bundles with up to 20-percent savings. Even better, drivers who have been claims-free for the last six years get additional discounts.

    21. SGI Canada

    Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, SGI Canada operates in five Canadian provinces, including Ontario. The company has more than 2,000 employees and prides itself on exemplary customer service and competitive pricing. SGI Canada offers numerous customized coverage options and good loyalty discounts. It also offers home and auto bundles, multi-vehicle discounts, and discounts for retirees and those with good driving records.

    22. TD Insurance

    TD Insurance belongs as part of the TD Bank Group, one of the largest financial organizations in Canada. It offers a range of products, including auto, home, life, and travel insurance as one of the top three personal home and auto insurance groups in Canada. Simply answer a few questions on TD’s website to get a car insurance quote and buy online.

    When you do buy online, TD Insurance offers a 10-percent discount. You can also score discounts for multi-vehicle and electric or hybrid vehicle drivers. In TD Insurance’s mobile app, you can make a claim and track its status, as well as manage your policies and download your pink card.

    23. Travelers

    Travelers Canada provides car and home insurance to individuals and businesses across the country. With approximately 1,400 employees, Travelers strives to provide the best insurance coverage and customer support. Travelers covers a range of vehicles, including motorcycles, motor homes and recreational vehicles. You can use Travelers Canada’s online tool to get a quote or call their customer service team. Travelers Canada also has a 24/7 claims service.

    Travelers Canada customers can qualify for numerous discounts. For example, you can save when you bundle home and car insurance and when you insure multiple vehicles. Travelers also has discounts for retirees and drivers with clean records. Plus, they offer a discount if you have a child who lives away from home and has limited access to an insured vehicle while attending school.

    24. Unica Insurance

    Unica Insurance is an Ontario-based insurance company founded in 1955 and headquarted in Mississauga. It provides niche insurance solutions for VIP commercial and personal clients as a subsidy of Beneva Insurance company. The company works with a select network of Ontarian insurance brokers to deliver its products.

    Unica specializes in coverage for luxury vehicles and collector cars, but it also insures all types of personal vehicles. Its partner brokers can provide personalized advice and guidance for home, auto, and high-value asset insurance.

    25. South Easthope Mutual Insurance

    South Easthope Mutual Insurance provides personalized home, auto, farm, and business insurance services to its members in southwestern Ontario. Founded by local farmers in 1871, the company’s agents and brokers help you design a coverage package that fits your needs. Its website does not have an online quote tool, but you can call to receive a quote. South Easthope Mutual provides coverage for personal, commercial, farm and recreational vehicles. Customers have the option to report a claim online or over the phone at any time of day.

    Everything you need to know about the best car insurance companies in Ontario

    There you have it. Hopefully, this comprehensive list of the 25 best car insurance companies in Ontario will help you narrow down your options and identify the insurance providers that fit your needs. Of course, we can’t cover everything on a list like this. If you’re interested in more information about coverage, discounts and service offerings, consult any company’s website or reach out to them directly.

    At the end of the day, every driver will have a different rate with some factors beyond your control. But thankfully, there are insurance options out there for everyone. From new drivers with a clean history to experienced drivers with multiple claims, different insurance providers cater to different needs.

    FAQs about the best car insurance companies in Ontario

    What is the best car insurance company in Ontario?

    The best car insurance company in Ontario depends on your personal needs and circumstances. Different car insurance companies offer different coverage, customer service experiences, and premium rates. However, some of the top-rated companies in Ontario include Onlia, Economical and Intact, which have some of the highest ratings from customers on InsurEye.com.

    Which company offers the cheapest car insurance in Ontario?

    The cost of car insurance varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and your location. However, some companies that are known for offering relatively affordable rates include Belairdirect, Desjardins and Sonnet.

    How to get the best car insurance in Ontario?

    To get any car insurance quote, you will first need to supply some basic information. Insurance companies use a variety of data to calculate your rate, including age, gender, and driving history. Some people will unavoidably have higher rates than others. In general, drivers with a clean driving history and more driving experience will get the best car insurance rates. To get the best car insurance, you can use online quote tools to compare rates or get in touch with an insurance broker.

    How to find the best car insurance rates in Ontario?

    The way to find the best car insurance in Ontario is to shop around and compare policies. You can consult websites, call or visit different companies directly, or connect with an insurance broker who will help you find the best policy for your personal situation. Keep in mind that a broker will often charge an additional fee.

    Can a car insurance company refuse to insure you?

    Yes, a car insurance company can refuse to insure you. This can happen if they determine that you pose too high of a risk. For example, if you have a history of serious traffic violations or accidents, they may refuse to cover you. However, there are companies in Ontario like Jevco and Echelon that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers.

    What car insurance company has the best rates in Ontario?

    Car insurance companies offer different rates depending on a variety of personal factors, including your driving history, neighbourhood, vehicle usage, and age. As a result, some drivers will have higher rates, even with a discount company. The best course of action is to start with an online car insurance comparison tool to find the best rates for you.

    What is the best car insurance for young adults in Ontario?

    Young adults usually pay more for car insurance, as they tend to be less experienced drivers and more likely to get in a collision. However, some insurance companies actually offer discounts for young adults. For example, Beneva offers exclusive discounts for drivers between 20 to 30 years old, and Belairdirect has various discounts for students under the age of 23. Additionally, if you are a young adult who has been driving for six-plus years with no claims, several insurance companies offer discounts for claims-free drivers.

    Can I transfer my car insurance to another company in Ontario?

    You cannot transfer a policy to another provider, but you can switch to another car insurance company in Ontario. First, shop around and get quotes from several different companies before making a switch. Just make sure to have your new policy in place before cancelling your old one to avoid a lapse in coverage.

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    Based out of Halifax, Amanda Rogers is a freelance writer who covers various topics, including travel, mortgages and personal finances. She has a Master of Arts degree in Child and Youth Study, taught English in South Korea, and traveled to over 25 countries. She also owns her own company, iPlume Writing Inc.