Car insurance in Barrie: quote and buy online in minutes

Looking to purchase both home and auto insurance? Bundle and you could save up to 20% in premium.
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Getting the right car insurance in Barrie is easy with Sonnet

Driving in Barrie comes with its own set of challenges compared to other cities in the province. As a main thoroughfare for commuters and cottage-goers, drivers need to be extra careful on the road. By getting the right car insurance coverage you’re protecting yourself, your car, and your wallet. Get a policy that’s priced right, customizable, and easy to understand so you can be sure you have the best car insurance for your driving needs. Quote now and buy online within minutes.

Have multiple cars? Insuring more than one vehicle with Sonnet could qualify you for a multi-vehicle saving!

Why do you need auto insurance in Barrie?

Car insurance is mandatory in Barrie. With Highway 400 slicing through this commuter hub, it attracts a swarm of out-of-towners heading to hotspots like Canada’s Wonderland. And, more cars means a higher risk of fender benders. By having proper coverage, you can avoid draining your savings to repair or replace your vehicle in case the worst happens – including theft, and more.

Mandatory and optional car insurance in Barrie

Barrie follows the same rules for car insurance as the rest of Ontario. To make sure everyone has basic protection, certain coverages are required by law. Here’s a list of car insurance coverages that are mandatory in Ontario, plus a few others you might want to have.

Essential car insurance coverage in Barrie
Liability

You must have liability coverage in order to drive in Ontario. It protects you and other drivers financially in case of an accident where you’re at fault. Liability covers any damages, injuries or losses experienced by another driver or individual.
Accident Benefits

If you sustain any injuries or damages from an accident, the standard benefits will cover your costs for medical, rehabilitation, and income replacement. In Ontario, there is additional coverage for caregiver and housekeeping or home maintenance benefits. You can also choose to upgrade any of your standard accident benefits coverages or purchase optional benefits.
Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)

This covers loss or damage to your vehicle and its contents in an accident with another vehicle to the extent that you’re not at fault. In the event of a claim, you’ll always work directly with us – not the other person’s insurer. We’ll also set you up with a rental car if you need it!

DCPD isn’t mandatory in Ontario, but it’s considered essential. Without it, you’ll have to pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you’re not at fault in a collision with another vehicle.

Heads up! Vehicle hit and run accidents aren’t covered under DCPD. Want coverage in case of a hit and run accident? Make sure you have Collision or Upset coverage added to your policy.

Collision or Upset

This covers loss or damage to your vehicle and its contents caused by specific events. These events include an accident with another vehicle where you’re at fault or an accident with an object (like a guardrail or a tree). This also provides coverage if your car rolls over, or if your vehicle is subject to a hit and run and reported to police within 24 hours.

Although it’s optional, this coverage is considered essential. Without it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your vehicle if these events happen. If you lease or finance your car, this coverage is usually required by your lessor or lender.
Comprehensive

It’s not just when you’re driving that your vehicle could be damaged. Comprehensive insurance in Ontario has your vehicle covered for damage from things like falling objects, vandalism, fire, theft, lightning, windstorm and earthquake.

Heads up! This coverage is optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have it, you’ll have to cover the costs if any of the above (and more) happen.

Do you lease or finance your vehicle? Having both comprehensive and collision coverage may actually be required by your lessor or lender. Find out more about insuring a leased or financed car.

Optional car insurance coverage in Barrie
Accident Forgiveness

Clean record for the last 6 years? We won’t increase your rate due to your first at-fault accident and we automatically apply this protection again if after another 6 years you’ve got a clean record.

Heads up! Accident Forgiveness applies to your first at-fault claim only. If you have another at-fault accident, your Accident Forgiveness will be removed from your policy. You’ll be rated for both accidents – and any at-fault accidents after that.
Ticket Forgiveness

Protect that squeaky-clean history and your rate! When it comes time for renewal, your minor ticket won’t impact your rate. We’ll pretend like it didn’t even happen.
Enhanced Protection Bundle (Ontario only)

Ontario drivers get the benefits of four great coverages and savings to match, all in one convenient bundle.

Loss of Use Coverage
We’ll take care of your rental car costs after an at-fault collision or during a comprehensive claim. You’re covered for up to 30 days per occurrence for a rental car comparable to your own. This doesn’t cover loss or damage to a borrowed or rented vehicle.

Damage to Non-Owned Vehicle Coverage
We’ll cover you for the loss or damage to a borrowed or rented vehicle comparable to your own.

Roadside Assistance
We’ll reimburse you up to $50 for emergency expenses. This includes tow truck services, battery replacement, or installing a spare tire.

Hit and Run Deductible Waiver
We’ll waive your deductible up to $1,000 in the event of a hit-and-run if it’s reported to the police within 24 hours.

How much is car insurance in Barrie?

$239/month is the average cost of car insurance in Barrie with Sonnet. Get car insurance at around the same price as two date night dinners at a mid-range restaurant.

