How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Niagara Falls?
You can get cheap Niagara Falls car insurance by finding the best deals. Here are several tips to help you do so:
Compare Rates Between Insurers
Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
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 Niagara Falls
- Niagara Falls car insurance is MORE expensive than the Ontario average.
- The average annual car insurance cost in Niagara Falls for a driver with a clean record is around $1,599.
- Drivers without a clean record in Niagara Falls can pay up to $3524 annually, depending on factors like driving and claim history.
- Comparing Niagara Falls auto insurance quotes with MyChoice can save you up to $1,135 annually.
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Niagara Falls?
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?
Car insurance in Niagara Falls works by providing financial coverage in case something bad happens to you or your car, depending on the protection you choose. Auto insurance in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of your auto insurance policy:
The mandatory car insurance requirement for Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
Once you meet the minimum car insurance coverage requirements, you can legally drive in Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
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 Niagara Falls car insurance quotes:
Age, Gender, and Marital Status
Your personal demographics influence auto insurance premiums in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
Auto insurance rates in Niagara Falls, ON cost an average of $1,599. Compared to the provincial average of $1,385, Niagara Falls auto insurance is roughly $200 higher than insurance in Ontario.
The most expensive postal code in Niagara Falls is the L2G region. Check out what premiums are like in L2G below:
Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
L2G | $1,604 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Niagara Falls
Like other mid-sized cities in Ontario, Niagara Falls is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest place to get auto insurance. L2H and L2J are the cheapest postal codes in Niagara Falls, as seen below:
Postal Code | Average annual car insurance premium |
---|---|
L2H | $1,595 |
L2J | $1,596 |
Car Insurance Cost in Niagara Falls by Age
Age is a major element in determining your car insurance rate, especially when you are young. Insurance providers often charge drivers under 25 high rates because of young drivers’ inexperience and higher likelihood of being involved in a traffic accident.
Young drivers aren’t the only ones who pay higher premiums, either. Those over 60 tend to get higher rates as they are more likely to be seriously injured in the event of an accident.
Check out how car insurance varies by age in Niagara Falls:
Age | Average annual insurance cost | Average savings with MyChoice |
---|---|---|
18-20 | $5,708 | $1,135 |
21-24 | $3,262 | $649 |
25-34 | $2,175 | $433 |
35-44 | $1,599 | $318 |
45-54 | $1,311 | $261 |
55-64 | $1,115 | $222 |
65+ | $1,271 | $253 |
Car Insurance Cost in Niagara Falls by Driving History
Want to save on insurance premiums? Having a history as a safe, responsible driver can get you lower rates.
Insurers are all about assessing risk. The more tickets and violations you have on your record, the more likely you are to get involved in a traffic accident – and, thus, the more you will end up costing the insurance company.
Here’s how different driving violations can affect the cost of your insurance premiums:
Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
---|---|
Clean driving record | $1,599 |
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,622 |
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,916 |
One accident | $3,524 |
Speeding ticket | $2,082 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Niagara Falls
We’ve covered several factors that influence car insurance rates in Niagara Falls. Aside from those, several extra factors play a part in determining your Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
Insurance brokers help drivers navigate the process of purchasing auto insurance. They help you find a car insurance plan that meets all your driving needs and fits your budget.
If you don’t want to get lost in all the jargon and numbers, consider reaching out to any one of these experienced brokerages in Niagara Falls:
Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
---|---|---|
All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited | 7-8279 Lundy’s Ln, Niagara Falls ON L2H 1H5, Canada | +12899321222 |
Olsen-Sottile Insurance Brokers Inc | 4307 Queen St, Niagara Falls ON L2E 2K9, Canada | +19053572140 |
Youngs Insurance Brokers | 5681 Regional Rd 57, Niagara Falls ON L2J 1A1, Canada | +19053747000 |
Driving in Niagara Falls
The “Honeymoon Capital of the World”, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Canada. While its population remains at a modest 88,071, each year, the city plays host to over 12 million visitors.
