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.