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Serving your auto, home, business, and farm insurance needs, in Kingston Ontario, for over 40 years.
Kingston's Trusted Auto Insurance Broker for Over 40 Years
Finding the right auto insurance shouldn't be complicated or time-consuming. At Shaw Insurance, we make it simple by doing the shopping for you. As an independent insurance brokerage, we compare coverage and rates from multiple insurers to find you the best combination of protection and value—all with one phone call or online quote request.
We Shop, You Save
Unlike captive agents who represent a single insurance company, we represent you. We have relationships with numerous auto insurance carriers across Ontario, which means we can compare options side-by-side and negotiate on your behalf. Different insurers rate different drivers differently—someone who gets a high quote from one company might receive an excellent rate from another. We know which carriers are most competitive for different driver profiles and can quickly identify your best options.
Local Knowledge, Better Recommendations
We understand Kingston's unique driving environment. Winter conditions that challenge even experienced drivers, rural roads shared with farm equipment and wildlife, downtown parking and traffic congestion, and the mix of highway commuting on the 401 corridor all factor into proper coverage recommendations. We know which optional coverages matter most for Kingston-area drivers and where you can safely adjust coverage to reduce premiums without leaving yourself exposed.
Beyond the Renewal Notice
Auto insurance isn't something you should set and forget. Life changes—you buy a new vehicle, add a young driver to your policy, move to a different neighborhood, change your commute, or simply want to review your coverage after a few years. We conduct annual reviews to ensure you're still getting the best rates and appropriate coverage. We're proactive about identifying new discounts you qualify for and alerting you to opportunities to reduce your premiums.
Claims Support When Accidents Happen
Nobody wants to use their insurance, but when accidents occur, you need guidance. We help you navigate the claims process, explain your coverage, coordinate with adjusters, and advocate for fair treatment. You're not dealing with an automated phone system—you're working with a local broker who knows your file and cares about the outcome.
Bundling Advantages
One of the easiest ways to save on auto insurance is bundling it with your home, cottage, or business insurance. We specialize in creating multi-policy packages that deliver significant discounts while simplifying your insurance management with coordinated coverage and unified renewal dates.
Understanding Your Coverage Choices in Ontario
Ontario requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage, but understanding what's mandatory versus optional—and what protection you actually need—can be confusing. Here's a clear breakdown:
Third Party Liability
This is the foundation of every Ontario auto insurance policy and it's legally required. Liability coverage protects you financially if you injure someone or damage their property in an accident where you're at fault. The minimum required coverage in Ontario is $200,000, but this is dangerously low given today's medical costs and lawsuit judgments. We strongly recommend at least $1 million in liability coverage, and often suggest $2 million for optimal protection. The cost difference between $1 million and $2 million is surprisingly small—usually under $100 annually—making higher limits an easy decision.
Accident Benefits
Also called statutory accident benefits, this coverage pays for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, income replacement, and other benefits if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of who's at fault. Ontario's accident benefits provide baseline coverage, but you can enhance protection with optional increased limits for medical rehabilitation, income replacement, and caregiver benefits. We help you understand these options and select appropriate levels based on your situation, existing health coverage, and income.
Direct Compensation Property Damage
This coverage, unique to Ontario, pays for damage to your vehicle and its contents when you're not at fault in an accident. It's automatically included in all Ontario policies at no additional charge and ensures you don't have to wait for the at-fault driver's insurance to pay for your repairs.
Uninsured Automobile Coverage
This protects you if you're injured by a driver who doesn't have insurance or can't be identified (hit-and-run). It's automatically included at no additional cost and provides crucial protection given the surprising number of uninsured drivers on Ontario roads.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who's at fault. If you finance or lease your vehicle, lenders typically require collision coverage. Even if you own your vehicle outright, collision coverage provides valuable protection—particularly for newer vehicles or if you can't afford to replace your car out-of-pocket after an accident. You choose your deductible (typically $500-$2,500), which is what you pay before insurance covers the rest.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, hail, falling objects, glass breakage, and collisions with animals (surprisingly common on rural roads around Kingston). Like collision coverage, you select your deductible. Many people choose a lower deductible for comprehensive than collision since comprehensive claims are often beyond your control.