Niagara Falls is a border town, connecting Ontario to the state of New York via the Rainbow Bridge. Located just over an hour from Toronto, Niagara Falls is also a popular day-trip destination for those living in and visiting Toronto.
Here are some fast facts about driving in Niagara Falls:
- Major highways: Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Highway 420, Highway 20
- Public transit options: WeGo (buses), Niagara Region Transit (buses), GO Train
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Zoom Zoom
- Parking space providers: The City of Niagara Falls, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Skylon Tower, Niagara Skywheel, Clifton Hill, Niagara Power Station, Whitewater Walk, Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Botanical Gardens, Bird Kingdom
- Busy intersections: Welland Avenue and 4th Street
- Airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Niagara Falls
Most commuters in Niagara Falls travel with their cars, making up 92.1% of all commuters. Walking is the second-most preferred method, clocking in at 2.9%. Here’s a detailed look at how people in Niagara Falls commute:
Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 29,290 | 100.0 |
Car, truck or van | 26,985 | 92.1% |
Car, truck or van – as a driver | 24,510 | 83.7% |
Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 2,480 | 8.5% |
Public transit | 605 | 2.1% |
Walked | 855 | 2.9% |
Bicycle | 190 | 0.6% |
Other method | 645 | 2.2% |
Commuting Duration in Niagara Falls
Almost 80% of Niagara Falls’ commuters spend under 30 minutes getting to work. People who spend over half an hour on their commute are relatively rare, only making up 20% of the city’s commuters. Check out the commute times in Niagara Falls on the table below:
Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
---|---|---|
Total – 25% Sample Size | 29,290 | 100.0 |
Less than 15 minutes | 11,985 | 40.9% |
15 to 29 minutes | 11,395 | 38.9% |
30 to 44 minutes | 3,220 | 11.0% |
45 to 59 minutes | 1,010 | 3.4% |
60 minutes and over | 1,675 | 5.7% |
Driving Conditions in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a beautiful place to visit in the summer months. Unfortunately, wintertime driving conditions make travel to the area quite treacherous. Drivers must prepare thoroughly for their trip, as unexpected snowfall and ice can lead to dangerous roadways.
Learn more about what driving conditions are like in Niagara Falls:
- Average daily commute time: 52 minutes roundtrip
- Average annual rainfall: 770 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 574 mm
- Rainy days per year: 169.3 days
- Rainiest month in Niagara Falls: July
- Driest months in Niagara Falls: September
- Snow days per year: 65.6 days
- Snowfall months in Niagara Falls: January – May, October – December
Traffic in Niagara Falls
Despite being a popular tourist destination, traffic density in Niagara Falls is not as bad as its neighbours. In fact, Niagara has the least amount of traffic congestion among all large cities in Canada. Minimal congestion means that drivers can expect lower insurance premiums, as insurers often charge more in places where traffic accidents are more likely to happen.
Here is a brief overview of traffic in Niagara Falls:
- Population: 88,071 live within Niagara Falls’ city limits.
- City area: Niagara Falls’ city limits span 209.73 km2.
- Busiest highways: Queen Elizabeth Way is the busiest highway in Niagara Falls.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Niagara Falls
How much does Niagara Falls car insurance cost?
Car insurance in Niagara Falls costs $1,599.
Is car insurance cheaper in Niagara Falls than in Toronto?
Car insurance is somewhat cheaper in Niagara Falls than in Toronto, where it costs an average of $1,796.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in Niagara Falls?
You should compare car insurance rates because many companies offer the same coverage but at drastically different prices. Rates often vary depending on what part of Niagara Falls you live in, the car you drive, your age, your driving history, and other similar factors.
Does my Niagara Falls car insurance work in the US?
Most Niagara Falls auto insurers cover their clients when driving in the US for a limited time.