How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Kitchener?
You can get cheap Kitchener car insurance by finding the best deals. Here are several tips to help you do so:
Compare Rates Between Insurers
Kitchener 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 Kitchener 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 Kitchener.
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 Kitchener
- Kitchener car insurance is less expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual car insurance cost in Kitchener for a driver with a clean record is around $1,238.
- Drivers without a clean record in Kitchener can pay up to $2,729 annually, depending on factors like driving and claim history.
- Comparing Kitchener auto insurance quotes with MyChoice can save you up to $879 annually.
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Kitchener?
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Kitchener. 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 Kitchener 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.
How Does Car Insurance Work in Kitchener?
Car insurance in Kitchener works by providing financial coverage in case something bad happens to you or your car, depending on the protection you choose. Auto insurance in Kitchener 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 Kitchener.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of your auto insurance policy:
The mandatory car insurance requirement for Kitchener 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 Kitchener.
Once you meet the minimum car insurance coverage requirements, you can legally drive in Kitchener. 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 Kitchener 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 Kitchener. 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 Kitchener 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 Kitchener
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 Kitchener car insurance quotes:
Age, Gender, and Marital Status
Your personal demographics influence auto insurance premiums in Kitchener 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 Kitchener 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 Kitchener
The annual average auto insurance premium for Kitchener, Ontario is $1,238, making it much cheaper than Toronto, which has an average of $1,796. Kitchener has three postal codes (N2B, N2H, N2N) that have higher-than-average car insurance rates, seen in the table below:
Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
N2B, N2H, N2N | $1,271 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Kitchener
Other than the three most expensive postal codes, the rest of Kitchener’s territory has an average insurance rate of $1,238. Here’s a look at the postal codes in Kitchener that have the lowest car insurance:
Postal Code | Average annual car insurance premium |
---|---|
N2A, N2C, N2E, N2G, N2M, N2P, N2R | $1,225 |
Car Insurance Cost in Kitchener by Age
Depending on your age, your insurance premiums can be higher or lower. Students and younger drivers are considered higher-risk drivers due to their inexperience, so they can expect to pay higher insurance rates.
When drivers reach the age of 25, insurance premiums start to go down. Premiums start to rise again upon reaching the age of 65 due to senior citizens having an increased accident risk.
Here’s a look at car insurance costs in Kitchener, categorized by age:
Age Group | Average annual insurance cost | Average savings with MyChoice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $4,420 | $879 |
21-24 | $2,526 | $502 |
25-34 | $1,684 | $335 |
35-44 | $1,238 | $246 |
45-54 | $1,164 | $202 |
55-64 | $863 | $172 |
65+ | $984 | $196 |
Car Insurance Cost in Kitchener by Driving History
Having a clean driving record is important if you want to keep your Kitchener auto insurance premiums low. Insurance providers use your driving history to see if you’re a high-risk driver. If you have a clean driving history, you’ll qualify for lower auto insurance rates than drivers with multiple violations and accidents on their records.
Driving violations such as speeding tickets and DUIs can stay on your record for two years in Ontario. However, providers will still use them to calculate your insurance premiums for longer than that.
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 | $1,238 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,030 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,484 |
One accident | $2,729 |
Speeding ticket | $1,612 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Kitchener
We’ve covered several factors that influence car insurance rates in Kitchener. Aside from those, several extra factors play a part in determining your Kitchener 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 Kitchener
Insurance brokers have a deep knowledge of the auto insurance scene in Kitchener. They can make your life easier by comparing policies and deals from different companies so you don’t have to. Plus, if you have any questions about auto insurance, brokers are more than ready to help you out.
