Auto insurance, explained province by province
Every province requires auto insurance before a car can be driven, but what is mandatory, who sells it and what it costs vary widely. Ontario and Alberta drivers buy from private insurers; British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba run public plans for basic coverage; Quebec splits injury coverage between the province and private insurers.
Bima explains the pieces in plain language, shows indicative ranges based on your province, vehicle class, age and claims history, and connects you with a licensed advisor who confirms the final premium.
Free, about 3 minutes, no obligation
The coverages that make up a policy
Most Canadian auto policies are built from a few standard parts:
- Third-party liability: required everywhere, covering injury or damage you cause to others; most drivers carry one to two million dollars
- Accident benefits: your own medical, rehabilitation and income replacement after a crash, regardless of fault
- Collision: repairs to your own vehicle after an at-fault accident
- Comprehensive: theft, fire, vandalism, hail and other non-collision damage
- Uninsured motorist and optional endorsements such as rental car or loss of use
What drives your rate
Insurers weigh where you live and park, the vehicle's class and repair cost, your age and years licensed, your driving and claims record, annual kilometres and how the car is used. Newcomers can often have foreign driving experience recognised with a letter from their previous insurer or licensing authority, which can lower the premium significantly.
Ways to pay less without cutting corners
Bundling auto with tenant or home coverage, raising the deductible on collision and comprehensive, choosing a vehicle with lower repair costs, completing a recognised driver training course, and asking about usage-based or winter-tire discounts all lower premiums with carriers that offer them. A licensed advisor can tell you which apply in your province.
Bima shows indicative rate ranges calculated from published carrier tables. They are estimates only. A licensed advisor confirms your final premium before anything is bound.
Auto insurance questions, answered
Can Bima quote auto insurance in every province?
Bima shows indicative ranges for the provinces its carriers serve. In provinces with public basic coverage, the range applies to the optional and top-up coverage a private insurer can provide.
I just moved to Canada. Will my driving record count?
Often, yes. Many insurers accept a driving history letter from your previous country or insurer. Your advisor can tell you what documentation a specific carrier accepts.
Are Bima's auto insurance ranges final?
No. They are indicative ranges from published carrier tables. A licensed advisor confirms the premium after reviewing your driving record and vehicle details.