What is Sonnet Insurance and who owns it?

Sonnet Insurance is a direct-to-consumer home and auto insurance brand. Sonnet and Economical Insurance are both subsidiaries of Definity Financial Corporation (TSX: DFY) — Economical was founded in 1871 and demutualized into the publicly traded Definity Financial Corporation in 2021. Sonnet was launched in 2016 as a digital-first brand, allowing customers to get quotes, purchase policies, and manage coverage entirely online without speaking to an agent or broker. Economical underwrites and handles claims for Sonnet policies, so Sonnet customers get Economical's financial backing and claims infrastructure through a self-serve online interface.

Where is Sonnet Insurance available in Canada?

Sonnet offers both home and auto insurance in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. In Alberta and British Columbia, Sonnet currently offers home insurance only — auto insurance is not available there. Sonnet does not operate in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, or the territories. Availability changes over time, so confirm current provincial offerings at sonnet.ca before assuming a product is available in your province.

How does Sonnet pricing compare to brokers and traditional insurers?

Sonnet pricing is generally competitive in its core markets (Ontario and Quebec) but is not always the cheapest. Sonnet's advantage is convenience and bundling discounts: combining home and auto with Sonnet typically yields a meaningful discount. The online distribution model removes broker commissions, which theoretically should translate to lower prices — and Sonnet does price competitively for straightforward risk profiles. However, drivers with accidents, claims history, or young drivers on the policy often find better rates through brokers who can shop multiple carriers, since Sonnet's self-serve pricing tends to be more conservative for higher-risk profiles.

How does the Sonnet claims process work?

Claims are filed through the Sonnet app or website, or by phone. Because Economical Insurance underwrites Sonnet policies, claims are handled by Economical's claims team rather than a separate Sonnet-only claims department — giving Sonnet customers the backing of an insurer with over 150 years of claims-handling experience. Reviews of Sonnet claims handling are mixed: straightforward claims (minor auto damage, smaller property claims) are generally reported as smooth, while more complex claims (total loss vehicles, major water damage) show more variation in the review record. Sonnet's claims app allows photo submission and status tracking.

What discounts does Sonnet offer?

Sonnet offers several discount categories: a bundle discount for purchasing both home and auto policies together; a claims-free discount for each year without a claim; an anti-theft device discount for vehicles with tracking or alarm systems; a winter tire discount in eligible markets; a home alarm/monitoring discount; a loyalty discount for multi-year renewal; and My Drive, Sonnet's telematics program, which tracks driving behaviour via app and can lower your auto premium for safe driving. Confirm current discount amounts directly with Sonnet, since these are adjusted periodically.

What are the main drawbacks of Sonnet Insurance?

Sonnet's main limitations: (1) No agent relationship — if your insurance needs are complex (home-based business, high-value art or jewellery, rental properties, classic vehicles), Sonnet's digital-only model may not provide adequate customization. (2) Limited availability — no auto insurance in BC or Alberta, and no presence at all in SK, MB, NL, or the territories. (3) Not always the cheapest — for drivers with accidents, young drivers, or high-risk properties, broker-placed insurance often beats Sonnet's rates. (4) Coverage gaps for high-value items — Sonnet's standard home policy may have low sublimits for jewellery, fine art, or collector items, requiring separate riders that inflate pricing. (5) Claims reviews are mixed — complex claims (like major water damage or total loss vehicles) receive less consistent reviews than straightforward minor claims.

Is it easy to switch to Sonnet mid-policy?

Yes. Switching to Sonnet mid-policy is possible and common. Your existing insurer will pro-rate the refund of your unused premium. Sonnet will pro-rate your new policy start date. Before switching: ensure no large non-refundable fees apply at your current insurer on cancellation; confirm your mortgage lender (if applicable) accepts Sonnet as a home insurer; get your Sonnet policy confirmed and in place before cancelling the old policy to avoid a gap. The online process makes switching straightforward — you can typically get a Sonnet quote in minutes.

Sonnet Insurance Review 2026: Is This Digital Home and Auto Insurer Worth It?

Item: Sonnet Insurance
Rating: 4.0

Sonnet Insurance brings the convenience of online self-serve insurance to home and auto — backed by the claims infrastructure of Economical Insurance, its sister brand under parent company Definity Financial Corporation.

Sonnet at a glance

Feature	Detail
Owned by	Definity Financial Corporation (TSX: DFY) — parent of both Sonnet and Economical Insurance
Products	Home (condo, tenant, homeowner) and auto insurance
Home insurance availability	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, AB, BC
Auto insurance availability	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE only (no auto in AB or BC)
Application	100% online; no agent required
Bundling discount	Available for home + auto (confirm current rate with Sonnet)
Claims	Handled by Economical Insurance’s claims team
App	iOS and Android; photo claims, policy management
Telematics	My Drive by Sonnet (usage-based discount; confirm current maximum)
Financial backing	Definity Financial Corporation / Economical Insurance, regulated by OSFI

Products offered

Home insurance

Coverage type	Available?
Homeowner (detached, semi, townhouse)	Yes
Condo unit owner	Yes
Tenant/renter	Yes
Landlord/rental property	Limited (primary rental only)

Standard home insurance inclusions: dwelling replacement cost, personal property (named perils or all-risk), liability, additional living expenses (ALE), detached structures.

