Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Ontario, CA

Ontario, CA is located in San Bernardino County and has a population of around 180,000 residents. As the drivers of Ontario know, having auto insurance is mandatory in the state of California. All motorists are required to carry a minimum level of liability coverage. However, most experts recommend drivers carry more than just basic liability insurance to properly protect themselves in the event of an accident.

When shopping for car insurance in Ontario, there are many factors that come into play that can affect your rates, including:

• Your age and driving record
• The type of vehicle you drive
• Your credit score
• Your desired coverage limits
• Your deductible amount

To find the best deal on auto insurance in Ontario, it pays to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers. Here’s an overview of how to find cheap car insurance quotes in Ontario and what you need to know as you shop for a policy.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Ontario

Drivers in Ontario pay an average of $51 per month for minimum liability coverage and $201 per month for full coverage, according to 2021 data.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Premiums in Ontario, CA

Full coverage includes collision, comprehensive and liability coverage. Minimum liability only includes the state-required liability coverage.

While Ontario’s average premiums give you a general idea of cost, your actual rates will depend on your personal factors. For example:

• Teenage drivers usually pay the highest rates, around $162 per month for minimum coverage in Ontario.
• Drivers with accidents or tickets on their record will pay more than the average rate.
• The type of car you drive can raise or lower your premium.

Comparing personalized quotes is the best way to find cheap car insurance tailored to your situation.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Ontario

To legally drive in Ontario, you must carry liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements:

• $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $5,000 property damage liability

However, experts caution that these minimums may not be enough to cover all potential accident costs. Many recommend choosing higher liability limits for better protection.

How Insurance Companies Set Rates in Ontario

Insurance companies take several factors into account when setting auto insurance premiums for drivers in Ontario:

• Driving record – Expect higher rates if you have accidents, traffic tickets, or a DUI on your record.

• Vehicle type – Insuring a sports car or luxury vehicle costs more than insuring an economy sedan.

• Geography – Your zip code helps determine your premium. Urban areas tend to have higher rates.

• Credit – Insurers use credit-based insurance scores as a factor in setting premiums. Good credit usually equals lower rates.

• Coverage and deductible – The more coverage you buy and the lower your deductibles, the more you’ll pay.

• Driving habits – Your annual mileage and commute can impact your rate. More mileage equals higher premiums.

• Age – Teen drivers pay the highest rates due to lack of experience. Rates start decreasing around age 25.

• Gender – Statistically males pay more for coverage compared to females. However, this factor has a minimal impact on premiums.

California bans insurers from using certain factors that seem unfair or discriminatory, such as gender and credit. However, insurers can still use neutral factors that correlate with risk, like miles driven per year.

Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance in Ontario

While buying minimum liability coverage is one way to get cheap car insurance quotes, Ontario drivers can find discounts and deals to reduce their premiums even further.

Here are some top tips for finding the lowest auto insurance rates in Ontario:

• Shop around – Compare quotes from at least 3 top insurers to find the cheapest rate for your situation. Rates can vary widely between insurers.

• Maintain good credit – Insurers favor customers with credit scores above 700. Keeping your credit score high can help lower your premium.

• Ask about discounts – Take advantage of any discounts you qualify for such as good driver, low mileage, paid-in-full, good student, defensive driver, multi-policy, and more.

• Raise deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles like $500 or $1,000 means you pay more out-of-pocket but your premiums are lower.

• Limit your mileage – Choosing a low-mileage limit if you don’t drive often can score you a lower rate.

• Buy only what you need – Skip unnecessary add-ons to keep your premium affordable.

Top Auto Insurance Companies in Ontario

Choosing a top-rated insurer known for competitive pricing, discounts and strong financial strength is key to getting a good value on coverage. Here are some of the best auto insurance companies offering policies in Ontario based on ratings:

AM Best assessments demonstrate an insurer’s financial strength and ability to pay claims. J.D. Power ratings reflect overall customer satisfaction scores.

State Farm

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S. and a strong choice for Ontario drivers thanks to its affordability, choice of discounts and high marks for customer service and claims handling. State Farm offers standard coverages as well as options like rideshare coverage and roadside assistance. Available discounts include:

• Good driver discount
• Defensive driving discount
• Accident-free discount
• Good student discount
• Steer clear discount
• Away at school discount

AAA

AAA is another leading insurance provider in Ontario distinguished by its roadside assistance offerings packaged with auto insurance. Members can access perks like battery replacement, locksmith services, tire changes and towing through AAA.

For auto insurance, AAA offers the usual coverages along with accident forgiveness, new car replacement and OEM parts coverage. Discounts include:

• Multi-car discount
• Multi-policy discount
• Defensive driver discount
• Good student discount
• Loyalty discount
• Paid-in-full discount

Geico

Geico is the second largest auto insurer in the U.S. and a competitive choice for Ontario drivers. Geico offers standard coverages as well as mechanical breakdown insurance, rideshare coverage and emergency roadside assistance. Some of their common discounts include:

• Good driver discount
• Defensive driver discount
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Multi-policy discount
• Good student discount
• Vehicle safety features discount

Geico also has a mobile app that allows customers to easily manage their policy. Their online account management and claims tools also make the insurer popular.

How to Buy Auto Insurance in Ontario

When you’re ready to buy a policy, getting quotes online or over the phone is quick and convenient. Here are some tips for purchasing auto insurance:

• Compare quotes – Get quotes from at least three leading insurers to compare pricing. Be sure to compare the same coverage limits and deductibles.

• Check discounts – Ask each insurer about all possible discounts you may qualify for to save the most money.

• Consider extras – Decide if you want any add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement or rideshare coverage. This can increase your premium but provide greater protection.

• Pick coverage limits and deductible – Higher liability limits and lower deductibles raise your premium but also give you greater protection financially. Evaluate your budget to find the optimal balance.

• Check the policy details – Review the full policy contract once issued to ensure it provides the coverage you agreed on. Report any discrepancies immediately.

• Pay your bill – You can pay your premium annually, semi-annually, quarterly or monthly. Just make sure to pay by the due date to avoid cancellation.

How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

Aside from shopping around for the best rate, there are a few other ways Ontario drivers can potentially lower their insurance premiums:

• Ask for discounts – Make sure to inquire about all possible discounts you may be eligible for with each insurer. This includes multiple car, home-auto, good student, low mileage, defensive driver, good driver, and paid-in-full discounts.

• Improve your credit – Insurance scores based on your credit history are used to determine premiums. Maintaining excellent credit in the 720+ score range can help lower your rates.

• Buy a safer vehicle – Cars with the latest safety features tend to be cheaper to insure. Anti-theft devices can also score you a nice discount.

• Increase deductibles – Choosing a higher deductible of $500, $750,