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Practical advice for Ontario buyers

Quote the insurance before you buy.

Insurance can change which car fits your budget. Get quotes for your shortlist, then compare the coverage as carefully as the price.

By Carventory · Sources checked

  • Get at least three quotes with matching coverage.
  • Use the exact vehicle and accurate driver details.
  • Check what a cheaper quote leaves out.

Where to get quotes

  • Broker: compares insurers they represent. Ask which companies are included; one broker does not necessarily cover the whole market.
  • Direct insurer: sells its own policies to you.
  • Agent: generally represents one insurer.
  • Get at least three quotes. Compare service and coverage as well as price. Use licensed providers.

FSRA explains the options.

Have these details ready

Use this preparation checklist when contacting each provider:

  • Vehicle year, make, model, trim and VIN, its unique identification number.
  • Your actual address, where the car will be kept and who will drive it.
  • Licence details, driving history and previous insurance information requested by the provider.
  • Estimated annual kilometres, commuting distance and any business or delivery use.
  • Whether the car is financed or leased, and your planned coverage start date.

Ask what documents are needed to recognize driving or insurance history from outside Canada. Be accurate and use the same details for every quote.

FSRA’s preparation and questions checklist.

Compare the same protection

  • Liability: protection for injury or damage you cause to others. Match the limit.
  • Collision: damage to your car from a collision. Check whether it is included.
  • Comprehensive: risks such as theft or vandalism. Check the included protection.
  • Deductible: the amount you pay toward a covered claim. Match deductibles before comparing prices.

FCAC explains the coverage types.

Ontario: check the July 2026 changes

For policies entered into on or after July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory. Other accident benefits, including income replacement, are optional.

  • Ask the provider to list included and excluded accident benefits.
  • Review any workplace benefits before deciding what additional protection you need.
  • Do not assume two similarly priced policies provide the same benefits.

Read FSRA’s current guidance.

Your quote comparison checklist

Ask each provider to fill in the same list:

  • Total yearly cost: include instalment charges if paying monthly.
  • Coverage: liability limit, collision, comprehensive and accident benefits.
  • Deductibles: the amount for each type of claim.
  • Extras: rental transportation, roadside assistance and any accident-forgiveness conditions.
  • Discounts: what is included and what proof is required.
  • Timing: quote expiry, start date and cancellation terms.

Confirm the final premium and coverage in writing before accepting. Check any lender-required coverage with the lender and insurer.

Ways to look for savings

  • Ask about combining home or tenant and auto insurance. Compare the combined annual cost.
  • Ask whether winter tires, workplace or professional memberships qualify for a discount.
  • Consider a higher deductible only if you could comfortably pay it after a claim.
  • For an older, low-value car, discuss the cost and consequences of changing collision coverage. Confirm any financing requirements first.

FSRA’s discount guide and FCAC’s suggestions for reviewing premiums. Discount amounts and eligibility vary by insurer.

Next steps

Use the before-signing checklist

Sources & further reading

Ontario rules are labelled where they apply. Check local rules when buying in another province. Use current written quotes and the terms of your own contract.

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