Are you thinking about buying a brand-new car for the first time? Let us be among the first to say congratulations! Buying a car for the first time is an exciting step in a person's life.

That being said, being a first-time car owner can be confusing at times. There are several tasks that you need to take care of before you can hit the road. One of the most important tasks is registering your vehicle.

If you haven't purchased car insurance or registered your vehicle yet, you may be wondering: "can you register a car without insurance in Ontario?".

Continue reading to learn more about car insurance and the vehicle registration process in Ontario.

Do you need insurance to register a vehicle in Ontario?

In short, yes, you do need to have valid auto insurance in order to register a motor vehicle in the province of Ontario. This means that you need to obtain an auto insurance policy before you register your vehicle.

Why do drivers need car insurance in Ontario?

Drivers are legally required to have the provincial minimum of third-party liability insurance ($200,000) in order to operate a vehicle on Ontario roadways. 

Bonus — Although the provincial minimum in Ontario is $200,000, we highly suggest investing in at least $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance. $200,000 generally covers a small amount of the legal expenses that stem from vehicular collisions.

Registering vehicle in Ontario — how do you do it?

When it comes to auto registration Ontario has strict rules, processes and requirements that need to be respected.

Aside from valid auto insurance, Ontarian drivers also need to provide the following information and documentation in order to register a vehicle:

• A valid driver's licence or a registrant identification number (RIN) (a RIN is required by individuals who do not have a valid driver's licence)
• Proof of vehicle purchase (a receipt from the dealership will suffice)
• The original permit from the seller
• The licence plate portion of the vehicle permit (if you have a licence plate that you wish to attach to the registered vehicle)

Register vehicle in Ontario — how much does it cost?

The cost to register a vehicle in Ontario is as follows:

Vehicle permit — $32 (required for all vehicles in Ontario)

Licence plate with registration permit — $59 (required for both new and replacement plates)

Other niche vehicles, like trailers and snowmobiles, cost more to register than traditional motor vehicles.

Bonus — Click here to learn about purchasing a custom licence plate in Ontario.

Where can you register your vehicle in Ontario?

Drivers can register their vehicles at a nearby ServiceOntario. There are several ServiceOntario locations across the province, making it easy for drivers to find one a short drive or bus ride away.

If you don't need accessibility accommodations, you can visit a ServiceOntario at any point during their hours of operation. If you do need accessibility accommodations, please notify the Service Ontario location you are visiting two to three days before your visit.

Factors to consider while buying car insurance in Ontario

There are several factors that drivers need to take into account while shopping for car insurance in Ontario. Some examples of these factors include:

What's your budget? — Even though car insurance is undoubtedly important, you should always stay within your budget. Doing this will ensure that you can make timely payments in the future without putting too much financial strain on yourself.

Level of coverage — Different types of car insurance protects you from different things. For instance, collision coverage financially protects drivers that experience an at-fault loss in a collision, whereas comprehensive coverage safeguards drivers from events that happen off of the road (theft, vandalism, etc.). Be aware of how each type of coverage works if you want an edge while shopping for insurance.

Value of your vehicle — The value of your vehicle will heavily influence what type of coverage you should invest in. If you have a high-value vehicle, it's generally best to purchase an extensive insurance policy that protects the vehicle from a wide variety of risks. On the other hand, if you have a low-value vehicle, it may not make sense to add a collection of bells and whistles to your policy.

How often do you drive? — Are you the type of driver that spends countless hours on the road? Or do you generally use your vehicle to run errands around town? Drivers that spend less time on the road can take advantage of their habits by opting for a type of usage-based insurance. For instance, the Travelers IntelliDrive app tracks motorists' usage and driving habits. After a 90-day period, new policyholders can save up to 30% on their car insurance premiums!

Use a brokerage — The easiest way to find affordable car insurance is by comparing quotes with a reputable brokerage, like Surex. Insurance brokerages are groups that work with a number of insurance companies in a specific area. Working with several companies gives brokerages the ability to offer a variety of products at different price points.

Not to mention, when you work with an insurance broker, you get to take advantage of the experience, connections and professionalism.

Save up to 25% on car insurance when you shop with Surex!

At Surex, we have one goal in mind — helping drivers, like you, save on insurance. Whether you need car, home, renter's or business insurance, we've got you covered. Our team works with the province's top insurance providers in order to offer policyholders the best products at affordable prices.

Best of all, our team works fast! We can provide you with up to ten personalized car insurance quotes in ten minutes or less (the number of quotes varies by location).

Contact one of our team members today to start comparing quotes and to learn how you can save up to 25% when you bundle your policies with one of our partners.

What have you learned about registering a vehicle in Ontario?

As a quick reminder, you cannot register a vehicle in Ontario if you do not have auto insurance. 

If you need help shopping for car insurance in Ontario, don't hesitate to reach out to a Surex insurance advisor today.