Optional add-ons: overland water coverage, sewer backup, earthquake (available in eligible provinces, including Quebec and BC), identity theft, home equipment breakdown.

Auto insurance

Available for: personal vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles, in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island only. Not available for: commercial vehicles, motorcycles (in most provinces), RVs, snowmobiles — and not sold at all in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, or the territories.

Standard inclusions: Third-party liability (mandatory), accident benefits (mandatory), uninsured motorist, collision (optional), comprehensive (optional).

Pricing: how Sonnet compares

Scenario 1: Ontario auto, 35-year-old driver, no claims, 2022 Honda Civic

Insurer type	Estimated annual premium
Sonnet (standalone)	~$1,450–$1,700
Sonnet (bundled with home)	~$1,200–$1,450
Broker-placed (competitive)	~$1,350–$1,800

Scenario 2: Ontario home, 1,500 sq ft detached, replacement cost $600K, Toronto suburbs

Insurer type	Estimated annual premium
Sonnet (standalone)	~$1,100–$1,400
Sonnet (bundled with auto)	~$900–$1,200
Broker-placed (competitive)	~$1,000–$1,400

These are illustrative estimates only. Get a Sonnet quote at sonnet.ca for current pricing.

Sonnet’s bundling discount often makes the combined home + auto package more competitive than standalone policies from either Sonnet or broker alternatives — confirm the current bundle discount rate when you quote.

Claims experience: what customers report

Based on publicly available reviews (Google, Trustpilot, Ratehub):

Claim type	Customer experience
Minor auto damage (fender bender, parking lot)	Generally positive; fast appraisal through app
Major auto damage / total loss	More mixed; some complaints about settlement offers
Home water damage (minor)	Generally resolved, though timelines vary
Major home claim (fire, major flooding)	Most concerning category; some reports of slow resolution
Theft claim (auto or home)	Generally smooth for documented claims

Sonnet’s claims infrastructure (handled by Economical) is large and well-resourced. The online-only first contact model works well for minor claims. For major or disputed claims, the absence of a dedicated broker going to bat for you is a real gap — a traditional broker relationship provides an advocate in complex claims.

My Drive telematics: is it worth it?

My Drive is Sonnet’s telematics program — you install the Sonnet app and it monitors driving behaviour (acceleration, braking, speed, cornering, time of day).

Driving score	Discount direction
Excellent	Largest available discount
Good	Moderate discount
Average	Little to no discount
Poor	No surcharge in most provinces — you simply don’t receive a discount

The telematics program is opt-in and Sonnet has stated it does not surcharge poor scores — you simply forgo the discount. The exact maximum discount changes over time; confirm the current My Drive discount tiers directly with Sonnet before enrolling.

Verdict

Sonnet Insurance delivers on its core promise: fast, convenient, no-agent home and auto insurance backed by Economical Insurance’s claims infrastructure. The bundling discount is a genuine advantage for households wanting home + auto in one place online — but remember auto insurance is only available in ON, QC, NB, NS, and PE.

Sonnet works well for: Ontario and Quebec drivers, and Atlantic Canada households, with standard risk profiles who want competitive pricing without dealing with brokers; households with clean claims history and no complex coverage needs; drivers who will benefit from the My Drive telematics discount; Alberta and BC homeowners looking for home insurance only (no auto).

Consider a broker instead if: You have had claims in the past 3–5 years; you have young drivers or high-risk vehicles; you need commercial coverage, luxury property limits, or rental income coverage; your property is in a flood or wildfire risk zone; you live in Alberta or BC and need auto insurance (Sonnet does not sell auto policies there).

Sonnet vs competitors

Feature	Sonnet	Intact	Belairdirect	Aviva
Online quote	✅ (fast)	✅	✅	✅
No broker required	✅	✅	✅	Via broker
Telematics	✅ (My Drive)	✅ (myDriving)	✅ (Automerit)	✅ (Aviva Drive)
Bundle discount	✅ (home+auto)	✅	✅	✅
Auto insurance provinces	ON, QC, NB, NS, PE	Most provinces	ON, QC, AB, NB, NS	Most provinces
Claims app	✅	✅	✅	✅

Frequently asked questions

Is Sonnet Insurance legitimate and financially stable? Yes — Sonnet and Economical Insurance are both subsidiaries of Definity Financial Corporation (TSX: DFY). Economical was founded in 1871 and demutualized into the publicly traded Definity Financial Corporation in 2021. Definity is regulated by OSFI, and Sonnet policies are backed by Economical’s underwriting and financial strength.

Does Sonnet have good claims service? Sonnet’s claims are handled by Economical Insurance’s claims team. Customer reviews are mixed compared to direct broker relationships — some customers report efficient claims handling; others note slower response times for complex claims. For simple, straightforward claims, online-only insurers like Sonnet are generally effective.