Ontario Teens and Auto Insurance: Why Toronto Premiums Run High – and How to Save

November 19, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Young drivers in Toronto face some of the highest auto insurance premiums in Ontario, and the numbers tell an important story for families and for anyone involved in a personal injury claim. A Rates.ca study cited by CTV News Toronto found that a 20-year-old male driver in Toronto with no prior claims or driver training could pay about $13,418 annually to insure a recent-model Honda Civic. A similar student driver—20-year-old and female—could pay about $9,607. The variance shows how gender, driving history, and location combine to affect cost, even for the same car.

Beyond the dollars, the data paints a clearer risk picture. The survey found drivers under 25 are significantly more likely to be cited for speeding (66% more likely), to have any ticket (53% more likely), and to be involved in an accident (17% more likely). Insurance companies price risk, and young or new drivers are statistically riskier to insure because they’re more prone to behaviors that lead to crashes.

So what does this mean for someone who’s involved in a car crash or who is planning ahead to protect a young driver in the family? For personal injury clients, it highlights two crucial realities: first, the level and quality of insurance coverage matters when injuries occur; second, young drivers—and the parents who insure them—should think proactively about how to reduce risk and costs over time.

Practical steps to consider include:

• Drive safer and gain experience. The more years you can demonstrate safe driving, the lower the perceived risk to insurers, which can translate into lower premiums. Telematics programs that monitor driving habits can also reward safer behavior.
• Choose a safer, sensible vehicle. Consumer Reports, citing data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, notes that teen crash rates are significantly higher than those of drivers 20 and older, so selecting a car that isn’t too large, not too small, and not too fast can be cheaper to insure and better for a teen’s development behind the wheel. Used models around $20,000—such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Tucson—are commonly recommended as safer, affordable options.
• Shop around. Loyalty rarely pays in auto insurance, especially for new drivers. Rates can vary considerably from one insurer to another, so it’s wise to compare quotes and ask about telematics or driver-education discounts.
• Understand your coverage before you need it. In Ontario, as in many places, the cost of injuries from a crash isn’t just medical bills; it includes lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing care. Knowing you have appropriate liability limits and, where relevant, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection can matter greatly in a claim.

If you or your child is involved in a crash, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help assess the real-world impact of your insurance coverage and ensure you pursue full and fair compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, and other damages.

The key takeaway is that a proactive approach now—through safe driving, thoughtful vehicle choice, and smart shopping—can influence both long-term costs and outcomes after an accident.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.