Menu LowestRates.ca helped Ottawa drivers save an average of $350* on their auto insurance premiums in 2021.
Compare quotes from Canada's leading auto insurance providers
have compared rates and saved money over the last 24 hours
Ottawa vehicle owners or lessees must get mandatory auto insurance as it’s required by law in Ontario. Automobile insurance in the province is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), a regulatory arm of the Ministry of Finance.
Even though the price of a premium may vary depending on the insurance provider, all auto insurance policies will include the following mandatory coverages:
Third-party liability includes a $200,000 minimum mandatory coverage that is provided in the event of a lawsuit resulting from an accident where you are at fault. Additionally, the coverage can be increased to $500,000, $1 million or $2 million, with up to $2 million limit.
Direct compensation-property damage covers damage to your car, or loss of use of your vehicle, if someone else is at fault in the event of a collision. The other party must be an insured vehicle in this case.
Uninsured automobile insurance provides up to $200,000 in coverage if you are injured or killed by an uninsured driver or if your vehicle is damaged because of a hit-and-run by an unidentified, uninsured motorist. Family Protection Coverage is optional that includes additional coverage of up to $1 million in the case of a hit-and-run by an uninsured motorist.
Statutory accident benefit provides coverage if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This helps cover medical expenses that aren’t covered by OHIP.
Ottawa roads are considered among the safest in the country despite a huge increase of drivers in the city over the past 30 years.
But to ensure you are extra protected, you can opt for additional car insurance beyond the mandatory requirements under Ontario’s automobile insurance law.
You can add different kinds of coverages that protect you from other types of risks. Here are some of the optional coverages you may choose to purchase:
Extra third-party liability coverage: The standard coverage amount is $200,000. However, legal damages can exceed this amount if you are found to be at fault in a collision in which another person is seriously injured or killed. For more protection, insurance companies encourage drivers to purchase at least $1 million to $2 million in third-party liability coverage.
Additional accident benefits coverage: You can increase the coverage amounts for medical and attendant care expenses in the event you are injured in an auto accident. Standard coverage is $65,000 for serious injuries and $1 million for catastrophic injuries. It will raise your premium, but it's recommended to increase your benefit to as much as $1 million and $3 million respectively.
Greater coverage for damage to your vehicle: Optional collision coverage protects you from losses if your vehicle is involved in an accident with another vehicle, building or other objects, or if it rolls over. You can also choose coverage for additional causes of damage, or perils, such as falling tree limbs, fire, theft, and more.
Stronger coverage for collisions with uninsured or hit-and-run drivers: You can purchase a higher level of protection for you and your family in the event you are injured or killed, or your vehicle is damaged by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. You can boost the coverage amount up to the level of your third-party liability coverage by adding OPCF 44R, the Family Protection Endorsement, to your policy.
Loss of use coverage: This optional insurance type covers a rental car while your vehicle is repaired or replaced due to a covered accident or other insured damage. The endorsement OPCF 20, Coverage for Transportation Replacement, adds loss of use coverage to your policy.
Borrowed and rented vehicles coverage: You can extend your auto insurance coverage for the vehicle you own to also cover any vehicles you rent or borrow on a short-term basis. You'll need to add OPCF 27, Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s), to your coverage to gain this protection.
Leased vehicle coverage: If you drive a leased vehicle, you will need to add an endorsement to your auto insurance: OPCF 5, Permission to Rent or Lease Automobiles and Extending Coverage to the Specified Lessee(s). This is for long-term leases rather than short-term car rentals.
New vehicle replacement: This coverage type provides temporary protection for new vehicles, usually for the first two or so years you own a new car. This type of protection means that if your new vehicle is damaged in a covered event, your insurance provider won't factor its depreciated value into your compensation. This could more easily allow you to replace the vehicle with another new vehicle. The Removing Depreciation Deduction endorsement, OPCF 43, offers this type of protection.
Auto insurance providers offer other optional coverage types as well. If you have questions about your coverage, request a car insurance quote using LowestRates.ca's free online quote tool. We make it easy to find the cheapest car insurance that meets your needs, and a licensed broker will connect with you to answer any questions you have and secure your rate.
