Compare and purchase Canada's best car insurance.
Get free and accurate quotes from Canada’s top insurance providers.
In just a few minutes, our quoter can unlock discounts that can have
you saving hundreds of dollars a year on average.
Types of coverage we provide
Provides coverage to repair/replace your car if it's damaged in an at-fault accident, hit and run or with an uninsured driver.
Typically covers fire, hail, theft, collision with an animal, vandalism, and falling objects among others. (subject to a deductible).
Protects you or a family member if injured or killed in an accident caused by an uninsured/under-insured motorist.
Allows one 'free' at-fault accident, meaning your rates will not increase on your first accident if you remain with the same provider.
Windows are included in comprehensive* however; you have the option to remove this coverage to lower your premium. (*Not Included in Alberta.)
You can extend your car insurance coverage to protect you while driving a rental vehicle, up to a certain limit.
In the event of a "total loss", this coverage will protect you from depreciation. You’ll be entitled to the original price you paid/current sale price.
This allows for the protection of your “claims free discount” in the event of your first claim.
Understanding car insurance rates in Canada
Buckle up — car insurance premiums are on the rise, and 2025 is no exception. Rates have jumped by 13.2% across Canada in the past year, according to Applied Systems, with many drivers feeling the pinch.
What’s causing the spike? It’s a mix of factors: modern vehicles with more technology in them that are expensive to repair, more frequent and costly claims due to increasing traffic around the country, inflation, rising theft (especially high-end SUVs), and extreme weather. It’s a perfect storm that’s driving premiums higher.
Back in 1990, insurers covered $6 billion in vehicle damage annually. By 2022, that number had soared to $16 billion — a clear sign of growing costs in the industry.
Location also plays a big role, too; the average premiums in 2025 ranged from $1,112 in Quebec to $2,443 in Alberta, with Saskatchewan and Ontario falling in between. Where you live can make a big difference in what you pay.
If your premium feels too high, don’t worry — you have options. A trusted insurance advisor like Surex can help you compare policies, find savings, and get the coverage you need.
Car insurance in Canada – FAQs
In Canada, there are three main types of car insurance coverage:
1. Collision car insurance:
If you collide with another vehicle or stationary object, you'll receive financial compensation to cover the cost of the vehicle repair.
2. Comprehensive car insurance:
You never know what’s waiting around the next turn or bend in the road. Comprehensive car insurance provides peace of mind for those moments. Comprehensive car insurance covers incidents such as:
- Hitting an animal
- Fire or smoke damage
- Theft and vandalism
- Flood damage
3. Liability:
Liability car insurance is required, by law, for all drivers in Canada. Liability insurance protects others from damages you cause while driving a vehicle. This covers a variety of losses including property damage, bodily injury and death. The price is based on your personal driving habits, so all of the vehicles you drive will have the same liability insurance rate. This is the cheapest auto insurance available in Canada, which means it has the lowest coverage.
Contact the Surex team to get your personalized offer today.
An insurance premium is the amount you pay regularly (monthly, annually, or by term) to keep your auto insurance policy active.
An insurance deductible is what you pay out of pocket if you make a claim. Your insurer covers the rest, up to your policy limit.
In general, choosing a higher deductible means you’ll pay a lower premium, but be sure you can afford the deductible amount if you ever need to file a claim. If you can’t pay your deductible, your insurer won’t cover the claim.
Yes! There are several discounts that can help lower the cost of your car insurance in Canada. Surex works with multiple providers to help you find the ones you qualify for.
Some of these discounts include:
- Bundle discount
- Group discount
- Credit discount
- Experienced driver discount
- Short commute discount
- Mature citizen discount
- Hybrid vehicle discount
- Anti-theft discount
- Loyalty discount
- Renewal discount
- Claims-free discount
- New business discount
- Flex discount
- Student discount
- Occupation discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
Start a free quote now to find the best car insurance rates in Canada.
To make an auto insurance claim, you will need the following information:
You will need:
- Time of the accident.
- Date of the accident.
- Location of the accident.
- Description of the accident.
- Photos of the accident (if possible).
- Police report (if possible).
Most companies have a 24/7 line to contact (check your insurance card for the phone number). You can also call or email your Surex Advisor directly to submit a claim.
A licensed insurance advisor is a regulated professional who helps you find the best coverage by comparing policies from multiple insurance providers.
At Surex, you’ll work with the same advisor from start to finish — someone who’s focused on your needs, not tied to one provider. They’ll help you navigate claims, policy changes, and make sure you're always getting competitive rates.
