How Long Does It Take to Get Car Insurance in Ontario?
Anyone who has spent their fair share of time on the road knows how vital auto insurance is. However, if you've recently earned your G-class license, then you may not be aware of all the nuances related to car insurance yet.
One of the most common questions that new drivers ask us is, "how long does it take to get car insurance in Ontario?". We are also frequently asked about when to shop around for car insurance, which is covered in more depth here.
START A QUOTEWhat is a car insurance policy?
Let's start with the basics — what exactly is an insurance policy?
For starters, an insurance policy is an agreement between a driver and an insurance company. If the driver makes monthly or annual payments, the insurance company will provide financial coverage in the event of an accident or event that results in physical damage to your vehicle (as long as you're not deemed at fault).
As you likely know, car insurance isn't free; you have to make regular payments in order to be eligible for coverage.
Everyone's premium is unique due to the fact that insurance providers offer various levels of coverage at differing prices. Feel free to shop around for a policy that suits your needs and works with your budget.
Is car insurance required in Ontario?
Yes, drivers in Ontario (and all other Canadian provinces) need to have auto insurance in order to drive legally. Getting caught without auto insurance in Ontario can lead to severe and expensive consequences, including a hefty fine.
Furthermore, if you get into a collision while driving without insurance, you'll not only have to pay the related fees, but you'll also be responsible for covering the vehicle damage. With this in mind, you can see why driving without insurance isn't a worthwhile risk, even in an emergency.
If you have a hard time keeping track of individual documents, you can download a copy of your auto insurance on your smartphone or a tablet. This means that you can always have a copy of your insurance on hand while you’re driving on Ontario roads.
How long does it take to get insurance on a car in Ontario?
Thankfully, getting auto insurance in Ontario is a relatively swift and straightforward process, regardless of the method you pick.
However, it's still beneficial for Ontarian drivers to be aware of the various options they have at their disposal. Knowing the different options makes it that much easier for you to make the right decision.
Go online (computer or smartphone)
If you want to obtain auto insurance as quickly as possible, then you should hop on your computer or smartphone. A recent American study shows that approximately 64% of drivers used their smartphones to purchase or learn about auto insurance.
Among many other insurance companies, we understand that you don't always have time to visit one of our locations. That's why we've created a state-of-the-art website that helps you find the right policy for you.
We've created a detailed and brief questionnaire that helps us find the right options for you. Within ten minutes, we can provide you with ten or more auto insurance quotes! With this in mind, you can see why so many drivers decide to purchase their auto insurance over their computer or smartphone; it's the fastest option by a mile (a little auto insurance humour).
App
Similarly, a handful of insurance providers allow drivers to find and purchase insurance over an app. Like websites, apps are fantastic for busy drivers that don't have the time to visit or call their local providers.
Using an app to purchase insurance generally takes between 10 and 15 minutes, making it a very speedy option for drivers that are constantly in a rush.
Phone conversation
If you're not particularly tech-savvy or don't feel comfortable sharing sensitive information over the internet, you can always give prospective insurance providers a call.
Although this option may not be as swift as the alternatives mentioned above, it has its perks. By having a conversation over the phone, you're able to ask specific questions about prospective policies and ask the provider to clarify details that you're unfamiliar with.
Purchasing auto insurance over the phone generally takes about 20 to 30 minutes, making it a relatively time-efficient option for drivers in Ontario.
In-person meeting
Despite the fact that it's the least time-efficient option on the list, we highly recommend scheduling an in-person meeting with prospective insurance providers.
There's something special about being able to meet with your insurance agent; not only does it give you a chance to ask specific questions, but it also gives you an opportunity to "size them up," so to speak. In other words, it allows you to get a better idea of how they do business.
It's hard to give an exact timeframe; however, we can say that in-person meetings tend to last anywhere from one to two hours.
When can you drive legally?
You can legally drive on Ontario roads immediately following the confirmation of your first auto insurance payment, regardless of the option you choose.
What do you need in order to purchase car insurance in Ontario?
Regardless of the option you decide to pick, you'll need to have the following documents and pieces of information on hand:
- Year of the vehicle
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Social insurance number (SIN)
- Driver's license (make sure it isn't expired)
- Banking information (to set up a direct payment system)
- Information regarding specific discounts you wish to apply for (for instance, if you want to apply for the post-secondary discount, you'll need to provide proof of enrollment)
So, how long does it take to get car insurance Ontario?
If you're a new driver in Ontario, buying auto insurance may seem like a daunting task. Thankfully, as you now know, purchasing auto insurance is a quick and easy process. Your personalized auto insurance policy is just a click, swipe, call or conversation away.
If you have any final questions about getting auto insurance, don't hesitate to set up a meeting with your insurance agent. Your insurance agent will be able to give you information about the various ways you can purchase auto insurance.
