Insurance Broker in Ontario

Finding an insurance broker you can trust is no easy feat. But BrokerLink can help by providing Ontario residents with access to licensed, certified professionals who know the ins and outs of the insurance industry. From car insurance to home insurance, and everything in between, let a BrokerLink insurance advisor find coverage made for you. All of our insurance brokers are fully licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO), ensuring they meet Ontario's regulatory standards.

Insurance options tailored to your needs

Whether you need insurance for your downtown Ottawa condo, Guelph student rental, London residential home, or motorcycle in Thunder Bay, BrokerLink has you covered. We understand that living in Ontario means planning for diverse seasons, from heavy snowfall to summer floods, and protecting everything in between.

If you’ve never worked with an insurance broker before, you may be wondering how it works. The main benefits that working with an Ontario insurance broker offers are convenience, cost savings, and expertise. A BrokerLink insurance advisor does all the work for you while saving you money. Plus, they will put their expertise and resources to good use as they search for customized coverage on your behalf. Some of our top insurance specialties here at BrokerLink Ontario include:

Car insurance

Finding auto insurance in Ontario might seem difficult. Even though it’s mandatory, understanding how it works and what types of coverage are right for you can be difficult. That’s why BrokerLink is here. Our auto insurance specialists will take the time to answer any questions you have, such as ”how much is car insurance per month in Ontario?” and walk you through your policy options, explaining the differences between mandatory coverage like third party liability and accident benefits, and optional coverage like collision, comprehensive, and accident forgiveness.

When it comes to Ontario car insurance, Ontario's broker force plays a significant role in the auto insurance market, accounting for 64.01% of direct premiums written in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to the Canadian Underwriter. This highlights the trust placed in car insurance brokers by Ontario consumers.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]

Home insurance

Home insurance is one of the most popular types of insurance in Ontario for a reason. It aims to protect one of the biggest purchases you make in your life: your home. BrokerLink can help you find home insurance policies, no matter your circumstances. Tenant insurance Ontario, condo insurance Ontario, and vacation property insurance are just a few options we can help with. We will provide recommendations on which types of coverage best suit your needs, like flood insurance, sewer backup insurance, home-based business insurance, etc. At the end of the day, we want you and your home to be protected from the widest range of risks possible.

Get a home insurance quote [phone]

Business insurance

If you run one of the 455,000 businesses in Ontario, you need quality commercial insurance. BrokerLink can help you find commercial property insurance, cyber liability insurance, crime insurance, small business liability in Ontario, and much more. When you contact us, you will be assigned a dedicated business insurance broker who will ask questions to better understand your coverage needs. From there, they will research the best policies out there to ensure your business is protected.

According to a market research report by IBISWorld, the insurance brokers and agencies industry in Ontario is projected to grow to $4.5 billion by 2025, reflecting the increasing demand for comprehensive business insurance solutions for Ontario business owners.

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Coverage options for all your Ontario insurance needs

BrokerLink is proud to offer a wide range of insurance options beyond just standard auto, home, and business coverage. Whether you need insurance for your boat docked in the Kawarthas, your RV parked at a seasonal site near Wasaga Beach, your cottage in Muskoka, or a pet insurance plan to help with unexpected vet bills in Sudbury, BrokerLink has you covered. We understand that living in Ontario means protecting everything from weekend adventures to beloved companions, no matter the season.

An extended list of some of our Ontario insurance services is below:

Boat Insurance
Condo Insurance
Vacation Property and Cottage Insurance
Tenant and Renters Insurance
Life Insurance Broker
Landlord Insurance
Musical Instrument Insurance
Wine Cellar Insurance
Umbrella Liability Insurance
Equine Insurance
Pet Insurance
Group Insurance
Associations
ATV and Snowmobile Insurance
Farm Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Storage Unit Insurance
Tractor Insurance
Employee Benefits
Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trailer and RV Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
Identify Theft Insurance

Need help finding another type of insurance? Contact BrokerLink Ontario today.

