Car Insurance Rates by Province Canada 2025

A province-by-province comparison of average auto insurance premiums, systems, and key rules.

Complete Provincial Rate Comparison

Province/Territory	Avg Annual Premium	System Type	Min Liability
Ontario	~$1,920	Private	$200,000
British Columbia	~$1,832	ICBC (public)	$200,000
Alberta	~$1,779	Private (grid)	$200,000
Saskatchewan	~$1,200	SGI (public)	$200,000
Nova Scotia	~$1,050	Private	$500,000
Manitoba	~$1,050	MPI (public)	$200,000
New Brunswick	~$980	Private	$200,000
PEI	~$800	Private	$200,000
Newfoundland	~$1,150	Private	$200,000
Quebec	~$717	Hybrid (SAAQ + private)	$50,000 property

Ontario — Highest Private Market Rates

Ontario drivers pay the highest average premiums in Canada due to a high volume of fraud, dense urban traffic, and a complex accident benefits system regulated by FSRA. The province operates a private insurance market with dozens of licensed insurers competing. Mandatory coverages include third-party liability, accident benefits, direct compensation property damage (DCPD), and uninsured automobile coverage. Drivers in the Greater Toronto Area often pay 30–50% more than the provincial average.

BC — ICBC Public Monopoly

British Columbia's Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC) holds a monopoly on basic auto insurance. In 2021, ICBC shifted to an Enhanced Care model that dramatically reduced premiums for many drivers by moving to a no-fault benefits system. Basic rates are set by the BC Utilities Commission. Drivers can purchase optional coverage (collision, comprehensive, extended third-party liability) directly from ICBC or from private insurers including Intact, Wawanesa, and BCAA.

Alberta — Private with Minor Injury Grid

Alberta uses a private market with unique regulation: a "grid" system caps settlements for minor injuries (strains, sprains, WAD) at $5,965 for 2024. This cap has helped control premiums compared to Ontario, but rates remain high due to hail events, theft, and urban density in Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta drivers can shop multiple insurers and should compare at every renewal.

Quebec — Lowest Rates via Hybrid System

Quebec's SAAQ (Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec) covers all bodily injury arising from automobile accidents under a public plan funded by driver registration fees and license fees. Property damage and vehicle damage must be purchased from private insurers. Because bodily injury — the most expensive insurance risk — is socialized, private premiums are much lower. The average Quebecer pays roughly one-third of what an Ontario driver pays annually.

Public Province Basics: MB, SK

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) operate similarly — mandatory basic coverage is purchased through the public insurer when you register your vehicle. Rates are based on the vehicle type rather than the driver's profile (no surcharge for age or experience in the basic tier in Manitoba). Optional coverage can be added through MPI/SGI or private insurers.

Atlantic Canada

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland all use private insurance markets. Nova Scotia requires a minimum of $500,000 third-party liability — double most other provinces. New Brunswick and PEI have implemented minor injury caps similar to Alberta's. Newfoundland tends to have slightly higher rates than other Atlantic provinces due to road conditions and higher vehicle repair costs.