Shopping around for car insurance can help you find a better rate, especially before your renewal or when something in your driving situation changes. Start before renewal and compare, but don’t compare only the price. A cheaper quote may come with different coverage, deductibles, or policy limits.
For this article, our team reviewed FSRA’s auto-insurance shopping checklist, its savings guidance and licensed-seller and disclosure guidance, plus Ontario Regulation 664.
Keep reading for a practical review schedule, the events that justify a fresh quote and the checks to complete before switching.
Read More: How Does Car Insurance Work in Ontario?
How Often Should You Check Auto Insurance Rates?
Check for better auto-insurance rates at least once a year and start several weeks before renewal. FSRA says policyholders should receive a renewal about 30 days before expiry, which gives you time to review changes and compare. Check again after a material change such as moving, changing vehicles or drivers, or changing how much or how often you drive.
Compare quotes with the same coverage limits, deductibles, benefits and optional add-ons. Make sure your new policy is active before cancelling your existing one.
Why Your Rate Can Change
A quote can change because the insurer’s approved rates changed or because details in the application changed. Recheck the information below before comparing:
- The make and model of all of your vehicles
- The age, gender, and marital status of drivers included in your policy
- Your driving record, which includes any previous insurance claims, accidents, or traffic violations
- Your postal code
- The amount of time you’ve had your license
- Your driver’s license class
- Your annual mileage and daily commute distance
- Your policy’s coverage
Rates can vary between insurers, so compare quotes using the same coverage and deductibles and shop around for the best deal.
When to Check Again Between Renewals
Checking once a year before renewal is a good starting point, but you may want to compare rates sooner if something significant changes.
Read More: How to Manage a Car Insurance Renewal
Tell your current insurer about material changes promptly, even if you are not shopping. The following changes can also justify a fresh comparison:
Changing vehicles
A different vehicle can raise or lower the quote. Newer safety equipment doesn’t guarantee savings.
Changing or adding drivers to your policy
Adding or changing a driver can affect your premium based on factors such as their age, driving experience and driving record. Make sure all required household and occasional drivers are disclosed, and compare the resulting quotes.
Credit Score Is Not an Ontario Auto Rating Trigger
Ontario prohibits auto risk classifications based on credit history, credit rating, home ownership, net worth and related factors. That means a change in your credit score isn’t a reason to find a new quote for your Ontario auto insurance rate.
Moving to a different address
Moving can affect your premium because location is one of the factors insurers may use when calculating rates. But a new address doesn’t guarantee a specific direction or amount. Update your insurer with your new address and accurate information about where the vehicle is kept and how you use it.
Read More: See How Your Ontario Address Can Affect Car Insurance
Driving Record Changes
Ask your insurer, agent or broker which accidents and convictions are affecting the quote and when its approved rules stop applying to them. There is no specified three- or six-year window that describes every insurer’s approved treatment of every event.
Changes to your driving habits
A shorter commute or lower annual kilometres can affect exposure to risks. Update your insurer about the actual amount rather than assuming a guaranteed discount.
Where to Check for Better Insurance Rates
You can get quotes from licensed insurers, agents, or brokers and compare quotes for the same drivers, vehicle use, limits, deductibles, optional benefits, and endorsements. Keep a copy of the complete quote so you can compare the details.
A comparison platform like MyChoice can reduce the number of separate applications, but it can also confirm which licensed insurer provides each quote and review the policy documents before buying. The lowest premium may not include the same coverage as the others.
Tips to Lower Your Auto Insurance Rate
Besides big changes to your lifestyle, there are other things you can do to lower your insurance rates. Here are a few tips:
- Compare instalment fees and the total annual cost of monthly and annual payment options. However, annual payment does not always produce the same savings with every insurer.
- Before buying an anti-theft device for insurance savings, ask whether your insurer recognizes it and whether it would change your quote.
- Compare combined and separate home-and-auto prices while keeping the coverage, limits and deductibles equivalent.
- Ask whether recognized driver training or usage-based insurance is available and review its conditions.
- Review optional coverage in relation to vehicle value and financial risk, but don’t remove needed protection just to lower the premium.
- Get an insurance quote for the exact vehicle before buying or leasing.
- Ask about winter-tire discounts and required installation dates. Eligibility may vary by insurer.
- Regular vehicle maintenance is important for safety, but it doesn’t necessarily qualify you for an insurance discount.
Before You Switch
Before switching, verify that the insurer, agent or broker is licensed. Get the complete quote in writing and compare the total annual cost, instalment fees, liability limit, physical-damage coverage, deductibles, 2026 accident-benefit selections and endorsements. Check cancellation or short-rate charges and ask whether any claims-free or loyalty feature will be lost.
Make sure your new policy is active on the correct date before cancelling your old policy. Keep proof of insurance and cancellation confirmation.
Read More: 10 Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate in Ontario