How car insurance is calculated in Barrie

Your car insurance rates depend on the likelihood of a claim. Living in a high-traffic or car theft hotspot can hike up your risk and costs. Your claims history and driving record matters too, along with other factors. But don’t just pick the cheapest policy – the best car insurance should have your back when the road gets rough, so you can get back to where you need to be without taking a huge financial hit.

How to get cheaper car insurance rates in Barrie

  • Get exclusive Sonnet Savings
    Wondering how to lower car insurance? An easy way is through our affiliate discounts. Sonnet is partnered with over 2,000 organizations including employer groups, unions and associations. Plug in your details while you’re getting a quote to see if you’re eligible.
  • Insure all your vehicles
    Have a family car or another vehicle in the household? Bundle them up under one policy and you could qualify for our multi-vehicle savings.
  • Stay convictions free
    A spotless record helps insurers see you as a model driver. Keeping your driving record free of tickets and violations might not get you a gold star, but it could earn you a lower premium.
  • Stay claims free
    Having an at-fault claim on your record costs you money. Plus, you’re more likely to get cheaper car insurance if you show that you’re less likely to have accidents in the future.
  • Watch your daily commute
    Long daily commutes can drive up your premium, since you run a higher chance of getting into an accident. Consider taking public transit to save on insurance – and stress.
  • Winter tires (only in Ontario)
    Equip your car with winter tires marked with a logo of a three-peaked mountain and a snowflake to safely conquer Barrie’s snowy roads. If you do, you may be eligible for a winter tire insurance discount.
  • Choose your next car wisely
    Car theft is on the rise in Canada, and some makes and models are more targeted than others. If you’re in the market for a new car, you may want to avoid getting a high theft vehicle in the top stolen vehicles list.
  • Attend driving school
    For new drivers, completing a driving school program can demonstrate that you’re trained and responsible. This may help you secure a better premium and start your driving journey with lower insurance rates.

Drive safe and save up to 35% with Sonnet Shift

Want more control over your auto insurance premium? With Sonnet Shift – you can have it! Sonnet Shift rewards you for making smart choices behind the wheel.

Our free, easy-to-use smartphone app monitors your driving and scores it. Every three months you could earn savings of up to 35% for driving safely, and at renewal, you could be rewarded for driving less through our Mileage Discount.
More ways to lower car insurance in Barrie

Bundle home and auto

Bundling your home and auto insurance could mean up to 20% in savings. Insuring more than one vehicle could also qualify you for multi-vehicle savings.

Engineering & accounting graduates in Ontario

Engineers and accountants can appreciate a well-designed solution. Use our online platform and claim your engineering or accounting graduates discount.

Canadian University Alumni

Get more from your degree. University Alumni can save on car insurance in Ontario.
Why buy your Barrie car insurance with Sonnet?

Online auto claims

Report car insurance claims online 24/7 directly through your account, and chat with a live Claims team member if you need help. Or, do it over the phone – the choice is yours.

Customer satisfaction

Online doesn’t have to mean on-your-own. Email, chat or call our fully-licensed Insurance Agents and experience our top quality customer care.

24/7 towing

Get a tow you can trust. On top of our 24/7 claims reporting, Sonnet provides 24-hour towing assistance after an accident – Canada-wide.

Questions about auto insurance in Barrie? We’ve got answers

Getting an auto insurance quote with Sonnet is quick and easy – with plenty of help along the way. Read through our current blogs or most frequently asked questions about car insurance to get started.
How can I save on my auto insurance?

We give you our best price that’s specifically tailored for you. We’ve come up with a number of ways to help make sure you get the best price on your insurance.

There are a number of ways you could save on your auto insurance:

  • Exclusive Sonnet Savings. Self-service has its benefits! You’ll save just for purchasing your insurance online. How easy is that?
  • Claims Free. If you’re lucky enough to have been claims-free for six years, you could save.
  • Convictions Free. Good driving behaviour deserves to be rewarded!
  • Multi-Vehicle. Insuring more than one vehicle with us? Awesome! You may qualify for a multi-vehicle saving.
  • Multi-Policy (home and auto). You could save when you insure both your home and your vehicle with us.
  • Winter Tires (only in Ontario). They’ll keep you safe and help you save on your auto insurance.
  • Canadian University Alumni and Canadian College Alumni. You could save when you are a Canadian University or College alumni or student.
What's the difference between collision and comprehensive car insurance coverage?

Collision and comprehensive coverage work together to protect your car from many kinds of damage – so you won’t need to pay out-of-pocket to repair or replace your car.

Collision coverage protects your car when you’re at-fault in an accident, such as:

  • Your car hits another car
  • Your car hits an object (like a road sign or a street light)
  • Your car rolls over

Heads up! For some not-at-fault accidents, like if you’re involved in a hit and run collision, you're still covered under your collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage is a little different, because it protects your car from damage that’s caused from things other than an accident. This could be a rock hitting your windshield or a tree falling on your car during a storm. While comprehensive coverage can differ between insurers, here’s what it commonly covers you for:

  • Your car is damaged by fire
  • Your car is vandalized
  • Your car is stolen
  • Your car is damaged by a falling object
  • Your car is damaged from a wind or hailstorm

Heads up! Although not mandatory coverage, if you lease your vehicle, both collision and comprehensive coverage are usually required by your leasing or financing company. Learn more about insuring your leased or financed vehicle.
How do I get the eSlip or pink slip for my new car insurance?

