Cheap Hamilton Car Insurance Quotes
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- How does Hamilton auto insurance work?
- Mandatory & optional coverages in Hamilton
- How much does car insurance in Hamilton cost?
- Hamilton car insurance rates by postal code
- How to get the cheapest Hamilton car insurance quote
- Factors that influence your Hamilton auto insurance premium
- Tips to get cheap car insurance quotes in Hamilton
- Hamilton auto insurance frequently asked questions
How does Hamilton auto insurance work?
Auto insurance for Hamilton drivers is a mandatory requirement just like anywhere in Ontario. Hamilton auto insurance is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). The Financial Services Regulatory Authority monitors agents and businesses in Hamilton that sell automobile insurance to make sure they follow all legislative guidelines and rules. FSRA allows them to cover their operating cost, future claims from consumers and their own profit in the proposed rates, while making sure that the rates are reasonable for consumers.
Enforcing the law of the road
Vehicle owners, lessees, and drivers who do not carry valid auto insurance can be subject to a hefty fine ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 on the first instance. If you are found driving without valid auto insurance, you can have your driver's licence suspended and your vehicle seized on the second or subsequent instance. The Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act requires every owner or lessee of a motor vehicle to insure that vehicle if it is being operated on the road. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), along with the Ministry of Transportation and local police services, enforce that Act by prosecuting offences in court and by imposing fines on those violating the rules.
No-fault car insurance
In Ontario, drivers involved in an accident can each file claims to their respective auto insurance providers for getting coverage for the damage caused to their vehicle due to the collision or to cover cost of injury if any. This is called first-party claim or more commonly known as "no-fault" insurance. Unlike its name, no-fault insurance does not mean that the driver is not at fault. It only means that insurance companies will take their time to assess the damage and conclude who the at-fault driver is. Sometimes, only one driver is at-fault for an accident and the other is deemed to be not-at-fault. Other times, both drivers can be found to be at-fault to varying degrees.
Fault determination
If your insurance company determines you're at-fault partially or entirely, and you have collision coverage, you'll need to pay the deductible to repair the damage to your car before your insurance provider pays. An at-fault collision will remain on your driving record for up to six years, and it will affect your premium. That means your existing insurance provider may raise your premium at renewal unless you have an accident-forgiveness endorsement on your policy. If you do, your premium won’t go up, but if you have another collision, there will be no accident forgiveness for a second incident.
Since a fault determination goes on your driving record, other insurers will be aware of it, and they too may quote you a higher premium if you change companies. However, some insurers may be more forgiving than others, so it’s worthwhile to shop around for policies and premiums to find the lowest rate.
Mandatory & optional coverages in Hamilton
| Insurance type | Mandatory overage | Optional/ Additional Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Liability | $200,000 minimum. Provides coverage in the event of a lawsuit resulting from an accident where you are at fault. | Coverage can be increased to $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million, with up to $2 million limit. |
| Direct Compensation-Property Damage (DC-PD) | Covers damage to your car, or loss of use of your vehicle, if someone else is at fault. Must involve another insured vehicle. | For additional vehicle coverage, including for when you are at-fault, consider collision coverage. |
| Uninsured Automobile Insurance | Provides up to $200,000 in coverage if you are injured or killed by an uninsured driver, or if your vehicle is damaged as a result of a hit-and-run by an unidentified, uninsured motorist. | Family Protection Coverage is an optional coverage that includes additional coverage of up to $1 million in the case of a hit-and-run by an uninsured motorist. |
| Statutory Accident Benefits | Provides coverage if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Covers medical expenses that aren’t covered by OHIP. | Coverage limits can be increased. |
| Collision Coverage (Also Upset Coverage) | Optional | Covers the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle following a collision with another vehicle, an object, or property. |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Optional | Covers damages caused by named perils identified under the Specified Perils coverage, as well as losses from other perils like falling or flying objects, theft, fire, hail, windstorms, missiles, and vandalism. |
| Specified Perils Coverage | Optional | Covers damages caused by named perils such as theft, attempted theft, explosions, natural disasters like fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, rising water, earthquakes, and other perils specified in your policy. Specified perils do not cover damages due to vandalism, breakage of glass, etc. |
| All-Perils Coverage | Optional | Combines collision/upset and comprehensive coverage. Also, provides additional protection if a household member or an employee steals your vehicle. |
| OPCF 20: Coverage for Transportation Replacement | Optional | Covers the cost of your transportation replacement and rental car insurance if you were to get into a car accident or if your vehicle is stolen. |
| OPCF 27: Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s) | Optional | Covers if you damage a borrowed or rental vehicle. The coverage limit is usually around $25,000 to $50,000. |
| OPCF 39: Accident Waiver/Forgiveness | Optional | Protect your premium from rising when you have your first at-fault accident. |
How much does car insurance in Hamilton cost?
