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Drivers want to know how tickets will affect their car insurance in Ontario. Even drivers with a clean driving record wish to know, just in case they get a ticket or traffic conviction.
We all know that, as a driver, you’re expected to practice safe driving. And if you don’t know the rules of the road or don’t always follow them, you are putting yourself and others at risk. You also risk getting a ticket or traffic conviction, increasing how much you pay for your policy.
This blog post explains how different types of traffic tickets can lead to increased rates. You will also learn about traffic ticket convictions.
Do all tickets affect insurance? This is a common question we get from our policyholders in Ontario. The answer is that it depends on the traffic ticket you receive.
Traffic tickets are divided into three categories – minor, major, and serious convictions. Each of these types can affect your rates, regardless of the number of demerit points or the severity of the fine associated with the traffic infraction.
In Ontario, a Highway Traffic Act (HTA) conviction, like speeding, stays on your motor vehicle record for three years from the date of conviction, which is when you pay your ticket and acknowledge the infraction.
Some providers rate driving convictions for as long as six whole years. After that, the violations will be removed from your abstract and can no longer be seen by companies.
Almost all driving convictions will impact rates. Parking tickets are the exception and have no impact. When your policy renews, your provider will check your record to determine if you have any convictions that may impact your costs.
Tabitha Taylor, a paralegal assistant, confirmed this in a Globe and Mail article, saying, “Your policy and your driving record in the last three years will determine if a ticket is going to impact your insurance. Some companies allow up to two or three convictions before they cause an increase, but it depends upon your policy.”
The degree to which a ticket affects your rates depends on a few things:
| Location & Tickets | Annual Premium* | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
Ontario (clean record)
| $2,006 |
| |
| 1 ticket | $2,537 | 26.4% |
| 2 tickets | $2,701 | 34.6% |
| 3 tickets | $2,829 | 41.1% |
| Toronto (clean record) | $2,246 | |
| 1 ticket | $2,289 | 1.9% |
| 2 tickets | $2,411 | 7.3% |
| Ottawa (clean record) | $1,700 | |
| 1 ticket | $1,935 | 13.8% |
| 2 tickets | $2,382 | 40.1% |
| Mississauga (clean record) | $2,424 | |
| 1 ticket | $2,467 | 1.8% |
| 2 tickets | $3,107 | 28.1% |
| Hamilton (clean record) | $2,239 | |
| 1 ticket | $2,800 | 25.1% |
| 2 tickets | $3,188 | 42.3% |
From these numbers, you can see that traffic tickets and convictions can impact your auto insurance significantly. Rates can increase as much as 269 % depending on your fines, driving habits, and location.
As a driver, you want to avoid getting any traffic tickets; however, some are even more important to avoid because of the potential fines, demerit points, and impact on your car insurance. From DUIs, to speeding, and distracted driving; here are the top 8 traffic tickets and convictions you don't want to get:
Compare quotes from Canada's top insurance providers and find the lowest rates instantly. We can help you save even if you have a couple of tickets. Save more today!
Don’t forget to follow driving rules and laws so you don’t have tickets increasing your policy costs! If you are concerned about how tickets are impacting your rate, reach out to our team of brokers. We’ll help you find insurance discounts and compare options to find more affordable car insurance.
*January 1, 2025 to March 25, 2025 for drivers with a clean record and hold a G licence.
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Content Marketing Manager
Nolan is a content marketing manager and writer at ThinkInsure. He has 15+ years of experience in the insurance industry, working with brokerages and direct insurers to create compelling insurance content, specializing in auto, home, and commercial.
| Categories | Industry NewsAuto |
|---|---|
| Tags | Auto CoverageFAQsLicenceAccidentsAuto Claims |
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