Once you've purchased your car insurance, we’ll send you an email with a link to activate your Sonnet account. Your pink slip and proof of insurance will be accessible directly through your account dashboard. Here you can also get the steps to add your eSlip right to your phone’s digital wallet.

If you would like to download an eSlip, here are the steps to add it to your phone:

  1. Download the Sonnet Insurance app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play store app (Android).
  2. Log in to your account in the app using the same email and password you set up for your Sonnet account.
  3. For first-time users, tap the ‘Get your eSlip’ banner over the ‘More’ tab. Agree to the terms and conditions for eSlips. Choose your vehicle (for single policies) or choose your policy then vehicle (for multiple polices).
  4. eSlips will automatically update in your digital wallet app after a policy change or renewal. If you notice that it hasn’t automatically updated, tap on the ‘More’ tab, then tap ‘Pink Slip’. Choose your vehicle (for single policies) or choose your policy then vehicle (for multiple polices).
  5. Your eSlip will automatically be added to your phone’s digital wallet.

Heads up! If you are an iOS (iPhone) user, the Background app refresh setting must always be turned ON. This setting allows eSlips to automatically update when you make a policy change or renew your policy.

Follow these steps to turn this setting ON:

  1. Go to your iPhone Settings and scroll down until you see the Sonnet Insurance App.
  2. Simply tap the Background App Refresh toggle, so it is ON (green).

Want to view your physical pink slip in your account? Follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account and click on the ‘Easily access your digital pink slip’ card.
  2. For single policies click ’Download’. For multiple policies, choose your policy number and then click ‘Download’.

We’ll also send you a hard copy of your pink slip through the mail (which takes about 5 business days).

Haven’t received your liability slip in the mail? First, double check the mailing address listed on your account. You can do this by signing into your account and selecting Settings. If your mailing address is incorrect or you would like to request a new pink slip be mailed, contact us.
Do I need car insurance for a leased or financed car?

Yes, you’ll still need to get car insurance for your leased or financed vehicle. It’s not included in your lease or contract.

The leasing or financing company may have specific car insurance requirements as a condition of your contract with them. These could include a minimum deductible for collision and comprehensive coverages. You’ll also need to list them on your policy as an additional interest, since they have a stake in your car. And, they’ll require you to provide them with proof of insurance.

Still have questions? Learn more about how leasing vs. financing a car affects your insurance.
Do you live in Toronto? Find out which has the cheapest car insurance - used cars vs. new cars.
What type of car insurance is mandatory in Ontario?

In Ontario, the minimum coverage required by law is:

  • Liability
  • Uninsured Automobile Coverage
  • Accident Benefits

You can’t legally drive without these three.

You might want to add optional coverages that would repair or replace your car if it’s damaged. Collision and comprehensive coverages aren’t required by law. But, they’re highly recommended if you want to avoid paying costly bills out of pocket. Collision takes care of damage to your car in case of an accident with another car or object. Comprehensive covers damage from fire, theft, falling objects, and more. 

Heads up! As of January 1, 2024, Ontario auto insurance policyholders can opt out of Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD). DCPD was previously mandatory in Ontario. This coverage is also known as Collision – Not Your Fault.

Think carefully before removing DCPD from a vehicle. If you decide to opt out, here’s what to consider:

  • You’ll have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace the vehicle even if you’re not at fault in an accident.
  • You won’t be compensated by anyone else’s policy. And, you can’t sue anyone to recover damages. This includes anyone at fault for causing the damage. It also includes their insurer.
  • If you have Collision or All Perils coverage, they will be removed from that vehicle.
  • Extras like towing, storage, and a rental vehicle will also be removed.
  • If you lease or finance your car, the contract with your lender might not allow it.
  • You can’t remove the coverage through your Sonnet.ca account. You must call in and we’ll send you a paper consent form to fill out and send back to us.

We always want you to be fully protected! Have questions about your policy? Reach out to one of our agents via chat or email. They’re happy to help!
How do you get car insurance in Canada?

Getting car insurance in Canada is easy. With Sonnet, you can get a car insurance quote online in minutes. All you’ll need is your driver’s license number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and the answers to a few simple questions – we do the rest of the work for you! Get an instant quote now.

Did you know? Your postal code affects your car insurance whether you live in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada.

Get a Barrie car insurance quote today and see how much you can save

Don’t wait for renewal to take advantage of a better premium – cancelling your insurance mid-term may be easier (and cheaper) than you think.

The average price for dinner at a mid-ranged restaurant in Barrie is taken from Numbeo.