Unfortunately, traffic tickets are a common occurrence. Many people get one at least once in their driving career. Though it may not be the end of the world, there are many questions surrounding driving tickets and how they affect your record as a driver. One common question people ask is whether traffic tickets in Ontario affect their insurance rates. It’s an essential question surrounded by considerable confusion. In short, yes, your traffic tickets may likely affect your insurance rate.
Types Of Traffic Tickets
There are generally three types of tickets, ranging from minor to major and criminal offenses. All traffic tickets can impact your insurance and become progressively more severe. Ultimately, avoid tickets to keep your insurance rates low by being a safe driver. Here are most (but not all) of the most common Ontario traffic tickets based on their severity and increases to your premiums that may result:
Minor Driving Tickets
For minor driving tickets, you can expect a 20% increase for two or more convictions, with 20% added to each subsequent conviction.
- Wrong way on a one-way street or illegal turn
- Using a radar detector
- Unsafe vehicles, i.e., defective brakes or broken headlights
- Slow driving
- Blocking the box (intersection)
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Overloading or insecure loads
- Obstructing traffic, driver views, or your license plate
- Improper passing, opening of the door, driving in a bus lane, or at a railway crossing
- Failure to produce insurance or a license when asked
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or traffic
- Failure to use a seatbelt or signals
Major Driving Tickets
If you have multiple driving tickets, there is a possibility of a 25% increase per conviction.
- Many insurance offences, including false statements or lack of insurance
- Speeding in a construction zone or school zone
- Failure to report an accident or damage on the highway
- Improper passing of a school bus
- Distracted driving
Serious And/Or Criminal Driving Tickets
If you have multiple serious and/or criminal driving tickets, there is a possible 100% increase for each conviction.
- Driving while impaired, i.e., having a blood alcohol level over .08
- Speeding 50 km over the posted limit
- Stunt driving or dangerous driving
- Criminal negligence
- Driving while suspended
- Refusing a breathalyzer test by a police officer
- Failing to obey police or remaining at an accident
It’s essential to note that tickets often carry demerit points. The number of demerit points you gain, the worse your driving record will be. In Ontario, your license might be suspended if you get between nine and 14 demerit points. If you get more than that, you can lose your license for a month or longer. That being said, demerit points DO NOT impact your insurance rates unless you have enough that would merit a license suspension.
When Does an Ontario Traffic Ticket Become A Conviction?
Did you know that getting a ticket doesn’t affect your insurance rate? However, being convicted of a driving offence does. Insurers are concerned about the number and severity of driving convictions you have within three years. Insurance companies go by the date you paid the ticket or the date you were convicted.
A ticket becomes a conviction when you:
- Pay the ticket: You are pleading guilty to the offence.
- Challenge the ticket in court and lose.
- Refuse to pay the ticket (within 15 days) or choose not to go to your trial.
If you want to check the status of your Ontario traffic tickets and fines online or would like to request a meeting to resolve your case, click here.
Demerit Points and Car Insurance
Generally speaking, insurance companies are not overly concerned about demerit points that you may incur for certain driving offenses and fines. It’s essential to understand the demerit point system from a driving perspective.
The Impact of Traffic Tickets On Your Car Insurance
There are no exact rules when it comes to the impact that your driving tickets have on your insurance. In some cases, an insurance company may forgive a single ticket and not impact your rates at all. Your policy and your driving record in the last three years will determine if a ticket is going to affect your insurance. Some companies allow up to two or three convictions before they warrant an increase, but it depends on your policy. The severity of the conviction will impact the change to your rates, the number of convictions, and your insurer’s rules for convictions. The fine for distracted driving is $490, plus three demerit points if you are convicted of distracted driving. If you have previous tickets and then receive a charge for distracted driving, your costs could increase significantly. Additionally, your policy will likely be cancelled.
When Will I Be Classified as A High-Risk Driver?
Generally speaking, if you have three or more convictions, or a combination of minor, significant, and/or severe convictions, you may be labelled a high-risk driver. When this happens, it may mean that your company is unlikely to renew your policy. If this happens, you may need high-risk auto insurance.
Check Your Driving Record Before Renewal
Ontario traffic tickets will remain on your driving record for three to five years from the date you paid them or were found guilty in court. As such, it will affect your insurance premiums for that amount of time stipulated for the offence. If you do get more driving tickets during that timeframe, the effect will be even more significant. Tickets can hinder your ability to access affordable auto insurance in Ontario. To view your driver’s record, you can order it online. If you have any questions about your car insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our isure insurers! Contact us or request a quote today!
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