Car insurance Barrie, ON
Part of a series on car insurance rates in Ontario.
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Car Insurance Barrie FAQs
What is dangerous driving, and how does it impact my car insurance rate?
Dangerous driving, also called reckless driving, is the act of operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers other drivers on the road. Behaviours such as speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, and driving under the influence are examples of dangerous driving. In Ontario, those convicted of dangerous driving can face serious consequences such as fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
Moreover, dangerous driving can also impact car insurance rates. Insurers review the driving history of applicants, including past convictions for dangerous driving. Drivers with a history of dangerous driving may be considered high-risk and may face higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of filing a claim. In some cases, insurance companies may decline coverage for drivers with a history of dangerous driving. However high-risk insurance providers can offer coverage but at significantly higher rates.
Drivers should obey traffic laws and drive responsibly to avoid legal and financial consequences. Doing so can ensure their safety on the road and maintain lower car insurance rates.
How much is expected to pay monthly for car insurance in Barrie?
The cost of monthly car insurance in Barrie, Ontario, can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as your age, driving experience, driving record, the type of vehicle you own, and the amount of coverage you choose. Our data shows Barrie’s average annual car insurance premium is $2,924. This works out to be approximately $244 per month.
However, it’s important to note that this is just an average, and your actual premium may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances. The best way to get an accurate estimate of your monthly car insurance cost in Barrie is to request
quotes from multiple insurance providers and compare them to find the most affordable option for your needs and budget.
Who has the cheapest auto insurance in Barrie, Ontario?
Determining the cheapest auto insurance rates in Barrie can be difficult due to varying factors such as age, driving history, and type of vehicle. Each insurance company uses a different formula to calculate rates. Comparing quotes from multiple providers with the same coverage levels and deductibles is recommended. Discounts for safe driving, bundling policies or completing a defensive driving course may be available.
Are car insurance quotes free in Barrie?
Yes, obtaining car insurance quotes in Pickering, Ontario, is usually free of charge. Most insurance providers offer this service via phone, enabling customers to compare rates and coverage options from different providers.
When getting a quote, it is crucial to provide accurate information about driving history, vehicle type, and desired coverage levels. This ensures that the quote is precise and that customers fully understand what the policy covers.
At aha insurance, we were one of the first brokerages to introduce an entirely online quotation process for Canadians. You can obtain an online quote in as little as 3 minutes, or you can opt to speak with one of our exceptional insurance brokers over the phone.
How can I get the best car insurance?
Getting the best car insurance in Ontario requires research and an understanding of your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you find the best car insurance:
1. Shop around: Don’t settle for the first insurance quote you receive. Take the time to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Consider factors such as coverage options, deductibles, and premiums.
2. Bundle policies: Consider bundling your car insurance policy with other insurance policies, such as home or life insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for customers who bundle their policies.
3. Raise your deductible: A higher deductible can lower your premiums, but be sure to choose a deductible you can afford to pay out of pocket if needed.
4. Maintain a good driving record: Maintaining a clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations can help you qualify for lower insurance rates.
5. Ask about discounts: Ask your insurance provider about any discounts you may be eligible for, such as a good driver discount or a multi-vehicle discount.
6. Consider usage-based insurance: Usage-based insurance uses telematics technology to track your driving habits and adjust your premiums based on your actual driving behaviour. This can be a good option for safe drivers who want to lower their premiums.
7. Work with a licensed insurance broker: A licensed insurance broker can help you navigate the insurance market and find the best coverage options for your individual needs and budget. They can also help you understand your policy and answer any questions you may have.
Remember, your best car insurance policy will depend on your circumstances. It’s important to carefully review your policy and understand your coverage to ensure you have the protection you need in an accident.
What type of car insurance does aha insurance offer in Barrie?
