Every driver in Ontario has to carry auto insurance, but the coverage you actually get, and what you pay for it, varies a lot depending on who you buy it from and how your policy is put together. London has 74 agencies and brokerages offering auto insurance, ranging from independent brokers who shop multiple insurers on your behalf to agents tied to a single carrier. Knowing the difference matters more than most people realize when they're comparing quotes.
What auto insurance covers
In Ontario, a standard policy includes third-party liability, accident benefits (medical, rehab, income replacement), direct compensation for property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage. On top of that, you can add collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your own vehicle, plus options like accident forgiveness, loss of use, and coverage for rental cars or ride-share driving. A good broker will walk you through which of these actually make sense for your vehicle, driving habits, and budget rather than defaulting you into the most expensive package.
What to look for
The strongest agencies work with several insurers, so they can compare rates and coverage instead of pushing one company's product. Ask how claims are handled after hours, whether the broker or agent stays involved once a claim is filed, and how clearly they explain deductibles and exclusions before you sign anything. Response time on quotes and renewals is also a good early signal of how they'll treat you when something actually goes wrong.
Our ranked guide to auto insurance providers in London scores agencies on factors like these, drawing on how they're reviewed for responsiveness, claims support, and clarity of communication. The full scoring approach is explained on our methodology page.