Auto insurance premium varies from driver to driver, depending upon various factors like driving pattern and history, neighbourhood, the type of car, crime rate, among others. The city of Hamilton is densely populated and without a doubt it has a significantly big driving population. However, compared with other big cities of Ontario, the average auto insurance premium a Hamilton driver pays is far less than a driver from Vaughan, Ajax, Toronto, Mississauga or Brampton. On an average, a Hamilton driver pays $1,564 annually for car insurance.
| City | Average car insurance premium 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vaughan | $2,179 | |
| Ajax | $2,104 | |
| Richmond Hill | $2,025 | |
| Brampton | $1,976 | |
| Mississauga | $1,971 | |
| Pickering | $1,959 | |
| Toronto | $1,953 | |
| Oshawa | $1,833 | |
| Whitby | $1,792 | |
| Nobleton | $1,766 | |
| Hamilton | $1,564 |
Hamilton ranks 30 among the highest premium paying cities in Ontario, with Vaughan drivers paying the highest auto premium at $2,179 annually in 2021. Drivers from other Ontario cities like Ajax, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Mississauga, Pickering, Toronto, contribute to the list of highest auto premiums paid annually in the province. Some reasons why Hamilton auto insurance is cheaper than other Ontario cities, could be less crime rate, car thefts, car accidents and better driving patterns.
Hamilton car insurance rates by postal code
Some Hamilton neighbourhoods have lower average automobile premiums than the others in Hamilton. For instance, a driver living in Creekside Drive (Dundas) pays $1,368 on an average each year. This is significantly lower than a driver living at Cannon Street East or Cumberland Avenue in Hamilton who ends up paying $1,932 every year due to different driving patterns in the neighbourhood.
| Location | Postal Code | Average Premium 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Burland Crescent | L8H0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Rolling Lane | L8K0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Cannon Street East | L8L0A2 | $1,932.00 |
| Cumberland Avenue | L8M0A1 | $1,932.00 |
| Frid Street | L8N0A3 | $1,481.00 |
| Longwood Road South | L8P0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| King William Street | L8R0A1 | $1,932.00 |
| University Ave | L8S0A1 | $1,378.00 |
| Po Box 99900 Rpo Fennel | L8T0A1 | $1,788.00 |
| Jeremiah Court | L8V0A3 | $1,481.00 |
| Jonathon Court | L8W0A1 | $1,597.00 |
| Colin Crescent | L9A0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Stone Church Road West | L9B0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Chester Avenue | L9C0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Silver Maple Drive, Anacaster | L9G0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Landscapes Trail, Anacaster | L9K0A1 | $1,481.00 |
| Creekside Drive, Dundas | L9H0A1 | $1,368.00 |
| Seabreeze Crescent, Stoney Creek | L8E0A2 | $1,582.00 |
| Dover Drive, Stoney Creek | L8G0A2 | $1,481.00 |
| Cornerstone Drive, Stoney Creek | L8J0A1 | $1,481.0 |
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Age, gender and marital status
A driver’s age has a big impact on the premium he or she pays to the auto insurance provider. Drivers in the age group of 16-21, especially males, pay the highest auto insurance premium due to driving patterns. Auto insurance premiums decrease in the mid-twenties and the price gap between men and women drivers fades out by age 30. Rates are the lowest for drivers in their 50s and 60s. In Ontario, while nonbinary drivers are offered female rates, married drivers are perceived as being at lower risk to insure.
