Get the best auto insurance for seniors in Canada

In Canada, car insurance for seniors works just like it does for any other driver. It's required by law – but the requirements for your specific case will be dependent on where you're situated.

British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba operate with public auto insurance systems, meaning you must purchase your basic coverage from a government provider. In Alberta, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, car insurance is provided by private companies, which is why shopping around and comparing quotes online is one of the best ways to find affordable coverage. Quebec follows a hybrid model – drivers here get injury coverage through the government but purchase liability and property damage coverage from private insurers.

While each province sets minimum coverage requirements by law, many drivers choose to buy more comprehensive policies (and it's a good idea to do so). No matter where you live, you can customize your coverage and limits to better fit your personal needs.

All in all, the basics of auto insurance remain the same: it's there to protect you and those around you financially in the event of a driving-related incident. But for seniors specifically, there are a few additional things to keep in mind.

While car insurance tends to get cheaper as you age (due to becoming a more experienced driver), it can also increase once you reach your elderly years. This is because insurers may see you as higher risk, based on declining health factors (such as a slower reaction time). 

That said, as a senior, you can still qualify for discounts and competitive premiums, especially if you have a clean driving and insurance record. It’s also important to regularly review your coverage to ensure it matches your current needs – for instance, if you’re driving less in retirement, you might save money by adjusting your mileage rating.

Ultimately, staying proactive about your auto insurance as a senior can help you find the right balance between solid protection and affordable premiums – read on to learn everything you need to know. And when you're ready, be sure to compare your personalized quotes with us. That way, you can make sure you're getting the best option available for your case. 

Below, we cover the standard types of car insurance across Canada (which are all applicable to senior drivers). Keep in mind that these requirements differ from province to province – be sure to check what's required in your area for more details.

As mentioned, auto insurance generally becomes cheaper as you age. But of course, there are other factors that can affect this trend, such as market conditions like inflation, which will inevitably lead to higher premiums regardless of age.

Additionally, once you reach your senior years – think in your 70s – insurers may start to view your age as higher-risk again (which means higher premiums). Statistically speaking, a decline in health can increase the likelihood of accidents.

To illustrate this trend, we’ve gathered senior quotes from our very own auto insurance calculator. Below are the lowest rates for a male driver during his senior years, insuring a 2025 Toyota Corolla in Toronto, Ontario, with $1 million in liability coverage and $1,000 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. These quotes are based on a clean driving history and no claims on record.

Here, you'll see that the lowest rate was quoted for the driver at 70 years old. While there was a downward trend initially, rates began to rise again as the driver aged beyond 75. Interestingly, the most expensive quote was for the driver at 80 years old, while the premium remained the same at 85 and 90 years old – after reaching a certain age, insurers may not see a big difference in risk.

There are many ways seniors can receive a discount on their car insurace. Here, we cover a few tips, so you can make sure you're getting the best rate out there: