Car insurance in Ontario can be expensive, but there are several ways to save money on your policy. Here are some tips to help you save on car insurance in Ontario:
- Shop Around: Comparing rates from multiple insurance providers is one of the best ways to save money on car insurance. Consider reaching out to multiple providers and getting quotes to compare coverage options and rates.
- Bundle Your Policies: If you have multiple insurance policies (e.g. home and auto), you may be able to save money by bundling them with the same provider.
- Increase Your Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but it’s important to make sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you are involved in an accident.
- Ask About Discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts for safe driving, having multiple policies, or completing a driver education course. Ask your insurance provider about any discounts you may be eligible for.
- Choose Your Car Wisely: The type of car you drive can impact your insurance rates. Generally, cars with higher safety ratings and lower repair costs will have lower insurance rates.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can help keep your insurance rates low. Many providers offer safe driver discounts for drivers with a clean driving record.
- Install Safety Features: Adding safety features to your car, such as an anti-theft device or a backup camera, can help to lower your insurance rates.
- Consider Usage-Based Insurance: Usage-based insurance (UBI) is a type of car insurance where your premiums are based on your driving habits. This can be a good option for drivers who don’t drive frequently or have safe driving habits.
- Pay Your Premiums Annually: Some insurance providers offer a discount if you pay your premiums annually instead of monthly. This can help you save money in the long run.
- Review Your Policy Annually: Reviewing your insurance policy annually can help you identify any unnecessary coverage or gaps in your coverage. This can help you adjust your policy and save money on your premiums.
- Avoid Making Small Claims: Making small claims can result in an increase in your insurance rates. If the damage is minor, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket instead of filing a claim.
- Maintain Good Credit: In Ontario, some insurance providers use your credit score as a factor in determining your insurance rates. Maintaining good credit can help to lower your insurance rates.
- Take Advantage of Student Discounts: Some insurance providers offer discounts for students who maintain good grades. Be sure to ask your insurance provider if you are eligible for any student discounts.
- Consider Increasing Your Liability Coverage: While increasing your liability coverage will increase your monthly premiums, it can also help you save money in the long run. By having higher liability limits, you may be less likely to face a lawsuit or have to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident.
- Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts: If you don’t drive your car very often, you may be eligible for a low mileage discount. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about any available discounts.
- Pay Your Bills on Time: Some insurance providers may offer a discount if you pay your bills on time. Late payments can result in higher rates, so it’s important to pay your bills on time.
- Avoid Adding High-Risk Drivers to Your Policy: Adding a high-risk driver to your policy, such as a teenager or someone with a poor driving record, can significantly increase your insurance rates. If possible, avoid adding high-risk drivers to your policy.
- Drive a Safe Car: Cars with high safety ratings and low theft rates are generally cheaper to insure. Consider driving a car that has a good safety rating and is less likely to be stolen.
- Take Advantage of Winter Tire Discounts: Some insurance providers offer discounts for drivers who use winter tires during the winter months. Using winter tires can improve your safety on the road and may also help you save money on your insurance rates.
- Consider a Telematics Device: Some insurance providers offer telematics devices that can monitor your driving habits and provide feedback on how to improve your driving. In some cases, using a telematics device can result in lower insurance rates.
- Take a Driver Education Course: Completing a driver education course can help you become a safer driver and may also qualify you for a discount on your insurance rates.
- Ask About Loyalty Discounts: If you have been with your insurance provider for a long time, you may be eligible for a loyalty discount. Be sure to ask your insurance provider if they offer any loyalty discounts.
- Opt for a Higher Insurance Deductible: Choosing a higher insurance deductible can help to lower your monthly premiums. However, it’s important to make sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you are involved in an accident.
- Consider Pay-Per-Mile Insurance: Pay-per-mile insurance is a type of usage-based insurance where you pay for your insurance based on the number of miles you drive. If you don’t drive very often, this can be a cost-effective way to insure your car.
- Avoid Modifying Your Car: Modifying your car, such as adding a turbocharger or lowering the suspension, can increase your insurance rates. It’s important to check with your insurance provider before making any modifications to your car.
- Consider Increasing Your Deductible for Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: Increasing your deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage can help to lower your monthly premiums. However, as with all insurance policies, be sure that you can afford the deductible if you are involved in an accident.
- Avoid Lapses in Coverage: Having a lapse in your car insurance coverage can result in higher insurance rates. It’s important to maintain continuous coverage to avoid any lapses in coverage.
- Ask About Professional Association Discounts: Some insurance providers offer discounts to members of professional associations or other organizations. Be sure to ask your insurance provider if they offer any discounts for being a member of a professional association or other organization.
- Choose Your Parking Location Wisely: Where you park your car can impact your insurance rates. If you park your car in a garage or other secure location, you may be eligible for lower insurance rates.
- Pay Attention to Your Driving Habits: Maintaining good driving habits, such as avoiding distracted driving and obeying traffic laws, can help to lower your insurance rates over time.
- Review Your Coverage Needs Regularly: Your insurance needs may change over time, so it’s important to review your coverage regularly to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage for your needs.
- Consider Increasing Your Liability Coverage: While increasing your liability coverage will increase your monthly premiums, it can also help you save money in the long run. By having higher liability limits, you may be less likely to face a lawsuit or have to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident.
- Avoid Coverage You Don’t Need: Review your insurance policy to make sure you aren’t paying for coverage you don’t need. For example, if you have an older car that isn’t worth much, you may be able to drop collision and comprehensive coverage to save money on your premiums.
- Take Advantage of Family Plans: Some insurance providers offer family plans that allow you to insure multiple vehicles and drivers under one policy. This can be a cost-effective way to insure your family’s vehicles.
- Consider Your Commute: The distance and time of day of your commute can impact your insurance rates. If you can, consider carpooling or taking public transit to lower your rates.
- Avoid Driving Expensive Cars: Generally, the more expensive your car is, the more you will pay for insurance. Consider driving a less expensive car to help lower your insurance rates.
- Consider Your Location: Where you live can impact your insurance rates. If you live in an area with high rates of car theft or accidents, you may pay higher insurance rates. Consider moving to a less expensive area or taking steps to make your car less vulnerable to theft.