Car insurance Burlington, ON
Part of a series on car insurance rates in Ontario.
Car Insurance Burlington FAQs
What type of auto insurance do I need in Burlington?
In Burlington, Ontario, there are various types of auto insurance coverage to choose from. The essential coverage required by law for all Ontario drivers is third-party liability coverage. This coverage offers protection if you are held liable for causing injury or property damage to another person in an accident. Mandatory liability coverage encompasses the following:
Third-party liability coverage
This section of your car insurance policy covers you if you cause injury or damage to someone else’s property. It pays for legal claims against you up to the coverage limit and settlement costs. While the minimum legal requirement for third-party liability coverage in Ontario is $200,000, most policies suggest having at least $1 million of coverage.
Direct compensation-property damage (DC-PD) coverage
This section of your auto insurance policy covers damages to your vehicle or its contents and the loss of use resulting from an accident caused by another person. It is called direct compensation because you will receive it directly from your insurance provider, even if the other party caused the damage. To be eligible for a direct compensation property damage claim, the collision must have occurred in Ontario and involved at least one other vehicle insured by an Ontario-licensed insurance company or has a special agreement with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to provide coverage.
Accident benefits coverage
This section of your car insurance policy covers injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It includes benefits such as supplementary medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner, and income replacement.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you get involved in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured or if it’s a hit-and-run case where the driver cannot be identified. This coverage includes bodily injury, property damage, and underinsured motorist coverage. While it’s not mandatory coverage, it can provide you with financial protection if you face an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
What is the most affordable area for car insurance in Burlington?
When searching for affordable car insurance in Burlington, it’s essential to consider your location, as it plays a significant role in determining the cost. Densely populated areas are generally considered higher risk due to the increased number of drivers, while more rural areas may be seen as lower risk. Additionally, driving behaviour can also influence the cost of car insurance in a specific area, as risk assessments are based on the population and driving patterns within that postal code.
To find the most affordable car insurance rates in your area, it’s recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Working with a licensed insurance broker can also be beneficial, as they can shop around on your behalf to find the best coverage options for your individual needs and budget.
What are the main things affecting my auto insurance premiums in Burlington?
There are several factors that can affect your auto insurance premiums in Burlington, Ontario. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when selecting car insurance coverage and finding ways to save money on your premiums.
One of the main factors that can affect your auto insurance premiums is your driving record. Drivers with a history of accidents, traffic violations, or claims may face higher premiums as they are considered a higher risk. On the other hand, drivers with a clean driving record may be eligible for discounts or lower premiums.
Another factor impacting your auto insurance premiums is your age and driving experience. Younger and less experienced drivers may be charged higher premiums as they are considered higher risk.
The type of vehicle you drive can also affect your insurance premiums. Your vehicle’s make, model, and year can impact your premiums, as some vehicles are more expensive to repair or replace than others. For example, sports cars and luxury vehicles may have higher premiums due to their higher value and increased theft risk.
Your usage of the vehicle can also affect your premiums. The amount of time you spend on the road and the purpose of your vehicle, such as for business or pleasure, can impact your premiums. Vehicles used for commercial purposes may have higher premiums due to the increased risk of accidents or damage.
Your location is another factor that can impact your auto insurance premiums. Where you live and park your vehicle can impact your premiums, as areas with higher theft rates, vandalism, or accidents may be charged higher rates. Additionally, densely populated areas may be considered at higher risk due to increased traffic and the potential for accidents.
The coverage options you select can also impact your auto insurance premiums. Opting for higher coverage limits or additional coverage options can increase your premiums. Similarly, choosing a lower deductible may result in higher premiums, as you are assuming less financial risk.
What type of car insurance does aha insurance offer in Burlington?
Aha insurance offers various car insurance coverage options in Kingston, Ontario, including mandatory third-party liability coverage in compliance with Ontario law. This type of coverage provides financial protection if you are held responsible for causing injury or property damage to another person in an accident. It includes third-party liability, direct compensation-property damage, uninsured motorist, and accident benefits as mandatory coverage options.
