How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Scarborough?
You can get cheap Scarborough car insurance by finding the best deals. Here are several tips to help you do so:
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes in Scarborough?
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Scarborough. Here’s an overview of these four insurance quote providers:
The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in Scarborough
If you find shopping for car insurance overwhelming, working with a brokerage in Scarborough can take some of the weight off your shoulders.
With their help, you can get your fair share of coverage options without having to do the heavy lifting. Below are some of the best brokerages in Scarborough:
| Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Youngs Insurance Brokers Scarborough | 55 Crockford Blvd Unit 1 Scarborough, ON M1R 3B7, Canada | +14162849470 |
| All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited | 4465 Sheppard Ave E #201 Scarborough, ON M1S 5H9, Canada | +12898594688 |
| William G. Waters Insurance Brokers Limited | 2596 Midland Ave Scarborough, ON M1S 1R5, Canada | +14162911097 |
| All Seasons Insurance | 4865 Sheppard Ave E #8 Scarborough, ON M1S 3V8, Canada | +14166287754 |
How Does Car Insurance Work in Scarborough?
Car insurance in Scarborough works by providing financial coverage in case something bad happens to you or your car, depending on the protection you choose. Auto insurance in Scarborough 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 Scarborough.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of your auto insurance policy:
How Your Car Insurance Quotes Are Calculated in Scarborough
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 Scarborough car insurance quotes:
Most Expensive Postal Codes in Scarborough
While the city’s average is $2,710, you can expect car insurance rates to vary depending on where in Scarborough you’re located, the most expensive postal codes in the area are M1B and M4C.
| Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| M1B, M4C | $2,823 |
| M1N | $2,821 |
| M4E, M1C | $2,818 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in Scarborough
Some of the cheapest postal codes in Scarborough for auto insurance are M1H and M1T.
| Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| M1H, M1T | $2,605 |
| M1J | $2,609 |
| M1V | $2,610 |
Car Insurance Cost in Scarborough by Age
As with any region in Canada, younger drivers in Scarborough can expect to pay higher insurance rates because of their lack of experience on the road. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your premiums low as a student driver. For instance, you can attend regular driving school, apply for a student discount, or list yourself as a secondary driver on a parent’s existing plan.
On the other end of the spectrum are senior drivers, who also pay higher insurance rates because of their likelihood of being critically injured in an accident.
Take a closer look below at how age can impact your insurance rates:
| Age | Average Annual Rates | Average Savings with MyChoice |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | $9,675 | $1,924 |
| 21-24 | $5,529 | $1,091 |
| 25-34 | $3,686 | $733 |
| 35-44 | $2,710 | $539 |
| 45-54 | $2,222 | $442 |
| 55-64 | $1,889 | $376 |
| 65+ | $2,153 | $428 |
Car Insurance Cost in Scarborough by Driving History
Like age, a history of claims and traffic tickets can affect your insurance rates. Drivers with a poor driving record can expect to pay higher rates, as insurers consider them high-risk drivers.
Not all driving violations have the same effect on your premiums. More severe accidents will increase your rates more than minor convictions, such as speeding tickets.
How long a conviction stays on your record also depends on where you’re from. Generally, minor violations like speeding tickets stay on your record for three years.
Below is a general estimate of how certain driving violations can affect your insurance rates:
| Driving Violation | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $2,710 |
| Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $4,444 |
| Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $3,252 |
| One accident | $5,962 |
| Speeding ticket | $3,523 |
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Scarborough
We’ve covered several factors that influence car insurance rates in Scarborough. Aside from those, several extra factors play a part in determining your Scarborough auto insurance premiums:
Driving in Scarborough
Driving in Scarborough can be challenging, thanks to frequent storms and traffic within the Greater Toronto Area. In addition, the city attracts many immigrants and students, so expect to see many new drivers on the road. Make sure you drive extra carefully around campuses, and be patient with learning drivers!
Keep these other vital facts in mind when driving in Scarborough:
- Major highways: Highway 401
- Public transit options: Scarborough Centre Station, Scarborough Rapid Transit
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft, Ola, Didi
- Parking space providers: City of Scarborough, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: Toronto Zoo, Scarborough Bluffs Park, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Rouge Park, Guild Park, Scarborough Museum
- Busy intersections: Lawrence Avenue East to Scarborough Golf Club Road, Steeles Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue to Esna Park Drive
- Airports: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in Scarborough
Scarborough has a sizable public transit user base, being used by a quarter of the city’s commuters. While a lion’s share of commuters still use cars, the percentage is much lower at 69.5%. Here’s a closer look at the main modes of commuting in Scarborough:
| Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 188,895 | 100 |
| Car, truck or van | 131,320 | 69.5% |
| Car, truck or van – as a driver | 114,550 | 60.6% |
| Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 16,765 | 8.9% |
| Public transit | 46,770 | 24.8% |
| Walked | 5,465 | 2.9% |
| Bicycle | 745 | 0.4% |
| Other method | 4595 | 2.4% |
Commuting Duration in Scarborough
Scarborough is located in the busy Greater Toronto Area, so commute times can be rough at times. About a quarter of Scarborough’s commuters spend 30 to 44 minutes getting to work, while another quarter spend 15 to 29 minutes. Here’s a detailed look at Scarborough’s commuting duration:
| Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 188,895 | 100.0 |
| Less than 15 minutes | 29,865 | 15.8% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 54,750 | 29.0% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 50,955 | 27.0% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 23,195 | 12.3% |
| 60 minutes and over | 30,125 | 15.9% |
Driving Conditions in Scarborough
Scarborough tends to experience long and cold winters that can make driving tricky without winter tires. In addition, Scarborough gets its fair share of storms, so you’ll want to be prepared year-round.
Here are a few other facts about driving conditions in Scarborough that you should know:
- Average daily commute time: 90 minutes round trip
- Average annual rainfall: 33.25 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 790 mm
- Rainy days per year: 46 days
- Rainiest month in Scarborough: June
- Driest months in Scarborough: February
- Snow days per year: 61 days
- Snowfall months in Scarborough: January – May, November – December
Traffic in Scarborough
While commute times in the Greater Toronto Area have decreased over the years, getting around Scarborough still takes significant time. Traffic within the area can get extreme, especially around Highway 401.
Here are a few other facts about traffic conditions in Scarborough:
- Population: Roughly 629,941 people live in Scarborough.
- City area: The Scarborough city limits span 187.7 km2.
- Busiest highways: The busiest highway in the Scarborough area is Highway 401.
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Scarborough
Can car insurance brokers in Scarborough help you save on car insurance?
Yes, car insurance brokers in Scarborough can help you save on car insurance by shopping around for the best rates.
Is ridesharing insurance available in Scarborough?
Yes, ridesharing insurance is available in Scarborough for Uber and Lyft.
How much does Scarborough car insurance cost?
Scarborough car insurance costs $2,710/year on average.
Is car insurance cheaper in Scarborough than in Toronto?
No, car insurance isn’t cheaper in Scarborough than in Toronto. By comparison, the average car insurance rate in Toronto is $2,139.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in Scarborough?
You should compare car insurance rates in Scarborough to avoid paying more than you can afford. Rates are generally higher in this area, so you should shop for a plan with the best value.
What is the best car insurance for new immigrants in Scarborough?
The best car insurance for new immigrants in Scarborough will vary depending on your driving history. You can save money on car insurance for new immigrants by increasing your deductible, enrolling in driving classes, and using an insurance broker.