At aha insurance, we offer different types of car insurance coverage options in Barrie, Ontario. The mandatory coverage required by Ontario law is third-party liability coverage, which provides financial protection if you are held liable for causing injury or property damage to another person in an accident. We offer this coverage with a
minimum liability limit of $200,000, but we suggest increasing it to a higher limit, with many policyholders opting for $1 or $2 million limits. Mandatory liability also includes the following:
● Accident benefits coverage compensates for medical expenses, lost income, and other related expenses in case you or your passengers get injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
● DCPD coverage covers the damages to your vehicle in an accident for which you are not responsible. This means that if you are in an accident and another driver is at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle instead of going through the other driver’s insurance company, simplifying the claims process.
● Uninsured motorist offers protection if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for damages to your vehicle and medical expenses up to the policy limit. This coverage can also protect you in hit-and-run accidents where the other driver flees the scene and cannot be identified.
In addition to the required coverage, several optional coverage types can help safeguard you and your vehicle. These options include:
● Collision coverage covers damages caused by the policyholder’s at-fault collision with another vehicle or object. This coverage pays for repairs or replacement of the policyholder’s vehicle up to its actual cash value minus the deductible. Although it is not mandatory, collision insurance is useful for those who want to protect their vehicle financially, especially if it is newer or more valuable.
● Comprehensive coverage offers extra protection for your vehicle against non-collision damage, such as theft, vandalism, weather-related damage, animal collisions, and more. This type of coverage is not required by law, but it can be helpful for those who want to ensure their vehicle is fully protected in case of unexpected events.
● Specified perils covers particular perils mentioned in the policy, such as fire, theft, or hail. It typically has lower premiums than comprehensive coverage but offers less comprehensive protection. It may be a suitable option for those who want to reduce their insurance premiums while still having some protection against specific risks.
● All Perils merges collision and comprehensive coverage to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of hazards such as theft, fire, and collisions. Although it offers more thorough coverage, it is generally more costly. It is important to scrutinize policy exclusions and restrictions. A licensed insurance broker can aid in finding the most suitable coverage options based on the individual’s requirements and budget.
Fast facts about auto insurance in Barrie
Average annual car insurance rate
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Collision rate for the city
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Understanding car insurance in Barrie, Ontario
In the heart of cottage country, Barrie attracts residents for the scenery, space, and lower cost of living compared to Toronto.
Like other mid-sized cities in Ontario, it doesn’t quite have the population density to fund public transit at every corner of the city. That means most people get around by driving, raising the overall amount of road exposure for most residents (and their car insurance rates, by extension). It correlates to the number of drivers on the road, even if the accident rate is fairly tame.
Balancing out that high amount of road exposure is Barrie’s incredibly low crime rate. As of the 2016 census, Barrie’s crime severity index was only 45.4, one of the lowest numbers in the country. This has a direct—and positive—effect on car insurance rates. Fewer instances of theft or break-ins means there’s a statistically lower chance that your vehicle will need to be repaired or replaced, hence the lower rates.
Barrie is also at the mercy of extreme winter weather, but work and life must still go on. Investing in winter tires and practicing winter driving seasonally will go a long, long way toward maintaining a claims-free record!
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Busting myths about driving and insurance in Barrie
Myth: Your kids need to move out of town for post-secondary school.
Nope! Barrie is home to Laurentian University, and Georgian College is only a short drive away over in Orillia.
Insuring your children when they’re away in a different city makes all of us a little nervous, but if they go to school close by then you can keep them on your own policies for better overall savings.
Myth: Letitia Heights is dangerous for families.
Letitia Heights gets a bad reputation as the “troubled neighbourhood” in Barrie, but far fewer crimes are reported there than other parts of the city in general. A handful of high-profile incidents over the last decade or two have given it a poor image. The Barrie Police Force’s own crime map shows that Letitia Heights experiences a fraction of the crime rate of the downtown core, or even areas around Bayfield Mall.
Myth: Barrie can’t accommodate young professionals or the elderly.
