As a general guideline, expatriates relocating to Ontario can expect to pay on average $2,500 to $3,000 a year in insurance premiums. Quebec car insurance, including the public and private portions for one year, can amount up to $900 to $1,200 per year. In B.C. a driver can expect to pay between $1,400 and $2,000 a year. Expatriates can expect even higher premiums if they reside in highly populated city centers, such as the Greater Toronto Area. These premiums are estimates and will differ depending on personal circumstances. They will not only depend on the province but also on factors such as, for example, driving records.

These tips will help reduce the cost of insurance:

• Shop around and negotiate. Considering several different options will give the opportunity to choose the most cost-effective one. (The provinces of B.C. and Manitoba are regulated by governmental bodies and as a result there are no alternative options.)
• Gather necessary paperwork from the country of origin. A copy of the driving record and a letter of experience from a former insurance company to provide proof of driving history will greatly help. These documents must be translated into one of the two Canadian official languages, French or English, by a certified translator.
• Combine a car insurance policy with other policies such as house or tenant insurance to get a discount on the total price.