What If I Can't Afford Car Insurance Right Now?

3 minutes can save you hundreds. Enter your postal code below and join thousands of Canadians saving on car insurance.

Secure. No Spam. No Fees.

Why Use MyChoice

MyChoice.ca is an independent platform that helps Canadians find their best insurance options and make informed financial decisions. Our service is free to use. We may earn a commission from some providers when you buy a policy, but it never affects the price you pay or how products are reviewed. To help ensure accuracy, our content is researched and reviewed by licensed insurance professionals before publication.

First published on May 13, 2020

1 minute read

MyChoice follows a strict content review process designed to ensure reliable and unbiased information.

Can’t Afford Car Insurance?

In Canada, it’s illegal to drive a car without insurance. So what happens if you can’t afford your monthly insurance payments? One option is to cancel your insurance and let your car rust in the garage. We don’t recommend that, so we’ve got some alternative options for you to try first.

There’s nothing worse than looking at your bank account and thinking, β€œI can’t afford car insurance this month.” Missing an insurance payment can raise your monthly rates. It can even affect your ability to get insurance later on. If the situation is temporary, consider borrowing money until you can get back on your feet.

Some Options When You Can’t Afford Auto Insurance

If your situation is going to last for longer than a month, your first step should be to contact your insurance company. Most companies are willing to work with you to reduce your rates. They may offer to reduce your coverage, raise your deductible, or find other ways to save you money. All you need is the bare minimum coverage to be able to drive legally.

You should also look at what discounts your insurance offers. Many insurance companies offer discounts for safety features and reduced mileage. You may not have paid attention to them before, but they can make a big difference to your overall rate.

With over a decade in Canada’s insurance sector, Aren is a leading voice in the industry, providing thought leadership on auto insurance, underwriting innovation, and how technology is reshaping insurance.

Congratulations! You made it to the end!

Now, here is the easy part: complete your quote in under 2 minutes

Discover More About

September 3, 2026
Learn how vintage and classic car insurance work in Ontario, what coverage you may need, how collector cars are valued, and ways to protect your vehicle.
August 21, 2026
Someone damaged your car? Find out when insurance covers vandalism, whether it’s worth filing a claim, and what you could pay yourself.
August 11, 2026
Learn how adding a teen driver to your Ontario car insurance policy affects your premium, what it costs, and ways to keep insurance affordable.

Even More Ways To Save on Insurance