Many Peterborough drivers commute daily on city streets, Highway 115, and rural/cottage country roads. That means your mileage, road surfaces and vehicle usage will vary widely based on your home/work location.
Here we’ll break down what Peterborough drivers pay for auto insurance, as well as how rates vary according to your postal code, age, driving history, and vehicle, highlighting where you can find the most significant rate discrepancies.
The rates below are from real quotes obtained through MyChoice from January to June 2026.
Peterborough Auto Insurance: Key Premium Facts
Peterborough’s car insurance rates are quite reasonable compared to the rest of Ontario.
| Median annual premium | $1,986 |
| Median monthly premium | $166 |
| Peterborough premium vs. Ontario Median | 15.3% less expensive |
| Cheapest Postal Code | K9H ($1,887) |
| Most Expensive Postal Code | K9K ($2,036) |
Comparing Car Insurance Premiums Across Peterborough
If you drive around Peterborough, you need to update your garaging address and receive a new quote. Your postal code is important; however, your vehicle, driving history, mileage, and insurance company may have more influence on your total premium.
| Postal Code | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| K9K | $2,036 |
| K9J | $1,970 |
| K9L | $1,909 |
| K9H | $1,887 |
Accident Rates by Postal Code in Peterborough
There are differences between parts of Peterborough and your postal code is a key driver for many of them, including what you pay for insurance. Our graph below shows the percentage of drivers who have had an accident, by postal code, in Peterborough, calculated from over 50,000 quotes collected by MyChoice.
Source: MyChoice Quote Database
On average, 10.6% of Peterborough drivers will have an accident on their record; however, it differs by area, varying between a low of 7.9% in some areas and up to 13.8% in others.
Areas with the highest accident rates:
K9K is Chemong / North Peterborough: 13.8% of drivers have an accident on record; K9J is East City / Otonabee: 11.8%.
Areas with the lowest accident rates:
K9L, West Peterborough / Monaghan: 7.9 percent; K9H, Downtown Peterborough / Jackson Creek: 9.0 percent.
In comparison to drivers in the West Peterborough (K9L) area, drivers in Chemong (K9K) are almost 1.8 times more likely to have an accident on their driving record.
Rural Connections and Seasonal Travel in Peterborough
Drivers in Peterborough who frequently drive outside of the city will likely have more yearly mileage, more exposure to winter weather, wildlife and less light on country roads.
If your car is used frequently for trips to cottage country, the worksite, or even other nearby communities, ensure that the annual mileage and how your vehicle is used are correct. These factors could impact your quote.
Comparing Peterborough with Nearby Insurance Markets
Peterborough is very similar to Belleville and Kingston, being within about 1% in each case.
Larger variations are found in Oshawa (42.1 per cent more expensive) and Newmarket (28.8 per cent more expensive). This illustrates how rapidly premiums change as you get closer to the more costly GTA areas.
| City | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium | Difference from Peterborough Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Peterborough, ON | $1,986 | — |
| Oshawa, ON | $2,823 | +42.1% |
| Belleville, ON | $2,005 | +1.0% |
| Kingston, ON | $1,963 | -1.2% |
| Barrie, ON | $2,203 | +10.9% |
| Newmarket, ON | $2,557 | +28.8% |
What Makes Up the Peterborough Premium?
The biggest part of Peterborough’s $1,986 premium is vehicle damage protection, at $918.52. Right behind that is legally required coverage, at $875.67. You can’t drop legal coverage from your quote. But if you’re open to changing your coverage, you can change your collision, comprehensive, deductibles, optional benefits, and some of the endorsements shown below.
| 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 | $875.67 |
| Vehicle damage protection | DCPD; Collision; Comprehensive | $918.52 |
| Optional Accident Benefits | Selected optional benefits shown below | $178.95 |
| Optional endorsements | OPCF 44R – Family Protection | $12.86 |
| Coverage Total: | $1,986 |
It’s important to note that having a lower level of protection may result in you paying more out-of-pocket if you are involved in an accident. Speak with your agent or broker before dropping any coverage from your policy or quote.
Comparing Peterborough Premiums by Driver Age
The largest premium decline for Peterborough drivers occurs between the 21-24 and 25-34 age brackets, where the median drops from $3,901 to $2,368. When comparing insurance quotes online, younger drivers should be sure to input the right garaging address and number of kilometres they drive per year.
Read More: How Insurance Fraud Drives Up Auto Insurance Costs in Ontario
| Age | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| 18-20 | $4,443 |
| 21-24 | $3,901 |
| 25-34 | $2,368 |
| 35-44 | $1,986 |
| 45-54 | $1,946 |
| 55-64 | $1,907 |
| 65+ | $1,869 |
How Your Record Affects Car Insurance in Peterborough
The median rate increases by about 11% for a minor speeding ticket, or about 47% for one at-fault accident.
If you have any accidents, suspensions or convictions on your driving record, it’s even more important to shop around because there will be fewer companies that will quote you and their prices could differ widely.
| Driving record | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Clean | $1,986 |
| Minor speeding ticket | $2,206 |
| One at-fault accident | $2,924 |
| Insurance cancellation (non-payment) | $2,290 |
| Licence suspension | $3,773 |
| Impaired driving conviction | $4,257 |
| Stunt driving conviction | $3,392 |
Read More: How Much an Accident May Increase an Ontario Premium
How Can I Lower My Car Insurance Rates in Peterborough?
Begin by getting quotes for renewal from a few insurers with the same coverage levels and deductibles. Ask about winter tires, bundling, low-mileage and group discounts.
For older cars, consider if collision and comprehensive coverage are still worth the price. You can also increase your deductible to reduce your premium if you’re willing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.
Read More: Do I Need Collision Coverage on an Older Car?
What Should I Look for When Comparing Car Insurance Near Peterborough?
Don’t just compare price. Make sure that each quote is based on the same coverage limits, deductibles, optional coverage, and mileage. If you travel outside of Peterborough or drive frequently to the cottage, you’ll want to ensure that the insurance quotes reflect your actual mileage and usage. This will help you get a better price comparison and avoid problems down the road when making a claim.
