Understand who you are speaking with
A broker can discuss policies from insurers they represent, while a direct insurer sells its own products through its website, agents or call centre. Availability depends on province and type of insurance. In public auto-insurance provinces, mandatory basic protection follows a different purchasing route.
Use the same comparison questions
Ask which insurers are being quoted, what coverage is included, what exclusions matter and whether there are fees. A broker's shortlist is not automatically the entire market. Request a written policy summary and verify the representative or firm through your provincial regulator if needed.
Widen the quote search
A broker may obtain several carrier options, while you can also check a direct insurer that the broker does not represent. Ask the broker which markets were approached, then compare all quotes on the same coverage terms. Neither channel can promise the best price for every driver.
Quick check
- Ask which carriers were checked
- Compare policy terms
- Verify licensing
General educational content, reviewed September 28, 2026. Rules, availability and policy wording can change. Confirm current details with the linked authority or a licensed insurer or broker.