Wrong again! Young professionals can commute to Toronto through the GO train if they don’t find opportunities locally. The city has also launched it’s “Age-Friendly Barrie” initiative to make the city more accessible for the elderly.
It’s an ongoing initiative and fairly recent, so expect to see accessibility developments to become more frequent.
Myth: Commuting to Toronto means you’ve escaped the snow belt.
Not a chance. Barrie’s residents are no strangers to winter, but sometimes people move here thinking that they can escape the harsh conditions while driving south into Toronto.
Unfortunately, the 400 has been the scene of many winter-related accidents despite the reliable maintenance work that goes into its upkeep. Get winter tires and drive defensively!
How Barrie’s rates compare to other cities in Ontario
- North York: $4,261
- Etobicoke: $4,199
- Brampton: $4,071
- Scarborough: $3,825
- East York: $3,605
- Woodbridge: $3,603
- Richmond Hill: $3,579
- Mississauga: $3,473
- Markham: $3,389
- Niagara Falls: $3,321
- Bowmanville: $3,308
- Peterborough: $3,259
- Pickering: $ 3,245
- Newmarket: $ 3,216
- Hamilton: $3,201
- Brantford: $ 3,158
- Maple: $3,150
- Whitby: $3,087
- Ajax: $3,053
- York: $2,999
- Toronto: $2,983
- Barrie: $2,924
- Thornhill: $2,871
- Waterloo: $2,867
- Caledon: $2,780
- London: $2,765
- Fort Erie: $2,720
- Oakville: $2,720
- Sault Ste Marie: $ 2,713
- Kitchener: $2,705
- Milton: $2,680
- St Catharines: $ 2,550
- Windsor: $2,536
- Woodstock: $2,513
- Innisfil: $2,505
- Burlington: $2,476
- Kingston: $ 2,360
- Cambridge: $2,297
- Oshawa: $2,295
- Guelph: $2,268
- Gloucester: $2,256
- Stoney Creek: $2,222
- Nepean: $2,196
- Ottawa: $2,195
- Sudbury: $2,005
- Kanata: $2,002
- Thunder Bay: $1,973
- Wasaga Beach: $1,958
Tips on insurance and driving in Barrie
Get coverage for trailers and campers.
Barrie is prime cottage country. It makes sense to cover everything you need to live there (and get there), too.
Chances are good that a friend or family member owns a cottage, a boat, a trailer, camper, or even an ATV. All of them should be insured to protect your investments—especially when you want to let go of the stresses of work and the daily grind.
Don’t make downtown a part of your daily commute for a while.
The City of Barrie is undergoing a downtown revitalization project to improve infrastructure, promote foot traffic, and to improve the look and feel of the downtown core as a whole. That means you’ll need to avoid construction, specifically around Dunlop Street, the city’s flagship avenue. Stores will be open, even though construction is set to continue into Summer 2020.
Commuting to Toronto? Take the GO train in Urban North.
This isn’t just to save time. By eliminating all of that time spent driving on the road directly, you can reduce your car insurance rates by a significant margin. Part of your rate is determined by the amount of exposure from the road, which correlates very closely to the distance and time travelled. Taking a train or bus into Toronto eliminates 90% of your driving exposure in one swoop. Imagine the gas savings, too.
Barrie is incredibly safe, so don’t worry about avoiding “bad” neighbourhoods.
Barrie’s crime severity index was just 45.4 in 2016, making it one of the safest cities in Canada. Sure, it has crime—every city does. But the crime severity index is so low that it leaves other cities in the dust. Even the reputation of Letitia Heights isn’t founded on data, and the people who live there feel safe walking around at night.
Barrie Insurance FAQs
What Are The Main Things Affecting My Auto Insurance Premiums In Barrie?
Living in Barrie means you and your family probably need to drive more and rely less on public transit, which can increase what you pay for insurance, especially if you commute on the 400 in winter weather.