Ways to save money on Ontario insurance

No matter your budget, keeping costs down is always a priority. BrokerLink understands this, which is why our team of licensed brokers is always happy to provide tips that will help our customers save money on insurance in Ontario. Over the years, we have learned all types of ways that you can lower your premiums, whether you’re looking to buy car insurance, home insurance, or even business insurance. Check out the list below to learn more about how you can save big.

Get in touch with an Ontario insurance broker from BrokerLink

Contact an Ontario insurance broker from BrokerLink who can provide you with expert tips on ways that you can save.And since we work with top insurance companies in Ontario, we can also find and compare insurance quotes on your behalf to find you the best rate.

Find out about bundling insurance

Consider speaking with an insurance broker to see if any Ontario insurance companies near you offer bundles. Bundling multiple insurance plans, like home and auto insurance, can result in a significant discount on each policy you buy.

Consider upping your policy deductible

Raising your deductible - no matter what kind of insurance you’re buying - is a surefire way to lower your premium. Speak to a broker about how much money you could save by increasing your deductible by $500 or $1,000.

Choose your payment schedule wisely

Some insurance companies let customers pay for their policies on a monthly basis or on a yearly one. Before making a decision, ask if there are any hidden fees that come with the monthly payment schedule, as sometimes insurers charge administrative fees for each payment you make.

Review coverage carefully before renewing

One of the most effective methods of saving money on insurance is to review your coverage regularly, especially before it is set to renew. You never want to become complacent as this can result in paying for coverage you no longer need. If you don’t have the time to review your coverage each year, ask a broker for help. They can assess your policy and compare your coverage to your current needs to determine if it still works for you.

Swap your gas-powered car for a hybrid or electric one

Many insurance companies across Canada now offer car insurance discounts to people who drive hybrid or electric vehicles, as a way of motivating drivers to go green and reduce their carbon footprints.

Sign up for driving school

Enrol in a recognized driving program in your province and your insurance company may reward you with an auto insurance discount. Please note that there are driving schools for drivers of all ages, meaning you don’t have to be a young driver to sign up.

Install a security device in your vehicle

Mitigate the odds of your vehicle being stolen by installing a security or anti-theft device in it. Beyond the added safety this provides, an insurance company might be willing to give you a discounted car insurance rate.

Consider buying a security system for your home or workplace

If you buy a security system and install it in your home or workplace, your insurance company could give you a discount on your home insurance or commercial insurance policy.

Outfit your car with winter tires

While winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario, the Ministry of Finance and the Government of Ontario require that all Ontario insurance companies offer a winter tire discount of up to 5% on car insurance policies if you voluntarily choose to install them on your car. Just make sure that you install them and remove them by the date specified by your insurance company, which is typically between November and April.

Obey the rules of the road

One of the best ways to qualify for cheaper car insurance rates is to drive safely, obey the rules of the road that can be found in Ontario's official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook, and maintain a clean driving record.

Download an application that tracks your driving habits

Safe drivers in Ontario may be able to take advantage of telematics discounts. To do so, you would need to install a telematics device or a mobile application onto your phone. Whichever you choose, your driving habits will be monitored, such as your hard braking or fast acceleration and your insurance rates will be lowered if you demonstrate safe driving skills.

Install a sewer backup prevention device in your household

Adding a sewer backup prevention device to your home can reduce the odds of water damage following a sewer backup. Even better, an insurance company might give you a discount on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Devices such as sump pumps can be purchased from local hardware stores, often saving you more than their overall cost.

Purchase a home with modern features

If you want to lower your home insurance premium, purchase a home with modern and efficient plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Buying a home without a pool can also help reduce your rates, as pools are major liability issues. If you do purchase an older home but decide to do upgrades, advise your insurance company when you do so they can adjust your rate.

