How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Guelph?
You can get cheap Guelph car insurance by finding the best deals. Here are several tips to help you do so:
Compare Rates Between Insurers
Guelph has a highly competitive auto insurance market, so insurers are constantly vying for your business. When insurers try to give you the best deals, it’s you who wins. Compare rates and shop around to see which insurance provider fits your auto protection needs affordably.
Take Bundled Policies
One of the best ways to save money while shopping is to buy a package deal, and insurance is no different. If you bundle home and auto insurance from the same company, you’re much more likely to get lower rates.
Ask For A Higher Deductible
You must pay a deductible on insurance claims before your carrier covers the remaining expenses. A higher deductible means paying extra if something happens to your car, but it also means you’ll get lower insurance premiums.
Request Group Discounts
Many insurance companies deal in group discounts for companies and other organizations. If you’re shopping for auto insurance in Guelph for work, ask your agent about group deals and discounts.
Pay Annual Premiums
Paying annual insurance premiums might look expensive initially, but it’s generally cheaper than paying them monthly. Ask your insurers about half-year premiums if you can’t afford annual premiums.
Drive Safely
Motor vehicle offences and accidents stay on your record for years. Unfortunately, any driving violation on your record will considerably increase your insurance rates. However, this also means you’ll get lower auto insurance rates if you have no offences on record.
Consider Taking Usage-Based Insurance
Usage-based insurance (UBI) or pay-as-you-go insurance tracks your driving behaviour to determine how much you must pay for insurance. Taking UBI lets you save up to 30% on your annual premiums, so it’s a good option if you consider yourself a safe driver.
Take Driving Courses
Accredited driving lessons make you a safer driver and let you earn discounts on auto insurance in Guelph.
Choose the Coverage You Need
Naturally, more insurance protection leads to higher rates. While some auto insurance coverage is mandatory, you have optional insurance coverage like at-fault accident and theft protection. Review your policy and skip unnecessary optional coverage to save on insurance premiums.
Buy Affordable Cars
Cars that are expensive and hard to replace tend to get hit with higher premiums. If possible, buy affordable and reliable cars that are more common and easy to repair or replace if you want lower insurance rates.
Quick Facts About Auto Insurance in Guelph
- Guelph car insurance is less expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual car insurance cost in Guelph for a driver with a clean record is around $1,280.
- Drivers without a clean record in Guelph can pay up to $2,821 annually, depending on factors like driving and claim history.
- Comparing Guelph auto insurance quotes with MyChoice can save you up to $909 annually
How Does Car Insurance Work in Guelph?
Car insurance in Guelph works by providing financial coverage in case something bad happens to you or your car, depending on the protection you choose. Auto insurance in Guelph is mandatory by local laws, which means you need car insurance to avoid fines or driver’s licence suspensions.
Worse still, if you get convicted of driving without insurance, you’ll get higher premiums from carriers. This makes driving again prohibitively expensive or even nearly impossible after being caught driving without insurance. That’s why getting auto insurance is essential before buying a car or driving in Guelph.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of your auto insurance policy:
The mandatory car insurance requirement for Guelph drivers are:
Third-Party Liability (TPL) Coverage
This insurance component provides financial compensation if you cause an accident that results in car damage or somebody getting hurt or killed. Per Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) regulations, you need at least $200,000 in TPL coverage.
Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage
This insurance component pays for your medical bills, rehabilitation, and possible funeral expenses if you get hurt or killed in a car accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Accident benefits coverage also offers income replacement worth 70% of your gross income, capped at $400 per week.
Uninsured Automobile Insurance
Uninsured automobile insurance covers your medical bills and funeral expenses if you’re struck by uninsured vehicles or hit-and-run drivers. Additionally, it compensates for vehicular damage caused by uninsured drivers.
Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DC-PD) Insurance
DC-PD insurance compensates you for the damage other drivers cause in an accident. However, DC-PD only kicks in if the other person is at fault, they’re also insured, and the accident takes place in Guelph.
Once you meet the minimum car insurance coverage requirements, you can legally drive in Guelph. However, it pays to have extra protection beyond the basics in case you get in an accident.
Since minimum car insurance only goes so far, we’ve got some extra Guelph car insurance recommendations for you:
Extra TPL Coverage
The mandatory $200,000 insurance minimum can be too small, so many drivers choose to get coverage up to $2 million if they cause property damage or hurt somebody in an accident.