On the other hand, Barrie’s relatively low collision and even lower crime rates make your city a more affordable place to purchase insurance than most Ontario municipalities.
Remember that your location is just one factor that insurance companies use to determine your auto insurance rates.
The answers to these questions can have an even bigger impact on what you pay for insurance:
- How old are you?
- How long have you been driving?
- Do you have recent accidents or tickets on your driving record?
- Has there ever been a gap in your auto insurance coverage?
- Do you have secondary drivers on your policy?
- Do you have young drivers on your policy?
- How much is your vehicle worth, and does it have a high safety rating?
- How high are you willing to set your insurance deductible?
- Have you added additional coverages to your legally required insurance? For example, comprehensive or collision coverage?
- Are you eligible for savings from a home and auto policy bundle, student or low-mileage driver discounts?
- Do you shop around to find the best insurance rates before your policy renews?
Where do I get the cheapest car insurance quotes in Barrie?
Cheap insurance isn’t necessarily worth it if you don’t have enough coverage to cover the costs of an accident.
It’s mandatory to have at least $200,000 worth of third-party liability insurance in Ontario. However, we recommend securing $1 million or more in coverage because medical liability claims can easily surpass the $200,000 minimum. Fortunately, increasing your third-party liability insurance won’t increase your insurance premiums by a significant amount for most drivers.
Moreover, the insurer offering the best car insurance rate to your neighbour might not be the same company that can give you the best and most affordable coverage.
In addition to your address, insurers need specific information about you, other drivers on your policy, your vehicle/s and your driving habits so they can determine your insurance rates.
Insurance companies use similar but not identical formulas to calculate how much they’ll charge for coverage. Different insurers also specialize in insuring different types of drivers. That’s why it’s so important to shop around and work with a broker for the best auto insurance for your unique circumstances, whether you live in Barrie, Toronto or Ottawa.
Aha insurance is a brokerage that works with multiple insurance providers to find you the best coverage option. It only takes a few minutes to get a quote online or over the phone.
What are car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Barrie?
Car insurance will always be more expensive for drivers with records that feature a high number of collisions or driving convictions.
You will need to purchase high-risk ( also known as facility or non-standard car insurance) if your insurer decides you can’t be covered under a standard auto policy and cancels your coverage.
As with standard policies, the price of facility insurance varies based on the frequency and severity of marks against your record, such as at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or convictions for reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In Ontario, high-risk auto insurance typically costs 2-3 times more than standard auto coverage. The good news is securing facility insurance will allow high-risk drivers in Barrie to start rebuilding their reputation as safe drivers.
Looking For The Best Auto Insurance Rates In Barrie?
Here’s our advice to ensure you have access to the best coverage for the most affordable rates in Barrie:
- Cut down on your commuting distance by taking GO transit.
- Drive a safe and reliable vehicle.
- If you drive an older car, consider reducing your collision coverage if the value of your vehicle has depreciated significantly.
- If you could afford to pay more after a claim, you can increase your deductible to pay slightly less for your premiums.
- Talk with your insurer about discounts for students, driver training courses, low-mileage drivers and safety features such as winter tires.
- Work with an insurance broker who represents multiple companies to help you find the best coverage.
- Purchase home owner’s or renter’s insurance and bundle it with your auto insurance policy.
We can help you get up to 50% off home and up to 18% off car insurance when you bundle your coverage.
Sources for facts about Barrie:
- Statistics Canada, 2016 Profile, Barrie
- Ministry of Transportation, 2016 Road Safety Report
- My Urban North, “Living in Barrie Ontario”
- Crime Severity Index, 2016 Census
- Crime Map of Barrie, Barrie Police Force
- Simcoe.com, “Barrie resident wants end to Letitia’s bad rap”
- Barrie.ca, “Age-Friendly Barrie”
- Global News, “Dunlop Street to undergo construction to give downtown Barrie a face lift”
Source for average insurance rates by city:
- Survey of 2,800 auto insurance policy holders in Ontario
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