A new online tool compares vehicles using real insurance claims data, giving consumers a clearer view of how different models affect premiums.
Released by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, How Cars Measure Up assess vehicles based on how often claims are made on each model and how those claims cost using data from most Canadian auto insurers between 2019 and 2024.
The tool breaks results into categories tied to insurance costs, including collision, comprehensive, direct compensation property damage, accident benefits and theft frequency. Each vehicle is assigned a relative index based on claims experience, where 100 represents the average. Higher scores indicate more frequent or more costly claims.
“While there are many factors that impact the cost of insurance premiums, such as your driving record, your vehicle’s make, model, year, value and potential repair costs also have a major impact on insurance prices,” says Rob de Pruis. “In general, the less likely your car is to be stolen, damaged or in a collision, as well the less expensive it is to repair, the less you will pay to insure it.”
Sample comparisons show variation across model years and vehicle types. A 2024 Toyota RAV4 posts collision and comprehensive results above average, while theft frequency is significantly below average. A 2020 Toyota 4Runner shows below average collision claims but higher comprehensive and accident benefit costs. Among pickup trucks, a 2024 Ford F-150 shows above average collision, comprehensive and direct compensation property damage claims, while older model years trend closer to or below average in several categories.
The release states the tool is intended to help consumers understand how insurability varies between vehicles when making purchase or leasing decisions, with results based on actual insurer claims data.