Additional Statutory Accident Benefits
Many people get additional coverage for medical bills and funeral expenses in their statutory accident coverage. You can also get extra income replacement protection if 70% income capped at $400 a week seems too limited.
More Comprehensive Property Damage Protection
DC-PD coverage has very specific coverage terms like the other driver also needs to be insured, and the accident must occur in Guelph. To cover their bases, many people purchase extra insurance that still protects them even when the other driver is uninsured, and the accident happens in other provinces.
In addition to mandatory insurance coverage outlined by the FSCO, you can take optional insurance coverage like:
Specified Perils Protection
Specified perils insurance coverage protects you from loss or damage due to a specific cause. The most common perils insured are:
- Car theft
- Fire, earthquake, and explosion
- Weather, which includes windstorms, hail, and lightning
Many insurers also offer comprehensive auto insurance in Guelph if you want protection from all these perils.
Accident Forgiveness
Insurers usually raise your premiums if you’re at fault for causing an accident. If you’ve been a safe driver for several years, you can take extra accident forgiveness coverage so you won’t get higher premiums if you cause an accident. Note that accident forgiveness only works on your first accident, and subsequent violations will still raise your rates.
Limited Depreciation Waiver
If you take a limited waiver of depreciation, you can receive your car’s purchase price as compensation if it’s been stolen or deemed a total loss after an accident.
How Your Car Insurance Quotes Are Calculated in Guelph
Your car insurance rates are calculated based on how risky you are to insure. Naturally, drivers more likely to get into accidents will have higher premiums than those less likely to be in an accident.
Here are seven factors that influence your Guelph car insurance quotes:
Age, Gender, and Marital Status
Your personal demographics influence auto insurance premiums in Guelph because different people have varying accident risks.
Younger people tend to get higher premiums because insurance companies see them as more accident-prone than older people. Generally, your car insurance rates start decreasing when you hit 25 years old as long as you keep a safe driving record. However, insurance premiums increase again for people aged 65 and older because they’re more likely to be injured or killed in traffic accidents.
Women often get lower insurance rates because they’re seen as more careful drivers and don’t take as many risks as men.
Marital status also determines your rates because most insurance companies see married people as more financially stable and less-risky drivers. Married couples also tend to bundle home and auto insurance, saving more on premiums.
Location
People who live in urban areas often see higher insurance premiums because they’re more prone to car accidents and theft.
Car Make and Model
Expensive cars are more costly to repair or replace, so insurance premiums are usually higher than more common vehicles. You can install security features like anti-theft devices if you have an expensive car and want to save on insurance premiums.
Driving History
People who drive safely are rewarded with lower premiums because they’re usually less likely to get into a traffic accident. Conversely, people who have gotten into multiple accidents get higher premiums because they’re more likely to be involved in another accident down the line.
Driving Activity
Logic dictates that people who drive frequently are more likely to get in an accident. Therefore, kilometres driven is one of the determining factors that set your Guelph auto insurance rates.
Insurance Coverage Chosen
Your coverage options influence your insurance rates because taking more coverage gives you more protection. Naturally, the more coverage you choose, the higher your rates.
Policy Discounts
Getting discounts can lower your auto insurance rates and make them more affordable. You can typically get discounts by bundling home and auto insurance or asking for a group discount for your workplace or organization.
Most Expensive Postal Codes in Guelph
Guelph, Ontario has an annual average auto insurance premium of $1,280, about $100 less than the Ontario average of $1,385. N1C (South Guelph) has the highest average auto insurance rates. Check the details in the table below:
Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
N1C | $1,301 |
N1E | $1,296 |
N1G | $1,923 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Guelph
Three postal codes in Guelph boast below-average annual auto insurance rates, sitting well under $1,280, with N1L (East Guelph) being the cheapest. Here’s a look at the cheapest postal codes for car insurance in Guelph:
Postal Code | Average annual car insurance premium |
---|---|
N1H | $1,167 |
N1K | $1,157 |
N1L | $1,162 |
Car Insurance Cost in Guelph by Age
Car insurance rates in Guelph change depending on your age. Younger people pay higher premiums due to inexperience, but rates lower as they age. Once you hit 65, your premiums will rise again due to senior citizens having an increased accident risk.
