Choosing the best car insurance in Ontario has never been more complex than it is in 2026. With the province undergoing the most significant regulatory overhaul in a generation, switching to an “à la carte” model on July 1, 2026, drivers now have more choices, but also more risks.
If you are looking for car insurance quotes in Ontario, you aren’t just looking for the lowest number; you’re looking for a balance between affordability and the protection you need in the event of an accident.
The Top 10 Best Car Insurance Companies in Ontario (2026)
Based on customer satisfaction, claims handling, and competitive Ontario car insurance rates, here are the top 10 providers for 2026:
- The Co-operators: Frequently ranked #1 for customer satisfaction, they are the go-to for those who value personalized service and a smooth claims process.
- CAA Insurance: Known for its unique “Pay-As-You-Drive” program (CAA MyPace), it is often the cheapest car insurance in Ontario for low-mileage drivers.
- The Personal: A leader in group rates. If you are a member of a professional association or an alumnus of an Ontario university, this is usually your best bet for deep discounts.
- Belairdirect: Their “automerit” telematics program is one of the most advanced, offering up to 25% savings for safe drivers who don’t mind an app tracking their habits.
- RBC Insurance: Excellent for those who already bank with RBC, offering massive multi-policy discounts when bundling home and auto.
- Intact Insurance: As the largest provider in Canada, Intact offers the most robust coverage options, including specialized protection for Uber/Lyft drivers.
- TD Insurance: Highly accessible with one of the best car insurance calculators and digital quote tools in the industry.
- Desjardins Insurance: A strong contender for digital-first users, offering a seamless mobile experience for managing claims and policies.
- Economical Insurance: Known for competitive pricing through the broker channel, often winning on price for standard drivers in the GTA.
- Aviva Canada: A pioneer in the EV space, offering specialized coverage for electric vehicle owners and green car discounts.
The 2026 “À La Carte” Revolution: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario is moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” insurance model. This is the biggest “hook” for drivers this year.
What’s Changing? Previously, benefits like income replacement and caregiver benefits were mandatory. Now, they are optional. Only medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits remain mandatory.
- The Pro: You can significantly lower your premium by opting out of benefits you don’t need (e.g., if you already have great workplace disability coverage).
- The Con: If you opt out of “Income Replacement” to save $15 a month and get injured, you could face financial ruin.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Ontario
To secure the best auto insurance rates, follow this 2026 checklist:
- Leverage Telematics: Programs like automerit or Signal use your smartphone to track braking and acceleration. Safe drivers are seeing discounts of 10% to 30%.
- Bundle and Save: Combining your home and auto insurance Ontario with one provider can save you up to 15% on both.
- Update Your Commute: With hybrid work being the norm in 2026, ensure your broker knows if your annual mileage has decreased.
- Compare Every Year: Loyalty rarely pays in insurance. Use a car insurance quote comparison tool every 12 months to ensure you aren’t overpaying.
Final Verdict
The best car insurance in Ontario for 2026 isn’t necessarily the one with the loudest commercials. It’s the one that allows you to customize your “à la carte” benefits without leaving you underinsured. For most drivers, The Co-operators and CAA remain the gold standard for reliability and value.
