The Rate Approval database provides consumers with timely information about approved rate changes for every auto insurer in Ontario.
Approvals are updated regularly and date back to January 1, 2018.
FSRA encourages consumers to use the database as a signal of a potential rate change coming their way. Consumers can decide whether to contact their insurer for more information, shop around for a better deal, or both.
Learn more about auto insurance and factors that impact your premium at FSRA’s new Auto Insurance Consumer Hub.
Emergency rate approval activity
FSRA continues to protect the interests of consumers by monitoring auto insurance rates and changes in driving during the pandemic.
In March, the largest auto insurers comprising more than 90% of the Ontario market voluntarily committed to additional rate reductions for their customers.
Most reductions are expected to be in the market by May 1, 2021.
Insurers continue to use FSRA’s Emergency filing process to reduce auto insurance rates. You can see all emergency filing approvals at 2020/21 Emergency Filing Approvals and Auto Insurance Rebates.
FSRA approved 83 rate applications between March 17, 2020 and December 31, 2020. 81 were approved for an average change of 0% or less. Almost all of FSRA’s approvals were related to COVID-19 and the impact of fewer drivers on the road.
Auto insurers filed these changes using FSRA’s Emergency filing process to enable rapid implementation of:
- Rebates, rates reductions; and
- the delay, change or withdrawal of pre-Emergency approved increases
As a result, auto insurers have reported more than $1B in consumer relief. FSRA’s report on consumer relief provides more detail.
Non-emergency rate approval activity
Auto insurers need approval from FSRA to change the rates they use to calculate premiums for their customers. Insurers seek approval to change their rates because their view of risk and projected costs change.
FSRA’s role as the auto insurance rate regulator is to ensure that a company’s proposed rates are just and reasonable and not excessive. An insurance company also needs to charge enough to cover its operating expenses, pay future claims obligations and earn a reasonable profit.
A customer’s premium can change because of an insurer’s approved rate change overall. Premium changes can also be a result of changes in the customer’s own circumstances, such as a speeding ticket.
Consumers who have concerns or complaints about their premiums/rates:
- Contact your insurance agent, broker or company to ask about your policy and the price you pay.
- Shop around for a better price. You are under no obligation to accept your current insurer’s renewal offer, and you may find better prices with another company.
- Contact FSRA at: [email protected].