How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Mississauga?
You can get cheap Mississauga car insurance by finding the best deals. Here are several tips to help you do so:
Compare Rates Between Insurers
Mississauga 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 Mississauga 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 Mississauga.
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 Mississauga
- Mississauga car insurance is MORE expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual car insurance cost in Mississauga for a driver with a clean record is around $1,813.
- Drivers without a clean record in Mississauga can pay up to $3,996 annually, depending on factors like driving and claim history.
- Comparing Mississauga auto insurance quotes with MyChoice can save you up to $1,287 annually.
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Mississauga?
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Mississauga. 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 Mississauga 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 Mississauga?
Car insurance in Mississauga works by providing financial coverage in case something bad happens to you or your car, depending on the protection you choose. Auto insurance in Mississauga 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 Mississauga.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of your auto insurance policy:
The mandatory car insurance requirement for Mississauga 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 Mississauga.
Once you meet the minimum car insurance coverage requirements, you can legally drive in Mississauga. 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 Mississauga 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 Mississauga. 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 Mississauga 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 Mississauga
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 Mississauga car insurance quotes:
Age, Gender, and Marital Status
Your personal demographics influence auto insurance premiums in Mississauga 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 Mississauga 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 Mississauga
At $1,813/year, Mississauga has a high average auto insurance premium – over $400 above Ontario’s provincial average. Some areas of Mississauga have even higher average premiums, with several places reaching $2,217/year.
Here’s a breakdown of the most expensive postal codes for auto insurance in Mississauga:
Postal code | Average annual car insurance premium |
---|---|
L4T, L4V, L4X, L5P, L5T | $2,217 |
L4W, M7R | $2,049 |
L4S | $2,044 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Mississauga
Fortunately, some areas in Mississauga have considerably lower auto insurance rates. In fact, postcodes L5H and L5J’s annual average rate is over $500 lower than the provincial average rates.
Here’s an overview of the cheapest areas for auto insurance in Mississauga:
Postal code | Average annual car insurance premium |
---|---|
L5H, L5J | $1,268 |
L5N, L5M, L5L, L5K | $1,404 |
L5B | $1,738 |
Car Insurance Cost in Mississauga by Age
Your age influences car insurance rates because it’s related to your driving experience and accident risk.
Young drivers pay more for car insurance because their lack of experience raises their accident risk. Meanwhile, senior citizens get higher rates because they’re more likely to be hurt or killed in an accident.
Here’s a look at how your age influences auto insurance rates in Mississauga:
Age | Average annual insurance cost | Average savings with MyChoice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $6,472 | $1,287 |
21-24 | $3,699 | $736 |
25-34 | $2,466 | $490 |
35-44 | $1,813 | $361 |
45-54 | $1,487 | $296 |
55-64 | $1,264 | $251 |
65+ | $1,441 | $287 |
Car Insurance Cost in Mississauga by Driving History
Your driving history affects car insurance premiums because insurers use it to gauge your accident risk. Drivers with many demerits and driving violations usually get higher rates because they’re more likely to get into an accident. Conversely, drivers with clean records tend to be safer, leading to lower rates.
In Ontario, your traffic violations and demerit points “reset” after two years. However, insurance companies often check your driving record further back than two years when assessing your risk.
Here’s how different traffic violations can affect your car insurance rates:
Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,813 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,973 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $2,173 |
One accident | $3,996 |
Speeding ticket | $2,361 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Mississauga
We’ve covered several factors that influence car insurance rates in Mississauga. Aside from those, several extra factors play a part in determining your Mississauga 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 Mississauga
Car insurance brokers help you choose the right auto insurance policy by answering your questions and comparing policy offers.
Here are several brokers in Mississauga that you can contact for extra assistance when seeking car insurance:
Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Lucky Insurance Brokers Limited | 1550 S Gateway Rd Suite #230 Mississauga, ON L4W 5G6, Canada | +18333258259 |
Able Insurance Brokers Ltd. | 2560 Matheson Blvd E #400 Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y9, Canada | +18666192253 |
Claremont Mississauga Insurance Brokers INC | 160 King St E Mississauga, ON L5A 1T2, Canada | +19052720400 |
All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited | 49 Queen St S #10B Mississauga, ON L5M 1K5, Canada | +19058123100 |
Driving in Mississauga
Located next door to Toronto, Mississauga is the second-most populous municipality in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), right after Toronto itself. Its multicultural population and thriving business district make it a great place to live.
