Drivers in Kingston experience vastly different traffic patterns based on their location within the city. Downtown and the university area see high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as shorter car trips, whereas drivers heading onto Highway 401 will be more likely to make longer trips throughout Eastern Ontario.
Here we break down how much car insurance costs for those living in Kingston based on different factors such as age, postal code, driving record and where your money goes when you pay for car insurance.
Quick Guide to Kingston Car Insurance Costs
Kingston residents receive median auto insurance quotes of $1,963 per year ($164/month), according to our data. That is 16.3% less than the Ontario median.
| Median annual premium | $1,963 |
| Median monthly premium | $164 |
| Kingston premium vs. Ontario Median | 16.3% less expensive |
| Cheapest Postal Code | K7L ($1,894) |
| Most Expensive Postal Code | K7K ($1,991) |
How Kingston Premiums Vary by Postal Code
Among the Kingston postal areas shown, the highest is K7K at $1,991 and the lowest is K7L at $1,894, a difference of only $97 per year.
It’s not much of a gap. When you see two Kingston drivers paying vastly different premiums, the car they drive, their driving history, the policy they carry, or the insurance company they’re with is likely playing a bigger role than their postal code in their premium difference.
| Postal Code | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| K7K | $1,991 |
| K7P | $1,969 |
| K7M | $1,963 |
| K7L | $1,894 |
Accident Rates by Postal Code in Kingston
It’s not like every part of Kingston has an equal chance of getting into an accident. In fact, your postal code is one of the biggest factors insurance companies consider when setting your rate. In the chart below you can see what percentage of people in each of Kingston’s postal codes have been in an accident according to MyChoice’s analysis of more than 50,000 quotes.
Source: MyChoice Quote Database
Across Kingston, 12.1% of drivers have an accident on their record. Depending on the area, that figure ranges from 9.1% to 13.8%.
Read More: Why Kingston Ranks High in Ontario’s Driving-Risk Study
Areas with the highest accident rates:
- K7P — Cataraqui: 13.8% of drivers have an accident on record
- K7L — Queen’s University Area: 13.7%
- K7K — Downtown Kingston: 13.7%
Areas with the lowest accident rates:
- K7N — Collins Bay / Amherstview: 9.1%
- K7M — Kingston West: 10.2%
Cataraqui (K7P) drivers are over 1.5x more likely to have an accident on their record than those in Collins Bay (K7N).
Highway 401, Student Traffic, and Winter Travel in Kingston
Drivers in Kingston are already navigating traffic on the busy Highway 401, but there are also many other hazards that can be found in this small city, including areas with a high volume of university, hospital, and downtown traffic. Add to that pedestrians, cyclists, construction, snow and even lake-influenced weather patterns and there are plenty of risks on the road in one relatively small area. Slow down in areas with high foot-traffic and keep an eye on road conditions in the rest of eastern Ontario if you are heading out for a longer drive on the highways.
Is Car Insurance in Kingston Higher Than Nearby?
Not by much. Kingston is within about 2% of all of the other cities in Eastern Ontario included here: Brockville is a nearly identical $1,965, Cornwall is only $41 less, Belleville is $42 more.
| City | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium | Difference from Kingston Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Kingston, ON | $1,963 | — |
| Belleville, ON | $2,005 | +2.1% |
| Brockville, ON | $1,965 | +0.1% |
| Cornwall, ON | $1,922 | -2.1% |
| Peterborough, ON | $1,986 | +1.2% |
| Ottawa, ON | $1,985 | +1.1% |
Breaking Down a Kingston Auto Insurance Premium
More than half of Kingston’s $1,963 premium is for vehicle damage protection, which is $1,034.89.
If you have an older vehicle, it may be worthwhile to revisit collision, comprehensive and deductibles at policy renewal. Make sure, however, to balance premium savings with what it would cost you out of pocket if the vehicle was stolen or damaged.
| Part of the policy | What is included | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Legally required coverage | Third-Party Liability; mandatory medical, rehabilitation and attendant care; Uninsured Automobile | $715.53 |
| Vehicle damage protection | DCPD; Collision; Comprehensive | $1,034.89 |
| Optional Accident Benefits | Selected optional benefits shown below | $194.52 |
| Optional endorsements | OPCF 44R – Family Protection | $18.06 |
| Coverage Total: | $1,963 |
However, the Optional Accident Benefits and endorsements listed below represent a much smaller portion of the premium, so removing them is not likely to result in the anticipated savings.
How Age Affects Car Insurance Premiums in Kingston
For example, a driver between the ages of 18 and 20 pays $4,345, which is more than double the $1,963 median for those ages 35 to 44. By 25 to 34, the median cost drops to $2,586.
Kingston’s large student community makes driver classification worth checking for younger motorists. Regularly keeping and using a car in Kingston can require different policy treatment than occasionally driving the household vehicle during visits home.
| Age | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| 18-20 | $4,345 |
| 21-24 | $3,424 |
| 25-34 | $2,586 |
| 35-44 | $1,963 |
| 45-54 | $1,924 |
| 55-64 | $1,885 |
| 65+ | $1,661 |
Kingston Car Insurance Costs by Driving Record
Also surprisingly close are the rates for a speeding ticket, at a median of $2,490, and for one at-fault accident, at a median of $2,526.
They’re both around 27–29% higher than the clean-record premium. This doesn’t necessarily mean that insurance companies treat a speeding ticket and an accident in the exact same manner, but it does explain why you should shop for new rates when your driving record changes.
| Driving record | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Clean | $1,963 |
| Minor speeding ticket | $2,490 |
| One at-fault accident | $2,526 |
| Insurance cancellation (non-payment) | $2,435 |
| Licence suspension | $2,680 |
| Impaired driving conviction | $4,869 |
| Stunt driving conviction | $3,343 |
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Kingston
Why should you compare car insurance rates in Kingston?
Kingston car insurance rates are worth comparing because prices keep changing. Since no two Ontario insurers use identical rates, the plan you select could save hundreds of dollars over time.
What information do you need for an auto insurance quote in Kingston?
To get a car insurance quote in Kingston, you’ll need to provide information about your driver’s licence, your driving record, and what type of car you’re insuring. You may also be asked to provide more information, depending on your insurance company.
Can I use my Kingston car insurance to drive in the United States?
When driving to the US, insurers generally recommend additional emergency coverage or bringing some cash. Your Kingston auto insurance can still be used there.
What’s the Best Way to Choose a Car Insurance Company in Kingston?
Begin by comparing multiple insurance companies for identical coverage levels, deductibles and annual mileage. Since Kingston’s median premium is already somewhat lower than in many Ontario cities, you might find that the most affordable quote is simply a result of how your car and driving history are priced by different insurers rather than any specific factor related to Kingston.
