How Does Car Insurance Work in London?
Car insurance is mandatory in Ontario, but it’s important to understand the factors that influence your insurance premium and the types of coverage you should consider.
Below is a breakdown of what’s included in your car insurance package in London when you get a quote with MyChoice, categorized by mandatory and highly recommended coverages. Together, the mandatory and recommended coverage premiums reflect the average car insurance cost in London referenced above.
Coverage Type | What’s Included | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|---|
Mandatory | – Third-Party Liability – Accident Benefits – Uninsured Automobile | $829 |
Highly Recommended | – Direct Compensation: Property Damage – Collision – Comprehensive – OPCF 20 – OPCF 27 – OPCF 44R – OPCF 39 – OPCF 43 | $1,158 |
Coverage Total: | $1,987 |
Mandatory Coverages:
Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|---|
Third-Party Liability | Protects you if you injure someone or damage property while driving, and covers legal costs if you’re sued. | $249 |
Accident Benefits | Covers medical costs, income replacement, and more for you and others injured in an accident, regardless of fault. | $565 |
Uninsured Automobile | Protects you if you’re hit by an uninsured or an unidentified driver and suffer injuries or vehicle damage. | $15 |
Coverage Total: | $829 |
*The above coverages are mandatory in London and will always be included in a standard car insurance quote.
Highly Recommended Coverages:
Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|---|
Direct Compensation: Property Damage | Covers damage to your own vehicle if you’re not at fault in an accident with another insured driver in Ontario. | $464 |
Collision | Covers your vehicle if you hit another car or object and you’re found at fault. | $283 |
Comprehensive | Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather. | $204 |
OPCF 20: Loss of Use | Pays for rental or other transportation if your car is out of service after an at-fault accident or comprehensive claim. | $24 |
OPCF 27: Rental Vehicle | Extends your coverage to rented or borrowed vehicles, protecting you if damage occurs while you drive them. | $25 |
OPCF 44R: Family Protection | Covers you and your family if you’re hit by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver and their coverage isn’t enough. | $19 |
OPCF 39: Accident Forgiveness | Prevents your insurance premiums from increasing after your first at-fault accident, as long as you stay with the same insurer. | $27 |
OPCF 43: Waiver of Depreciacion | Ensures you get the full purchase price back—not a depreciated value—if your new vehicle is written off. | $2 |
Coverage Total: | $1,158 |
*Any of the above highly recommended coverages in London may be removed from your quote, but we strongly recommend keeping them to have adequate protection.
Most Expensive Postal Codes in London
The average cost of car insurance in London, Ontario, is roughly $1,987, which is slightly more than the Ontario average of $1,874 yearly.
London’s most expensive postal code for car insurance is the N5Y region, encompassing Carling and the northeastern part of the city. While your quotes may differ, below are the expected premium rates in this area:
Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
N5Y | $2,058 |
N5V | $2,033 |
N5W | $2,027 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in London
The N5X region in London has the cheapest auto insurance rates. This region includes Stoney Creek, Northdale, Fanshawe, and Stoney Brooke. Below is a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay for car insurance in the cheapest areas for auto insurance in London:
Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
N5X | $1,916 |
N6A | $1,921 |
N6C | $1,933 |
How London Car Insurance Rates Compare to Nearby Cities
London’s car insurance rates are mid-range compared to other Southwestern Ontario cities. Here’s how they compare to nearby communities:
City | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
London, ON | $1,987 |
Windsor, ON | $1,891 |
Sarnia, ON | $1,603 |
Kitchener, ON | $1,748 |
Brantford, ON | $1,769 |
Hamilton, ON | $1,735 |
Car Insurance Cost in London by Age
As with any city in Ontario, car insurance rates can rise and fall according to your age. Generally, drivers under 30 pay the highest premiums because they are perceived to lack experience. Similarly, drivers over 65 can expect higher premiums, as senior citizens are more likely to sustain injury or death during an accident.
Below are the average car insurance rates by age in London, Ontario:
Age | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium | Average Savings with MyChoice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $5,427 | $1,079 |
21-24 | $2,799 | $557 |
25-34 | $2,156 | $429 |
35-44 | $1,987 | $393 |
45-54 | $1,607 | $334 |
55-64 | $1,494 | $310 |
65+ | $1,532 | $318 |
Car Insurance Cost in London by Driving History
Insurance companies are likely to charge higher premiums if:
- You have a shorter driving history
- You don’t have a full licence
- You have a driving conviction
While driving demerits typically only remain on your record for about two years, some insurance providers will review driving history up to ten years prior.
Below are general estimations of how your driving record can impact insurance premiums:
Driving Violation | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,987 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,628 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,986 |
One at-fault accident | $3,706 |
Minor speeding ticket | $2,288 |
Car Insurance Cost in London by Vehicle Model
Below is a breakdown of the estimated insurance costs for various car models in London. This should give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for car insurance based on the vehicle model you drive.
