Best Car Insurance in Ottawa
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7 Providers of the Best Car Insurance in Ottawa

There are always hazards on the road when driving. No matter how skilled or careful you are as a driver, you may still encounter accidents.

This is why it’s important to get good insurance coverage for your vehicle. Luckily for you, we’ve already picked out the best car insurance in Ottawa for your convenience!

But before we proceed with our list, we’ll talk about what you should look for when choosing car insurance.

How to Choose the Best Car Insurance in Ottawa

1. Assess your needs

There are a lot of insurance options out in the market and a good way to filter them out is to choose the ones that match your needs the most.

If you have a family, you may want to look for an auto insurance policy that covers your family members. If you’re still single, you may opt for a more affordable insurance policy with less coverage.

Take note of your driving habits as well. If you plan on using your car everyday for work, you may want to get comprehensive car insurance coverage. But if you only use your car every now and then, getting the basic coverage may suit you just fine.

2. Compare Quotes

Once you’ve picked out which insurance policies fit your needs, it’s time to get a quote for each one. Doing this will help you see how much you’ll be paying for each policy, so you can budget accordingly.

Some car insurance companies have online quotation forms that you can use. There are also online services that you can use to compare insurance quotes from various insurance companies.

3. Ask for recommendations

They say that there’s no better teacher than experience. Aside from reading customer reviews online, you should also consider asking your family or friends about their experiences with their car insurance providers.

This way, you’ll know if a certain car insurance provider will provide you great customer service and help you in case you need to make a claim.

The Best Car Insurance in Ottawa

The best car insurance coverage will serve as protection for you, your vehicle, your family, and your passengers in the car when an accident occurs. Below are some places where you can get a great coverage.

1. Tanner Insurance

Tanner Insurance
(Source: Tanner Insurance)
KNOWN FORInstant Auto Insurance Quote
SERVICESAuto Insurance
Home Insurance
Commercial Insurance
Boat Insurance
Travel Insurance
Emergency Claims
WEBSITEwww.tannerinsurance.com
ADDRESS200-2345 Holly Lane, Ottawa, ON K1V 7P2
CONTACT DETAILS1-613-232-5704
1-800-722-9556 (After-hour emergency claims hotline)
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURS8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Tanner Insurance has an instant quote feature on their website that allows you to get a firsthand look on what your auto insurance policy would look like.

In fact, you may choose between three options on their website: instant quote, quick quote, or detailed quote.

With this convenient feature, you’re able to compare Tanner Insurance’s coverage with other providers’ so you can have a more informed decision-making process.

Pros

  • Three options for auto insurance quotes
  • After-hour emergency claims hotline available
  • Downloadable insurance forms

Cons

  • Small staff

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from Tanner Insurance auto insurance client.

“Recently purchased a vehicle. Perry So was recommended by a friend and the people at my dealership also spoke very highly of him. Perry, was very professional, responded promptly even while on vacation, secured [an] insurance plan for me and set everything for me. Made it easy and painless. Would recommend!” —Cassie Richard, Google Reviews

2. Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers

Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers
(Source: Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers)
KNOWN FORHome & Auto Group Insurance
SERVICESCar Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
Boat Insurance
Personal Watercraft Insurance
Property Insurance
Recreational Insurance
WEBSITEwww.rhodeswilliams.com
ADDRESS1050 Morrison Drive, Ottawa, ON K2H 8K7
CONTACT DETAILS1-613-226-6590
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURS8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Established in 1935, Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers are known for their Home & Auto Group Insurance which is perfect for business owners who have 5 or more employees. You can get discounted rates on insurance coverages for your employees’ benefit packages.

For individuals, you can also get personal insurance from Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers. They offer a wide range of insurance services in Ottawa, including auto coverages for cars and motorcycles.

In addition, Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers give utmost importance to their clients’ convenience. That’s why you can get a free quote and file a claim through their website.

