LowestRates vs. YouSet: Pros and Cons [2026]

You should always shop around before choosing an insurance policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers helps you find the best price, uncover exclusive discounts, and select the right level of coverage.  Both YouSet and LowestRates make that process easier by giving you access to quotes from several insurers in one place.

The main difference? LowestRates focuses on helping you compare quotes quickly, while YouSet goes a step beyond, letting you compare and buy your home, auto, tenant, or condo insurance policy directly online. 

What is LowestRates?

LowestRates is an online comparison site that helps Canadians find and compare rates for personal and commercial insurance, mortgages, credit cards, and loans. The platform is safe, legitimate, and free to use, letting you see estimated prices from a variety of Canadian insurers, including Wawanesa, Travelers, and Economical. 

In 2021, LowestRates was acquired by RATESDOTCA, which means both platforms now operate under the same parent company. Like its sister site, LowestRates is only a comparison tool, not a licensed insurance broker. You can’t buy your policy directly on the site; instead, you’re redirected to a third-party provider or broker to complete your purchase.  

This makes it easy to browse initial estimates, but it can also mean repeating your details or juggling follow-ups from multiple third parties. Plus, your quote might not always be accurate. Keep this in mind when using any comparison tool, like RATESDOTCA.   

How is YouSet different from LowestRates?

YouSet is both a licensed insurance broker and an online comparison platform, while LowestRates is primarily a rate comparison tool.  See the chart below for a quick side-by-side look at the differences between YouSet and LowestRates.

	YouSet	LowestRates
Type of provider	Digital insurance broker	Online comparison tool
Licensing	RIBO (Ontario) and AMF (Quebec) licensed	Not licensed to sell insurance
Products	Home, tenant, condo, and car	Auto, home, life, and commercial insurance; mortgages, credit cards, and loans
Number of insurers	18 insurers (Full list of YouSet insurers)	50+ providers in total, unknown how many are insurers
Cost to use	Free to use	Free to use
Quote status	Quotes are valid for purchase	Preliminary quotes must be confirmed, subject to change
Checkout	Can purchase directly on YouSet.ca or by phone	Redirected to a third-party, checkout may not be online
Communication	YouSet and the insurer you buy from (for claims)	Separate communication from multiple insurers at once
Customer support	Licensed insurance brokers available via phone or live chat	Limited support, not licensed brokers

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The pros and cons of LowestRates

Like any insurance provider, LowestRates has its strengths and weaknesses. Some users may find its convenience and comparison tools unbeatable, while others might run into limitations. Either way, knowing both sides helps you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Good starting point for comparison

LowestRates can be a helpful first stop when you’re beginning to shop for home or car insurance. It shows you estimated prices from several Canadian insurers so you can get a general sense of what to expect before diving deeper, and you can see how rates may vary from one provider to another without committing to anything right away.   

You can’t buy directly on LowestRates

While LowestRates can help you compare estimated prices, you can’t purchase your policy directly on the site. Because they aren’t licensed to sell insurance, you’ll be redirected to a third-party provider who can finalize your purchase. This provider may not offer online checkout, meaning you might have to call them to complete your purchase.   

Free to use

There’s no cost to use LowestRates. The site earns money through partnerships with lenders and insurers, not from users. You can browse and compare estimated rates without paying anything.  

Quotes are only estimates

The quotes shown on LowestRates are not necessarily guaranteed prices. As explained on their site, “Quotes are based solely on the information entered by the consumer. Quotes may not account for all applicable administration fees or taxes. Your quote may change after consulting with a broker.” 

Some users have reported that the final rates they received were noticeably higher than the rates they initially saw. One Google reviewer, Benjamin Cress, noted, “Once connected to the insurance provider, they did not honour the initial auto quote, but rather a price that was $100 more per month.”  

Simple interface

LowestRates is quite easy to use, with step-by-step quote forms that make it relatively straightforward to get preliminary rates, even if it’s your first time comparing insurance online. As one user, Kevin “KMF” Farrell, put it, “Their site was easy to use and had lots of useful information.”  

Inconsistent communication and follow-ups

Several users have mentioned challenges with follow-ups after submitting a quote request. One Google reviewer, Rene Girard, wrote, “Despite my efforts to follow up via email, I have yet to receive any response, which has been frustrating and disappointing.” Another said, “Initial contact was great. After that, no reply despite my emails.”

These frustrations may stem from the fact that LowestRates shares your details with third-party providers, creating potential gaps in communication.   

Highlights common discounts

LowestRates highlights typical insurance discounts, such as savings from bundling home and auto insurance, which can help you lower your premiums. That said, not every discount is displayed or automatically applied. That’s where you might want to consider a digital broker like YouSet, which uses smart technology to identify and apply all available discounts on your behalf, so you don’t have to do extra searching yourself.   

Expect multiple follow-up calls and emails

After browsing LowestRates, it’s common to receive several calls and emails from the insurers you were matched with – often simultaneously.  Multiple users on Reddit have mentioned ongoing messages that can feel overwhelming. One frustrated user commented, “Expect to be spammed for the rest of your life by the company.” Another stated, “I was spammed, but it stopped by itself after about 2 years.” While some people appreciate the proactive follow-ups, others may find it too much.  

YouSet vs. LowestRates: Which is right for you?

If you’re just starting your insurance search, tools like LowestRates can be a great way to get a feel for what’s out there. They offer a quick snapshot of the market, helping you compare general prices and options before you’re ready to commit. 

But if you’re looking to go beyond comparison and actually purchase coverage, digital brokers like YouSet make that easier. As an online licensed insurance broker, YouSet lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers in one place and purchase your policy directly through the platform. 

This means you won’t be redirected to different websites, have to repeat your information, or juggle multiple follow-up calls or emails. From start to finish, YouSet makes the process smooth and straightforward, saving you time while giving you the best prices available.