With a population of almost 600,000 people, Kingston is situated midway between Toronto and Montreal. Kingston boasts beautiful waters and islands and is home to many heritage sites. With a stable and diverse economy, particularly in healthcare, post-secondary education, manufacturing, and tourism, Kingston is a great place to be.
As a Kingston resident, you are likely in the process of buying a new car, recently bought a new car, or looking at getting a different car insurance policy. Car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in Ontario. We have some of Canada’s strictest insurance regulations and most expensive insurance premiums compared to other provinces.
By law, all vehicles registered in the Kingston area must carry at a minimum mandatory car insurance coverage of:
- Third-party liability coverage of a minimum of $200,000.
- Accident benefits to recover from collision injuries.
- Uninsured motorist coverage of minimum $200,000 for accidents by an uninsured driver.
- Direct compensation coverage for damages if someone else is at fault.
Drivers purchasing car insurance in Kingston, Ontario can also choose among the optional insurance coverage available, which includes:
- Collision insurance coverage.
- Comprehensive car insurance coverage.
- All perils.
- Specified perils.
Best Car Insurance Rates in Kingston Ontario
Finding the best car insurance rate for your specific needs is important. After all, owning a car and purchasing car insurance is a long-term and pricey commitment. When searching for the best car insurance rates in Kingston, Ontario, it’s important to look at a balance between your budget and coverage needs. You don’t want to break the bank and pay more than you can afford, but you also don’t want to cheap out on coverage.
Insurance rates and regulations are monitored by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO), but there are tons of tools you can use to find the best car insurance rate that fits your driving needs and budget.
Some of the factors that can affect your car insurance rate include:
- Vehicle make, model, and year.
- Your age and whether you are a new driver.
- The claims and accident history.
- Your driving and insurance history.
- How much mileage you drive each year.
- The purpose of your vehicle – i.e., pleasure or business.
- Coverage amount.
- Type of car insurance you buy – i.e., collectors car insurance, high risk car insurance, commercial car insurance, etc.
Insurance companies have different ways of evaluating these factors to determine your risk profile and whether you are an acceptable client to insure. Your driver’s abstract and payment history will also be reviewed to determine whether you are a safe driver and have the ability to pay premiums on time.
If you are someone with many driving infractions, poor payment history, and not many years of driving experience, you could be considered a risky client.