Car Insurance – Ontario

Your vehicle is much more than an investment in your life; it’s your freedom. Let us help navigate which auto insurance is right for you. When you buy car insurance in Ontario, you have many coverage options We can help find the right coverage for you either by email, phone, or in person at any of our Ontario locations.

As your local insurance experts, we know that each vehicle in Ontario is unique in its own way. From those who commute to work in Barrie every day, to those who are out on the open road catching sunset views, we’ve got you covered.

We understand it’s vital to protect what’s most important to you and your family. Our expert insurance advisors are here to ensure you’re protected and provide peace of mind so you can focus on what’s important in your life.

Get a car insurance quote

Why Choose Westland?

We know that your insurance needs to match your goals, your lifestyle and your budget. Our expert auto insurance advisors get to know you, so that they can tailor a policy to your exact needs.

We’ll find the best coverage for you at the right price so that you can continue to live your life the way you want to.

Insurance can be complex sometimes. Let our expert insurance advisors do the heavy lifting! We’ll help you find a policy that you feel is the best fit and provides peace of mind. To learn more about the benefits of being a Westland client, click here.

Ontario Car Insurance Explained

In Ontario, car insurance is sold through private companies and not provided through the government as in some of our neighbouring provinces. For the most part, there are standard coverages you’ll find from one policy to the next. If your needs are more specialized, our expert advisors will help to find the right solution too!

Yes! If you fill out our car insurance quotation form we can assist with car insurance quotes. One of our auto advisors will be in touch to check your details and provide you with an auto insurance quote.

Yes, we’re here for you from policy purchase through to support and renewals. We’ll guide you through the renewal process to ensure your coverages are still right for you.

We all have deductibles for our car insurance in Ontario, but do you really know what you’re covered for? Many people chose their deductible years ago and keep it the same each renewal year. Here’s everything you need to know about deductibles to ensure that you’re properly covered!

A deductible is an amount that you have to pay when making a claim regarding damage or theft of your vehicle. So, if you have a $200 deductible for example and you have a fender bender, you have to pay that $200 in order to get your vehicle repaired. You can choose to buy down your deductible, which means you will pay slightly more for your insurance but less at the time of a loss.

Look at it this way, the lower the deductible, say $200, the more it will cost annually. Alternatively, if you choose a higher deductible such as $1,000, it will cost less annually.

Deciding on what is most important to you and the types of driving you’re doing will impact what deductible you choose. For example, if you are doing a lot of highway driving, you may want to stay away from the higher deductible since you may happen to have damage to your vehicle due to a collision with an animal. You’ll have to pay a larger amount as opposed to lower deductibles in which it’s covered with a smaller deductible.

Now let’s imagine you live in downtown Thunder Bay and do minimal highway driving. Collision with an animal is not going to be very likely; however, vandalism might be. In that case, you may want to look into the deductible

It depends. Your cost is mostly based on the type of vehicle, cost, material type and your claims history. The better your driving history, the higher the discount. It definitely pays to drive safely!

Your deductible applies when you need to submit a claim due to damage to your vehicle. Whether that’s getting your windshield replaced or you have significant car damage, your deductible applies to each incident of loss. For example, if you have a crack in your windshield and then someone sideswipes your vehicle, that would require two claims to be entered and, therefore, two deductibles.

Ultimately the decision is up to you. You know your driving history and past experience the best. It may make sense to stick with the basic deductible based on the use of the vehicle, or in some cases, it may make more sense to purchase a lower deductible for a car that is being used on a more regular basis. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re adequately covered! If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help you out with your insurance needs and questions!

Third Party Liability Explained. Here’s Why You Need It.

Another part of your auto policy is third party liability. In short, it covers you for property damage you may cause as well as vehicle damage in Canada and the United States. Did you know that if you are in an accident, you can be legally liable and sued for bodily injury? Depending on the location, injuries and circumstances, it could be a large sum of money.

Third party liability is the portion of your insurance coverage that protects you if you’re held legally responsible for an injury due to an accident or damage to property. This helps cover the costs of legal fees, money to settle a lawsuit and other related expenses up to the limits identified in your policy.

Included in your basic insurance policy is $200,000 third party liability (TPL) with the option to increase it. Depending on the use of your vehicle, you may feel confident leaving your TPL at the basic amount. If you choose to keep it at the minimum and have an accident that is over and above $200,000 you will personally be responsible for paying the difference. For example, you could be driving down an icy road, not far-fetched in Ontario, and lose control and run into a business’s building. Rebuilding costs, lost wages, structural damages, and more could easily cost more than $200,000. If you had higher liability limits, you would be better covered and less likely to have to pay out of pocket.

First party is the insured, so yourself. Second party is the insurer, for example, if we are referring to an auto insurance policy. Third party is the person who is bringing legal action against the insurer. Therefore, if you lose control and drive into a business building, that business owner is now the third party in the equation.

Choosing your TPL limit will depend on where and how often you are using your vehicle and ultimately your comfort level.

Third party liability insurance is mandatory on all basic policies, so no matter what, you will carry $200,000. To increase your coverage, stop into one of our offices, and we can bump up the coverage to a comfort level that works for you.

It is so important to understand what you are liable for and how you can be properly covered! Stop in either online or at one of our Ontario locations, and we would be happy to help you find the best coverage.

Physical Damage

What happens if you’re in an accident? Will you be covered for what happens if there is damage to your vehicle? There are four options when it comes to physical damage coverage for your vehicle:

Also known as Upset Coverage, this covers damage caused when your vehicle has an impact with another object such as another vehicle, building, guardrail, or roadway, and also includes a rollover of the vehicle.

