Wondering how to lower your car insurance premiums?
For this guide, our team reviewed FSRA’s current ways to save on auto insurance, its explanation of Ontario rating factors and the regulator’s July 2026 accident-benefit update. We also checked current MyChoice quote selections.
1. Compare The Same Coverage At Renewal
Insurers charge different rates for the same coverage. Rates also change from policy period to policy period. Get quotes for the same coverage from multiple insurers to see if you can lower your auto insurance rate. For an apples-to-apples comparison, be sure to provide the same:
- Drivers on the policy
- Vehicles on the policy
- Liability limits
- Accident benefits
- Deductibles
- Endorsements
For policies issued, renewed or changed on or after July 1, 2026, some Ontario accident benefits are optional.
A cheaper quote is not a saving if it removes protection you meant to keep.
2. Correct Your Kilometres, Use And Driver Details
Provide your insurer with accurate information about your annual kilometres, commute and address. Adding drivers to your policy can raise your rate, but leaving them off your policy can have costly implications.
3. Compare Separate And Bundled Policies
Insurers commonly offer a discount, typically 5–15%, for bundling your auto insurance with your home insurance or insuring multiple vehicles on one policy. But when the underlying prices differ, a 10% discount on a higher-priced policy may still cost more than a 5% discount on a lower-priced policy. Compare your total cost in dollars and cents.
4. Ask About Discounts You Actually Qualify For
Ontario auto insurers offer a range of discounts for things like:
- Having winter tires;
- Completing a driver’s education course;
- Progressing through graduated licensing;
- Affiliations such as professional, alumni or employer groups;
- Senior drivers;
- Being a retiree;
- Driving less than average;
- Renewing your policy.
Ask your insurer which discounts you may be eligible for and make sure they’re applied to your rate.
Read More: See How Ontario’s Winter-Tire Discount Works
5. Protect Your Driving And Payment History
Accidents and moving violations can raise your rate. Falling behind on payments can lead to cancellation. If a payment may fail, contact the insurer before the due date instead of waiting for a cancellation notice.
6. Quote The Exact Vehicle Before You Buy
Factors such as repair costs, safety features and theft rates affect insurance rates, so get a quote for the exact vehicle you plan to buy. Going electric isn’t necessarily cheaper to insure.
7. Test A Higher Deductible
Choosing a higher deductible can help lower your insurance rate. Compare the annual savings with the extra amount you would owe after a covered loss, and choose only an amount you could pay on short notice.
What Does MyChoice Deductible Data Show?
We analyzed MyChoice quote selections since early 2026 where drivers selected collision, comprehensive or all-perils coverage. The most popular deductible amount was:
- For collision coverage, $1,000 (60.2%).
- For comprehensive coverage, $1,000 (60.9%).
- For all-perils coverage, $1,000 (64.7%).
Based on 50,000 MyChoice quote selections. These are quote choices, not proof that $1,000 is right for you or that it caused a particular saving.
8. Review Optional Coverage Carefully
Do not remove mandatory coverage. Review optional collision and comprehensive coverage against the vehicle’s value, financing or lease requirements and the loss you could absorb.
Since July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory, while other Ontario accident benefits are optional. Make that decision based on your income, health and other protection, not the premium alone.
Read More: Car Insurance Coverage Breakdown in Ontario
9. Assess Usage-Based Insurance Before Enrolling
Some Ontario insurers offer usage-based insurance (UBI) or telematics programs. They monitor your driving and may reward good driving with a discount. UBI programs may also factor in annual kilometres. However, your driving habits and usage may also affect your rate. You’ll also be trading some privacy for the chance at a discount.
Ask what driving and kilometre data the program collects, whether there is a participation charge and what happens when you withdraw.
10. Time A Switch And Check Every Cost
Switching insurers mid-term could lower your rate, but cancellation charges may outweigh the savings. Time your new policy to start before your current one ends. Include device, course, subscription and payment-plan fees when calculating the net saving.
Read More: Learn How Often to Check for Better Auto Insurance Rates