Car insurance broker, agent or direct insurer in Canada: how to get quotes that compare

In Canada you can buy car insurance through a broker (who places your policy with one of several insurers), an exclusive agent (who sells one insurer's products), or directly from an insurer by phone or online. Comparison websites collect your details and pass them to brokers or insurers. No channel is always cheapest. The practical approach at renewal is to get quotes from at least two channels, for example one broker who can check several insurers and one direct insurer, using exactly the same specification.

Every person who sells or advises on insurance must be licensed in the province where they deal with you. This guide explains how each channel works and how to check a licence.

The four channels compared

In BC, Basic Autoplan is sold through licensed Autoplan brokers and ICBC's own channels; private optional coverage is sold through brokers, agents or insurers. In Saskatchewan, SGI's plate insurance is sold through motor licence issuers, and extension coverage through brokers. In Manitoba, Autopac is sold through Autopac agents (brokers appointed by MPI) and MPI's service centres.

Licensing: how to check a seller

Before you pay, check the person's or firm's name in the regulator's online register. Fraudsters sometimes sell fake policies or "ghost broker" insurance through social media; see the misrepresentation and fronting guide.

How sellers are paid

Brokers and agents are usually paid a commission by the insurer, included in the premium. Some brokerages also charge a broker fee; it must be disclosed. Direct insurers' costs are built into their prices. Because commission rates are not usually shown on your declarations, judge the channel by the total price for identical coverage and the quality of advice and claims help.

Worked example: two channels, one specification (illustrative)

A family in Moncton wants quotes for two vehicles. Specification: $2 million liability, $1,000 collision and $500 comprehensive deductibles, loss of use and non-owned vehicle endorsements, two drivers.

• Broker: returns quotes from three insurers: $3,420, $3,560 and $3,690 for both vehicles. The broker notes that the cheapest requires a telematics app for a 5% discount already included.
• Direct insurer: quotes $3,380 online, but the form left out the non-owned vehicle endorsement. Adding it costs $40: $3,380 + $40 = $3,420.

On identical terms the two cheapest options both cost $3,420, but they are not the same deal: the broker's cheapest quote depends on a telematics app. Without the 5% discount it would be about $3,600 ($3,420 / 0.95), which is more than the broker's second quote at $3,560 and more than the direct quote.

• If the family is comfortable with the app, the two options tie on price, and they can choose on claims service and on having a broker to call.
• If they do not want telematics, the direct quote at $3,420 wins by $140 against the broker's best quote without conditions ($3,560).

The lesson: a quote is not comparable until you know both the coverage and the conditions attached to its discounts.

Questions to ask any seller

1. Which insurers did you check, and why these?
2. Is the quote for exactly the coverages, limits, deductibles and endorsements I asked for?
3. Which discounts are included, and what conditions do they carry?
4. What is the total payable if I pay monthly?
5. Is there a broker fee or policy fee?
6. How do I report a claim, and will you help?

Online quote forms: common traps

• Default deductibles and limits that differ from yours.
• Driving experience entered as years since first licence instead of years with a full licence.
• Annual kilometres pre-filled.
• A missing driver or vehicle.
• Accident benefit choices in Ontario left at a default you did not choose; see the Ontario 2026 guide.

Print or save each quote with its full coverage summary before comparing.

Frequently asked questions

Is a broker more expensive than buying direct?

Not necessarily. Prices depend on the insurer and its rating of you. Compare total prices for identical coverage.

Can I use a broker in a public-plan province?

Yes. In BC and Manitoba brokers sell the public basic plan as well as optional or extension coverage. In Saskatchewan brokers sell extension coverage.

Do comparison sites show every insurer?

No. They show the insurers or brokers they work with. Use them as a starting point, not the whole market.

What if my broker made a mistake in my application?

Contact the brokerage in writing and ask for correction. If it is not resolved, complain to the licensing body in your province.

More guides

• Renewal checklist
• Worked renewal comparison
• Monthly or annual payment

Sources

• Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario — broker licensing in Ontario
• FSRA — agent licensing in Ontario
• Autorité des marchés financiers — register of firms and representatives in Quebec
• Insurance Council of British Columbia — licensing in BC
• Alberta Insurance Council — licensing in Alberta
• Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators — other provincial regulators