Car insurance Pickering, ON
Part of a series on car insurance rates in Ontario.
Car Insurance Pickering FAQs
Is car insurance required in Pickering?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Pickering, Ontario, and throughout the province of Ontario. All drivers must have a minimum of third-party liability coverage, which provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage you may cause to other people in an accident. The minimum third-party liability coverage required by law in Ontario is $200,000. In addition, drivers must also have direct compensation — property damage coverage (DCPD), accident benefits coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Pickering drivers can also choose to purchase additional types of coverage, such as collision and comprehensive. It’s important to note that the cost and availability of these additional types of coverage can vary depending on factors such as your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and the coverage levels you choose. It’s always a good idea to speak with an insurance broker to discuss your specific needs and ensure that you have adequate coverage.
How can I save on car insurance in Pickering?
There are several strategies that can help you save on car insurance in Pickering, Ontario.
- Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options for your needs. Be sure to compare the same coverage levels and deductibles to ensure an accurate comparison.
- Bundle your policies: If you have other types of insurance policies, such as home or life insurance, bundling them with your auto insurance policy can result in discounts on your premiums.
- Increase your deductible: Raising your insurance deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in, can result in lower premiums. Just ensure you have the funds available to pay your deductible in case of an accident.
- Ask about discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts for various reasons, such as being a safe driver, having multiple vehicles insured with the same company, or taking a driver’s education course (for new drivers). Ask your insurance provider if you qualify for any discounts.
- Maintain a good driving record: Avoid traffic violations and accidents to demonstrate that you are a safe driver. A clean driving record can help lower your insurance rates over time.
- Choose a safe and reliable vehicle: Consider driving a vehicle with high safety ratings and is less likely to be involved in accidents or stolen.
It’s important to note that rates can vary depending on factors such as your driving history, vehicle type, and coverage levels you choose.
What happens if I drive without a licence in Pickering, Ontario?
Driving without a license in Pickering, Ontario, is illegal and can have serious consequences. If caught driving without a license, you may face penalties such as fines, demerit points on your driving record, and even a driver’s license suspension.
Additionally, driving without a license can impact your ability to obtain car insurance. Most insurance companies require that drivers have a valid driver’s license to be covered under a policy. Suppose you are involved in an accident while driving without a license. In that case, you can be held personally responsible for any damages or injuries and may not be covered by insurance.
It’s important to note that if you are a new driver in Ontario, there are restrictions on when and how you can drive. To obtain a driver’s license, you must complete a graduated licensing program, which includes passing a written test, a vision test, and a road test. You must also follow certain rules and restrictions during the first few years of driving, such as restrictions on the number of passengers you can carry and a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use while driving.
Who has the cheapest auto insurance in Pickering, Ontario?
Determining which insurance company has the cheapest auto insurance rates in Pickering is challenging, as insurance rates can vary depending on several factors, such as age, driving history, type of vehicle, coverage levels, and who else may drive your car. Therefore, the insurance company offering your coworker the cheapest rate may not have the cheapest rate for you.
Furthermore, every insurance company uses a different formula to calculate car insurance rates for each driver. Obtaining and comparing quotes and coverage options from multiple insurance providers is recommended to find the most affordable auto insurance rates. Be sure to compare the same coverage levels and deductibles to ensure an accurate comparison.
Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, bundling multiple insurance policies, or completing a defensive driving course. Speak with a trusted insurance broker, like one of our licenced insurance experts here at aha insurance, about any available discounts to help reduce your premiums.
What type of car insurance does aha insurance offer in Pickering?
At aha insurance, we offer a range of car insurance coverage options in Pickering, Ontario.
The mandatory coverage required by law in Ontario is third-party liability coverage, which protects you from financial loss if you are found responsible for causing injury or property damage to another person in an accident. We offer this coverage with the lowest available liability limit of $200,000, but we strongly recommend you increase your coverage to a higher limit. It’s common for policyholders to increase their limit to $1 or $2 million.
Accident benefits coverage provides compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other related expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
DCPD coverage covers property damage to your vehicle in an accident for which you are not at fault. This means that if you are involved in an accident, and another driver is found to be responsible, your insurance company will pay for the damages to your vehicle rather than having to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company to help simplify the claims process.
Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not 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 provide protection in hit-and-run accidents, where the other driver flees the scene and cannot be identified.
In addition, aha insurance also offers optional coverage options. These include collision coverage, which provides compensation for damage to your vehicle if you are in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, and comprehensive coverage, which provides compensation for damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
Furthermore, aha insurance offers additional coverage options that can be added to your policy, such as roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and loss of use coverage. To learn more about our additional coverage options, contact aha insurance today!
What factors affect my Pickering car insurance premium?
Several factors can affect your car insurance premium in Pickering, Ontario.
- Driving record: Your driving history can significantly impact your insurance rates. Drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations are considered a higher risk and may face higher premiums.
- Vehicle type: Your vehicle can affect your insurance rates. High-performance or high-risk vehicles typically cost more to insure than safer, more reliable vehicles.
- Age and gender: Younger drivers and male drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, so they may face higher insurance rates.
- Location: Where you live can also impact your insurance rates. Areas with higher rates of accidents, thefts, or vandalism may result in higher premiums.
- Insurance coverage levels: The amount of coverage you choose can also affect your insurance rates. Drivers who choose higher levels of coverage or lower deductibles may face higher premiums.