Pros

  • Discounted rates on home and auto group insurance
  • Quick quote via website and app
  • Convenient claims via website and app

Cons

  • Office a bit far from Downtown Ottawa

Customer Reviews

This is what a client said about Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers:

“Worked with Mandy for the first time yesterday even though our business has been working with Rhodes and Williams for over 20 years. Contacted her on short notice about obtaining new automobile insurance and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.  Clear, concise and very helpful with the quote and later the policy. Would certainly recommend Mandy to anyone looking for new insurance needs.” —Joyce Waite, Google Reviews

3. Desjardins Insurance Agency Inc. (Ken McCafferty)

Desjardins Insurance Agency Inc. (Ken McCafferty)
(Source: Desjardins Insurance Agency Inc.)
KNOWN FORDesjardins Insurance App
SERVICESAuto Insurance
Vehicle Loans
Business Insurance
Home & Property Insurance
Life Insurance
Living Benefits
WEBSITEwww.mccaffertyinsurance.ca
ADDRESS2285 St. Laurent Boulevard Unit D-3, Ottawa, ON K1G 4Z7
CONTACT DETAILS1-613-737-5095
OPERATING HOURS9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Desjardins Insurance Agency is known for their mobile app that makes transactions more convenient for clients. Through their mobile app, you can file a claim and request for an update on your policy with a few simple taps.

Not only that, their auto insurance coverage is among the best in Ottawa. They also offer vehicle loans for those who are planning to buy a car.

If you’re planning on going with Desjardins Insurance Agency, make sure you call Ken McCafferty. He is one of the best agents in Ottawa that Desjardins has.

To get a better idea of what Desjardins Insurance Agency has to offer, you may download their mobile app from the App Store or through Google Play.

Pros

  • Convenient mobile app for insurance claims and policy updates
  • Vehicle loans available for customers
  • Quick quote and detailed quote available through website

Cons

  • Desjardins insurance agents are located separately

Customer Reviews

Read this review from Ken McCafferty Desjardins Insurance Agent’s client.

“Excellent service. Timely replies and adequate follow-ups. I have been with Ken for 20 years for all my cars. Now they have been great supporting us for our new house via Kayla. Competitive price and excellent service.” —Joe Audi, Google Reviews

4. Halpenny Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Halpenny Insurance Brokers Ltd
(Source: Halpenny Insurance Brokers Ltd.)
KNOWN FORLargest Independent Insurance Broker in Ottawa
SERVICESAuto Insurance
Boat & Watercraft Insurance
Condo Insurance
Group Home & Auto Insurance
Commercial Insurance
WEBSITEwww.halpenny.com
ADDRESS1550a Laperriere Avenue #104, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7T2
CONTACT DETAILS1-613-722-7626
OPERATING HOURS8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Halpenny Insurance Brokers is the largest independent insurance broker in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. They have a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products, including auto insurance.

Their auto insurance coverages are for both cars and motorcycles. You can conveniently get a free quote for your vehicle through their website.

Aside from cars and motorcycles, they have insurance coverages for other types of vehicles as well. More information about their boat and watercraft insurance coverages are also available on their website.

Pros

  • Free online quote for auto insurance
  • Specialty Insurance Programs available for groups
  • Coverage for cars and motorcycles

Cons

  • No instant quotation option

Customer Reviews

See what a client has said about Halpenny Insurance Brokers Ltd.’s services.

“Great Experience! I got my auto insurance here. I talked to Mora Rahimi and she gave me a very good price for my quote. It is the best price I have found. So I go with it and everything is done quickly. Got my insurance and ready to drive my car!” —Vinh Dang, Google Reviews

5. The Co-Operators – Andrew Smith Insurance Inc.

The Co-Operators - Andrew Smith Insurance Inc
(Source: The Co-Operators)
KNOWN FOROnline Insurance Services
SERVICESAuto Insurance
Life Insurance
Business Insurance
Home Insurance
Farm Insurance
Travel Insurance
Investments
WEBSITEwww.cooperators.ca
ADDRESS647 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1K 0T4
CONTACT DETAILS1-613-744-7190
OPERATING HOURS9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

The Co-Operators is a team of financial advisors who are dedicated in helping clients get the most of their insurance policies. Their service aims to provide personalized financial plans to each client so they can more quickly achieve their financial goals.

The Co-Operators have online insurance services that you can access via their website. Through their online portal, you can make insurance payments, file a claim, or change your coverage.

Not only that, you may also remove or replace a vehicle, and/or add or remove a driver to your policy.

