Echelon Auto Insurance: Our 2025 Review & Verdict
Our expert's review on Echelon
After a close look at Echelon, it's clear this is not a standard insurer; it's a specialist. Echelon offers coverage based on standard provincial policies with liability protection up to $2 million and selectable deductibles, but does not publicize a prevention budget.
Compared to mainstream carriers, Echelon stands alone as a crucial option for access, its primary strength, though this comes at a higher premium.
Echelon car insurance is exclusively for high-risk drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere, such as those with poor driving records, frequent claims, or license suspensions.
As a non-standard provider, financial data like premium volume is not available, but user experience points to significant challenges; its Trustpilot score is a low 2.3/5, with customer feedback frequently citing slow claims management.
- ✅Insurance access for high-risk drivers
- ✅Coverage for drivers with past infractions
- ✅Up to $2 million in liability coverage
- ✅Selectable deductible amount
- ✅6-month and 12-month policy terms
- ✅Availability in five provinces
- ❌Significantly higher premiums
- ❌Broker-only model, no direct quotes
- ❌Reports of slow claims handling
- ❌Overwhelmingly negative customer feedback
- ❌Limited digital tools for clients
Our expert's review on Echelon
- ✅Insurance access for high-risk drivers
- ✅Coverage for drivers with past infractions
- ✅Up to $2 million in liability coverage
- ✅Selectable deductible amount
- ✅6-month and 12-month policy terms
- ✅Availability in five provinces
- ❌Significantly higher premiums
- ❌Broker-only model, no direct quotes
- ❌Reports of slow claims handling
- ❌Overwhelmingly negative customer feedback
- ❌Limited digital tools for clients
Score- ✅Insurance access for high-risk drivers
- ✅Coverage for drivers with past infractions
- ✅Up to $2 million in liability coverage
- ✅Selectable deductible amount
- ✅6-month and 12-month policy terms
- ✅Availability in five provinces
Compared to mainstream carriers, Echelon stands alone as a crucial option for access, its primary strength, though this comes at a higher premium.
Echelon car insurance is exclusively for high-risk drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere, such as those with poor driving records, frequent claims, or license suspensions.
As a non-standard provider, financial data like premium volume is not available, but user experience points to significant challenges; its Trustpilot score is a low 2.3/5, with customer feedback frequently citing slow claims management.
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The Echelon car insurance guarantees
Echelon offers auto insurance designed for high-risk drivers and those declined by standard providers, with coverage strictly aligned to provincial statutory policy wordings in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces.
Available protections include third-party liability up to $2 million, and optional collision, comprehensive, waiver of depreciation, and loss of use, with deductible levels selected at policy inception—a setup typical among non-standard insurers.
Policy terms are offered in six- and 12-month increments, with payment plans available, but all business is channeled through brokers and digital services are limited.
Echelon’s main strength is market access for drivers with impaired records or claims history, while notable drawbacks include higher-than-standard premiums, less flexibility, and negative feedback on claims handling and customer service.
Assistance services and specific add-ons like roadside coverage are usually limited or require separate endorsement, so the contract may not match the full convenience or breadth of a mainstream competitor.
| Warranty name | Echelon Car Insurance (high-risk, non-standard) |
|---|---|
| Formula positioning | À la carte policy following provincial standards |
| Type of cover | Liability (up to $2M), optional comprehensive/collision |
| Reimbursement rate (% of damages covered) | 100% up to selected limits, subject to deductible |
| Annual reimbursement ceiling (maximum amount reimbursed per year) | NC |
| Policy excess (per claim and/or annually) | Chosen at policy start; amount set by customer |
| Waiting period (before certain guarantees take effect) | NC |
| Minimum/maximum age for subscription | NC |
| Prior risk assessment (medical questionnaire, telematics, driving history) | Focus on high-risk drivers, driving record required |
| Payment facilities | 6- or 12-month term; monthly payments available |
| Advance payment of claim-related costs | Deductible paid by insured; repairs as per claims process |
| Compensation at purchase value/agreed value/replacement value | Actual cash value; waiver of depreciation optional |
| Third-party liability (bodily injury and property damage to others) | Up to $2M |
| Own vehicle damage (collision, regardless of fault) | Optional; collision coverage if purchased |
| Theft of vehicle (partial or total) | Optional; comprehensive coverage if selected |
| Fire (accidental or criminal) | Covered under comprehensive if selected |
| Broken glass (windscreen, windows, sunroof) | Covered if comprehensive or collision endorsements valid |
| Natural disasters (hail, flood, storm, etc.) | Covered under comprehensive if purchased |
| Acts of vandalism | Covered under comprehensive if purchased |
| All-risks damage (accidents of any cause, including at-fault) | Only if all-risk/collision + comprehensive selected |
| Driver personal injury cover (death, disability, medical expenses) | Standard per provincial policy |
| Passenger injury cover | Standard per provincial policy |
| Criminal defence and recourse (basic legal aid after an accident) | NC |
| Extended legal protection (for disputes beyond accidents, e.g. purchase, repairs) | NC |
| Vehicle accessories and modifications (including electric vehicle batteries and cables) | NC |
| Personal belongings inside the vehicle (excluding cash and documents) | NC |
| Child equipment (seats, pushchairs) | NC |
| Replacement vehicle (during repairs or after total loss) | Optional Loss of Use endorsement |
| Towing and roadside assistance (including out-of-charge recovery for EVs) | Optional; must be endorsed |
| Use abroad (compliance with minimum local cover; optional full cover abroad) | Canada/USA only, per standard conditions |
| Vehicle use for professional/business purposes (where applicable) | ❌ Unless commercial policy is endorsed |
| Driving other vehicles (third-party only or comprehensive, depending on the insurer) | NC |
| Trailer or caravan towing cover | NC |
*NC = Not communicated; policy conditions based on provincial regulations. All products distributed through licensed brokers; terms may vary by province and customer profile.*
Good to know
Echelon policies require all service, quoting, and claims through an intermediary broker and do not currently offer self-serve digital access or a mobile app for policy management. Customers should expect manual processes and premium levels higher than standard auto insurance in exchange for broader acceptance of non-standard risk profiles.
Echelon car insurance exclusions
Echelon applies the same exclusions as the standard provincial auto policy, focusing on core risks such as intentional damage, illegal use, and unlicensed drivers, consistent with most non-standard insurers in Canada.
Notably, commercial use of the vehicle is excluded unless it is specifically declared and endorsed, which can catch some policyholders unaware, particularly those involved in secondary gig work or informal taxi services.
Wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, and failure-related losses are not covered, as is typical industry-wide, but Echelon also denies claims for most events occurring outside Canada and the U.S., aligning with market norms.
There are no uniquely restrictive exclusions compared to other providers, but all exclusions and limitations are ultimately subject to the provincial policy contract—making broker consultation essential for full clarity.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Exclusions linked to the use of the vehicle | • Intentional damage or illegal activities • Commercial use unless specifically endorsed • Participation in racing or speed tests |
| Exclusions linked to the driver | • Use by unlicensed, excluded, or impaired drivers |
| Technical exclusions | • Wear and tear • Mechanical breakdown • Corrosion or rust |
| Geographical exclusions | • Losses occurring outside Canada or the United States |
| Contractual exclusions | • Claims above policy limits • Events or property types not covered by selected options |
• Commercial use unless specifically endorsed
• Participation in racing or speed tests
• Mechanical breakdown
• Corrosion or rust
• Events or property types not covered by selected options
The Cost of Echelon Car Insurance
Echelon positions itself among the most expensive car insurers in Canada due to its specialization in high-risk drivers, typically resulting in higher premiums than mainstream or digital-first competitors.
The coverage offered matches provincial standards, but optional endorsements can drive costs even higher, especially when low deductibles or extra benefits are selected.
Unlike digital pure players, Echelon requires all transactions and servicing to be processed through brokers, which increases administration costs compared to online-only insurers.
Its main strength is the willingness to insure drivers with challenging or non-standard profiles who may be declined elsewhere, but this comes at a financial premium.
Echelon’s price positioning is best described as “expensive but comprehensive—for drivers unable to secure coverage from other insurers.”
| Driver profile | Basic liability only | Liability + comprehensive | Liability + collision | Full coverage (all options) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young driver (18-24 years, compact vehicle) | $220/month | $285/month | $315/month | $360/month |
| Standard driver (35-45 years, intermediate vehicle) | $145/month | $185/month | $205/month | $240/month |
| Senior driver (60-70 years, city car) | $108/month | $140/month | $165/month | $190/month |
| Driver with an at-fault claim within 3 years | $260/month | $360/month | $375/month | $420/month |
| New SUV driver | $185/month | $230/month | $245/month | $290/month |
| Driver with more than 25,000km/year | $185/month | $230/month | $250/month | $295/month |
Compare multiple providers to find the cheapest rate for your profile.
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| Promotional codes Echelon | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe | -5% on your quote |
Note: promotional codes are subject to change. For the latest promotional codes, go to our comparison of the best car insurance.
Your reimbursement with Echelon
| Claim or service | Average price (CA$) | Echelon Liability Only | Echelon Collision Only | Echelon Comprehensive Only | Echelon All Perils (Collision + Comprehensive) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement after theft | $24,000 | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $24,000 (excluding excess) | Up to $24,000 (excluding excess) |
| Repair after at-fault accident | $7,000 | ❌ | Up to $7,000 (excluding excess) | ❌ | Up to $7,000 (excluding excess) |
| Windshield repair/replacement | $550 | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $550 (excluding excess) | Up to $550 (excluding excess) |
| Towing after breakdown/accident | $250 | ❌ | Up to $250 (excluding excess, if endorsement purchased) | Up to $250 (excluding excess, if endorsement purchased) | Up to $250 (excluding excess, if endorsement purchased) |
| Fire or vandalism damage repair | $2,500 | ❌ | ❌ | Up to $2,500 (excluding excess) | Up to $2,500 (excluding excess) |
Echelon car insurance assistance
Echelon’s car insurance policies do not explicitly mention the inclusion or availability of 24/7 roadside assistance or towing services, even as an optional benefit, which sets it apart from several mainstream insurers.
No details are provided about home assistance (0 km towing), support for electric vehicle breakdowns, key recovery, legal protection, or animal transport in the official policy or public sources.
Replacement vehicles and alternative transportation may be accessible if the Loss of Use endorsement is selected, but this is not included by default.
Assistance abroad, vehicle repatriation, and coverage for battery or fuel misfuelling events are not addressed in Echelon’s available documentation.
Overall, Echelon’s approach prioritizes core claims-driven insurance protection for high-risk drivers, but notable omissions in assistance services may leave policyholders without critical day-to-day support in the event of mechanical breakdown or non-accident issues.
| Support Echelon | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 roadside breakdown assistance | N.C. | N.C. |
| Towing to repair facility / Extended towing | N.C. | N.C. |
| Assistance from home (0 km) | N.C. | N.C. |
| Replacement vehicle | ❌ | Not included by default. May be available with optional Loss of Use endorsement. |
| Alternative transport or accommodation | ❌ | Not included by default. May be available with optional endorsement (not specified). |
| Vehicle repatriation | N.C. | N.C. |
| Assistance abroad | N.C. | N.C. |
| Assistance for electric vehicles | N.C. | N.C. |
| Battery assistance & fuel misfuelling | N.C. | N.C. |
| Legal assistance after an accident | N.C. | N.C. |
| Assistance for animals on board | N.C. | N.C. |
| Key recovery & lock replacement | N.C. | N.C. |
May be available with optional Loss of Use endorsement.
May be available with optional endorsement (not specified).
Customer feedback on Echelon car insurance
| Review site | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.3/5 – 7 reviews |
We have analyzed the reviews on the above-mentioned site.
- ✅ The company is recognized for insuring high-risk drivers who have been declined elsewhere, providing an accessible option for those who need coverage.
- ❌ Many customers report high premiums that are perceived as uncompetitive compared to other insurers.
- ❌ Numerous clients express frustration with billing errors and the handling of payment issues.
- ❌ There is frequent criticism of slow and unresponsive customer service, with particular complaints about delays in processing claims and policy changes.
- ❌ The absence of digital tools and the need to manage policies exclusively through brokers is viewed as inconvenient by many policyholders.
How to Contact Echelon
| Customer service Echelon | Contact information |
|---|---|
| To obtain a quote or take out a policy online | You can use the HelloSafe car insurance comparison tool, choose the option that suits you best and click to obtain a quote. To get a direct quote or take out a policy, contact an authorized Echelon broker at https://echeloninsurance.ca/locate-a-broker or call the head office at (800) 324-3566. |
| To report a claim | Call 24/7 claims numbers: Ontario, Alberta, Atlantic: (866) 252-2854; Quebec: (866) 502-7675; British Columbia: (800) 775-1899 or email bcclaims@echeloninsurance.ca. You can also report a claim to your broker. Mail: 5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 200, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N1 (ON/AB/Atlantic); 1800 Avenue McGill College, Bureau 2104, Montréal, QC H3A 3J6 (QC). |
| To request and track a refund | Contact your broker directly or call Echelon’s head office at (800) 324-3566. Processing may require proof of overpayment or policy details; refunds are typically issued by cheque or direct deposit and timeframes vary—your broker will confirm status. |
| To obtain an insurance certificate | Request your insurance certificate through your broker or by calling (800) 324-3566 (head office). Mail: 5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 200, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N1. |
| To contact assistance | General inquiries: call (800) 324-3566 or contact your local broker. For assistance in British Columbia, call (800) 775-1899 or email bcclaims@echeloninsurance.ca. Mail: 5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 200, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N1 (ON/AB/Atlantic); 1800 Avenue McGill College, Bureau 2104, Montréal, QC H3A 3J6 (QC). |
| To cancel my contract | Contact your broker, who will advise you on the process, notice period, and required documents (generally a written request and policy number). For further information, call (800) 324-3566. Refunds for unused premium are processed by your broker as per the cancellation date. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay in advance for repairs or assistance with Echelon?
Echelon generally pays repair shops and service providers directly if you use a partner or approved vendor, so you typically only pay your deductible. However, if you choose an independent repair facility, you might need to pay upfront and then get reimbursed, subject to claim approval and your policy's conditions. Always confirm with your broker for your specific situation.
How do I cancel my car insurance contract with Echelon?
To cancel your Echelon car insurance, contact your broker directly; a written request and your policy information are usually required, with a notice period of around 30 days recommended for smooth processing.
Which types of drivers and vehicles does Echelon specialize in insuring?
Echelon focuses on drivers considered high risk, such as those with recent accidents, driving convictions, license suspensions, or those refused by standard insurers. Their coverage is available for personal vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs, but not for commercial use unless specifically endorsed. This makes Echelon a provider of last resort for those who need coverage when others say no.
What coverages can I add to my Echelon auto insurance policy?
In addition to the required third party liability, you can add optional protections such as Collision, Comprehensive, Loss of Use, and Waiver of Depreciation. The exact options depend on your province and needs; review details with your broker to ensure your coverage fits your driving habits and vehicle usage.
How do I file a claim with Echelon and what should I expect?
You must report claims to your broker or directly to Echelon’s regional claims line—24-hour hotlines are available for each province. Have your policy number and incident details ready for faster service. An adjuster will guide you through next steps, but processing times are not guaranteed and depend on the nature and complexity of your claim.
Does Echelon offer roadside assistance or towing?
Roadside or breakdown towing is not advertised as standard with Echelon policies, but may be available through optional endorsements, depending on your broker. Always confirm what assistance services are included in your policy to avoid out-of-pocket costs in case of a breakdown.
Do I have to pay in advance for repairs or assistance with Echelon?
Echelon generally pays repair shops and service providers directly if you use a partner or approved vendor, so you typically only pay your deductible. However, if you choose an independent repair facility, you might need to pay upfront and then get reimbursed, subject to claim approval and your policy's conditions. Always confirm with your broker for your specific situation.
How do I cancel my car insurance contract with Echelon?
To cancel your Echelon car insurance, contact your broker directly; a written request and your policy information are usually required, with a notice period of around 30 days recommended for smooth processing.
Which types of drivers and vehicles does Echelon specialize in insuring?
Echelon focuses on drivers considered high risk, such as those with recent accidents, driving convictions, license suspensions, or those refused by standard insurers. Their coverage is available for personal vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs, but not for commercial use unless specifically endorsed. This makes Echelon a provider of last resort for those who need coverage when others say no.
What coverages can I add to my Echelon auto insurance policy?
In addition to the required third party liability, you can add optional protections such as Collision, Comprehensive, Loss of Use, and Waiver of Depreciation. The exact options depend on your province and needs; review details with your broker to ensure your coverage fits your driving habits and vehicle usage.
How do I file a claim with Echelon and what should I expect?
You must report claims to your broker or directly to Echelon’s regional claims line—24-hour hotlines are available for each province. Have your policy number and incident details ready for faster service. An adjuster will guide you through next steps, but processing times are not guaranteed and depend on the nature and complexity of your claim.
Does Echelon offer roadside assistance or towing?
Roadside or breakdown towing is not advertised as standard with Echelon policies, but may be available through optional endorsements, depending on your broker. Always confirm what assistance services are included in your policy to avoid out-of-pocket costs in case of a breakdown.