Car Model | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
Honda | $1,823 |
Tesla | $1,951 |
Toyota | $2,092 |
Hyundai | $2,004 |
Audi | $2,470 |
BMW | $2,313 |
Mazda | $1,853 |
Subaru | $2,049 |
Volkswagen | $1,828 |
Porsche | $2,013 |
The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in London
Auto insurance brokers can negotiate premiums with a company on your behalf. With the help of a car insurance broker, you can save valuable time and money and get the insurance rates you want. Plus, you can ask them questions about the process so you can make more informed decisions.
Below is a list of brokerages you can visit in London, Ontario:
Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
---|---|---|
McConville Omni Insurance Brokers Ltd. | 685 Richmond St #300 London, ON N6A 5M1, Canada | +15196730880 |
My Insurance Broker | 1255 Commissioners Rd W #227 London, ON N6K 3N5, Canada | +15194737000 |
Kenny Insurance Brokers | 360 Springbank Dr London, ON N6J 1G5, Canada | +15196338448 |
BrokerLink | 69 Wellington St Unit A London, ON N6B 2K4, Canada | +15194341955 |
Driving in London
London has the 11th largest population in Canada, so expect it to be a melting pot of diverse drivers. In addition, ever-changing driving conditions make it imperative to have the best possible insurance. Below are some key facts you should know about driving in London:
- Major highways in London: None (connected to junctions of Highway 401 and 402)
- Public transit options: London Transit Commission (bus)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: City of London, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: Springbank Park, Banting House, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Museum London, Storybook Gardens, Boler Mountain
- Busy intersections: Richmond Street and Fanshawe Park Road
- Airports: London International Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in London
Most of London’s commuters take cars, trucks, and vans to work. Out of 118,720 personal vehicle commuters, 12,180 of them are passengers. Meanwhile, public transit is the second-most popular commuting mode in London, with 8,790 users. Here’s a closer look at the modes of commuting in London:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% sample data | 138,155 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 118,720 | 85.9% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 106,540 | 77.1% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 12,180 | 8.8% |
Public transit | 8,790 | 6.4% |
Walked | 6,290 | 4.6% |
Bicycle | 1,295 | 0.9% |
Other method | 3,060 | 2.2% |
Commuting Duration in London
London is one of the busier cities in Ontario, so traffic can get congested. Fortunately, for a busy city, commute durations are still reasonable. Almost 80% of London’s commuters spend under 30 minutes during their commutes. Here’s an in-depth look at commuting duration in London:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% sample data | 138,155 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 47,460 | 34.4% |
15 to 29 minutes | 59,460 | 43.0% |
30 to 44 minutes | 18,880 | 13.7% |
45 to 59 minutes | 6,005 | 4.3% |
60 minutes and over | 6,345 | 4.6% |
Driving Conditions in London
Driving conditions in London are often prone to change. These conditions can directly impact your insurance premiums. Here are some key facts about driving conditions in London:
- Average daily commute time: 44 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 946 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 1,943 mm
- Rainy days per year: 106 days
- Rainiest month in London: June
- Driest months in London: November – March
- Snow days per year: 60 days
- Snowfall months in London: November – April
Traffic in London
London has a population of roughly 422,324, making it one of the busier cities in Ontario. As such, you can expect traffic conditions to fluctuate constantly. Here is a quick overview of traffic conditions in London:
- City area: London’s city limits span 420.6 km2.
- Time spent in traffic annually: London drivers spend 89 hours in traffic per year.
- Busiest highways: Highways 401 and 402 are the busiest in London.
- Average motor vehicle thefts: There are roughly 1,175 auto thefts a year in London.
- Average instances of distracted driving: There are 418 instances of distracted driving a year in London.
- Average number of speeding tickets: Roughly 2,108 people receive speeding tickets every year in London.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in London
How much does London car insurance cost?
The average cost for London car insurance is $1,987 a year. However, this rate may vary depending on your age, driving history, insurance coverage, and vehicle make.
Is car insurance cheaper in London than in Toronto?
Yes, car insurance is cheaper in London ($1,987/year) than in Toronto ($2,231/year).
Why should you compare car insurance rates in London?
You should compare car insurance rates in London because not all policies have the same coverage requirements. In addition, you’ll want to pick a policy best suited to your driving habits.
What information do you need for an auto insurance quote in London?
The information you’ll need to provide for an auto insurance quote in London includes your basic information, driver’s licence, vehicle identification number (VIN), marital status, and accident prevention course completion date, if applicable.
Can I use my London car insurance to drive in the United States?
Yes, you can use your London car insurance to drive in the United States. However, most insurance providers recommend carrying additional cash in case of an accident. If you pay more upfront, you won’t risk an increase on your future premiums.
How do you find affordable car insurance for students in London, Ontario?
You can get affordable car insurance for students in London by taking a driver’s education course. Earning a certificate lets insurers know you are a safe and dependable driver. In addition, you can apply with an insurer that offers student discounts or get listed as a secondary driver on your parents’ insurance policy.
How can you get cheaper car insurance in London?
Compare car insurance rates in London with MyChoice, or visit our main car insurance page to learn other ways of getting cheap car insurance quotes.