- Insurance history: Your insurance rates can also be influenced by your past insurance coverage, including any gaps in coverage or claims history.
- Deductible: The amount of your insurance deductible, which is the portion you are responsible for paying before your insurance coverage takes effect, can also impact your insurance premiums.
These factors may vary depending on the insurance company and your specific policy. That’s why it’s best to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options for your needs. Also, maintaining a safe driving record and reducing your risk can help keep your insurance rates low over time.
How do I get car insurance as a new driver in Pickering?
Getting car insurance as a new driver in Pickering, Ontario, is straightforward. Here are the steps you can take:
- Determine what coverage you need: All drivers in Ontario must have a minimum of third-party liability coverage, which provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage you may cause to other people in an accident. You can also choose to purchase additional coverage options such as collision, comprehensive, and accident benefits coverage.
- Gather the required information: To apply for car insurance, you will need to provide information such as your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, vehicle make and model, and driving history.
- Shop around for quotes: Get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options for your needs. Be sure to compare the same coverage levels and deductibles to ensure an accurate comparison.
- Apply for coverage: Once you have chosen an insurance provider, you can apply for coverage either online or by phone. You will need to provide the necessary information and pay the required premiums to activate your policy.
As a new driver, you may face higher insurance premiums due to your lack of driving experience. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk and demonstrate that you are a safe driver, which may help lower your rates over time. Learn about how you can reduce your car insurance premium in Ontario.
Are car insurance quotes free in Pickering?
Yes, car insurance quotes are typically free in Pickering, Ontario. Most insurance providers offer free quotes over the phone, allowing you to compare rates and coverage options from multiple providers.
When getting a quote, be sure to provide accurate information about your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, and the coverage levels you are looking for. This will help ensure that the quote is accurate and that you clearly understand what is included in the coverage.
We are among the earliest brokerages to introduce a completely online quotation process to Canadians. You can quickly obtain an online quote in 3 minutes, or you can choose to speak with one of our exceptional insurance brokers over the phone.
Fast facts about auto insurance in Pickering
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 Pickering, Ontario
Pickering is a classing GTA bedroom community that checks all the boxes for young professionals and established families. It’s far enough outside of Toronto to provide more affordable housing, but it doesn’t sit at the edge of the GTA’s limits.
Crime rates are reasonably low, and the average age of its residents just spills over 40, speaking to plenty of driving experience. It’s a good place to call home.
Low crime rates, great driving records, and safe vehicles go a long way toward lower auto insurance rates, but road exposure also counts for a lot—and that’s where Pickering sees its average auto rate slide into the upper-middle end of the spectrum.
Commuting for hours per day increases your risk of a collision substantially, especially during rush hour (and who isn’t commuting during rush hour?).
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 Pickering
Myth: If you move to Pickering then you can expect to work in Toronto.
With 33.46% of Pickering’s entire population commuting outside of the city itself for work on a daily basis, it’s very likely that you’ll end up working in Toronto if you live in Pickering. This one is definitely true.
Myth: Improvements to the 401 will improve the commute into Toronto.
Don’t bet on it any time soon. While the provincial government does have plans to improve the stretch of Highway 401 between Scarborough and Pickering, it won’t be completed until 2023 at the earliest. It also won’t reduce your annual commuting distance driven, so your car insurance rate won’t improve from this, either.
Myth: If you just leave earlier for work then you can skip the 401’s congestion.
Data from Statistics Canada shows that 27.28% of Pickering’s work force already leaves for work between 7:00 am and 7:59 am, which is more popular than any other departure time. Leave any earlier and you could find the office doors locked.
Myth: GO Transit stations are too crowded for you to use them.
You might just be in luck! GO Stations have parking spots reserved for car pool vehicles (with free permits), and Durham Region owns various parking lots specifically for car poolers, too. The region has also created dedicaed parking lots for car pool vehicles in various spots, so you don’t necessarily need to live right by the GO station to make it work.
How Pickering’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 on insurance and driving in Pickering
Live near the Pickering GO Station.
You can reduce your auto premiums significantly by reducing your annual commuting distance. That reduces your exposure to risk on the road, which is why should lower your rates (relative to every other factor on your car insurance policy.
In this case, taking the GO train into Toronto instead of driving on the 401 or Kingston Road will go a long way.
Avoid Pickering’s most dangerous intersections.
There are two intersections in Pickering that are simply more dangerous than the rest:
- Pickering Parkway and Brock Road
- Whites Road and Whites Road
Avoiding these two places will reduce your odds of a collision, helping to keep your driving record claims-free for as long as possible.
Carpool and use HOV lanes if you can’t take the GO train.
Driving instead of lounging on a train is the reality for most of us on our morning commute. More road exposure is a major factor in calculating an auto premium, making that more expensive for a city of long-distance commuters.
However, you can reduce your road exposure by carpooling with a friend or coworker, alternating days as the driver.
Sources for facts about Pickering:
- Statistics Canada, Pickering 2016 Census Profile
- Ministry of Transportation, 2016 Road Safety Report
- DurhamRegion.com, “Durham’s top 10 most dangerous intersections”
- Ontario.ca, “Ontario is Improving Highway 401 in Scarborough and Pickering”
- CBC News, “Life in the HOV lane: video shows driver pass by 800 vehicles from Toronto to Oakville”
- GO Transit, “Carpool Parking”
- Durham.ca, “Carpooling”
Source for average insurance rates by city:
- Survey of 2,800 auto insurance policy holders in Ontario
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