How Does Car Insurance Work in St. Catharines?
Car insurance is mandatory in Ontario, but it’s important to understand the factors that influence your insurance premium and the types of coverage you should consider.
Below is a breakdown of what’s included in your car insurance package in St. Catharines when you get a quote with MyChoice, categorized by mandatory and highly recommended coverages. Together, the mandatory and recommended coverage premiums reflect the average car insurance cost in St. Catharines referenced above.
| Coverage Type | What’s Included | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | – Third-Party Liability – Accident Benefits – Uninsured Automobile | $763 |
| Highly Recommended | – Direct Compensation: Property Damage – Collision – Comprehensive – OPCF 20 – OPCF 27 – OPCF 44R – OPCF 39 – OPCF 43 | $978 |
| Coverage Total: | $1,741 |
Mandatory Coverages:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Liability | Protects you if you injure someone or damage property while driving, and covers legal costs if you’re sued. | $229 |
| Accident Benefits | Covers medical costs, income replacement, and more for you and others injured in an accident, regardless of fault. | $520 |
| Uninsured Automobile | Protects you if you’re hit by an uninsured or an unidentified driver and suffer injuries or vehicle damage. | $14 |
| Coverage Total: | $763 |
*The above coverages are mandatory in St. Catharines and will always be included in a standard car insurance quote.
Highly Recommended Coverages:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Details | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Compensation: Property Damage | Covers damage to your own vehicle if you’re not at fault in an accident with another insured driver in Ontario. | $427 |
| Collision | Covers your vehicle if you hit another car or object and you’re found at fault. | $261 |
| Comprehensive | Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather. | $188 |
| OPCF 20: Loss of Use | Pays for rental or other transportation if your car is out of service after an at-fault accident or comprehensive claim. | $22 |
| OPCF 27: Rental Vehicle | Extends your coverage to rented or borrowed vehicles, protecting you if damage occurs while you drive them. | $23 |
| OPCF 44R: Family Protection | Covers you and your family if you’re hit by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver and their coverage isn’t enough. | $17 |
| OPCF 39: Accident Forgiveness | Prevents your insurance premiums from increasing after your first at-fault accident, as long as you stay with the same insurer. | $25 |
| OPCF 43: Waiver of Depreciacion | Ensures you get the full purchase price back—not a depreciated value—if your new vehicle is written off. | $2 |
| Coverage Total: | $978 |
*Any of the above highly recommended coverages in St. Catharines may be removed from your quote, but we strongly recommend keeping them to have adequate protection.
Most Expensive Postal Codes in St. Catharines
The average car insurance rate in St. Catharines is $1,741, less expensive than Ontario’s provincial average of $1,874/year. The L2T area in St. Catharines has the highest car insurance premium rates, detailed in the table below:
| Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| L2T | $1,814 |
| L2P | $1,799 |
Least Expensive Postal Codes in St. Catharines
The L2N area in St. Catharines has the least expensive auto insurance rates in the city.
| Postal Code | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| L2N | $1,668 |
| L2V | $1,683 |
How St. Catharines Car Insurance Rates Compare to Nearby Cities
St. Catharines drivers tend to pay less than the GTA but more than many other Niagara region communities. Here’s how it compares:
| City | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| St. Catharines, ON | $1,741 |
| Niagara Falls, ON | $1,767 |
| Welland, ON | $1,660 |
| Hamilton, ON | $1,735 |
| Burlington, ON | $1,704 |
| Cambridge, ON | $1,894 |
Car Insurance Cost in St. Catharines by Age
Car insurance companies will factor in your age when computing your car insurance rates.
As a rule, younger drivers are considered less experienced, and their inexperience is considered a factor that makes them more likely to get into accidents. This means younger drivers typically have higher car insurance premiums. As you get older, your car insurance rates will lower.
However, this reverses when you turn 65. Senior citizens are more likely to be killed or injured in car accidents, so your car insurance premiums will increase when you reach this age.
Here’s a quick glance at how your age affects the cost of car insurance:
| Age | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium | Average Savings with MyChoice |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | $4,997 | $994 |
| 21–24 | $2,577 | $513 |
| 25–34 | $1,985 | $395 |
| 35–44 | $1,741 | $346 |
| 45–54 | $1,480 | $294 |
| 55–64 | $1,375 | $274 |
| 65+ | $1,410 | $280 |
Car Insurance Cost in St. Catharines by Driving History
Like in any other city in Canada, car insurance premiums are affected by a driver’s driving record.
Generally, having more demerit points and traffic violations on your record will cause insurers to deem you a “high-risk” driver. This will result in higher premiums for auto insurance. On the other hand, a driver with a clean record is considered less risky to insure and will enjoy lower car insurance rates in St. Catharines.
While demerit points and violations only stay on your record in Ontario for two years, insurers may search back as far as 10 years into your driving history. This means even previous violations can affect your car insurance premiums.
Here’s a quick overview of how different traffic violations can affect the cost of your car insurance in St. Catharines, based on our research:
| Driving Violation | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,741 |
| Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $2,420 |
| Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $1,828 |
| One at-fault accident | $3,412 |
| Minor speeding ticket | $2,107 |
Car Insurance Cost in St. Catharines by Vehicle Model
Below is a breakdown of the estimated insurance costs for various car models in St. Catharines. This should give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for car insurance based on the vehicle model you drive.
| Car Model | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Honda | $1,598 |
| Subaru | $1,795 |
| Chevrolet | $1,637 |
| Audi | $2,164 |
| Toyota | $1,833 |
| Hyundai | $1,756 |
| Ford | $1,594 |
| Nissan | $1,764 |
| Volkswagen | $1,602 |
The Best Car Insurance Brokerages in St. Catharines
Insurance brokerages can help you find a car insurance policy with the best value for your budget and needs. After you give them your information about your driving history, driving habits, and vehicle, they’ll be able to help you compare offers and answer your questions.
