Best Auto Insurance Company In Canada: Who's Number One?

When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance company in Canada, there are several factors to consider, including coverage options, price, customer service, and overall reputation. With numerous insurance providers available, it can be challenging to determine the most suitable option.

The Co-operators is consistently ranked as one of the top-rated car insurance providers in Canada, known for their exceptional customer service and community involvement. They offer a wide range of insurance products, including car, home, and life insurance, and provide various coverage options such as liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Other highly-rated car insurance companies in Canada include The Personal, RBC Insurance, Economical Insurance, belairdirect, TD Insurance, Allstate, Aviva, and Wawanesa Insurance. These companies offer competitive rates, unique features, and additional coverage options to meet the diverse needs of Canadian drivers.

When choosing an auto insurance company, it is essential to compare quotes, inquire about discounts, consider the level of coverage, and explore bundling policies to find the best value and protection for your specific circumstances.

Customer service and price

When it comes to customer service and price, there are several top contenders for the best auto insurance company in Canada.

The Billyard Insurance Group (BIG) is an award-winning independent insurance brokerage with locations across Ontario. They offer excellent customer service, the lowest quotes, and the best coverage options. They have a strong online presence, and customers can file claims online.

The Canadian Auto Association (CAA) provides vehicle insurance to over six million Canadian citizens. They offer numerous discount programs, a 24/7 support network, and an app for insurance information and roadside assistance.

Desjardins Insurance is Canada's second-largest car insurance company, offering coverage in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec. They provide affordable premiums and a range of add-ons, including accident forgiveness, new vehicle protection, and zero deductible. They also offer discounts for multiple policies, safe driving, and eco-friendly vehicles.

Aviva Canada is one of the largest insurers in the country, providing policies to over three million individuals. They offer multiple discounts, such as for policyholders who install an automatic emergency brake system or go three years without a conviction. They also provide access to multiple benefit programs, including roadside assistance and discounts on rental cars and hotel accommodations.

Intact Insurance is Canada's largest auto insurer, serving over five million individuals and businesses. They offer a wide selection of discounts and optional coverages, as well as a driver education program and the My Driving Discount Program, which rewards safe driving habits.

The Personal is a car insurance company that received a five-star rating in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey. They offer a standard policy that includes third-party liability and uninsured motorist coverage, as well as a range of optional add-ons such as new vehicle protection and transportation replacement.

While the best auto insurance company in Canada will depend on individual needs and preferences, these companies stand out for their combination of customer service and competitive pricing.

Discounts and savings

When it comes to auto insurance in Canada, there are a plethora of options available, and it can be challenging to determine which company offers the best discounts and savings opportunities. Here is an overview of some of the top insurance providers in Canada, focusing on their discounts and savings programs:

The Co-operators

The Co-operators is a highly respected insurance company in Canada, known for its unique discounts and impressive customer service. They offer a range of car insurance policies that balance affordability and comprehensive coverage. In addition to the mandatory coverages, The Co-operators provide uninsured motorist coverage, third-party liability, accident benefits, collision or upset, direct compensation property damage (DCPD), all perils, specified perils, and comprehensive coverage. They also have a variety of add-ons, such as loss of use coverage, accident forgiveness, and family protection endorsement. Furthermore, they offer several discount programs, including a driver-training discount, multi-policy discount, multi-vehicle discount, winter tire discount, and telematics discount.

Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada is another prominent insurance company in the country, offering reasonably affordable rates and unique features. They provide standard coverage options such as direct-compensation property damage coverage (DCPD), accident benefits, third-party liability coverage, accident coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, they offer optional add-ons like collision protection, transportation replacement, conviction protection, and comprehensive coverage. Aviva also has discounts available to reduce the cost of vehicle protection coverage, including multiple-vehicle, retiree, clean driving, and bundle discounts.

Intact

Intact is Canada's largest car insurance company, offering reasonably priced insurance products nationwide. They provide several add-ons, including collision or upset, all perils other than collision or upset, specific perils, roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and minor conviction protection. Intact also offers savings opportunities for safe driving, bundling auto and home insurance, and driving an electric or hybrid car.