You can partner with insurance brokers to ensure you get the policy you need at the price you want. Here are some of the best car insurance brokerages in Kitchener:
Brokerage | Address | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
Regal Insurance Brokers | 428 Gage Ave #2, Kitchener ON N2M 5C9, Canada | +15195787170 |
BrokerLink | 230 The Boardwalk Mall Ln #1, Kitchener ON N2N 0B1, Canada | +15195765242 |
KW Insurance Brokers | 501 Krug St Unit 112, Kitchener ON N2B 1L3, Canada | +15197444190 |
All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited | 229 Frederick St, Kitchener ON N2H 2M7, Canada | +15192080220 |
Driving in Kitchener
Kitchener shares its metropolitan area with its twin city, Waterloo, forming the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Here are some key facts about driving in Kitchener you should know:
- Major highways in Kitchener: 8, 401
- Public transit options: Grand River Transit (bus and trains), GO Transit (bus and trains)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: The City of Kitchener, private parking lots
- Top tourist attractions: Victoria Park, Doon Heritage Village, Huron Natural Area, Schneider Haus National Historic Site, St. Mary Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Church
- Busy intersections: Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road, Homer Watson Boulevard and Manitou Drive, Homer Watson Boulevard and Doon Village Road
- Airports: Region of Waterloo International Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Kitchener
As with many other cities, a large portion of Kitchener’s commuters take a car, truck, or van to work. The lion’s share of car commuters are drivers, with a much smaller percentage of passengers. Here’s a closer look at the main modes of commuting in Kitchener:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 89,925 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 79,585 | 88.5% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 72,320 | 80.4% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 7,265 | 8.1% |
Public transit | 5,090 | 5.7% |
Walked | 2,890 | 3.2% |
Bicycle | 455 | 0.6% |
Other method | 1,815 | 2.0% |
Commuting Duration in Kitchener
Nearly half of Kitchener’s commuters take around 15 to 29 minutes to get to work. A quarter of them take less than 15 minutes. That means most of Kitchener’s commuters spend under half an hour on their commute. Learn more about commuting durations in Kitchener in this table:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 89,925 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 26,845 | 29.9% |
15 to 29 minutes | 40,385 | 44.9% |
30 to 44 minutes | 12,435 | 13.8% |
45 to 59 minutes | 4,360 | 4.8% |
60 minutes and over | 5,895 | 6.6% |
Driving Conditions in Kitchener
Depending on the driving condition in Kitchener, your insurance premiums can go up or down. Here’s a quick look at the driving conditions in Kitchener:
- Average daily commute time: 44 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 776.8 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 159.7 cm
- Rainy days per year: 119
- Rainiest month in Kitchener: January
- Driest month in Kitchener: September
- Snow days per year: 62
- Snowfall months in Kitchener: October to April
Traffic in Kitchener
The city of Kitchener has around 256,885 residents as of the 2021 census, but the Regional Municipality of Waterloo is home to 575,847 citizens. With such a small number of citizens (and, therefore, cars), Kitchener ranks second in a survey on the best Canadian cities for driving.
Here’s a quick look at what driving in Kitchener is like:
- Population: Kitchener has 256,885 residents within its city limits.
- City area: Kitchener’s urban area spans 136.86 km2.
- Average commute distance: Most Kitchenerites travel 13.7 km to their workplace or school.
- Time spent in traffic annually: Most Kitchenerites spend 44 minutes every day in traffic, totalling almost 268 hours every year.
- Busiest highways: Highway 401, Highway 7
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Kitchener
Can you have two car insurance policies in Kitchener?
Yes, you can have two car insurance policies in Kitchener, but you don’t actually need multiple policies. If you take out multiple policies, you’ll end up paying more premiums for the same coverage. To keep your insurance costs low, take out a single policy that covers only what you need to cover.
What is the cost of car insurance in Kitchener?
The cost of car insurance in Kitchener averages out to $1,238 annually. You can get higher or lower insurance rates depending on your age, driving history, car make and model, and how frequently you drive your car.
How do Kitchener car insurance quotes compare to other cities in Ontario?
Kitchener car insurance quotes are mostly average compared to other cities in Ontario. The average car insurance rate in Kitchener sits solidly in the middle, with half of other Ontario cities having more expensive rates, while the other half of Ontario cities have cheaper rates.
Why is car insurance expensive in Kitchener?
Car insurance can be expensive in Kitchener if insurance companies give you a higher rate based on a variety of factors. That being said, car insurance in Kitchener isn’t as expensive as in other cities in Ontario like Brampton or Toronto.
Why are Kitchener-Waterloo roads getting so busy?
Kitchener-Waterloo roads can get busy when there’s construction going on around the city roads. There is also a growing population of remote and tech workers setting up in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Both Kitchener and Waterloo are also experiencing a steady growth in population.
How can I save on car insurance in Kitchener?
You can save on car insurance in Kitchener by buying a safe and reliable car, keeping a clean driving record, and shopping around for the best insurance policies. MyChoice can help you save up to $996 from the top car insurance companies in Ontario.
Is auto insurance the same in Kitchener and Waterloo?
Yes, auto insurance is the same in Kitchener and Waterloo because they both fall in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
Which city has cheaper car insurance: Kitchener or London?
Kitchener has cheaper car insurance than London by about $270 on average.