Feel free to contact these St. Catharines brokerages if you need help shopping around for an auto insurance policy:
| Brokerage | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerLink | 195 King St St. Catharines, ON L2R 3J6, Canada | +19056883713 |
| All-Risks Insurance Brokers Limited | 33 Lakeshore Rd #11 St. Catharines, ON L2N 7B3, Canada | +19059385078 |
| Billyard Insurance Group – St. Catharines | 204 Niagara St Unit A St. Catharines, ON L2M 4V4, Canada | +19052282976 |
| Sottile-Olsen Insurance Brokers Inc | 100 Fourth Ave St. Catharines, ON L2S 3P2, Canada | +19059844266 |
Driving in St. Catharines
St. Catharines, a.k.a. the “Garden City”, is Ontario’s sixth-largest urban area and the largest city in the Niagara Region. The city is located between the Canada–US border and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). It’s also Welland Canal’s northern entrance.
Is St. Catharines a good city to drive in? Here are some important facts about driving and commuting in this city:
- Major highways in St. Catharines: Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Highway 406
- Public transit options: St. Catharines Transit (bus)
- Ridesharing services: Uber, Lyft
- Parking space providers: The City of St. Catharines, private lots
- Top tourist attractions: St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre, Lakeside Park, 13th Street Winery, Woodend Conservation Area, Morningstar Mill, Niagara Falls (nearby), Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm
- Busy intersections: Welland Ave. and Ontario St., Ontario St. and St. Paul St.
- Airports: Niagara District Airport
Main Mode of Commuting in St. Catharines
Just like many other cities in Canada, St. Catharines has a sizable car commuter population, numbering 40,200 per census data. Most of these car commuters drive themselves, with 3,590 of them as passengers. Meanwhile, pedestrian commuters are the second-most populous in St. Catharines, with 1,825 people. Check the table below to learn more about the modes of commuting in St. Catharines:
| Main mode of commuting | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 44,635 | 100.0 |
| Car, truck or van | 40,200 | 90.1% |
| Car, truck or van – as a driver | 36,610 | 82.0% |
| Car, truck or van – as a passenger | 3,590 | 8.0% |
| Public transit | 1,360 | 3.0% |
| Walked | 1,825 | 4.1% |
| Bicycle | 355 | 0.8% |
| Other method | 895 | 2.0% |
Commuting Duration in St. Catharines
Over three-quarters of commuters in St. Catharines get to work within 30 minutes. The remaining quarter mostly spends 30 to 44 minutes on their commute, but a smaller portion can take over 45 minutes. Here’s a detailed look at the commuting duration in St. Catharines:
| Commuting duration | Counts | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Total – 25% sample data | 44,635 | 100.0 |
| Less than 15 minutes | 18,475 | 41.4% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 16,450 | 36.9% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 5,525 | 12.4% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 1,660 | 3.7% |
| 60 minutes and over | 2,520 | 5.6% |
Driving Conditions in St. Catharines
A city’s driving conditions like rainfall and snow can affect road safety, and, consequently, affect your car insurance rates in an area. Here’s an overview of the average driving conditions in St. Catharines.
- Average daily commute time: 43 minutes round-trip
- Average annual rainfall: 754.2 mm
- Average annual snowfall: 137.1 cm
- Rainy days per year: 117 days
- Rainiest month in St. Catharines: June
- Driest month in St. Catharines: February
- Snow days per year: 42.7 days
- Snowfall months in St. Catharines: January – May, October – December
Traffic in St. Catharines
Formerly centred around manufacturing and heavy industry, services are increasingly becoming a bigger employer in St. Catharines. Its location makes it one of the major telecommunications hubs between the US and Canada, with many call centers operating in the city.
Designated as an Urban Growth Centre, St. Catharines is intended to reach a minimum density target of 150 jobs and residents combined per hectare by 2032.
Here’s a quick overview of the key traffic statistics in St. Catharines:
- Population: 136,803 people live within St. Catharines’ city limits.
- City area: St. Catharines’ city limits span 96.13 km2.
- Average commute distance: The average St. Catharines resident travels 15 km every day to their workplace or school.
- Time spent in traffic annually: The average St. Catharines resident spends 43 minutes in traffic daily, totalling roughly 262 hours per year.
- Busiest highways: St. Catharines’ busiest highways are Highway 406, Highway 58, and QEW. QEW is one of the busiest highways in Ontario, averaging 200,000 vehicles per day in its busiest
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in St. Catharines
Is ridesharing insurance available in St. Catharines?
Yes, ridesharing insurance is available in St. Catharines. Check with your car insurer to see if they provide ridesharing insurance and what rates they offer.
How much does St. Catharines car insurance cost?
On average, St. Catharines car insurance costs $1,741/year.
Why should you compare car insurance rates in St. Catharines?
You should compare car insurance rates in St. Catharines to get the best coverage for your needs and vehicle. Different car insurers provide coverage at different rates, and comparing their insurance rates will help you find the most affordable deal for your preferred amount of coverage.
Does my St. Catharines car insurance work in the US?
Yes, your St. Catharines car insurance can cover your vehicle if you travel to the US. Canada and the US have similar legal systems, so both countries typically recognize the other country’s insurance policies. However, it’s still best to check your policy with your car insurer – in some cases, you may need to get additional coverage.
How can you get cheaper auto insurance in St. Catharines?
Compare car insurance rates in St. Catharines with MyChoice, or visit our main car insurance page to learn other ways of getting cheap car insurance quotes.