Insurance Has Increased 12 Percent in Ottawa, Here’s Why

The average premium for Ottawa car insurance has increased 12 percent in 2019. The trends are generally continuing upwards across Ontario, as insurance companies continue to payout in increasing amounts.

Insights Into Ottawa Insurance Rates 
Your insurance premium is primarily based on your personal driving record and insurance history, although there are some interesting external correlations that can influence insurance rates.

Why Do Rates Go Up?

Insurers raise rates to combat the costs associated with car repairs, claims and insurance fraud across the province. Auto insurance fraud alone costs Canadians over a billion dollars a year. Ottawa insurance rates also tend to fluctuate based on the total number of fatal collisions in the previous year. InsuranceHotline.com data combined with data released by the City of Ottawa shows that the cost of premiums rise or fall almost in lock-step with the numbers of fatal collisions in the year prior. When fatal collisions in the city fell from 29 to 22 in 2016, for example, car insurance in Ottawa fell 11.25 percent. In 2017 fatalities increased, and in 2019 insurance is up. However, 2018 saw a drop in fatal crashes, so it is possible we will see a slight reduction in rates in early 2020.

Tips to Save 

Do you Qualify for Discounts?

There are many discounts insurance companies provide, most you wouldn’t know existed. There is a Good Student Discount, Student Away at School Discount, alumni discounts, union discounts, and more along those lines. Ask your provider for a list to see how you can save.

Most popular discounts for Ottawa drivers:

  • Carleton University Students
  • Carleton University Alumni Association
  • Algonquin College Alumni Association
  • University of Ottawa Alumni Association
  • University of Ottawa Students

Find the Best Car Insurance Rates

Compare car insurance quotes from 50+ providers in a single search. Start saving money today on the premiums you pay.

Bundle

Bundling home and car insurance can save you anywhere from 5 to 15 percent on your policy or policies.

Pay Upfront 

Some insurance companies reward you for paying your premium all at once. The money the company saves in administration fees, associated with monthly payments, ultimately trickles down to you in the form of a discount.

Drive Safely

A good driving record can keep your premiums low. At-fault accidents and tickets can increase your premiums costing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. If you have  a family member who is a high-risk driver on your policy you may want to think about removing them from your insurance.

Ottawa has some pretty safe drivers, with 84 percent having had no accidents in the past 10 years.

Compare Quotes

It is always important to compare car insurance quotes. With the increase in premiums, are you sure you’re still getting the best deal? InsuranceHotline.com has saved the average Ottawa driver $282.55 on car insurance.

How Can I Get Cheaper Car Insurance in the Future?

Sign up for the InsuranceHotline.com rate alert service, to be notified when cheaper car insurance rates become available. You can sign up for the service when prompted during the quoting process and can be alerted every three to six months depending on your preferences.