Apart from mandatory coverage, other optional coverage types are available to ensure your safety and protect your vehicle. These coverage types include:
Collision Coverage
Collision is an elective form of automobile insurance that compensates for damages caused by a collision with another vehicle or object for which the policyholder is deemed responsible. This insurance reimburses the policyholder for repairs or replacement of their vehicle up to its actual cash value after accounting for the deductible amount.
While not legally required, this coverage is beneficial for those who want financial protection for their vehicle, particularly for newer or high-value vehicles.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive is a type of auto insurance that is not mandatory but can provide additional protection for your vehicle against non-collision damage. It covers the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle caused by theft, vandalism, weather events, falling objects, or animal collisions. Comprehensive coverage can be beneficial for those who want extra protection for their vehicle beyond what is required by law.
Specified perils coverage
Specified perils is a type of optional auto insurance that covers specific risks listed in your policy, such as fire, theft, and hail. This type of insurance usually has lower premiums than comprehensive coverage but offers less comprehensive protection. It’s a good choice for those who want to save on their insurance premiums while still having some protection against certain risks.
All perils coverage
All Perils is an optional auto insurance that combines collision and comprehensive coverage to offer extensive protection against various perils such as theft, fire, and collisions. It provides comprehensive protection but is typically more expensive. Policy exclusions and limitations should be reviewed carefully. An insurance broker can assist in finding the best coverage options for the individual’s needs and budget.
In addition, we provide a range of policy enhancements or endorsements (Ontario Policy Change Forms (OPCF)) that allow you to customize your coverage based on your specific circumstances.
Fast facts about auto insurance in Burlington
Average annual car insurance rate
Regular drivers in the city
Collisions per year (approximately)
%
Collision rate for the city
Average age
Average household income
%
Unemployment rate
Population
Understanding car insurance in Burlington, Ontario
Burlington is one of the safest places to live in all of Canada, contrary to popular opinions about its south-west end. Its low crime rates lend an overall discount to the average car insurance rate in the city, although that will still vary depending on where you live, specifically.
The Skyway bridge connects Burlington to Hamilton, while the 403 and Lakeshore Road connect it to Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke. Milton and Cambridge are also within a reasonable commuting distance, making it a great place to build a career and raise a family.
Burlington also has a relatively low collision rate for having such a heavy commuter presence, at just under 3% of its drivers who drive every work day. Combined with low crime rates, this creates a solid pricing advantage for the city’s residents over many other regions in the Greater Toronto Area.
Burlington’s traffic is quite heavy. That raises everyone’s amount of road exposure, in turn adding a high-risk element to commuters’ car insurance premiums. Thankfully, the city’s average rates are still quite good in despite the higher risks.
Get your bundle on & save!
Want even cheaper insurance? Save up to 50% on home and up to 15% on car insurance when you bundle them.
Get your bundle on & save!
Want even cheaper insurance? Save up to 50% on home and up to 15% on car insurance when you bundle them.
Busting myths about driving and insurance in Burlington
Myth: Warwick isn’t safe to live.
Warwick Drive got a bad reputation a while back, but locals will tell you that it’s actually a normal neighbourhood these days. Halton is one of the safest regions in Canada (and has claimed the #1 spot recently), but it’s also worth mentioning that the Warwick Drive area may be getting a redesign soon anyway.
Myth: Burlington is just a commuter hub for the rest of the GTA.
There’s a solid economy and job market in Burlington driven by industries like finance, retail, and insurance. The city has also made efforts to foster startups at the Halton Hive, as well as technology companies through Haltech and TechPlace.
Myth: Being on the lake means warmer weather all year.
Living on the lakeshore can mean hotter and drier summers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean winters will be warmer. The Great Lakes affect regional weather, true—but most often by adding precipitation. Be ready for more snow, Burlington!
Myth: Burlington is more dangerous than other GTA cities.
Patently false. The Halton Regional Police’s crime mapping tool shows a much, much lower frequency of reported crimes than other parts of Ontario, and Burlington was ranked as the third-best place to live in Canada by MoneySense in 2015.
How Burlington’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
Quick tips for driving and insurance in Burlington
Find the lowest crime rates north of the 403 highway.
According to the Halton Police Force’s own crime mapping tool, a lot less crime tends to happen around the Nelson and Orchard areas compared to neighbourhoods immediately south of the QEW. Aldershot is also a nice area with a low crime rate.