According to our user database, the price of car insurance in Ottawa is about 20% higher than what the Insurance Bureau of Canada places the provincial average at. This number represents the average of all Ottawa quotes completed on our site, excluding drivers deemed high-risk due to previous traffic convictions.
Ottawa has some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in Ontario, a province where affordability — for insurance, housing, and transportation — is notoriously bad. Here are the cities in Ontario with the lowest car insurance premiums, from cheapest to highest.
The Ontario cities with the cheapest car insurance are:
Ottawa
Kingston
Pembroke
Cornwall
Brockville
Many Ontario residents pay far more than Ottawa residents for auto insurance. Brampton residents pay the highest car insurance premiums in the province, followed closely by North York, Mississauga, Scarborough and Toronto.
Just because Ottawa’s average price is among the lowest in the province, that doesn’t mean cheap car insurance is easy to find. Car insurance buyers in Ottawa should keep in mind that where you live is just one factor in determining how much you’ll pay in premiums. Other factors your auto insurance provider will consider include your personal driving habits, your insurance history and how much you drive every day. If you have driving convictions and a spotty insurance history, you can expect to pay higher rates.
There are things you can do to avoid paying high auto insurance rates in Ottawa, like practicing defensive driving on the roads and comparing auto insurance quotes. The best way to get a personal estimate for car insurance in Ottawa is to compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies.
The Ottawa postal code with the highest average car insurance premiums is the K1T area. This postal code is located in the Nepean region, which is situated between Kanata and Gloucester. The area encompasses Blossom Park, Greenboro, Leitrim and Findlay Creek.
The Ottawa postal code with the lowest average premiums is the K1B region, located inside the suburb of Gloucester and situated along the Trans-Canada Highway. The region encompasses the Blackburn Hamlet, Pine View and Sheffield Glen districts.
There are several factors that can impact the cost of car insurance in Ottawa. Here are some things your insurance company might factor in when determining your rate:
Your mileage: If you’re using your vehicle to run a few errands (between 6 km and 9 km per day), your mileage won’t influence your insurance premium. On the other hand, if you use your car frequently and your daily mileage is over 25-30 km per day, your premium will likely be higher than someone who drives less.
Your driving record: If you have an accident or a string of traffic tickets on your driving record when you sign up for car insurance, your car insurance premiums will be higher than someone with no incidents in their history. Having a clear record, on the other hand, will likely get you a lower rate. And don’t fret — parking tickets won’t directly impact your insurance.
Your age: Car insurance companies will give you higher insurance rates until you’ve built up enough of a track record as a safe driver. The good news is you’re not alone. Young people all over Ottawa, and Canada, pay higher rates for auto insurance than their older, more experienced peers on the road. Like many things in life, your premium gets better with age.
Car insurance rates in Ontario historically rank among the highest in Canada, and finding cheap auto insurance in Ottawa can be an uphill battle. That’s where we come in.
LowestRates.ca shops the auto insurance market in Ottawa for you. We’ve helped some Ottawa drivers save up to hundreds of dollars per year by comparing quotes with us.
In just 3 minutes, you can compare auto insurance quotes from multiple car insurance companies serving Ottawa.
All you have to do is type in your postal code and a bit of information about the vehicle you’d like to insure. We’ll find the cheapest available quote and connect you with the Ottawa car insurance broker that can secure your new rate.
We’ve got your car insurance needs covered, whether you’re taking a quiet drive through Rockcliffe Park or you’re right in the middle of Central Ottawa.
Ottawa has some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in Ontario, which is notorious for having some of the highest auto insurance premiums in the country. Here are the cities in Ontario with the lowest car insurance premiums, from cheapest to highest.
The Ontario cities with the cheapest car insurance are:
Ottawa
Kingston
Pembroke
Cornwall
Brockville
Many Ontario residents pay far more than Ottawa residents for auto insurance. Brampton residents pay the highest car insurance premiums in the province, followed closely by North York, Mississauga, Scarborough and Toronto.
