Driving in North Bay can mean more than just getting from point A to point B in a few minutes. Highways 11 and 17 run through the city to other communities throughout Northern Ontario, and some drivers must contend with driving through them in inclement winter weather, encounters with animals, and long stretches with no assistance.
This page covers the average cost of auto insurance in North Bay, by postal code, age, and driving history as well as the specific components of a driver’s coverage that are important to North Bay drivers. The premium prices featured on this page come from our internal database of quotes.
Key Car Insurance Numbers for North Bay
Based on our internal data, the median auto insurance quote in North Bay is $2,032 a year, or $169 per month. This is 13.3% less than the Ontario median.
| Median annual premium | $2,032 |
| Median monthly premium | $169 |
| North Bay premium vs. Ontario Median | 13.3% less expensive |
| Cheapest Postal Code | P1B ($1,995) |
| Most Expensive Postal Code | P1A ($2,048) |
Where Car Insurance Costs More or Less in North Bay
The premium data shows very little separation between the two North Bay postal codes. P1A has a median of $2,048; P1B is $1,995. That’s just a $53/year gap.
This is small enough that the difference between P1A and P1B probably won’t affect your premium as much as your car, your driving record and your insurance company.
| Postal Code | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| P1A | $2,048 |
| P1B | $1,995 |
Accident Rates by Postal Code in North Bay
However, not every area of North Bay is equal when it comes to accident rates. Your postal code is one of the key factors that insurance companies consider when determining your insurance rate. The following map displays the portion of insured drivers involved in an accident per postal code across North Bay, derived from more than 50,000 quotes submitted to MyChoice.
Source: MyChoice Quote Database
The average North Bay driver has a 12.5% chance of having an accident on their record. This number changes depending on your location, though, and can range from 12.0% in some areas to 13.5% in others.
Areas with the highest accident rates:
P1B — Downtown North Bay / Waterfront: 13.5% of drivers have an accident on record
Areas with the lowest accident rates:
P1A — West Ferris / Pinewood: 12.0%
In North Bay, the rate of accidents is fairly uniform, with values between 12.0% and 13.5%, though Downtown North Bay (P1B) is somewhat higher.
Winter, Wildlife, and Long Regional Trips From North Bay
Drivers from North Bay often travel further than the city limits on roads that go through forested areas. In these rural areas, snow and ice cover are important factors to consider, as well as wildlife, the lack of streetlights and the distance to services. Weather can vary considerably from point A to point B. Be sure to pack for emergencies, slow down at night and consult Ontario 511 for conditions along the whole route.
If you rent cars often, your insurance might have rental-car coverage; roadside assistance may be a good option if you make frequent regional trips. You might also want to check your policy’s comprehensive coverage to see what you’re covered for with respect to wildlife and weather.
Read More: Loss of Use Coverage Explained
How North Bay Rates Stack Up Locally
North Bay is nearly the same as Huntsville which is only 1.6% higher. Timmins and Orillia are about 5% higher and Barrie is 8.4% higher.
The big winner here is Sudbury at 13.2% cheaper. And so even in Northern Ontario alone, you’ll see differences if you move between different cities.
| City | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium | Difference from North Bay Premium |
|---|---|---|
| North Bay, ON | $2,032 | — |
| Sudbury, ON | $1,764 | -13.2% |
| Timmins, ON | $2,145 | +5.6% |
| Huntsville, ON | $2,065 | +1.6% |
| Barrie, ON | $2,203 | +8.4% |
| Orillia, ON | $2,139 | +5.3% |
Where the North Bay Car Insurance Premium Goes
North Bay pays roughly half its insurance premium for vehicle damage coverage and around 40 percent for mandatory coverage.
It’s a figure to consider if you live in North Bay where winter roads, wildlife, and longer trips on the highway can make physical-damage coverage valuable. If you own an older vehicle, you can still revisit your collision and comprehensive insurance as well as deductible amount at policy renewal, but weigh potential savings against out-of-pocket costs that might be affordable to you following a claim.
| 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 | $806.40 |
| Vehicle damage protection | DCPD; Collision; Comprehensive | $1,021.87 |
| Optional Accident Benefits | Selected optional benefits shown below | $191.13 |
| Optional endorsements | OPCF 44R – Family Protection | $12.60 |
| Coverage Total: | $2,032 |
Ontario’s July 1, 2026 auto insurance changes made many Accident Benefits optional. Before you remove optional coverages from your policy, speak with an insurance-licensed professional.
Does Age Change Your Car Insurance Cost in North Bay?
Those between the ages of 18 and 20 will have a median of $4,885 in annual premiums, while those between 35 and 44 years old have a median premium of $2,032. The most significant decrease occurs after the teenage years, when the median cost drops to $2,985 for those between 21 and 24 years old.
| Age | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| 18-20 | $4,885 |
| 21-24 | $2,985 |
| 25-34 | $2,875 |
| 35-44 | $2,032 |
| 45-54 | $1,874 |
| 55-64 | $1,750 |
| 65+ | $1,715 |
The Impact of Driving History on North Bay Premiums
One minor speeding ticket will drive the median car insurance premium in North Bay from $2,032 to $2,730, about a 34% hike. One at-fault accident causes an even larger bump, pushing the median car insurance premium up to $3,140, or 55% over the rate for drivers with no accidents.
A recent study by North Bay’s Road Safety Strategy found that 69% of fatal and injury collisions occurred at intersections in the study period. This makes extra attention to intersection safety especially important for motorists as a collision you’re at fault for can have long-term effects on your safety record and insurance costs.
| Driving record | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Clean | $2,032 |
| Minor speeding ticket | $2,730 |
| One at-fault accident | $3,140 |
| Insurance cancellation (non-payment) | $2,500 |
| Licence suspension | $2,715 |
| Impaired driving conviction | $5,058 |
| Stunt driving conviction | $3,422 |
Read More: How an Accident Can Affect North Bay Insurance Rates
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in North Bay
Why should you compare car insurance rates in North Bay?
You should compare car insurance rates in North Bay as insurance companies offer varying levels of coverage at different price points. By comparing insurance rates, you can identify the most cost-effective policies, which could lead to significant savings on your insurance premiums.
What information do you need for an auto insurance quote in North Bay?
To get a North Bay auto insurance quote, you only need to enter some basic personal information, such as the year, make and model of your vehicle. For even better rates, you can add details about your driving history and any previous traffic tickets.