The point here is that living in low-crime (and low-claim) areas has a positive effect on your insurance premiums, both for home and auto policies.
Avoid Burlington’s worst intersections, if possible.
Avoiding collisions means avoiding claims—and that means avoiding higher car insurance premiums! Stay away from these intersections, as identified by the Halton Regional Police:
- Fairview Street and Guelph Line
- Brant Street and Fairview Street
- Brant Street and North Service Road
- Appleby Line and Upper Middle Road
- Appleby Line and Dundas Street
Working in Mississauga, Oakville, or Toronto? Take the Aldershot GO Train.
Aldershot runs right through Burlington to take you eastward for your 9-5 commute. It’s not as fast as a car in good days, but the 403 gets more and more congested every year. You’re going to save yourself time and lower your road exposure, which would contribute toward lowering your car insurance premiums (all else being equal).
Traffic congestion is particularly bad, so plan accordingly!
Most people who live in Burlington want to be there, but it comes with the caveat that traffic can get really, really bad. Locals know it as inner-city traffic congestion, but commuters taking the 403 can expect regular slowdowns as well. Both the city and the highway accommodate tens of thousands of people per day at minimum.
Burlington Insurance FAQs
How do Burlington car insurance rates compare to other cities in Ontario?
Burlington has relatively affordable average car insurance rates for a mid-sized Ontario city in the GTA.
Burlington’s average insurance rate is more expensive than smaller Ontario cities like Cornwall and Port Hope, municipalities with the lowest average annual auto insurance rates.
However, low crime and collision rates combined with reasonable commuting options help keep Burlington’s average insurance rates low compared to other GTA cities with the highest insurance rates in the province like Ajax, Richmond Hill and Brampton.
Looking to save on auto or home insurance? Get your 3-minute quote today to find out if we can help you save on the coverage you need.
Which postal codes pay the lowest and highest car insurance premiums in Burlington?
Neighbourhoods have different average insurance prices due to factors like proximity to busy intersections and highways and the average amount of claims made by region.
According to LowestRates.ca, the postal code that pays the lowest average car insurance premiums in Burlington is the Aldershot neighbourhood, where postal codes begin with L7T. It’s likely that the low crime rates in this area also help lower car insurance premiums.
To the north of Aldershot, the postal code that pays the highest car insurance premium in Burlington is the L7P region. Burlington residents living in the Tyandaga, Brant Hills, Mountain Gardens, Clarksdale and Palmer neighbourhoods may pay slightly higher premiums due to the proximity of the 407 and the QEW.
Does the type of car I drive impact my insurance costs?
The type of car you drive does impact the cost of your insurance. Insurers need to know the make, model and year of your vehicle so they can determine:
- The average cost to repair or replace your vehicle if you make a claim.
- The safety rating of your car compared to others on the road.
- Whether your car is a model that’s more likely to be stolen.
Generally speaking, safe, reliable and modestly-priced cars are the most affordable to insure.
Newer vehicles tend to be safer, but new technology and more expensive parts can also be more costly to insure.
If your vehicle is new, you can add a depreciation waiver to your policy. Depreciation waivers insure cars for their full replacement value for 1-3 years if damage makes them irreparable.
If you drive an older vehicle with sentimental value that runs well but isn’t worth much money, you can consider removing collision and comprehensive insurance.
You should only terminate these optional coverages if you decide that the cost of additional premiums exceeds the cost of your insurer paying for vehicle repairs or replacement after an event like a collision or extreme weather.
Learn more about comprehensive coverage and whether you need collision insurance for an older vehicle.
Sources for fast facts about Burlington:
- Ministry of Transportation, 2016 Road Safety Report
- Statistics Canada, Burlington 2016 Census Profile
- CrimeReports, Halton Regional Police Service
- inhalton.com, “Are Major Changes in Store for This Burlington Neighbourhood?”
- inhalton.com, “5 Burlington Intersections With the Most Crashes in 2017”
- MoneySense, “Canada’s Best Places to Live 2015”
- Burlington Economic Development Corporation, “Start-up”
- CBC News, “Great Lakes are rapidly warming, likely to trigger more flooding and extreme weather”
Source for average insurance rates by city:
- Survey of 2,800 auto insurance policy holders in Ontario
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