Just because Ottawa’s average price is among the lowest in the province, it doesn’t mean cheap car insurance is easy to find.
Car insurance buyers in Ottawa should keep in mind that where you live is just one factor in determining how much you’ll pay in premiums. Other factors your auto insurance provider will consider include your personal driving habits, your insurance history and how much you drive every day. If you have driving convictions and a spotty insurance history, you can expect to pay higher rates.
First, we need to know about you and your vehicle. It only takes 3 minutes, and it’s 100% confidential.
Next, we’ll show you quotes from 50+ Canadian providers. It’s free, with no commitment.
When you find the best quote, secure your Ottawa auto insurance rate by talking to a licensed broker or agent.
Focus on
As one of Canada’s largest cities, Ottawa has its fair share of vehicle congestion to deal with. See below for the kinds of cars Ottawa car insurance shoppers are driving, based on the thousands of auto insurance quotes completed on LowestRates.ca.
Popular Brands
Last updated April 2025As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa is naturally one of the country’s largest political and economic hubs. The city of Ottawa is the second largest in Ontario and the fourth largest in Canada by population with a growing GDP. That means millions of people hit the road every day. Keep reading to learn more about the Ottawa residents who have compared car insurance quotes on LowestRates.ca.
Gender of our users
Last updated April 2025Average age
Last updated April 202533
years old
Tickets & Accidents
Last updated April 2025It's easy — if you know how. Here are some of the best ways to lower your auto insurance premiums:
We'll show you the most competitive rates from all the top insurers. Now you can compare quotes all in one place.
Avoiding extra frills in your policy and paying for only the coverage you need will lower your premiums.
Your driving record impacts your rate. Fewer infractions and fines equals cheaper insurance.
Prompt payments can save you money on late fees and lower your premiums. Insurers love a good customer.
Adding a house, motorcycle, RV, or other type of insurance policy to your car insurance plan can lower your rates.
Safety features like winter tires and alarm systems can help reduce your insurance premium.
Most auto insurance companies give special discounts to customers who stay with them for a number of years.
A defensive driving course makes you a better driver and can significantly reduce your car insurance premiums.
The math is clear: more experience on the road equals lower car insurance premiums. Young drivers almost universally pay higher rates for car insurance. While it’s difficult for new drivers to secure cheap car insurance rates, you may be able to lower your rates by maintaining good grades and attending driving school.
Where you drive affects your premiums. Some areas are associated with higher rates of car accidents and theft.
Cars with high crash-test scores, low theft ratings, and less powerful engines tend to have cheaper insurance rates.
With a usage-based car insurance policy, you can turn your low-risk driving habits into lower premiums.
Adults between the ages of 50 and 70 get some of the lowest car insurance rates in Ottawa. If you belong to this demographic, you probably have a long history of being insured and you might even have bundled your home insurance policy with the same provider of your auto insurance.
After age 70, you might see your rate begin to climb. People in this age group require more resources to recover from injuries. They maybe even drive a nice car. Both lead to inflated claim settlements. If you do see your rates begin to rise, it may be time to shop around for new automobile insurance in Ottawa.
Car insurance for new drivers in Ottawa is expensive. Teenagers pay the highest insurance premiums of any demographic (adults with driving convictions notwithstanding). For drivers insured since the age of 16, rates start declining in the mid-twenties. The downward trend accelerates the closer they get to their thirtieth birthday.
It is possible for new drivers to find cheaper car insurance in Ottawa. Here are some ways young drivers can trim their car insurance premium:
Avoid getting your own car, if you can. Instead, opt to get listed as the secondary driver of your parents’ car. It’s cheaper than paying insurance as the primary driver on your own car.
If you need a car, get a beater or a hand-me-down. Older, used cars are cheaper to insure. And don’t drive too often — use public transportation or other forms of travel when you have the option.
If you’re in school (high school or post-secondary), insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain a certain GPA.
Take a driver’s education course and make sure you get a certificate of completion. Showing that to an insurance company will lower your rate.
It can be challenging for new drivers to find affordable car insurance in Ottawa. However, we’ve found that the demographic that finds the most savings on LowestRates.ca are young drivers — the more you’re expected to pay, the more dramatic the savings you can find when you compare Ottawa car insurance quotes.