However, its proximity to Toronto also means lots of traffic. Here are some key facts about driving in Mississauga you should know:
- Major highways in Mississauga: 401, 403, Queen Elizabeth Way, 409, 407, 427, 410
- Public transit options: MiWay (bus), GO Transit (train), Mississauga Transitway (bus)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: The City of Mississauga, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: Port Credit, Square One Mall, Jack Darling Memorial Park, Celebration Square, Kariya Park, Art Gallery of Mississauga
- Busy intersections: Grand Park Drive and Burnhamthorpe, Rathburn and Mavis, Dundas and Hurontario, Burnhamthorpe and Hurontario, Stavebank and Lakeshore
- Airports: Lester B. Pearson International Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Mississauga
Public transit is relatively popular in Mississauga, with 11.4% of the city’s commuters preferring it. As with other cities, personal vehicles are still the go-to for most people, making up 82.7% of Mississauga commuters. Here’s a closer look at the main modes of commuting in the city:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% sample data | 218,345 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 180,545 | 82.7% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 162,185 | 74.3% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 18,365 | 8.4% |
Public transit | 24,890 | 11.4% |
Walked | 6,350 | 2.9% |
Bicycle | 715 | 0.3% |
Other method | 5,845 | 2.7% |
Commuting Duration in Mississauga
Mississauga has over 180,000 car commuters, so it stands to reason that commute times are high. One-third of the city’s commuters spend 15 to 29 minutes on the road. One quarter of Mississauga commuters even spend 30 to 44 minutes on the road getting to work. Check the table below to learn more about commuting times in Mississauga:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% sample data | 218,345 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 41,835 | 19.2% |
15 to 29 minutes | 83,990 | 38.5% |
30 to 44 minutes | 53,060 | 24.3% |
45 to 59 minutes | 18,620 | 8.5% |
60 minutes and over | 20,845 | 9.5% |
Driving Conditions in Mississauga
Various weather and driving conditions like snow and rain can affect your auto insurance premiums. Here’s an overview of driving conditions in Mississauga:
- Average daily commute time: 100 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 31.82 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 33.6 mm
- Rainy days per year: 177
- Rainiest month in Mississauga: July
- Driest months in Mississauga: September, November
- Snow days per year: 59
- Snowfall months in Mississauga: October – January
Traffic in Mississauga
Mississauga is a city of over 710,000 people, making it the second-most populous city in the GTA. With its proximity to Toronto and its bustling business district, Mississauga traffic may be heavier than in other cities.
Here’s a quick look at the key traffic statistics in Mississauga:
- Population: 717,961 people live within Mississauga’s city limits.
- City area: Mississauga’s city area spans 292.43 km2.
- Time spent in traffic annually: The average Mississaugan spends 100 minutes in traffic daily, totalling roughly 608 hours per year.
- Busiest highways: Mississauga’s north end connects to Highway 401, North America’s busiest highway, which boasts over 500,000 vehicles driving through it daily.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Mississauga
Is ridesharing insurance available in Mississauga?
Ridesharing insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers is available in Mississauga. Ask your insurer for more details.
How much does Mississauga car insurance cost?
Mississauga car insurance costs $1,813/year, over $400 above Ontario’s provincial average.
Is car insurance cheaper in Mississauga than in Toronto?
Car insurance in Mississauga is cheaper than in Toronto, but not by much. There’s only a $17 difference between the two cities’ average auto insurance rates.
What are the best car insurance companies in Mississauga?
The best car insurance company in Mississauga depends on what you want out of your policy and your budget. Use MyChoice to compare insurance companies and find the right one for you.
Who has the cheapest auto insurance in Mississauga?
The cheapest auto insurance provider in Mississauga also depends on what types of coverage you choose. You can skip optional coverage to drive your rates down and save money.
Which cars get the lowest car insurance premiums in Mississauga?
Our research shows that at $126/month, Fiats are the cheapest cars to insure in Mississauga.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in Mississauga?
You should compare car insurance rates in Mississauga because different insurers provide different coverage at different prices. Comparing rates help you choose which policy has the best value.
What information do you need for an auto insurance quote in Mississauga?
You need to provide basic personal details and vehicle information like production year, make, and model to get a basic auto insurance quote. You can get more accurate quotes by disclosing extra information, like your driving record and past traffic violations.
How do you find affordable car insurance for students in Mississauga, Ontario?
There’s no affordable car insurance for students in Mississauga, but students can be listed as a driver in their parent’s insurance policy. This way, they don’t have to spend money paying for their own policy.
Which auto insurance is the best for young drivers in Mississauga?
The best auto insurance for young drivers in Mississauga should be the one that gives ample protection at a reasonable cost.
Is car insurance cheaper in Mississauga than in Brampton?
Car insurance in Mississauga is cheaper than in Brampton, but only by roughly $5.
Why is car insurance in Mississauga so expensive?
Car insurance in Mississauga is so expensive because it’s a large urban area – more cars are on the road, making accidents more likely.