Buy a home close to emergency services

Homeowners who buy homes located near fire hydrants, fire stations, or other emergency services may enjoy a reduced rate on their property insurance policy.

Pay down your mortgage loan

Paying off your mortgage loan has many benefits, one of which is that you could qualify for a mortgage-free home insurance discount.

Make your office a safer place to work

Prioritize workplace safety by adopting a risk management strategy, which will reduce the odds of an incident. In turn, this will minimize the number of commercial insurance claims you file, which can help you keep rates low.

How to buy insurance from an Ontario insurance broker

Need help purchasing insurance from an insurance broker? Whether you’ve never worked with a broker before or simply need a refresher, we are happy to provide a step-by-step guide to buying insurance from a broker. Not only is working with a broker quick and easy, but it can also save you money. Check out the three-step process to purchasing insurance from a licenced BrokerLink insurance advisor:

1. Connect with a licensed Ontario insurance broker at BrokerLink

The first step is the easiest of all. Whether you live in Kingston, Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, or even Windsor, simply connect with your local Ontario insurance broker near you to kick things off. There are multiple ways of doing this. You can call your local BrokerLink office, reach out via our website or email, or visit one of our many Ontario branches in person.

2. Let your insurance advisor shop around to find you quality coverage

Next, you and your dedicated BrokerLink insurance advisor will have an in-depth discussion about the kind of insurance you are looking for. Now is the time to explain your ideal coverage, as well as your budget. From there, you can relax, as it’s now up to your Ontario insurance advisor to do the heavy lifting and shop around for policies on your behalf.

3. Choose a policy and get protected

Once your insurance advisor has found some quality options, they will present them to you. You can ask questions, get a professional opinion, and make sure you understand all the inclusions and exclusions of each policy. From there, it’s up to you to make a decision. Your Ontario insurance broker will help you finalize whichever policy you decide to purchase. Then guess what? You walk away protected. It’s that simple.

We’re in your community

BrokerLink is a proud member of several communities across Ontario. From Toronto’s bustling downtown condos to Niagara’s vineyards and Muskoka’s lakeside cottages, our insurance advisors understand what coverage means in your neighbourhood. Find out more about how BrokerLink came to be a leading brokerage in Ontario by contacting us today.

Contact us

At Ontario BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Ontario. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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Ontario insurance FAQs

Can I buy Ontario insurance from a broker online?

Yes, purchasing insurance from an insurance broker online is both easy and convenient. Many insurance companies now offer their services online. Such services include purchasing insurance, requesting and receiving a free quote, renewing your policy, cancelling your policy, and updating your policy.

How do I know what coverage is right for me?

To assess what insurance coverage is right for you, you will need to think carefully about factors like your budget, lifestyle, and your insurance needs. Ultimately, insurance coverage should be tailored to you and your unique tastes, so understanding how each kind of coverage protects you and whether you need it is important. An insurance professional can also help you evaluate your needs and suggest coverage based on them.

Should I renew my existing policy or find a new one?

This varies from policyholder to policyholder. Sometimes, your existing policy still has the coverage you want and need. However, other times, your insurance needs change and your existing policy may no longer serve you. For example, if you have a commercial insurance policy and your company has grown a lot in the past year, you might need to purchase additional coverage or raise your coverage limits to keep pace with the size of your business. Further, if you move homes, you might find that your insurance needs are different, especially if you moved to an area that has a higher crime rate or is more prone to certain weather-related disasters.

Another reason customers may want to find a new policy instead of renewing an existing one is if your rates have increased by a significant amount. Anytime your policy is up for renewal, we recommend doing some independent research to ensure you are still getting the best coverage at the best price. If you compare quotes and realize you can get more coverage for a better price elsewhere, it might be a sign that you should cancel your existing policy upon expiry and purchase a new one.

Do I need insurance in Ontario?

Car insurance is required for all drivers in Ontario. So if you drive a car, you are legally required to purchase an auto insurance policy that complies with provincial requirements. In Ontario, that means a car insurance plan that has $200,000 worth of third party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation - property damage coverage, and uninsured automobile coverage.