If you’ve recently immigrated to Ottawa, you cannot drive without proper licencing and insurance.
You must trade in your licence from the country you've emigrated from within 60 days for an Ontario driver's license. The provincial government recognizes licences from several countries as equivalent to an Ontario license, making your transition smoother and preventing you from going through Ontario's graduated licensing system. Ask your old insurance company to provide a reference for your new Ontario insurer. Having proof of your insurance and driving history will go a long way to securing a lower car insurance rate.
Having several traffic convictions will put you in the high-risk category with most car insurance companies. Having your licence revoked will push you even further into the category.
Being high-risk means that insurance companies think you are likely to file an expensive claim. Since insurance companies are betting that they will need to provide you with financial assistance, they will charge you more.
It’s very hard to find cheap auto insurance rates in Ottawa as a high-risk driver. There are, however, insurance companies that cater to high-risk drivers. Failing that, you can purchase facility insurance, which is a pool that is funded by Canadian insurance companies to offer coverage to high-risk drivers.
No Ottawa auto insurance company can guarantee low rates to every driver that applies for a policy. Every insurance company underwrites risk differently, so it’s difficult to estimate where you’ll be able to get the cheapest car insurance premiums in Ottawa.
There are several factors that insurance companies consider that are out of your control. Among these factors is the company's loss ratios, which are informed by the driving records of all its customers.
Don't worry. There are still factors under your control that can effectively help you lower your car insurance rates in Ottawa. These include your driving record, the number of kilometres you drive each year, the type of car you drive, your eligibility for discounts and — ultimately — the car insurance policy you choose.
Utilitarian cars that have high safety ratings and aren’t historically targeted by thieves are generally considered to be a low risk by insurance companies, which might lower your car insurance rates. In addition, you can also practice defensive driving and limiting your mileage to try for a lower car insurance rate.
By comparing Ottawa car insurance quotes on LowestRates.ca, you may find that one insurance company’s tolerance for risk is a bit different than your current auto insurance provider and they may be willing to offer you a lower rate.
Beware of potholes: Ottawa roads have become known for being speckled with potholes. In the early months of 2020, City of Ottawa officials filled more than 13,000 potholes. Depending on the weather, potholes can go from being a literal bump in the road and a full-on car accident so be alert and stay safe while driving.
Limited downtown parking: The topic of finding parking in downtown Ottawa has been up for debate for years. If you’re travelling downtown via car, keep this in mind as it’s not unheard of for parking enforcement authorities to surprise residents with tickets of $75 or more.
Don’t skip the winter tires: Much like the rest of Canada, Ottawa is known for its harsh winters. If you’re regularly driving through harsh winter weather, winter tires can mean all the difference between getting home safely or winding up in an accident. Furthermore, some insurance companies will offer you a discount on your car insurance if you have winter tires.
Speaking of which, watch out for those snowbanks: If there are snowbanks on your lawn, you need to be careful when you're pulling out of the driveway. It's easy to get clipped by a passing vehicle if piled-up snow blocks your view.
Look out for deer or other wildlife on the road: There are 1,000 collisions between wildlife and vehicles each year in Ottawa — that's more than in any other area in Ontario. Look for yellow wildlife warning signs or light reflections from animals' eyes. The best way to stay safe is to reduce your speed so you have time to react appropriately.
Alexandra Bosanac
About the Author
Alexandra Bosanac is the Core Content Manager for LowestRates.ca. Her reporting has appeared in Canadian Business, the Toronto Star, the National Post, and the CBC.
*Represents the average saved by shoppers who obtained an Ottawa quote on LowestRates.ca and transacted via our contact centre between January and December 2021. The average savings amount represents the difference between the shoppers’ average lowest quoted premium and the average of the second and third lowest quoted premiums generated by LowestRates.ca.
Auto InsuranceGetting a driver’s license is an important milestone. However, the promise of freedom afforded to a young driver o...
Auto InsuranceMany people aim to own a home or car. But it can be a challenging goal to achieve...