Car insurance is legally required in Ontario, which is more than enough of a reason for drivers to invest in coverage. However, this is far from the only reason drivers should purchase a policy. Finding the best car insurance in Ontario can save you money on premiums and claims. The average cost of car insurance in Ontario is $763 per year for minimum coverage and $2,098 for full car insurance.Advertising Disclosure
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Ontario is part of San Bernardino County, one of the fastest-growing areas of the Southern California basin. Since 2011, vehicle registrations in the country have grown 16%, outpacing California’s average increase of 11%. Unfortunately, the number of traffic collision victims have also increased. Since 2019, vehicle-related fatalities are up 32%. Bike-related injuries and fatalities are up 46%, all potentially due to distracted driving.
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Finding the cheapest car insurance in Ontario may help you afford enough coverage to protect you against all the potential dangers on the road.
Best car insurance companies in Ontario
The following four carriers are a combination of cheapest car insurance in Ontario and good customer ratings. We used Bankrate’s quote data collected from over 20 Ontario-area insurance providers to find the cheapest carriers. To narrow the list down further, we chose insurance companies with good customer reviews. J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study was instrumental because it is based on reviews from policyholders regarding the insurer’s claims process, communication and available coverages.
| Insurance company | J.D. Power customer satisfaction score (California) |
Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | 830 / 1,000 | $576 | $1,875 |
| Grange | Not rated | $584 | $2,151 |
| Geico | 828 / 1,000 | $627 | $1,797 |
| Wawanesa | 853 / 1,000 | $668 | $1,591 |
AAA
AAA is well-known for providing roadside service and towing to 61 million members nationwide. You get more than just towing for the membership fee — AAA car insurance is also available. The carrier’s policies deliver the cheapest car insurance Ontario rates. Customer service is not sacrificed for lower rates. When it comes to customer satisfaction, AAA earned third place in J.D. Power’s auto insurance study.
Grange
Grange Insurance does not rank in J.D. Power’s California study due to its smaller market share. When referencing the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s insurance complaint index, there were only eight complaints over one year. It is slightly above average, but Grange’s second-lowest minimum car insurance rates in Anaheim tend to offset the complaints. Focusing on what Grange does well, you will find minimum liability and full car insurance as well as gap coverage and insurance for high-end sound equipment and custom accessories.
Geico
Geico’s full coverage rates are among the lowest on average. Full coverage is typically more expensive because it adds insurance for your vehicle as well, such as comprehensive and collision insurance. If you drive an older vehicle or one with a low value, you may be fine with low-cost minimum car insurance. But if you have a higher-model vehicle or have assets you would like to financially protect, full coverage car insurance from Geico may be your best bet.
Wawanesa
Wawanesa Insurance is #1 in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power study for California. The carrier is Canada-based and does not have any offices in California, but the website is robust enough to handle most of your car insurance needs online. Some of the optional coverages available include replacement parts using the vehicle manufacturer’s originals and rental expense insurance that can increase your vehicle rental allowance if you would like to rent a larger or more expensive vehicle while your car is in the shop for a covered cause. Ontario drivers should find the coverage they are in search of with Wawanesa.
Cheapest car insurance in Ontario
To get a better idea of how much car insurance costs in Ontario, take not of the following figures:
- The average annual cost of car insurance in California is $733 for minimum car insurance and $2,065 for full coverage.
- The national average is $1,674 per year.
Keep the following rates in mind for the cheapest, largest carriers in Ontario based on market share. When shopping around for car insurance, they can provide you with an idea of whether you are paying more for coverage than average. Unless you have a history of accidents and tickets or you are a teen driver, your rates should be relatively close to Bankrate’s findings.
| Insurance company | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $576 | $1,875 |
| Geico | $627 | $1,797 |
| Mercury | $635 | $1,634 |
| Travelers | $693 | $1,882 |
| Progressive | $696 | $1,888 |
AAA has a couple of nearby chapter offices in Upland and Chino if you would like to visit a local agent. Geico and Mercury typically provide the lowest insurance rates. Travelers and Progressive both have a variety of optional coverages such as rideshare insurance, gap coverage and new car replacement.
Ontario insurance requirements
The State of California requires all vehicle owners, including those residing in Ontario, to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. However, the following requirements should be a starting point. If you total a newer vehicle, $5,000 in property damage coverage does not cover the value of the vehicle, leaving you liable for any damages of $5,000. In addition, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry full car insurance, which could include comprehensive, collision and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. California’s insurance requirements are:
- $15,000 in death and/or bodily injury per person
- $30,000 in death and/or bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 for property damage per accident
Car insurance discounts in Ontario
Even if you found a car insurance company in Ontario offering lower rates than you currently pay, you might save further by checking for carrier-specific car insurance discounts. The following could reduce your car insurance bill:
- Autopay: Automatic payments directly from your account simplifies your life and may earn you a small discount.
- Bundling: Buying home, renters and/or car insurance from the same company could lower your premiums on all.
- Young driver: Teens and young adults typically pay the highest rates. Young driver discounts could help parents or independent young adults save money.
- Switching: If you find lower rates with a different insurance company and decide to change carriers, you may also receive an additional discount for switching.
Bundling and young driver discounts are two of the most effective discounts when you want to significantly reduce your rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company?
The best car insurance companies in Ontario are different for everyone. Consider the factors that are most important to you and get several quotes to find the best option for you.
How much does car insurance in Ontario cost?
The average cost of car insurance in Ontario is $763 annually for minimum car insurance and $2,098 for full coverage. Rates are slightly higher than Bankrate’s findings of California premiums, averaging $733 for minimum car insurance and $2,065 for full coverage.
How much car insurance do I need in Ontario?
All vehicle owners in Ontario must have liability coverage of at least $15,000 in death and/or bodily injury per person, $30,000 in death and/or bodily injury per accident and $5,000 for property damage per accident.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