Also known as fire, theft, this auto insurance covers the insured for any losses caused by any of the following: break-in or vandalism, flying objects, falling objects (including parts of an aircraft), and natural disasters like a windstorm. It also covers the insured for human-caused disasters such as rioting or civil disturbance, explosions, or the burning, sinking, stranding, derailment, or collision of any land or water transport carrying an insured vehicle.

This automobile insurance coverage reimburses the insured for many losses not covered by collision or upset and includes coverage listed under Specified Perils, as well as falling or flying objects, missiles, vandalism and impact with an animal.

This auto insurance coverage not only combines Comprehensive coverage with Collision or Upset coverage, but also includes compensation for loss or damage caused by any person who is living in your home and happens to steal your vehicle.

Accident Benefits

This mandatory auto insurance coverage provides compensation for expenses you’ll incur due to an accident. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, your insurer will provide compensation for your injuries regardless of how the accident happened or who was at fault. Coverages include:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Rehabilitation Expenses
  • Caregiver
  • Death Benefits
  • Income Replacement

If you have a minor injury due to an auto accident, your medical and rehabilitation accident benefits are limited to $3,500 regardless of your selected coverage level. There are different levels of insurance coverage for catastrophic injury.

Direct Compensation

This covers damage and loss of use to your vehicle if another person was at fault for the accident. In an accident, your insurance claim is filed with your own insurer.

Underinsured Motorist Protection

What happens if you’re injured in a crash and aren’t entitled to enhanced accident benefits or the responsible driver doesn’t have the appropriate coverage to pay the damages that were awarded resulting from a claim? That’s where underinsured motorist protection comes to play. This will provide coverage if you’re in an accident that results in injury or death from a driver with an underinsured vehicle. This coverage only protects you or your family in the event that you are not at fault for the accident.

Optional Auto Insurance Coverages Available

This will cover your expenses should you need to rent a vehicle while your automobile is being repaired or replaced, as long as an insured peril caused the damage.

This is car insurance coverage for any physical damage of vehicles you do not own that you may operate, such as a car rental or borrowed vehicle. Liability, accident benefits, uninsured automobile, and direct compensation insurance will all be included when renting a vehicle.

This insurance coverage is included for new vehicles that are owned or leased. Depreciation is not applied in a loss, usually from 24 to 48 months, and may vary among Ontario auto insurance companies.

This car insurance coverage is designed to protect you and any eligible member of your family if you become involved in a not-at fault auto accident and the at-fault person doesn’t have adequate insurance or is an unidentified hit and run driver. It includes the same coverage limits as your liability insurance coverage.

This car insurance coverage will protect your preferred rating and driving record in the event of your first at-fault accident. The claim will not affect your car insurance premiums as long as your policy remains with the same Ontario insurance company.

Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Do you take your vehicle to work every day? Do you take public transportation? Is your vehicle sitting during certain seasons? Different types of vehicle use will affect your annual premium. Here’s some more info on each to ensure you have the proper use selected for your lifestyle.

  1.  Driver/Claim History
    We’ve heard it before; a good driving record is important. Especially when determining insurance premium rates. If you have a good driving record, you will receive a discount on your insurance rates.
  2. Location
    Your location and where you live also determines how much you pay. Some areas of Ontario, such as urban, high population areas, will have a higher volume of people on the road, leading to more accidents and a more significant statistic of vandalism and theft.
  3. Use of Vehicle
    Your rates will be different if you only use your vehicle for errands and vacation instead of commuting to work every day. Inherently, you’re more at risk while out on the road every day for work compared to someone who may not drive as much.

How much is car insurance in Ontario?

Ontario is second behind British Columbia for the most expensive car insurance. Both provinces average above $1,500 per year. Only Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick and Quebec average below $1,000 a year. The rest of the Canadian provinces average between $1,000 and $1,400 per year. The Canadian average is about $1,300.

Is it cheaper to pay for car insurance annually?

Yes. There is no additional charge when you pay all of your car insurance premiums upfront. Paying monthly installments may be more manageable, but you will be charged interest. If you fall behind on your payments, your car insurance will be canceled, which could negatively affect future premiums.

How can I lower my car insurance in Ontario?

There are several things that you can do to help lower your car insurance. Ask your car insurance broker to comparison shop for you. Discounts may be available when combining insurance plans. Cheaper cars cost less to insure. Drive responsibly and keep a clean driving record. Increase your deductible.Limit who can drive your vehicle.

Can I get one month of car insurance?

In Canada, most insurance companies will only provide 6-month or 12-month car insurance policies. You can, however, cancel your car insurance at any time.

Does car insurance go down at 25?

Not exactly. Car insurance rates are determined based on your driving history. In general, the longer you drive without any tickets or accidents the more you will be eligible for driver discounts.

Review Your Insurance and Get a Quote with Westland

Ready to discuss your insurance needs? Our expert advisors are here to review your current insurance policies, discuss your unique needs, and find the perfect auto insurance policy for you. Whether it’s over email, the phone or in person we are ready to help! To get started on a quote now and see price estimates for your auto coverage, click the button below. Our advisors will contact you right away and help navigate your risk management needs. Of course, we are always available to talk over the phone or in person.

Check out our locations page to connect with an office closest to you!

Request a quote

Chat bubble icon

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re looking for insurance for your first home or wanting to discuss your existing policy, our team is ready to help. Connect with us today.

Get Insurance

Call us 1 (800) 899-3093

Need some help?

Claims

We'll help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Claims

Contact Us

When you need us, we’re here. Connect with us.

Contact Us

Visit Client Support

Check out our resources page for helpful content or connect with our client support team.

Contact Client Support