We included The Co-Operators in our list of the best car insurance in Ottawa because we like how personal their service is. You’ll be well taken care off by Andrew Smith and the other financial advisors on their team.

Pros

  • Personalized financial plans and insurance policies
  • Accessible and convenient online portal for insurance services
  • App available (App Store and Google Play)

Cons

  • Most benefits are add-ons

Customer Reviews

A client left this review for The Co-Operators – Andrew Smith Insurance Inc.

“Nice people. Great customer service. They [make the] best quote and when you are about to buy insurance, [the] price will be more reliable and satisfactory. I made [a] deal with them for my car insurance and they gave me [the] best price [which] included [all my] requirements. Thanks for [the] best deal and customer service.” —Karan Babariya, Google Reviews

6. Gifford Car Insurance Group

Gifford Car Insurance Group
KNOWN FORBusiness and Personal Insurance
SERVICESPersonal Insurance – Home, Car, Condo, Tenant, Recreational, Snowmobile, Motorcycle, Group Insurance Plans
Business Insurance – Condo Building, Car Garage and Dealerships, Trades and Construction, Cyber, Directors and Officers, Transportation and Fleet, Hospitality, Marina, Mining, Professional Services, Retail and Wholesale, Small to Medium Enterprises, Surety Bonding
WEBSITEhttps://giffordcarr.ca/ottawa/
ADDRESS100 Terence Matthews Crescent, Kanata, ON K2M 1P7, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS1 855 740 4700 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

A licensed insurance firm with over 70 years of experience. For several decades as one of the top insurance brokers in Ottawa, Gifford Carr Insurance Group has provided insurance to many by finding solutions that are tailored to each of their client’s needs.

Gifford Carr Insurance provides many insurance services for both personal and business use, ranging from home, car, motorcycle insurance to commercial liability, construction and trades, fleet, and more. The best part is that they will customize your insurance policy according to your needs as well as your budget!

Finally, with the many decades of experience on their back, it is no doubt that this insurance firm has exceptional customer service and has provided many other benefits to their valued clients. In the end, each client matters, and with Gifford Carr Insurance Group, your insurance needs will be met.

Pros

  • 70 Years of Experience
  • Licensed Insurance Firm
  • Customized Insurance Services
  • 24-Hour Claims Service
  • Discounts available

Cons

  • Physical Office Currently Unavailable

7. Scrivens

Scrivens
SERVICESHome, Car, Motorcycle, RV and Travel Trailer, Cottage, Condo, Renter, Life Insurances
WEBSITEhttps://www.scrivens.ca/
ADDRESS270 MacLaren Street Ottawa, ON  K2P 0M3
CONTACT DETAILS(613) 236-9101
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For almost a century, Scrivens has been one of Ottawa’s most trusted brokers not only for business insurance but also for home and auto insurance. It finds the best deals among the 15 insurance companies it represents.

When it comes to car insurance, Scrivens offers both personal and commercial auto insurance options from 11 of its insurance company partners. Some of its partner insurance companies also cater to recreational vehicles like RVs, boats, and motorcycles.

Aside from being an insurance expert, Scrivens is also well-versed in risk management so clients can also turn to it for investment advice.

But what really makes Scrivens one of the best insurance brokers in the city is that it has a convenient mobile application. This way, its clients can contact Scrivens and get access to insurance documents anytime and anywhere, as long as there is a good online connection.

Unfortunately, we’ve also found some complaints about its poor customer service and support. So, just make sure to be persistent should you choose this insurance provider.

Pros

  • Connections with numerous insurance companies
  • Mobile app for communications and accessibility 
  • Commercial, personal, and recreational vehicles
  • Detailed online forms for quotes

Cons

  • Some complaints about poor communications
  • Greater focus on business insurance and investment services

FAQs about the Best Car Insurance in Ottawa


These are the providers of the best car insurance in Ottawa. To get a great coverage for your vehicle and protect yourself from liabilities, contact any of the services listed above.

If you’re looking to buy some property, you may want to check out our list of the best mortgage brokers in Ottawa. We chose mortgage brokers that can give you amazing service, reasonable rates, and the best financial options for your purchase.