Rental Vehicle Coverage
If your car is being repaired after a covered claim, this coverage pays for a rental vehicle. Standard coverage typically provides $30-$50 per day for up to 30 days, though higher limits are available. This is particularly valuable if you depend on your vehicle for work or have no alternative transportation.
Roadside Assistance
Provides towing, battery boosts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout service. While you might have this through CAA or your vehicle manufacturer, adding it to your insurance policy is often more comprehensive and costs just $20-40 annually.
Loan/Lease Gap Protection
If your vehicle is totaled and you owe more on your loan or lease than the vehicle's actual value, gap insurance covers the difference. This is particularly important for new vehicles, which depreciate quickly, and for long-term financing where you're underwater on your loan for several years.
Limited Depreciation / New Vehicle Replacement
For vehicles less than two years old with low mileage, this coverage ensures you receive the cost of a new vehicle (not depreciated value) if your car is totaled. This protects you from the steep depreciation new vehicles experience in their first few years.
Family Protection Coverage
This optional coverage increases your accident benefits and provides additional compensation if you're injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver who doesn't have adequate coverage to compensate you for your injuries fully.
What Determines Your Rate in Ontario
Auto insurance pricing is complex, with insurers considering numerous factors when calculating your premium. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions and identify opportunities to reduce your costs:
Driving Record & Experience
Your driving history is one of the most significant rating factors. At-fault accidents, traffic violations, license suspensions, and even minor tickets impact your rates—some for three to six years. Conversely, clean driving records earn you significant discounts, with many insurers offering claims-free discounts after just one year without incidents. New drivers pay substantially higher premiums due to lack of experience, which gradually decreases with each year of safe driving.
Location & Postal Code
Where you live significantly impacts your rates. Urban areas like downtown Kingston typically have higher rates due to increased accident frequency, theft rates, and vandalism. Rural postal codes often enjoy lower rates, though this varies by specific location. Even moving within Kingston can affect your premium, as insurers analyze accident and theft data by postal code.
Vehicle Type, Age & Value
The vehicle you drive matters immensely. Insurers consider repair costs (luxury and foreign vehicles cost more to fix), theft rates (certain models are stolen more frequently), safety ratings (vehicles with better crash test results and safety features cost less), and the vehicle's value (higher-value vehicles cost more to insure). Surprisingly, very old vehicles with only liability coverage can sometimes be expensive to insure if they lack modern safety features.
Annual Mileage & Usage
How much you drive affects your risk. Drivers with short commutes or who work from home typically pay less than those commuting long distances daily. Using your vehicle for business purposes (beyond commuting) increases rates. When you purchase insurance, be accurate about your annual mileage—underestimating to save money can result in claim denials.
Age & Gender
Statistics show younger drivers, particularly males under 25, have higher accident rates and thus face higher premiums. Rates typically decrease as drivers gain experience and reach lower-risk age brackets. Senior drivers may see rates increase after age 65-70 as insurers factor in age-related risk increases.
Coverage Selections & Deductibles
The coverage you choose and your deductible amounts directly impact your premium. Higher deductibles reduce premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when you claim. Removing optional coverages on older vehicles can significantly reduce costs, though you assume more financial risk.
Insurance History & Loyalty
Having continuous insurance coverage matters. Gaps in coverage can increase your rates or make you harder to insure. Many insurers reward customer loyalty with longevity discounts, though this shouldn't stop you from shopping around periodically to ensure you're getting competitive rates.
Credit Score (Where Permitted)
Some insurers use credit-based insurance scores as a rating factor. Maintaining good credit can result in better insurance rates, while poor credit may increase premiums.
