Compare and purchase Canada's best car insurance.
Exploring your car insurance options? Surex makes it easy to compare coverage and pricing from leading Canadian insurers. Get free and accurate quotes in minutes. Our quoter can unlock discounts that can have you saving hundreds of dollars a year on average.
Types of coverage we provide
You can extend your car insurance coverage to protect you while driving a rental vehicle, up to a certain limit.
Protects you or a family member if injured or killed in an accident caused by an uninsured/under-insured motorist.
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).
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.
Windows are included in comprehensive*, however, you have the option to remove this coverage to lower your premium. (*Not included in Alberta.)
Allows one 'free' at-fault accident, meaning your rates will not increase on your first accident if you remain with the same provider.
This allows for the protection of your “claims-free discount” in the event of your first claim.
What is car insurance in Canada?
Car insurance is a type of coverage that helps protect drivers financially if they’re involved in an accident; their vehicle is damaged, or they’re responsible for injuries or property damage. In Canada, car insurance typically includes a mix of mandatory and optional coverages designed to protect both drivers and others on the road.
While requirements can vary by province, most policies include liability protection and may also cover damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, and other accident-related costs.
How car insurance works in Canada
When you get behind the wheel in Canada, the type of insurance policy you end up with will look fairly similar no matter where you live, covering essential protections like liability and accident benefits. However, the exact way you go about purchasing your coverage—and whether you can shop around for the best price—depends entirely on your province's specific system.
The Private Insurance Market
Where it applies: Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the territories.
In these regions, auto insurance is sold exclusively by private companies. Ontario is home to the largest and most competitive market in the country, with dozens of insurers vying for your business.
Because private insurers set their own pricing based on your individual risk factors (such as your driving record, age, vehicle type, and daily commute), premiums can vary wildly from one company to the next. Tha makes shopping around is essential.
The Public Insurance System
Where it applies: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
In these provinces, basic auto insurance is provided entirely by government-owned Crown corporations rather than private businesses.
Purchasing insurance is directly tied to registering your vehicle. When you go to register your car, you will simultaneously pay for your mandatory insurance coverage.
The rates are determined by the province. While factors like your driving record and vehicle type still influence your final premium, you cannot shop around for a better deal on your basic coverage. The price you are given is the final price.
The Hybrid Approach
Where it applies: Quebec.
Quebec features a unique blend of public and private auto insurance. The government’s Crown corporation, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), automatically covers bodily injury and partial accident benefits for all residents.
While the government handles personal injury, you are still legally required to purchase third-party liability coverage (which covers damage to other people's property) through a private insurance company.
If you want protection for your own vehicle (such as coverage against theft, vandalism, or at-fault collisions), you must buy these optional add-ons from the private market. This means Quebec drivers should still take the time to compare quotes for the private portion of their policy.
Recent auto insurance quotes across Canada
Explore coverage options from Canada’s top insurance providers
Surex works with a wide network of trusted Canadian insurers, helping you compare coverage
options and choose the right protection for your needs.
Average car insurance prices in Canadian cities 2026
We reviewed thousands of car insurance quotes to find out how much drivers pay on average for their premium. See how your city compares.
City |
Annual Premium |
Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Barrie |
$2,212 |
$184.33 |
Brampton |
$3,300 |
$275.00 |
Brantford |
$2,109 |
$175.75 |
Burlington |
$2,082 |
$173.50 |
Calgary |
$2,007 |
$167.25 |
Edmonton |
$2,099 |
$174.92 |
Guelph |
$1,539 |
$128.25 |
Halifax |
$1,267 |
$105.58 |
Hamilton |
$2,047 |
$170.58 |
Kingston |
$1,928 |
$160.67 |
Kitchener |
$1,851 |
$154.25 |
Lethbridge |
$1,596 |
$133.00 |
London |
$2,317 |
$193.08 |
Markham |
$2,398 |
$199.83 |
Mississauga |
$2,837 |
$236.42 |
Moncton |
$1,596 |
$133.00 |
Oakville |
$2,540 |
$211.67 |
Orillia |
$1,680 |
$140.00 |
Oshawa |
$2,250 |
$187.50 |
Ottawa |
$2,115 |
$176.25 |
Peterborough |
$1,739 |
$144.92 |
Red Deer |
$1,825 |
$152.08 |
Sault Ste. Marie |
$1,964 |
$163.67 |
Scarborough |
$2,721 |
$226.75 |
Thunder Bay |
$1,850 |
$154.17 |
Toronto |
$2,537 |
$211.42 |
Windsor |
$1,759 |
$146.58 |
Yellowknife |
$1,722 |
$143.50 |
Average prices are based on Surex quotes in the past 12 months for drivers with one vehicle and no claims. Updated April 2026.
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Car insurance in Canada – FAQs
Car insurance in Canada typically costs between $1,300 and $1,800 per year. However, car insurance costs can vary widely based on your location, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage choices.
Car insurance is a type of coverage that helps protect drivers financially if they’re involved in an accident or cause damage or injuries. It can also help cover vehicle damage, medical expenses, and costs.
Car insurance typically covers liability, damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, and protection if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Coverage details can vary by policy and insurer.
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Canada, but the specific coverage requirements vary by province. Most provinces require liability coverage and accident benefits as part of a standard policy.
Car insurance costs are influenced by your location, driving record, vehicle type, coverage limits, and deductible. Other key factors include your age, claims history, and annual mileage.
A licensed insurance advisor is a professional who is authorized to sell insurance products. They can help you understand your coverage options and choose a policy that fits your needs. They can also assist with comparing insurers and identifying available discounts.
Recent customer reviews
Find out why Canadians trust Surex for their insurance needs.
Pratham Sood helped us with our home and auto insurance transfer in a very thorough and efficient way and made the whole insurance process simple and stress free. Great customer service, highly recommend.
I had the pleasure to deal with Devin M. Jeffrey from Surex insurance for my home & auto insurance. He is very knowledgeable broker. Highly recommend him for your insurance needs.
Adnan
Manjinder Singh was very patient and knowledgeable with the questions I’ve asked him, and he was able to beat multiple quotes that I received from other companies. I would recommend.
As always, my broker Greg Bourne is there for me when time is of the essence. He responded quickly to my needs for a new car insurance. He values my time and everything was completed within the day! Thank you so much, Greg!
Devin went out of his way to find a competitive insurance rate for my dream vehicle as well as coverage for my instrument collection. I highly recommend Surex and will to others.
Helpful auto insurance guides
These guides help drivers understand how car insurance works, including coverage basics, cost factors, and tips for comparing policies.