When it comes to home insurance and business insurance, requirements are not as black and white. Neither type of insurance is legally required in Ontario the way that car insurance is. However, certain situations may require it. For example, if you bought your home with a mortgage or rent your home, your mortgage lender or landlord can require you to purchase a home or tenants insurance policy.

How can I find cheap insurance in Ontario?

Finding cheap insurance in Ontario is easier than you might think if you know where to look. Make sure to ask your insurance provider about any discounts that you may be eligible for. There are all kinds of discounts out there, from winter tire and electric car discounts to monitored alarm home insurance discounts. You can also try the following tricks to save money on Ontario insurance: raising your deductible, bundling multiple policies together, updating your coverage annually, and choosing a yearly payment plan over a monthly one.

Why is liability coverage important?

Unlike other types of insurance coverage, liability coverage protects policyholders against legal issues, like lawsuits. Most other types of coverage protect against property damage but liability coverage can pay for the cost of defending yourself in a lawsuit, settlement fees, and much more. Lawsuits can be extremely expensive, which is why liability coverage is so important. Policyholders will find liability coverage in most types of insurance policies, including car insurance, home insurance, and commercial insurance.

In fact, business owners have several types of liability coverage options to choose from, such as employment liability coverage, commercial general liability coverage, professional liability coverage, product liability coverage, cyber liability coverage, and more. With this type of coverage, if a claim is brought against you, your insurer will help cover the cost of the legal fees, as well as any applicable medical expenses or property damage costs up to the policy limit.

Can I get a free insurance quote from an insurance broker in Ontario?

Yes, many insurance brokers offer free quotes to customers across the province. Free quotes can be obtained for car insurance, home insurance, commercial insurance, pet insurance, motorcycle insurance, condo insurance, and much more. Insurance quotes are typically free of charge and are obligation-free, meaning you are under no obligation to purchase a policy after receiving a quote. In addition, quotes can usually be obtained quickly and easily in a number of ways - online, over the phone, or in person at an insurance office.

How much is car insurance in Ontario for new drivers?

New drivers in Ontario typically pay significantly more than the average Ontario car insurance rate due to their limited road experience. However, exact rates vary by location, vehicle, and driving history. To find out how much your premiums will be as a new driver in Ontario, compare quotes from multiple insurance companies or work with an insurance broker.

Are there discounts for installing winter tires in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario insurance providers offer a winter tire discount of 2% to 5% if you install approved winter tires from November to April every year.

Do I need flood insurance if I live near a lake or river in Ontario?

Standard home insurance doesn’t cover overland flooding. If you live near water, ask your insurance broker about overland flood coverage. It can be an essential add-on to protect against rising water and storm runoff.

Is cottage insurance in Muskoka different from standard home insurance?

Yes, cottage insurance is tailored for seasonal or secondary homes. It covers different risks, such as sitting unoccupied for extended periods, which wouldn’t be necessary in a regular home insurance policy.

What insurance do I need for my small business in Ontario?

At minimum, you’ll need general liability insurance. Depending on your business, you may also need commercial property, cyber liability, or professional liability coverage. An Ontario insurance broker can help tailor a business insurance policy for you.

What insurance coverage is recommended for homes in older Ontario neighbourhoods?

Older homes may need extra coverage for outdated plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, or even foundation issues. You may also want to consider sewer backup and overland flood, and higher coverage limits for rebuilding costs in case of damage.

Can I bundle my home, auto, and boat insurance in Ontario?

Absolutely. Bundling can save you money and make managing your policies simpler. Ask your Ontario insurance broker about bundling options for bigger savings.

What’s the best way to insure a rental property in Ontario?

You will likely want landlord insurance to protect your Ontario rental property. It typically includes property coverage, liability protection, and business interruption for loss of rental income if the unit becomes uninhabitable.