A new report said drivers in Windsor are paying 17 per cent more for car insurance than they did at the end of 2021, and the reasons are varied.
RATESDOTCA hosts an interactive map allowing drivers to search for auto insurance estimates based on their postal code. It released the report on Wednesday.
It said the average car insurance premium in Windsor this year is $1,743, an increase of $252 from the fourth quarter of 2021. In Amherstburg, Comber, LaSalle, Pelee Island, and Essex, those rates increased by $233 to $1,616.
The provincial average rose 12 per cent to $1,744.
At the time of publication, the report said 22 insurance providers increased their rates in 2023, and it anticipated more companies would receive approval soon.
Brampton had the greatest increase at 37 per cent.
The reasons for the increase are multiple. RATESDOTCA blamed high inflation, more auto thefts, and larger vehicles. A rise in claims as people returned to driving after the pandemic is partly responsible. The report suggested 2023 could be a "bumpy ride" for drivers.
"Insurance companies are still catching up," said Rates.ca insurance expert Daniel Evans. "Just because they were allowed to increase doesn't mean it's enough to take care of their losses from the last few years. There's some fine-tuning to come."
RATESDOTCA bases its estimates on the statistical driving habits of a 35-year-old man with a clean driving record who drives a 2019 Honda Civic.