New to Ontario? Get your first car insurance explained clearly.
Car insurance in Ontario works differently from many countries. Frank explains how it works here, which documents help, and compares options across insurers so you’re properly covered from your first day on the road.
No obligation. Nothing changes without your approval.
- Licensed broker (RIBO)
- English or French
- Weekends available
- A real person, by phone
Three things newcomers should know
Your experience can count
Ontario’s regulator expects insurers to recognize foreign driving experience verified by the Ministry of Transportation, with insurers putting this in place before January 1, 2027.
60 days on your licence
New residents can drive on a valid licence from another country for 60 days. After that, you need an Ontario licence.
Insurance is the law
Every vehicle on Ontario roads must be insured. Driving without insurance can lead to fines of $5,000 to $50,000.
Documents that can help
- Your foreign driver’s licence and your Ontario licence, if you have one
- An official letter from your licensing authority confirming your driving experience, in English or French
- A letter from your previous insurer showing your insurance and claims history, if you have one
- The vehicle’s details, or the car you plan to buy
- Your Ontario address and anyone else who will drive
How it works
- Send a short requestPick a time for a call and add documents if you have them. It takes a few minutes.
- Frank reviews and comparesA licensed broker looks at your situation and compares options.
- You decideTalk it through by phone. Nothing changes without your approval.
Licence exchange
Ontario has licence exchange agreements with some countries, such as France, Japan, South Korea, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. If yours isn’t one of them, an official letter can still give you credit for experience. See Ontario’s licence exchange rules.
What to have ready
- Your licence(s) and any letter confirming your experience
- The vehicle identification number (VIN), or the car you’re considering
- Your date of arrival in Ontario
- Who will drive the car
Don’t have everything? Send what you have and Frank will ask for the rest.
Common questions
Why is my first quote so high?
Insurers price new drivers partly on their record in Canada. Recognized foreign experience, a clean record and comparing insurers can help.
Can I get insurance before I have an Ontario licence?
You can drive on your valid foreign licence for 60 days after moving here. Insurers have their own rules about which licences they accept, and Frank will check them with you.
Does it matter where I live in Ontario?
Yes. Prices depend partly on where the car is kept, so Frank will ask for your Ontario address.
Can we talk in French?
Yes. Frank works in English or French.
Start on the right foot in Ontario
Tell Frank about your licence and your car. No obligation, and nothing is bought without your approval.
Prefer email? Write to Frank.tereraho@insureu.ca.
More reasons to review your insurance
Sources: FSRA guidance on foreign driving experience · FSRA: auto insurance and the law
Frank Tereraho is a licensed insurance broker (RIBO) affiliated with InsureU Brokers Inc., 135 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON. This page is general information, not advice. Savings are not guaranteed. Quotes and coverage depend on each insurer’s underwriting and policy wording.