Car insurance costs vary dramatically across Canada — from $700/year in Quebec to over $2,000/year in Ontario. Where you live is the single biggest factor in your premium.
Quick answer: Average car insurance by province: Ontario is the most expensive (~$1,800/year), Quebec is the cheapest (~$800/year). Alberta averages ~$1,600, BC ~$1,500. Public insurance provinces (BC, MB, SK) have one provider; private provinces have more options to comparison shop.
Average Car Insurance by Province (2026)
| Province | Average Annual Premium | Insurance System | Mandatory Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $1,800 | Private only | $200K liability, accident benefits |
| Alberta | $1,600 | Private only | $200K liability |
| British Columbia | $1,500 | Public (ICBC) | Basic through ICBC |
| Nova Scotia | $1,000 | Private only | $500K liability |
| New Brunswick | $950 | Private only | $200K liability |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $1,200 | Private only | $200K liability |
| Prince Edward Island | $900 | Private only | $200K liability |
| Manitoba | $1,300 | Public (MPI) | Basic through MPI |
| Saskatchewan | $1,100 | Public (SGI) | Basic through SGI |
| Quebec | $800 | Public/Private (SAAQ + private) | SAAQ covers injury |
Average Premium by Age
| Age | Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16–19 | $5,500+ | $4,500+ | Young drivers pay 3–4x more |
| 20–24 | $3,200 | $2,800 | Still significantly higher |
| 25–29 | $2,000 | $1,700 | Rates start dropping |
| 30–39 | $1,600 | $1,400 | Approaching average |
| 40–49 | $1,400 | $1,300 | Near lowest rates |
| 50–59 | $1,300 | $1,250 | Lowest rates |
| 60–69 | $1,400 | $1,350 | Slight increase |
| 70+ | $1,600 | $1,500 | Increasing again |
Ontario estimates. Gender-based pricing is banned in some provinces.
Average Premium by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Compact car (Honda Civic) | $1,400 |
| Mid-size sedan (Toyota Camry) | $1,500 |
| SUV (Toyota RAV4) | $1,600 |
| Pickup truck (Ford F-150) | $1,700 |
| Luxury sedan (BMW 3 Series) | $2,200 |
| Sports car (Ford Mustang GT) | $2,800+ |
| Minivan (Honda Odyssey) | $1,400 |
| Electric vehicle (Tesla Model 3) | $2,000+ |
How to Lower Your Car Insurance
| Strategy | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Compare quotes (3+ providers) | $200–$600/year |
| Raise deductible to $1,000 | $100–$200/year |
| Raise deductible to $2,000 | $150–$300/year |
| Bundle home + auto | $100–$300/year |
| Winter tire discount | 3–5% |
| Clean driving record (3+ years) | 10–20% |
| Group/alumni discount | 5–15% |
| Usage-based insurance (low km) | 10–25% |
| Drop collision on older car | $200–$500/year |
| Pay annually (not monthly) | 5–10% |
| Anti-theft device | 2–5% |
Public vs Private Insurance Provinces
| Feature | Public (BC, MB, SK) | Private Only (ON, AB, NS, etc.) | Hybrid (QC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose your insurer? | No (mandatory basic) | Yes | SAAQ + private |
| Can comparison shop? | Optional coverage only | Yes | Property damage only |
| Government regulation | Heavy | Moderate | Heavy |
| Average cost | $1,100–$1,500 | $900–$1,800 | $800 |
| Optional top-up available | Yes | N/A | Yes |
Bottom Line
Car insurance in Canada is a significant expense — especially in Ontario and Alberta. The best way to save is to comparison shop every 1–2 years, raise your deductible, bundle with home insurance, and maintain a clean driving record. In private insurance provinces, never auto-renew without checking competitor quotes first.
For related guides, see home insurance in Canada and tenant insurance in Canada.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy