Insurance premiums can be dependent on how you drive, as well as what you drive. Some vehicles send red flags to Canadian insurers because of sky-high repair costs, frequent claims, or a growing reputation for theft. From luxury sedans with delicate tech to flashy compacts attracting the wrong kind of attention, these cars are quietly raising insurance rates nationwide. If your ride is on this list, you could be overpaying; in some cases, your premiums might even double. Here are 20 cars that Canadian insurance companies hate to cover:
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, especially the high-performance trims like the Scat Pack or SRT Hellcat, is a favorite among car thieves and aggressive drivers, and insurers are fully aware. Its 6.4L V8 engine and 485 hp are built for speed, not safety. Even the 3.6L V6 models attract higher premiums due to accident statistics. The interior is bold but basic, with tech geared more toward power enthusiasts than cautious commuters. Expect steep repair bills if it’s in a crash, and insurers tend to charge a premium.
BMW 3 Series
Beloved for performance and prestige, the BMW 3 Series is also infamous among Canadian insurers. The 2.0L turbocharged engine, producing 255 hp, offers punchy acceleration, but the cost of parts and labor, especially after warranty, makes any claim expensive. Even a minor fender-bender can cost thousands to repair due to sensitive sensors and pricey panels. The interior is elegant but electronics-heavy, and any tech malfunction adds to the bill. While it’s fun to drive, owning a 3 Series often comes with insurance rates that feel more luxurious than necessary, especially in urban areas.
Audi A4
Luxury, style, and Quattro all-wheel drive make the Audi A4 appealing, but it’s a risky asset to insurance companies. Its 2.0L turbo engine, which delivers 201–261 hp, provides zippy acceleration, but with it comes high repair costs, complex diagnostics, and expensive replacement parts. The sleek interior and digital cockpit look great until they glitch. Theft rates for Audis are rising in Canada, and comprehensive coverage is increasingly expensive. Even careful drivers may find themselves paying premiums that rival sports car owners.
Lexus RX
While known for reliability, the Lexus RX, especially the RX 350, lands on many insurers’ watchlists due to its high theft rate and costly repair parts. The 3.5L V6 engine, 295 hp, and premium interior are attractive to both drivers and criminals. This SUV is a hot target for organized car theft rings in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. The plush leather seating and expansive infotainment suite are expensive to replace when damaged. Combine luxury parts with high theft claims, and it’s no wonder insurers are pushing premiums sky-high for RX owners across Canada.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a rally-bred powerhouse, but its aggressive reputation drives up insurance costs in Canada. With a 2.4L turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 271 hp, it is fast and often driven that way. Insurers cite high rates of speeding tickets and accident claims among WRX owners. The interior, while functional, is built around performance rather than safety and luxury. Repairs from even minor incidents can be pricey due to specialty components. While enthusiasts love it, insurance companies aren’t fans.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 may be Canada’s EV darling, but insurers are growing wary. With dual-motor models pushing 455 hp and 0–60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, accidents happen, and repairs are anything but simple. Even minor body damage often requires specialized service, and replacement parts, especially the glass roof and cameras, are expensive and slow to source. The sleek, tech-packed interior increases costs if anything malfunctions. Despite advanced safety features, Tesla’s repair complexity and rising claim totals have insurers hiking premiums, especially in Ontario and Quebec.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
With rugged looks and off-road chops, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Canadian favorite, but not for insurance companies. The standard 3.6L V6 that delivers 293 hp or optional V8 models are powerful, but theft rates and high repair costs drag this SUV into costly territory. Many models have complex drivetrains, and electronic systems in recent trims are notoriously sensitive. Interiors are comfortable but include pricey infotainment systems and leather surfaces that aren’t cheap to replace. Whether it’s collision damage or comprehensive claims, this Jeep raises high bills, increasing premiums.
Ford Mustang
From the 2.3L EcoBoost that produces 315 hp to the GT’s 5.0L V8 that produces up to 480 hp, the Ford Mustang screams performance. Unfortunately, so do its insurance claims. Known for speeding-related accidents and aggressive driving, the Mustang frequently tops risk lists for insurers. Its rear-wheel-drive layout isn’t ideal in Canadian winters, and even minor bodywork can cost a fortune due to aluminum panels and complex sensors. The interior has improved in newer models but still emphasizes style over durability, and if you’re looking to cut insurance costs, this muscle car could be your financial weak spot.
Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N delivers legit performance from a 2.0L turbocharged engine and 276 hp, but it has insurance consequences. This hot sedan attracts young, spirited drivers, translating into more claims. Insurers are taking notice of high-speed infractions and accident data. The performance-tuned suspension and advanced infotainment system add repair complexity, and even basic fixes can become expensive due to the limited availability of N-specific parts. Though it’s affordable to buy, the long-term cost of ownership, including premiums, might catch some Canadian drivers off guard.