Strategies to Reduce Your Premium
Without Sacrificing Protection
Bundle Your Policies
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Increase Your Deductible
Install Anti-Theft Devices
Take Driver Training
Review Coverage on Older Vehicles
Ask About All Available Discounts
Shop and Compare Annual
Consider Usage-Based Insurance
Reduce Coverage on Vehicles Driven Rarely
Getting Covered is Easy
Step 1: Share Your Information
Provide basic details about yourself, your vehicle, your driving history, and how you use your car. This takes just 5-10 minutes online or over the phone. We’ll ask about all licensed drivers in your household, vehicles you own, your address, typical annual mileage, and your coverage preferences.
Step 2: We Compare Multiple Insurers
This is where our value shines. We shop your profile with multiple insurance carriers, comparing coverage options and rates. We identify which companies are most competitive for your specific situation and gather quotes that match your coverage needs.
Step 3: Review Your Options
We present your options clearly, explaining the differences between quotes, coverage levels, and insurers. We answer your questions, explain terminology, and help you understand trade-offs between coverage and cost. There’s no pressure—our job is ensuring you make an informed decision.
Step 4: Select Your Coverage & Bind Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen your coverage, we handle all the paperwork, bind your policy, and arrange payment (monthly or annual—your choice). We provide your insurance documents, explain what’s covered, and answer any remaining questions. In many cases, coverage can start the same day.
Step 5: Ongoing Support & Annual Reviews
We don’t disappear after the sale. We’re here for policy changes (adding a driver, changing vehicles, updating your address), certificate requests, claims support, and annual reviews. We proactively monitor for better rates and contact you when we find opportunities to save money or improve coverage.
Auto Insurance Questions Answered
How much does auto insurance cost in Kingston?
Rates vary dramatically based on your age, driving record, vehicle, and coverage selections. Young drivers might pay $3,000-$6,000+ annually, while experienced drivers with clean records typically pay $1,200-$2,500 for standard coverage. We provide personalized quotes based on your specific situation.
What's the minimum required auto insurance in Ontario?
Ontario requires third party liability ($200,000 minimum, though we recommend at least $1 million), accident benefits, direct compensation property damage, and uninsured automobile coverage. Collision and comprehensive are optional but required by lenders if you finance or lease.
Why do rates vary so much between insurance companies?
Each insurer uses different rating formulas, weighs factors differently, and targets different customer segments. A company might be very competitive for young drivers but expensive for seniors, or vice versa. This is why comparison shopping is essential—and why using an independent broker who shops multiple companies saves you time and money.
Will my rates increase after an at-fault accident?
Typically yes. At-fault accidents usually impact your rates for six years in Ontario, with the largest increase occurring at your first renewal after the accident. The exact increase depends on the accident severity, your insurer, and whether you have accident forgiveness coverage.
What is accident forgiveness?
Accident forgiveness prevents your first at-fault accident from increasing your premium. Some insurers offer this after a certain number of claims-free years, while others sell it as an optional coverage. It's valuable protection that can save you thousands over six years if you have an accident.
Can I cancel my auto insurance anytime?
Yes, you can cancel anytime in Ontario. If you cancel mid-term, you're typically entitled to a refund of unused premium minus any short-rate cancellation penalties (usually 10%). However, maintaining continuous coverage is important—gaps can increase future rates or make you harder to insure.
Do I need insurance for a vehicle I'm not driving?
If your vehicle is plated, it must be insured. If you're storing a vehicle long-term and removing the plates, you can suspend coverage or maintain limited storage coverage. We help you manage coverage for seasonal vehicles, stored classics, or cars temporarily off the road.
What should I do immediately after an accident?
Ensure safety first, call police if there are injuries or significant damage, exchange information with other drivers, document the scene with photos, get witness contact information if available, and report the accident to us or your insurer within 24 hours. Never admit fault at the scene.
Drive with Confidence
Get the auto insurance coverage you need at a rate that fits your budget. Compare Ontario’s top insurers with one simple quote.
