Most insurance in Ontario is sold by private companies through brokers and agents, and the province sets the rules for auto insurance. Several auto rules have changed recently.
Auto insurance is mandatory and sold by private insurers. Every policy must include third-party liability (at least $200,000), accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage. Since January 2024 drivers can choose to opt out of claiming under direct compensation for property damage, and since July 1, 2026 some accident benefits are optional. Both choices are worth talking through with a broker or agent first.
Standard home insurance usually covers fire, wind and hail. Sewer backup and overland flood are usually separate add-ons, so it's worth asking whether they're included and what the deductible is.
General insurance brokers in Ontario are licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO, ribo.com). The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA, fsrao.ca) regulates insurance companies and licenses other agents, such as life insurance agents. You can check a licence on each regulator's website.
Ontario's public health plan is OHIP. It generally pays only part of emergency medical costs outside the province, and often much less outside Canada, which is why many travellers look at travel insurance. Read your plan's rules before you go.
General information, not advice. Rules change, so confirm with your province or territory, your insurer or a licensed advisor. Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026.
Yes. Every policy must include third-party liability (at least $200,000), accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage. Collision and comprehensive, which protect your own vehicle, are optional.
Private insurance companies, through brokers and agents. The province or territory sets the minimum coverage every auto policy must include.
Check with RIBO (for general insurance brokers) or FSRA (for other agents, such as life insurance agents). Both let you look someone up on their website, and an advisor should be glad to tell you which licence they hold.
It usually pays only part of emergency medical costs outside Ontario, and often much less outside Canada. Many travellers add travel insurance. Read your plan's rules before you go.
Yes. Tell us what you need and where you live, and we'll pass your request to a licensed insurance advisor who can help in Ontario. It's free, and talking to an advisor carries no obligation.