Range Rover Evoque
The compact Range Rover Evoque turns heads, but insurance companies see trouble. Its 2.0L turbo engine, 246 hp, and sleek luxury interior are appealing, but repairs can be expensive. The Evoque is notorious for electrical issues, and its cramped engine bay makes routine fixes time-consuming and costly. Add in rising theft rates and the complexity of Land Rover’s proprietary tech, and it’s no surprise insurers raise premiums accordingly. If you’re budgeting for this vehicle, account for monthly costs beyond the loan payment.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevy Camaro’s aggressive design and powerful engine options, from a 275-hp turbocharged four-cylinder to a 455-hp V8, make it a dream for muscle car fans and a nightmare for insurers. These vehicles are frequently linked to high-speed accidents and theft, which send premiums soaring. Its low-slung body style also suffers in Canadian winters, leading to more weather-related claims. While the cabin is sport-focused with bold materials and tech, rear visibility is poor, adding to fender-bender risks.
Honda Civic Si
Despite Honda’s reputation for reliability, the Civic Si has become a high-risk flag for Canadian insurers. Its 200-hp turbocharged engine and manual transmission appeal to performance-hungry younger drivers, leading to an uptick in claims. Street racing and modification culture around the Si doesn’t help its case either. The interior is sharp, sporty, and tech-savvy, but it’s also more likely to be involved in collisions and thefts than regular Civics. With frequent claims, rising theft rates, and insurer caution, the Si version might be the Civic that costs you the most long term.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes C-Class might offer elegance and engineering, but it’s one of the most expensive sedans to insure in Canada. With powertrains ranging from a 255-hp turbo four-cylinder to AMG variants packing 500+ hp, there’s plenty of performance and risk. Complex tech systems, luxury materials, and sky-high repair costs mean a small mishap results in a big bill. The cabin is refined and loaded with screens and sensors, costing thousands to replace. The C-Class is a beautiful liability for insurers, and they price your premiums accordingly.
Toyota GR86
Compact, rear-wheel-drive, and performance-focused, the Toyota GR86 is fun on twisty roads, but insurers aren’t thrilled about it. This car is built for spirited driving with a 2.4L flat-four engine producing 228 hp and a lightweight chassis. That often translates into higher accident rates. The minimalist interior emphasizes function over luxury, but the GR86’s sharp handling makes it a favorite among young drivers, many of whom lack winter experience. That combination drives up risk and premiums. Though cheaper than many sports cars, the insurance on a GR86 might tell a very different story.
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 delivers punchy power, especially in the Red Sport 400 model with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 putting out 400 hp. Still, its resale value and repair costs hurt it in the eyes of insurers. Electronics and advanced safety features are expensive, and parts are often back-ordered. The interior blends comfort with cutting-edge tech, but even minor infotainment glitches can rack up hefty repair bills. Insurers also note a history of mechanical complaints, which means higher risk and higher premiums.
BMW M3
The BMW M3 combines German engineering with pure track-day aggression, but its performance pedigree is part of why insurers charge so much. Boasting a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six with 473 horsepower and blistering 0–100 km/h acceleration in under 4.0 seconds, it tempts drivers to push the limits. Repair costs are another sore spot, as OEM parts and labor aren’t cheap. The interior is plush and well-appointed, but one rear-end collision can cost thousands. With a high likelihood of claims and a reputation for being a magnet for theft in urban centers, the M3 is high risk in the eyes of Canadian insurers.
Nissan GT-R
Canada loves performance cars, but insurers don’t like the Nissan GT-R. Known as “Godzilla” for good reason, it produces 565 horsepower from its twin-turbo V6 and launches from 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds. That supercar territory means super-sized premiums. The GT-R’s parts and maintenance are incredibly costly, and its rarity makes repairs even more expensive. The high theft rate in metropolitan areas and track-like capabilities make it a statistical liability. Inside, you’ll find a cockpit tailored for speed, not practicality. For many Canadian insurance providers, the GT-R is a powerful red flag that drives premiums up.
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade is an all-American luxury on Canadian roads and comes at a price. Its massive 6.2L V8 engine, 420 hp, opulent interiors, and electronics suite make it costly to repair and replace. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most stolen vehicles in Canada year after year, making comprehensive coverage expensive and sometimes restrictive. Even a minor accident involving its advanced sensors and screens can cost thousands. If you’re driving an Escalade, chances are your insurance provider already has you flagged as high risk, regardless of your clean driving history.
Dodge Durango SRT
Muscle meets utility in the Dodge Durango SRT, boasting a 6.4L V8 engine with 475 hp. It’s undeniably powerful, but insurers don’t like what they see. High horsepower, a heavy body, and aggressive styling draw performance-minded drivers who are more likely to be involved in accidents. Repairing one isn’t cheap either. The interior is spacious and tech-packed, but parts availability and labor costs raise claim payouts. Factor in fuel costs and steep insurance rates, and this SUV becomes a wallet-drainer for Canadians who don’t anticipate their monthly bills.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a striking Italian import with a turbocharged 2.0L engine producing 280 hp, up to 505 hp in the Quadrifoglio trim. It blends sportiness with European flair, but under that beauty lies insurance chaos. Known for electrical issues and complex drivetrain quirks, the Giulia is a technician’s challenge and an insurer’s headache. Even routine maintenance can uncover expensive surprises. The upscale cabin and digital tech are premium-tier to replace. Given its reliability concerns and limited service network in Canada, insurance companies are more than happy to pass the risk onto your premium.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