Start your quote today with a trusted Surex advisor.
Getting the best car insurance rate in Canada depends on several factors, including where you live, your driving history, and how much coverage you need. Here are a few proven ways to lower your car insurance premiums:
- Maintain a clean driving record. Fewer tickets and claims generally mean lower premiums.
- Increase your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly rate (just make sure it’s affordable if you need to make a claim).
- Compare quotes. Shopping around or working with a licensed insurance advisor helps you find the best rate for the coverage you need.
- Bundle your insurance. Bundling home and auto insurance with the same provider often leads to discounted pricing.
- Look for available discounts. Ask your advisor about things like winter tire discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, and more.
Here are some other helpful tips:
- Consider driver’s training for additional savings
- Work on improving your credit score — some provinces offer aggressive discounts based on having a good credit score.
- Reduce unnecessary coverage on older vehicles
A Surex advisor can help compare rates across Canada’s top providers to find you the best value for your needs.
Car insurance rates in Canada are based on several factors, including:
- Your driving habits: How often and how far you drive.
- Your driving history: Tickets, accidents, and claims.
- Your vehicle: Its make, model, year, and condition.
- Coverage and deductibles: The type and amount of coverage you choose.
- Where you live: Urban areas often have higher rates than rural regions.
- Personal demographics: Age, gender, marital status, and sometimes credit score (in certain provinces).
Some providers also consider additional policies you hold—like home or tenant insurance—and whether you qualify for any bundling discounts.
Not sure how to choose the right auto insurance in Canada? You're not alone.
Here are some helpful tips to guide your decision:
- Do an annual rate check: Insurance rates can change from year to year, so it’s smart to compare quotes annually to make sure you’re still getting a competitive rate.
- Compare top insurers: Shopping around helps you find the right coverage at the best price. Take time to compare policies, not just premiums.
- Set the right deductible: Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium — but only if you can pay it in the event of a claim.
- Review your coverage: Make sure your policy includes enough liability protection for injuries and property damage. More coverage often means better peace of mind.
- Choose the right vehicle: Your car’s make, model, and features affect your premium. Look for vehicles with strong safety ratings and low repair costs if you want to save.
These are some of the key factors that influence car insurance rates in Canada:
- Age
- Gender
- Years licensed
- License type
- Years insured
- Claims history
- Conviction/suspension history
- Age/type of vehicle
- Coverage requested
- Kilometres driven daily and annually
- How the vehicle is used (e.g., business, personal)
There’s no set monthly cost for car insurance in Canada — it varies widely based on factors like your age, location, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage level. Because of this, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The best way to find a fair rate is to shop around and compare quotes using the same coverage details. And if your circumstances change (like moving or buying a new car), it’s a good idea to get new quotes to see if you’re eligible for a better rate
Yes, age does affect car insurance rates in Canada. Young drivers typically pay higher premiums because they have less driving experience and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. As you gain experience and maintain a clean driving record, your rates will generally decrease over time
Tickets for moving violations can impact your car insurance rates in Canada. Some common examples include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Disobeying traffic signs
- Improper lane changes
- Failing to signal
- Not wearing a seatbelt
In most cases, yes — if you’re leasing or financing a vehicle in Canada, full coverage is typically required.
Since the lender or leasing company technically owns the vehicle until it’s fully paid off, they’ll want to ensure it’s protected. Full coverage (which usually includes collision and comprehensive insurance) helps cover repair or replacement costs if you’re involved in an at-fault accident.
Yes, the age of your vehicle can affect your car insurance premium — but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Insurance providers also consider the make and model of your vehicle, your driving history, your demographic, the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen, the cost to repair or replace it, your neighbourhood crime rate, and more — in order to determine the likelihood of you making a claim. The less likely they feel you are to make a claim, the lower your auto insurance rates will be, and vice versa.
- A valid driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration and licence plate number
- Driving history (including past claims or convictions)
- Current auto insurance policy details (if applicable)
- Information about any additional drivers using the vehicle
- Payment details (e.g., credit card, void cheque, or banking info)
- Proof of driver’s education (if completed, for potential discounts)
Yes—the best time to compare rates is 30 to 60 days before your policy renews. Speaking with a licensed insurance advisor during this window gives you time to explore other options, apply discounts, and ensure you’re still getting the best rate for your needs.
