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All about car insurance in Ottawa
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance
As the capital of Canada, Ottawa continues to see high population growth – which also means more vehicles on the road. The city still remains relatively safe for driving, however, leading to more affordable car insurance rates when compared to cities like Toronto.
Auto insurance in Ontario is a requirement. Private companies issue coverage, but the system is overlooked by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). This ensures rate increases are substantiated – simply put, an insurer can't raise rates without prior approval from the regulatory body. Rate increases also need to be backed by financial records.
Ottawa (along with the rest of Ontario) also operates under a no-fault insurance system. This doesn't mean you'll never be deemed at fault after an accident. Instead, it means that you'll generally be making claims under your own insurer, regardless of fault.
To learn everything there is to know about auto insurance in the city, be sure to read on. When you're ready, you can also compare personalized car insurance quotes to find your best rate. We can connect you with a licensed broker who will guide you seamlessly through the process of securing your Ottawa car insurance policy.
Did you know?
The previously mandatory coverage, Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD), has been made optional for Ontario drivers as of January 2024. Many insurance experts are warning drivers about the implications of opting out, however, as the financial risk may not be worth the potential savings. Learn more about optional DCPD in our blog linked below.
Standard Ottawa auto insurance coverages
In Ottawa, three are four standard car insurance coverages – third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured motorist, and direct compensation for property damage.
Third-party liability
Accident benefits
Uninsured motorist
Direct compensation for property damage
Optional Ottawa auto insurance coverages
Aside from the mandatory coverages, you can also add optional coverages to your Ottawa car insurance policy. These options are mainly there to help cover the loss and damage of your personal vehicle.
Collision
Comprehensive
Specified perils
All perils
Emergency roadside assistance
Popular Ottawa auto insurance endorsements
To further customize your car insurance, you can also add Ontario Policy Change Forms (OPCFs) to your policy. While the selection of endorsements may differ depending on the provider you choose, here are some popular options for Ottawa drivers.
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How much is car insurance in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, the average annual car insurance premium is just over $1,200. Keep in mind, however, that rates are calculated based on your individual profile – to find the exact cost you'll be paying, be sure to compare personalized car insurance quotes with us. Below are three sample quotes our Ottawa users received from us in January 2024.
- $52/month
43-year-old male
driving a 2024 Hyundai Kona under CAA Insurance
- $79/month
56-year-old male
driving a 2011 Mazda Mazda3 under Economical Insurance
- $166/month
32-year-old male
driving a 2018 Honda Civic under Pembridge Insurance
Factors that impact your Ottawa car insurance rate
It pays to shop the market for cheap Ottawa car insurance. This is because different insurers offer different rates based on a list of personalized factors. Here, we cover a few main ones, so you can better understand how insurers come up with your quote.
Age
Younger drivers tend to pay the highest car insurance rates due to statistical risk factors.
Gender
Males tend to pay higher premiums than their female counterparts due to statistical risk factors.
Location
Where you live in Ottawa matters. Busy areas with high crime rates will inevitably come with higher premiums.
Vehicle type
Cars that expensive to repair and replace will cost more to insure – and the same goes with highly-stolen ones.
Vehicle use
Do you drive for business or for pleasure? Pleasure-use cars tend to come with cheaper insurance rates.
Driving history
Your Ottawa driving history is looked at by insurers. A clean record shows low-risk which means low premiums.
Driving behaviour
More time on the road equals more risk – so expect to pay higher premiums if you commute daily.
License class
If you have your full driver's licence in Ottawa, expect to pay cheaper premiums than a novice driver.
Coverages & discounts
More protection will lead to higher rates, but asking for discounts can help combat the cost.
How to get cheap Ottawa car insurance quotes
While insurers are the ones that quote you, there are many steps you can take to make sure you're getting the cheapest Ottawa car insurance on the market. Here, we cover ten different tips to help lower your premium.
- Shop & compare
Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Ottawa. Rates can potentially go up whenever you renew, but lucky for you comparing personalized Ottawa car insurance quotes with us is free.
- Stay loyal
Some Ottawa car insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years – but don't let this deter you from shopping the market.
- Bundle insurance products
If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a policy bundle discount.
- Insure multiple vehicles together
If you have multiple drivers and multiple vehicles in your household, putting them all under one policy can help save you money.
- Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the portion you pay when settling a claim before your insurer will pay the rest. If you’re willing to increase it, you'll pay less in premiums.
- Ask about discounts
Ask your insurer about group rates – for professionals, alumni, and more. Oftentimes, Ottawa insurance companies will offer discounts to members of certain organizations.
- Pay premiums annually
Paying monthly premiums adds administrative costs to your insurer. If you’re able to pay in full annually, you'll likely pay a bit less in the long run.
- Keep a clean record
The cheapest rates go to the safest drivers in Ottawa. Car crashes can stay on your record for years, causing your insurance premium to go up substantially.
- Install winter tires
As Ottawa roads can get dangerous in the winter, insurers often offer a cheaper rate to those who install winter tires.
- Drive less
The more you drive, the more risk you're inevitably exposed to. Simply driving less can help save you money on your car insurance premium.
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