Vehicle type
Base model cars tend to fetch lower insurance premiums than ones with luxury trim. This is because basic cars parts are cheaper to repair and replace in case of damage due to collision. When shopping for a new car, remember to factor in insurance costs when deciding between make and models.
Neighbourhood
Your postal code is a significant factor in determining your insurance premium. Insurance companies group drivers by geographic location and examine claims activity within those boundaries. A reckless driver in your neighbourhood could affect your rate. More claims make the rates increase, while fewer claims could help decrease your premium over time.
Driving history
Any convictions under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act will affect your premiums. Over speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving without a driver’s license can all lead to conviction and further increase in your auto insurance premium. In Ontario, convictions stay on your insurance record for six years, so protect your driving record.
Your insurance history
If you have many claims on your insurance history, you are likely to be paying a higher premium than others. Traffic convictions have a large impact on your insurance history. Also, failure to pay your auto insurance premiums on time can damage your credibility with your insurer and lead to a massive increase in your premium. It can also result in the cancellation of your policy, which will make finding cheap insurance with another provider nearly impossible.
Another thing that can trigger cancellation driving for a rideshare app without informing your insurer. All rideshare apps offer commercial insurance to drivers, but you're still obligated to let the provider of your personal policy know about your intention to start a new side hustle.
Optional coverages in your policy
Besides the mandatory auto insurance coverage — liability, accident, uninsured driver, and property damage — any additional coverage you choose to enhance your policy will raise your premium.
Your policy's deductibles
A deductible is an amount you agree to pay before your insurance company kicks in with the benefit detailed in your policy. Insurers will lower your premium if you increase a deductible since you’re demonstrating that you're willing to shoulder a greater portion of the cost. If you’re bundling with other insurance products, such as home insurance Insurance companies will reward you for giving them more business by bundling your home and auto policies.
The company’s own insurance claims history
Insurance companies have to ensure they have enough in their coffers to meet their obligations to their policyholders in the present and in the future. That’s why insurance companies are one of the most fiscally conservative entities in the financial marketplace. If insurers observe that they’re paying out more claims than what they’re taking in from payments (tracked using a metric known as the ‘combined ratio’), they will need to increase premiums for their customers.
Sample car insurance quotes completed for drivers in Hamilton, Ontario
Below are real quotes that were recently completed on InsuranceHotline.com by drivers living in Hamilton, Ontario
Male, age 54, Hamilton, ON
Driving: 2015 Ford F150
Current Rate: $2,567
Lowest Rate Available: $2,282
Insurance Company: RBC Insurance
Annual Savings: $285
Female, age 25, Hamilton, ON
Driving: 2010 Honda Civic 4DR
Current Rate: $2,986
Lowest Rate Available: $2,476
Insurance Company: Economical Insurance
Annual Savings: $510
Male, age 35, Hamilton, ON
Driving: 2016 Ford Mustang
Current Rate: $2,647
Lowest Rate Available: $2,192
Insurance Company: ING Insurance
Annual Savings: $455
Female, age 40, Hamilton, ON
Driving: 2013 Toyota Prius
Current Rate: $2,291
Lowest Rate Available: $1,816
Insurance Company: Chieftain Insurance
Annual Savings: $475
Female, Age 31, Hamilton, ON
Driving: 2016 Kia Forte ex 4DR
Current Rate: $2,279
Lowest Rate Available: $1,691
Insurance Company: PC Financial Insurance Brokers
Savings: $588
Male, Age 41, Hamilton, ON
Driving: 2016 BMW 550
Current Rate: $2,475
Lowest Rate Available: $1,894
Insurance Company: Johnson
Savings: $581
Shop around for Hamilton auto insurance quotes from the comfort of your couch
Have you ever noticed how the insurance quotes that companies offer can vary by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars? For many Hamilton drivers, this range offers an opportunity for you to save big on your car insurance.
The key is to find the insurance company that has the lowest rate available. Traditionally, this would mean phoning or emailing all the Hamilton car insurance companies you could think of individually to obtain each quote, which is no doubt a time consuming and monotonous process. We know that's not the most efficient way to get cheaper car insurance in Hamilton.
