Quick answer: In Ontario, collision and comprehensive are both optional physical-damage coverages that protect your own vehicle. Collision covers damage from hitting another car or object. Comprehensive covers almost everything else, such as theft, fire, vandalism, weather and animal strikes. If your car is financed or leased, your lender usually requires both. If you own an older, low-value car outright, you may choose to drop one or both.
Written and reviewed by Navneet Saran, RIBO and LLQP Licensed Insurance Broker – last reviewed July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Both are optional in Ontario. Only liability, accident benefits, direct compensation and uninsured automobile coverage are mandatory.
- Collision pays to repair or replace your car after a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive covers non-collision losses: theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects, hail and animal strikes.
- Financed or leased? Your lender almost always requires both until the loan is paid off.
- For an older car you own outright, weigh the annual premium against the car value before keeping both.
Comprehensive vs collision: side by side
| Situation | Collision | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| You hit another car or a guardrail | Covered | Not covered |
| Your car is stolen | Not covered | Covered |
| Hail, windstorm or a falling branch | Not covered | Covered |
| Fire or vandalism | Not covered | Covered |
| You hit a deer | Not covered | Covered |
| You roll into a pole in a parking lot | Covered | Not covered |
Do you need both comprehensive and collision?
It depends on your car and your finances. If your vehicle is financed or leased, the lender almost always requires both, so the decision is made for you. If you own your car outright, the question becomes whether the payout would be worth the premium. A newer or higher-value car is usually worth protecting with both. For an older car, the cost of keeping both can start to outweigh what you would receive after a total loss.
When does it make sense to drop one?
A common guideline: if the yearly cost of collision and comprehensive, plus your deductible, approaches a large share of your car actual cash value, keeping full coverage may not be worth it. Some drivers keep comprehensive (which is often cheaper and covers theft and weather) while dropping collision on an older car. There is no single right answer, which is why it helps to run the numbers with a broker before renewing.
How your deductible fits in
Both coverages come with a deductible, the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium but means more out of pocket at claim time. Matching the deductible to what you could comfortably afford after an accident is part of getting the balance right.
Why choose NavInsurance
As an independent, RIBO and LLQP licensed broker in Brampton, I help drivers decide exactly which coverages are worth keeping for their car and budget, compare pricing across multiple Canadian insurers, and explain deductibles in plain language, in English, Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu.
Frequently asked questions
Is comprehensive or collision mandatory in Ontario?
Neither. In Ontario only liability, accident benefits, direct compensation for property damage, and uninsured automobile coverage are mandatory. Comprehensive and collision are optional physical-damage coverages.
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision?
Collision covers damage when your car hits another vehicle or object. Comprehensive covers non-collision losses like theft, fire, vandalism, weather and animal strikes.
Do I need both if my car is financed?
Almost always yes. Lenders and leasing companies typically require both collision and comprehensive until the vehicle is paid off.
Should I drop collision on an old car?
Possibly. If the premium plus deductible approaches a large share of the car value, some drivers drop collision while keeping comprehensive. It is worth running the numbers first.
Does comprehensive cover a cracked windshield?
Comprehensive generally covers glass damage such as a cracked windshield, subject to your deductible. Confirm the specifics on your policy.
Not sure which coverages are worth keeping? Let us review your policy together before renewal. Reach out on the contact page, or start with our car insurance guide.
Navneet Saran is a RIBO and LLQP licensed insurance broker serving Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Through NavInsurance, he helps individuals, families, newcomers and business owners compare insurance solutions from multiple Canadian insurers, including Auto, Home, Life, Commercial, Visitor, Travel and Super Visa Insurance.