Here’s a look at car insurance costs in Guelph, categorized by age:
Age Group | Average annual insurance cost | Average savings with MyChoice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $4,570 | $909 |
21-24 | $2,611 | $519 |
25-34 | $1,741 | $346 |
35-44 | $1,280 | $255 |
45-54 | $1,050 | $209 |
55-64 | $892 | $177 |
65+ | $1,017 | $202 |
Car Insurance Cost in Guelph by Driving History
Your driving history determines your auto insurance premiums in Guelph because insurers use it to gauge your overall driving risk. You’ll get lower premiums with a clean driving record because insurers think you’re a safe driver. Conversely, having lots of violations on your record marks you as a high-risk driver, raising your premiums.
Driving violations in Ontario stay on your record for two years, but they’ll influence your premiums for longer. Here’s a look at how traffic violations can influence your insurance rates based on MyChoice’s price quote data:
Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,280 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,099 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,534 |
One accident | $2,821 |
Speeding ticket | $1,667 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Guelph
We’ve covered several factors that influence car insurance rates in Guelph. Aside from those, several extra factors play a part in determining your Guelph auto insurance premiums:
Vehicle Model Accident Rates
Some cars are just more accident-prone than others. Even if you have a spotless driving record, owning a car model infamous for having high accident rates will increase your insurance premiums.
Vehicle Age
Naturally, older cars are more expensive to insure because they may not have all the safety features of newer vehicles. If you insist on driving a vintage car everywhere, make sure you can pay the insurance premiums.
Vehicle Repair Costs
The harder it is to repair a car, the more expensive it is to insure. You can expect high insurance premiums on luxury cars and foreign cars that don’t have a large dealership or service centre presence in Canada.
Vehicle Primary Usage and Annual Mileage
You may spend more or less time on the road depending on what you use the car for. Car usage influences insurance rates – generally, the more you use it, the higher your premiums. For instance, insurance premiums on a car you use as an Uber will be higher than on a car you almost exclusively take on weekend cruises.
A good way to measure how much somebody uses a car is by its annual mileage. If your car has low annual mileage, insurers may determine that this car is low-risk and thus grant you more affordable insurance rates.
Local Crime Rates
Living in high-crime areas means your car is at higher risk of being stolen or vandalized. If you live in an area where theft or vandalism often occurs, you may get higher car insurance rates.
Past Insurance Claims
Any auto insurance claims will drive your premiums up, regardless of who’s at fault. If you make many insurance claims, the insurer will see you as a high-risk policyholder and give you higher rates.
Loyalty Bonuses
Many insurance companies reward long-term customers with discounted rates. If you’ve been a policyholder at the same insurance company for several years, ask for a rate reduction or discount when you renew your policy.
The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in Guelph
Shopping for insurance alone can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know much about it. Fortunately, car insurance brokers can make the process easier. Auto insurance brokers can compare deals from several companies and answer your questions to ensure you get the best policy offer.
You can work with insurance brokers to find you the best-rated policies. Here are some great car insurance brokerage options in Guelph:
Brokerage | Address | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Jeffery & Spence Insurance Brokers | 130 Paisley St, Guelph ON N1H 2P1, Canada | +12262425217 |
National General | 150 Research Ln #104, Guelph ON N1G 4T2, Canada | +15198243630 |
Kemper | 86 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph ON N1H 1B2, Canada | +15198366100 |
Clearcover | 7-3 Watson Rd S, Guelph ON N1L 1E3, Canada | +12267800802 |
Driving in Guelph
Guelph is a medium-sized city where many people live near their workplaces, so long commutes are relatively rare. Here are some key facts about driving in Guelph you should know:
- Major highways in Guelph: 401, Hanlon Expressway
- Public transit options: Guelph Transit (bus), GO Transit (bus and trains), Via Rail (trains)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: The City of Guelph, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Riverside Park, University of Guelph Arboretum, Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Guelph Civic Museum
- Busy intersections: Speedvale Ave. West and Silvercreek Parkway, Stone Road West and Edinburgh Rd. South, Edinburgh Rd. South and Gordon Street, Wellington St. West and Edinburgh Rd. South
- Airports: Guelph Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Guelph