Economical Mutual

Economical Mutual is a leading car insurance company in Canada with a rich history, dating back to 1871. They cater to all types of drivers but have gained recognition for their specialization in providing high-risk auto insurance through their subsidiary, Perth Insurance Company. Economical Mutual offers a range of add-ons and rewards policyholders with discounts, including multi-vehicle, safe driver, security, bundling, and conviction-free discounts.

Pembridge

Pembridge is a newer addition to the Canadian car insurance market but has quickly made a name for itself by offering competitively priced auto insurance policies. They provide the three mandatory coverage types—liability, accident benefits, and direct compensation property—along with a wide range of add-ons. Pembridge also offers seven discount programs: multi-line, mature driver, multi-vehicle, renewal, education, grad license, and retiree discounts.

Other Notable Mentions

While not as comprehensive as the above, several other insurance companies in Canada offer attractive discounts and savings. For example, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) provides customizable car insurance plans with various discounts, including bundle, multi-vehicle, and winter tire discounts. TD Insurance, a part of the TD Bank Group, offers bundling and multi-vehicle discounts, along with lower rates for online quotes and purchases. The Personal Insurance, popular in Quebec and Ontario, provides savings of up to $725 when insuring two or more cars and offers discounts for clean driving records, students, winter tires, and loyalty.

Coverage options

When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance company in Canada, there are several factors to consider, including coverage options, price, customer service, and overall reputation. While the mandatory coverage options are the same across the country, each province and territory have their own unique set of rules and regulations. Here, we will take a closer look at the coverage options offered by some of the top auto insurance companies in Canada.

The Co-operators

The Co-operators is a top-rated car insurance provider in Canada, known for its exceptional customer service and community involvement. They offer a wide range of insurance products, including car insurance, and provide a variety of coverage options such as liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage top-ups. One of the notable benefits of The Co-operators is their accident forgiveness program, where your car insurance premiums won't increase after your first collision if you've been collision-free for at least six years. They also offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance and for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Personal

The Personal is ranked as one of the best car insurance companies in Ontario and Quebec. They offer a range of insurance discounts and savings, such as saving up to $725 when insuring two or more cars, up to $1,105 for a clean driving record, up to 10% for students, up to 5% for winter tires, and loyalty savings of up to 15%. The Personal app allows users to get a photo-based estimate on their auto claim, file and track claims, and get a personalized premium based on their driving habits.

RBC Insurance

RBC Insurance is a top contender in the Canadian car insurance market, offering unique additional coverage options. This includes a disappearing deductible, where your deductible is reduced by 20% for each claim-free year, and a waiver for your first at-fault accident if you've been claims-free for at least six years. They also offer a range of other auto insurance policies, such as motorcycle insurance, motorhome insurance, trailer insurance, and more.

Economical Insurance

Economical Insurance is one of the oldest insurance companies in Canada, with a history dating back to 1871. They offer a range of coverage options and are known for their specialization in providing high-risk auto insurance through their subsidiary, Perth Insurance Company. Economical Mutual offers a number of add-ons and discounts, including multi-vehicle, safe driver, security, bundling, and conviction-free discounts. However, they do not currently have a mobile app.

Pembridge

Pembridge is a newer addition to the list of car insurance companies in Canada but stands out for its competitively priced auto insurance policies. They prioritize customer satisfaction by ensuring that all policyholders receive personalized attention from their dedicated claim agents. Pembridge offers the three mandatory coverage types (liability, accident benefits, and direct compensation property) along with a range of add-ons, such as collision, comprehensive, specified perils, and all perils. They also offer seven discount programs, including multi-line, mature driver, multi-vehicle, and renewal discounts.

Company reputation

When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance company in Canada, it's essential to consider the company's reputation. While some companies have established themselves as reliable and trusted providers, others may fall short in terms of customer satisfaction and claims handling. Here's an overview of the reputation of some prominent auto insurance companies in Canada:

The Co-operators

The Co-operators is a well-respected and top-rated auto insurance company in Canada. They have a strong presence in the industry, known for their exceptional customer service and community involvement. The Co-operators have been operating in Canada for almost 80 years, offering a wide range of insurance products, including car, home, and life insurance. In terms of car insurance, they provide various coverage options, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive top-ups. One of the notable benefits of The Co-operators is their accident forgiveness program, where premiums don't increase after the first collision if the driver has maintained a collision-free record for at least six years. They also offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance and for hybrid and electric vehicles. The company's strong financial health and impressive customer service make them a reliable choice for Canadian drivers.

Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada is one of the largest insurance companies in the country, serving over three million individuals. They are known for providing quality auto coverage at fair prices and offering a robust list of add-ons. Aviva's customers can access multiple discount programs, such as a disappearing deductible, conviction protection, and roadside assistance. The company also guarantees satisfactory settlement of claims. However, Aviva does not currently offer an app for policyholders, and their reviews on Google are mixed, with a 3.2-star rating as of January 2024.

Intact Insurance

Intact Insurance is the largest car insurance company in Canada, controlling a significant portion of the market. They offer a wide range of discounts and optional coverages, including their MyDrive program, which rewards safe driving practices with lower premiums. Intact also has partnerships with ridesharing service providers, making them a good choice for Lyft and Uber drivers. While Intact is committed to customer satisfaction and efficient claims handling, their Google reviews are somewhat polarised, with a 3.9-star rating and some negative comments. It's important to consider that online reviews may not always provide a fully accurate representation of a company's reputation.

Economical Insurance

Economical Insurance is one of the leading auto and property insurance providers in Canada, with a history dating back to 1871. They are known for their reliability and stability and have specialised in providing high-risk auto insurance through their subsidiary, Perth Insurance Company. Economical offers a range of add-ons and discounts, including multi-vehicle, safe driver, and bundling discounts. However, they do not currently have a mobile app, which may be a consideration for customers who prefer digital policy management.

TD Insurance

As part of the TD Bank Group, TD Insurance is a well-known and trusted name in the Canadian financial industry. They offer a broad selection of car insurance coverage and cater to a diverse range of drivers. TD Insurance stands out for its group rates, offering preferred car insurance rates to members of partner universities, companies, and alumni organisations. Their mobile app further enhances their reputation by simplifying the claims process and allowing customers to manage their policies conveniently.

Other Notable Mentions

Several other auto insurance companies in Canada have established solid reputations, including RBC Insurance, Allstate, Wawanesa Insurance, and Desjardins. RBC Insurance is known for its unique additional coverage options, such as a disappearing deductible and loss-of-vehicle-use coverage. Allstate, with its customer-centric approach, provides individualized insurance plans and various discounts for safe drivers and multi-vehicle policies. Wawanesa Insurance, a Canadian company, offers insurance for a range of vehicles and has been in the industry since 1896. Desjardins, a federation of credit unions, provides a comprehensive suite of insurance products, including optional coverages such as a $0 deductible and accident forgiveness. These companies have generally received positive reviews and are worth considering when choosing an auto insurance provider in Canada.

Customer reviews

One customer reported a good experience with Aviva, stating that they were quoted a much lower price than other companies. Another customer had a family member who was insured by Aviva and had a positive experience with their service after being severely rear-ended by another driver also represented by Aviva. However, another customer warned others to "avoid Aviva", stating that they had issues getting through to someone on the phone after an accident.

Some customers have had positive experiences with TD Insurance, with one customer reporting that their rates have always been reasonable after being with them for almost 25 years. Another customer mentioned that TD Insurance offers preferred rates for graduates of recognized Ontario universities. However, one customer reported that their rates kept going up, and they had to switch to save money.

Belair was reported as the worst company by one customer, who had a negative experience when they opened a claim against their wishes and were then dropped by the company, who deemed them a high risk. Another customer, however, reported a completely happy experience with Belair, stating that they had no issues and their rates were good.

One customer reported a negative experience with State Farm, who sent them a bill for a full year's worth of insurance after they had cancelled their policy. However, another customer reported saving a couple of hundred dollars with them and getting good coverage.

It's worth noting that some customers have recommended using a broker to find the best insurance deal, as they can shop around for quotes from multiple companies.

Frequently asked questions