Tesla is an American automaker that was among the first dedicated mass-market electric vehicle manufacturers in the world. While it made its name on the now-discontinued Model S sedan and Model X SUV, its current line-up consists of the more affordable Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover as well as the Tesla Cybertruck.
When it comes to Tesla insurance, battery repairs, specialized glass, camera calibration, and Tesla-certified repairers are just some of the factors that affect the costs of claims.
Interestingly, the electric powertrain doesn’t automatically make Tesla insurance more expensive. Based on our quote data, Tesla’s median quote estimate is comparable to many other luxury car brands that run on gasoline. However, quotes vary greatly based on the model and city.
Ontario Tesla Insurance Numbers Worth Knowing
Overall, the median Tesla in Ontario has a median insurance premium that is 3% higher ($2,427 annually) than the $2,345 benchmark for all vehicles in Ontario. Different models, configurations, model years, battery sizes, etc., mean there’s no one estimate that applies to everyone.
| Median Tesla premium (Ontario) | $2,427 |
| Tesla vs Ontario all-vehicle median | +3% |
| Cheapest Tesla model to insure in Ontario | Model X 75D AWD (~$2,180) |
| Most expensive Tesla model to insure in Ontario | Model S 90D AWD (~$2,950) |
| Cheapest alternatives to insure | Infiniti ($2,145), Lexus ($2,422), MINI ($2,003), GMC ($2,017) |
How Tesla Premiums Vary Across Ontario
The cheapest insurance belongs to a driver in Ottawa with a 2023 Model 3, the median being $1,850/year. The most expensive belongs to a driver of a 2017 Model X in Brampton, the median being $3,913/year.
The difference of $2,063 suggests that although the year of manufacture is important, it has less influence on premiums than the total cost of the car.
| City | Model | Model Year | List Price | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brampton, ON | Model X 75D AWD | 2017 | $125,580 | $3,913 |
| Kitchener, ON | Model S 90D AWD | 2017 | $133,455 | $2,726 |
| Ottawa, ON | Model 3 Standard Range Plus 50 | 2023 | $57,739 | $1,850 |
| Toronto, ON | Model Y 75D Long Range AWD | 2024 | $85,680 | $2,572 |
New or Used Tesla: Reading the Estimated Difference
Our data shows that a used Tesla costs $2,327 a year to insure, $173 below the $2,500 new-vehicle figure. Ask your broker or insurer how your policy handles battery damage, glass, charging equipment and replacement transportation on the exact vehicle for which you’re receiving a quote.
| Vehicle | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| New Tesla | $2,500 |
| Used Tesla | $2,327 |
Tesla Against Other Premium Brands
Tesla and Lexus are effectively tied in our data, with median annual premiums of $2,427 and $2,422, respectively. Tesla costs only $32 less than BMW and $103 less than Volvo per year to insure, while Infiniti is $282 cheaper.
| Car brand | Median Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Infiniti | $2,145 |
| Lexus | $2,422 |
| Tesla | $2,427 |
| BMW | $2,459 |
| Volvo | $2,530 |
| Audi | $2,552 |
| Mercedes-Benz | $2,646 |
Tesla Insurance, Repairs and Coverage Answers
How much does it cost to insure a Tesla in Ontario?
The median annual Tesla insurance premium is ,427. Keep in mind that your Tesla model, your driving profile, where you live and drive, how you use your car, deductibles, add-on coverages and insurance company all play a role in the premium you’ll pay for Tesla insurance.
Are Tesla cars reliable and safe?
J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study rates Tesla below the industry average for reliability. The 2026 Tesla Model Y and 2026 Tesla Cybertruck receive the highest Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Tesla Model 3 does not fare as well in crash testing, and the brand’s discontinued Model S and Model X have incomplete test results. Tesla includes many modern safety and driver assistance features in its vehicles. Review the specifications for the exact vehicle you’re considering to determine what’s included.
Are Teslas expensive to repair?
Some Tesla collision repairs may be costly because they can involve specialized body, structural, sensor or high-voltage components. According to Tesla Canada, its approved collision centres receive brand-specific training and equipment.
Does Tesla provide roadside assistance in Canada?
Roadside assistance requests can be made through the Tesla app 24/7 in most of Canada. Eligibility and fees vary depending on the nature of the problem and warranty coverage. If your car’s battery dies, Tesla may organize a tow, but will not pay for it.
Is it more expensive to insure a Tesla than a gas-powered car?
Not necessarily. Tesla’s median annual premium is ,427 in our Ontario data, only , or 3%, above the ,345 median for all vehicles. This suggests that insuring a Tesla may be comparable to insuring similar gas-powered vehicles. However, the specific model, driver, location, usage, coverage, deductible, and insurer will determine the actual difference.
Which coverages should I consider for a Tesla in Ontario?
In Ontario, required auto insurance protection includes third-party liability, statutory accident benefits and uninsured-automobile coverage. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) also explains that Direct Compensation Property Damage applies unless the policyholder opts out.
Collision, comprehensive, higher liability limits and enhanced accident benefits are optional choices. Battery damage is the most expensive repair on an EV. From an insured loss, this may fall under optional physical-damage coverage, subject to policy wording, exclusions and the deductible. Ask your insurer or broker about what coverage you’ll need to recover costs from battery damage, specifically as it relates to fire, as this is a unique concern with EVs.