Most Guelphites ride personal vehicles to work, making up about 87% of commuters. The two other most common ways to commute in Guelph are public transit and walking, making up 4.5% and 5.1% of commuters respectively. Here’s a detailed look at how people commute in Guelph:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 52,230 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 45,645 | 87.4% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 41,495 | 79.4% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 4,150 | 7.9% |
Public transit | 2,335 | 4.5% |
Walked | 2,685 | 5.1% |
Bicycle | 585 | 1.1% |
Other method | 975 | 1.9% |
Commuting Duration in Guelph
Guelph’s commute times are relatively short. Over 20,000 Guelphites take less than 15 minutes to get to work. In fact, over 70% of them spend less than 30 minutes on their commutes. Here’s a detailed look at commuting times in Guelph:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 52,230 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 21,215 | 40.6% |
15 to 29 minutes | 16,520 | 31.6% |
30 to 44 minutes | 7,335 | 14.0% |
45 to 59 minutes | 3,455 | 6.6% |
60 minutes and over | 3,700 | 7.1% |
Driving Conditions in Guelph
Your insurance premiums may fluctuate depending on Guelph’s driving conditions. Here’s a quick look at the driving conditions in Guelph:
- Average daily commute time: 46 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 36.56 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 703 mm
- Rainy days per year: 49
- Rainiest month in Guelph: September
- Driest month in Guelph: February
- Snow days per year: 92
- Snowfall months in Guelph: December to March
Traffic in Guelph
Guelph has around 140,000 residents, a very small number compared to the 2.7 million people living in the City of Toronto. This means traffic in Guelph won’t be as heavy or intense as in Toronto. However, it’s still a good idea to learn the key facts about traffic in Guelph to help regulate risk and avoid overpaying for insurance.
Here’s a quick look at what driving in Guelph is like:
- Population: Guelph has 143,740 residents within its city limits.
- City area: Guelph’s urban area spans 87.22 km2.
- Average commute distance: Most Guelphites travel 11.8 km to their workplace or school.
- Time spent in traffic annually: Most Guelphites spend roughly 280 hours in traffic every year or 46 minutes every day.
- Busiest highways: Guelph is one of the stops on Highway 401, the busiest highway in North America. Traffic data shows over 400,000 vehicles pass through Highway 401 daily.
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Guelph?
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Guelph. Here’s an overview of these four insurance quote providers:
Insurance Brokers
Insurance brokers are independent professionals who help you shop for the best rates by comparing deals from multiple insurers. Because they have a bird’s-eye view of the current Guelph insurance landscape, they can show you which companies offer the best insurance deals and answer any questions you may have.
Brokers take a commission from insurance companies, which could increase your rates. You might spend more money than if you had found an insurer yourself.
Direct Writers
Like insurance agents, direct writers only sell insurance products from one company. Direct writers are typically found online and are cheaper because they don’t have physical offices.
Insurance Agents
Insurance agents work for a certain insurer, so they can only offer their employer’s insurance products. However, they know their insurer like the back of their hands and might even give you discounts that brokers don’t have access to.
Additionally, insurance agents can close insurance sales independently, meaning you can purchase insurance from them right then and there.
Insurance Aggregators
An insurance aggregator website like MyChoice compiles rates from various insurance brokers, companies, and direct writers in one place. You can browse aggregator websites to find the best deals from the top insurance companies and get quotes instantly.
Better yet, insurance aggregators are accessible online and entirely free for customers, so you can look up insurance rates without spending a single penny or leaving the house.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Guelph
How much is car insurance in Guelph?
On average, car insurance in Guelph costs $1,280 annually.
Which city has cheaper car insurance: Guelph or Mississauga?
Guelph has cheaper car insurance than Mississauga. Guelph drivers pay $1,280/year for their auto insurance, while Mississauga drivers must pay $1,813/year. In fact, Mississauga’s auto insurance rates are almost $500 higher than the Ontario provincial average.
How much are car insurance rates for Guelph students?
Car insurance rates for Guelph students and young drivers depend on their risk profile and driving experience. However, like in most of Canada, students usually pay higher insurance premiums than adults because they’re often high-risk drivers.
Which car has the cheapest insurance in Guelph?
According to our research, Fiats are the cheapest cars to insure in Guelph at $126/month.
How do Guelph’s car insurance rates compare to other cities in Ontario?
Among other cities in Ontario, Guelph’s car insurance rates are very affordable. Coming in at an annual average of $1,280, it’s far cheaper than other cities like Vaughan and Ajax, where insurance costs over $2,000 annually.