InsuranceHotline.com exists to solve this problem. By providing you with instant online car insurance quotes, you can compare rates from a broad cross-section of the available insurance companies in Hamilton. It's our way of helping you and your family save money and time. Get a quote that is 26% less than the average market rate.*
Plus, it's easy! Complete a free quote to compare car insurance quotes today and see for yourself how simple it is to save.
*Based on the difference between the average lowest auto insurance premium and overall average auto insurance premium from our site in 2019.
Tips to get cheap car insurance quotes in Hamilton
Saving on car insurance is easier than you think. These 10 tips help ensure you’re getting the cheapest Hamilton car insurance rate:
Shop around
InsuranceHotline.com shoppers in Hamilton saved an average of $774.90* on their car insurance premiums by comparing quotes from over 50 insurance companies in Canada.
Increase deductibles
If it fits your budget, increase your deductibles from $500 to $1,000 to save 5 to 10% on your Hamilton car insurance.
Lump sum payment
A single annual payment can help the insurance company reduce the administrative fees associated with charging and processing monthly payments.
Bundle all policies
You can save anywhere from 5 to 15% off each policy when you bundle your home and car insurance under the same insurance provider, which means you're getting the cheapest Hamilton car insurance and the cheapest Hamilton home insurance too. Simply select the bundling option when completing your home or auto quote to unlock these savings.
Insure all vehicles
Save 10 to 20% when you insure all your vehicles under the same policy.
Change tires seasonally
Let your insurer know if you have winter tires. A winter tire discount could save you about 5%.
Compare annually
Renewal time is the best time to save as you won’t have to pay a penalty for terminating your policy early. Compare rates annually and get rid of coverages you no longer need.
Use a telematics device
Allow your insurer to monitor your driving habits and they will reward you with a reduced rate, sometimes as much as 25% off the standard price.
Ask about discounts
You’re a savvy city-dweller, but don’t be afraid to ask about discounts you might be eligible for, including alumni and claims-free savings.
Driver’s education
Are you a new driver, or is your child almost ready to take the wheel? Consider an accredited driver’s education course to save on Hamilton car insurance.
Hamilton auto insurance frequently asked questions
Find an answer here to every question on your mind about Hamilton auto insurance.
Why am I getting different car insurance rates from different insurance companies?
No two auto insurance companies will offer you the same rate.
Insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage, which means you can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around. A few extra bucks in saving hurt no one!
How can I find the cheapest car insurance in Hamilton?
The best way to find the cheapest car insurance for your needs is by shopping around. It is in your best interest to speak with different insurance providers to get the best rate as per your requirements. InsuranceHotline.com helps you find the lowest price on your auto insurance available through its network of more than 30 insurance brokers and agents in one simple step.
Is car insurance in Hamilton cheaper than Brampton?
Yes. Average car insurance in Brampton in 2021 was $1,976, which is higher than Hamilton’s average of $1,564.
Which Hamilton insurance company offers cheapest car insurance?
It is hard to point at one company and say it offers the cheapest insurance rate. No two auto insurance companies will offer you the same rate. The premium also depends on various factors such as your driving history, neighbourhood, among others. It is in your best interest to shop around and identify an insurance provider who offers you the best rate for your needs. InsuranceHotline.com helps you find the lowest price on your auto insurance available through its network of more than 30 insurance brokers and agents in one simple step.
Is it cheaper to buy auto insurance directly with insurance company than brokers?
A broker sells insurance, but they're not tied to an insurance company. A broker can help you shop around by getting quotes from multiple companies, but they charge fees for their services, which could diminish any savings you may find by working with them. They earn commission from insurance companies; however, the law prevents brokers from recommending one insurance company over another if it's not in your best interest.
An insurance agent, on the other hand, is an employee of an insurance company and they can only show you the products from the company that employs them. The upside is that agents always have the most up-to-date information on the company's latest products and discounts. Agents also work on commission, but unlike brokers who must work with insurance companies to complete a policy purchase, insurance agents have the power to complete the sale on their own.
The decision rests on you, and as mentioned above, it is better to shop around to save some extra bucks.