While recreational vehicles aren’t typically covered under a standard car insurance policy, you can insure them with separate or add-on policies. This includes coverage for:
To find the best coverage and rates for your seasonal vehicles, compare quotes online or speak with a Surex advisor for personalized options.
Yes. If you drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, you’ll need additional insurance coverage.
Ridesharing coverage is for drivers who use their personal vehicles to transport paying customers. Ridesharing insurance has been available since 2016, making it a new type of coverage for Canadians.
Here are a few reasons why you need this extra coverage in Canada:
- Your personal auto insurance does not cover you if you drive for a rideshare company in Canada and they can cancel your coverage at any time if they find out.
- You may be covered by your rideshare company, but the coverage will be limited. Anything extra will need to be covered by your own personal insurance.
- Ridesharing coverage is affordable (generally less than $100/month). Additionally, ridesharing coverage is cheaper than getting a commercial auto insurance policy used by taxi services. Thankfully, it still gives you and your passengers the necessary coverage.
Yes, car insurance is mandatory by law in Canada if you own and operate a vehicle. While you don’t need insurance to buy a car, you must have valid coverage before driving it.
Driving without insurance can lead to serious consequences, which may vary by province, including:
- Fines
- Licence suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
Here’s what can happen if you’re involved in an accident without insurance:
- You are responsible for any and all damages and will have to pay out of pocket for any expenses.
- You forfeit the right to sue for any type of accident benefit and lose money that can potentially help cover hospital stays or loss of income.
- If you are driving a borrowed car and get into an accident, then the premium for the owner will increase.
Every province in Canada has no-fault insurance. No-fault car insurance is when the insurance company will pay your claim regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Some people think this is a good system as it prevents delays in claim payments and access to medical care, while others think it's not because it can limit certain compensations as well as protect bad drivers because they cannot be sued for damages.
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, falling objects, or hitting an animal. It’s designed to protect your car when it’s parked or not in use
Not all drivers require the same insurance coverage, so make sure you talk to a dedicated insurance advisor to get yours tailored to your personalized needs.
Do you have an old or inexpensive car? If so, comprehensive car insurance in Canada may not be the ideal choice, as it may not be worth spending your money on a vehicle that you didn't pay much for in the first place.
Be sure to reach out to a Surex advisor if you’d like to learn more about comprehensive auto insurance and if it’s the right choice for you.
Usage-based insurance (also known as pay-as-you-go insurance), is a type of auto coverage where your premium is based on how much and how safely you drive. Your driving habits are tracked using a mobile app or a device installed in your vehicle.
Usage-based insurance can help low-mileage or safe drivers save money, especially if you work remotely or don’t drive daily. Not all insurers offer this option, but it’s worth asking your advisor if it’s available to you.
Yes, auto insurance rules and systems vary across Canada. Each province or territory has its own regulations and required coverages, which can affect both how insurance is provided and how much it costs:
- British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have government-run auto insurance programs.
- Alberta, Ontario, the Atlantic provinces, and the Territories use private insurance markets.
- Quebec has a hybrid system: the government covers personal injury, while private insurers handle property damage.
Recent customer reviews
Find out why Canadians trust Surex for their insurance needs.
I had an excellent experience setting up the insurance for my first car with Ashley at Surex. She was fast, professional, and incredibly helpful every step of the way. Ashley made the process smooth and stress-free, answered all my questions promptly and found me a great price. Highly recommend her for anyone looking for outstanding and reliable insurance service!!!!
I have nothing but exceptional service from Ashley Bushfield at Surex, quickly responds and takes cares of anything I need for my insurance needs… prices are amazing too… thanks for everything you do!! Highly recommended!!
Mostly great help but I feel when your contract wasn’t renewed for car insurance contacting your customers by email should have at least should got a phone call to their customers when the email wasn’t acknowledged by customer for whatever reasons… but something as important as having no insurance should have required a phone call by the company and the broker should have an alternative option for it’s customers
I had a great experience with Ashley at Surex. She was able to get me insured the same day and sent over my policy right away. The process was quick, and smooth. I’m very happy with the quality of her work and the service, I’d definitely recommend Ashley and Surex to anyone in Ontario looking for reliable insurance.
Surex insurance tips & advice
In Canada, any car can be stolen, but certain models are targeted more—learn which vehicles top the most-stolen list to help protect your investment.
Insurance helps Canadians in need, but honesty is essential. Filing a false claim is considered fraud and can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
Electric vehicles in Canada cost more to insure than gas cars. Surex data shows EVs average $3,131 yearly, versus $2,289 for gas—about 37% higher.