High Risk Insurance Ontario: Get Lowest Rates

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We help high-risk drivers save more by comparing the lowest rates for high-risk auto insurance.

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Need high-risk insurance in Ontario?

There are many reasons you may need high-risk insurance in Ontario. It is often not because you did something bad. Mistakes happen. Many people simply have some bad luck with tickets or accidents. Or maybe you missed an insurance payment and had your policy cancelled. Thousands of Ontario motorists experience these issues and require high-risk auto insurance.

Regardless of your reason for needing high-risk insurance, we can help you get insured! ThinkInsure is Ontario's leading high-risk insurance broker. Our large selection of high-risk auto insurance companies means that we can get you insured for the lowest rates possible.

We’re the experts people come to when they require non-standard coverage. Every day, we help high-risk drivers get insured and back on the road. Compare free quotes online or give us a call. We'll do the shopping, find the best rate, and insure you, even if you’re high-risk!

Key things to know about high-risk insurance

High-risk auto insurance can increase your premiums by up to 300% or more.
Drivers can become high-risk when they have a poor driving record, too many claims, tickets or have payment issues.
Using a high-risk insurance broker is the best option for comparing quotes and finding the lowest rates.
ThinkInsure can compare rates and coverage from all high-risk auto insurance companies in Ontario to get you insured for a cheaper rate.

What is high-risk insurance in Ontario?

High-risk insurance in Ontario is a category of coverage for drivers or homeowners who are at a greater risk of filing a claim. Insurers use risk management and risk assessment tools to assess if a policyholder should be placed in this category. High-risk drivers typically have poor driving records. They have too many accidents, tickets, claims, payment issues or a combination. Homeowners may have an expensive property, an old house, file too many claims or have a bad insurance history.

Some insurers may refer to high-risk as:

Non-standard insurance
Substandard insurance
Difficult to place insurance
Specialty insurance

High-risk can also apply to other policies, like commercial, motorcycle, and other types of insurance.

What you should know about high-risk auto insurance

A mistake, oversight, or accident could result in you becoming a high-risk driver and requiring high-risk auto insurance. Dangerous driving habits can also put you in this category. For example, getting caught excessively speeding, driving carelessly, or driving while distracted.

High-risk car insurance covers drivers more likely to file a claim, get in an accident, or default on payment. In Ontario, it’s also referred to as non-standard insurance.

There are various reasons why you may be labelled a high-risk. Most have to do with having too many tickets, license suspensions, DUI charges, claims or cancellations.

Some providers are reluctant to offer a policy to high-risk drivers because of the increased chance of a claim. Many are either unwilling to insure them or will provide a much higher premium. There are a few providers that specialize in high-risk auto insurance. ThinkInsure can help you get coverage. We won't turn you away when you need us most.

Recent Ontario high-risk auto insurance quotes

2025/04/23

High-risk driver in TORONTO, ON with 1 ticket(s) 1 accident(s) 1 suspension(s) and 1 cancellation(s)
Vehicle: MERCEDES-BENZ B250 TURBO 5DR 2014
Jevco	$6,689
Pafco	$7,889
Coachman	$9,276
Echelon	$12,060
Savings from top high-risk insurers	$5,371

2025/04/19

High-risk driver in MISSISSAUGA, ON with 2 accident(s)
Vehicle: MERCEDES-BENZ GLS450 4DR AWD 2025
Coachman	$7,557
Jevco	$9,604
Pafco	$11,152
Echelon	$24,172
Savings from top high-risk insurers	$16,615

2025/04/23

High-risk driver in OTTAWA, ON with 1 ticket(s) and 1 cancellation(s)
Vehicle: HONDA CIVIC SPORT 4DR 2020
Echelon	$5,682
Pafco	$6,674
Intact	$2,504
CAA My Pace	$2,745
Savings from top high-risk insurers	$-2,937

2025/04/22

High-risk driver in HAMILTON, ON with 1 accident(s)
Vehicle: HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT GL 5DR 2014
Pafco	$6,469
Jevco	$10,223
Echelon	$10,273
Economical	$11,568
Savings from top high-risk insurers	$5,099

How does high-risk auto insurance work?

High-risk auto insurance works the same as standard insurance policies but it caters to individuals who are more likely to file claims. You will be considered high-risk after you’ve received a serious driving conviction, have payment issues, or have other problems. You are high-risk if you have a bad driving or insurance record.

When you get a car insurance quote, you’ll have difficulty getting a policy from most companies. Some specialize in offering high-risk auto insurance. These are the ones that will issue you a policy but at a higher premium.

If high-risk providers are not willing to insure you, you can still get a policy through the Facility Association. This is the last resort for drivers who cannot find insurance. Since you are considered a significant risk, your premiums will reflect this. Depending on your situation, you could pay anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 or more for Facility insurance.

How long will I be considered a high-risk driver?

While it's not ideal, you will not always be classified as a high-risk driver. Once you fall into the high-risk category, you can start to work your way toward lower monthly payments. You can return to standard insurance if you maintain a clean driving record. How long it will take will depend on your specific situation. For many drivers, it's 3 to 5 years. This transition to standard coverage occurs when tickets, claims, or accidents are removed from your record.

You have protections and rights as a high-risk driver

There are protections for your rights in place. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) works to protect consumers.

Who is most likely to need high-risk auto insurance?

Certain individuals are more likely to fall within the high-risk classification. These are people who have a greater risk of a claim. They are:

Young and teen drivers
First-time drivers, new immigrant drivers
Drivers over 65
People with a lapse in insurance
Drivers with a DUI conviction
Drivers with multiple tickets or claims
Drivers with criminal driving convictions

How is high-risk car insurance different from standard insurance?

While the types of coverage you receive under high-risk car insurance are essentially the same as standard insurance, there are some differences. The main one is an insurer's reluctance to insure you because of your level of risk. Here are some ways it is different:

Fewer providers offer it: A select few insurers offer this type of coverage.
It is significantly more expensive: You could pay up to 300% more for your policy.
You have limited payment options: Some insurers require you to pay upfront.
There may be some limitations: Some coverage options may not be available.
You may have higher deductibles: Lower deductibles may not be an option.

Is high car risk insurance the same across other parts of Canada?

Insurance is regulated at the provincial level, so how high-risk car insurance is treated will vary by province. Private insurers manage it. British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have government-run programs. The rules are different in these provinces. How premiums are affected and how long you’ll be in the non-standard category differ from the other provinces.

5 star reviews for high-risk auto insurance

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We've helped thousands of high-risk drivers get insured for a great price.

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Kevin St Clair

2024-11-28

Betsy was a genuine pleasure to deal with considering the circumstances. Thanks again for all your help

Anthony Gomez

2024-11-27

Today, I want to take a moment to recognize Monica Chan, an exceptional insurance broker who has consistently gone above and beyond in her service to me. Monica's dedication to punctuality and consideration has been truly remarkable. She has always been prompt in responding to my inquiries and has never hesitated to offer her expertise and guidance. With Monica as my broker, I have never once felt worried about anything going wrong. Her proactive approach and attention to detail have provided me with peace of mind, knowing that my insurance needs are well-taken care of. Throughout our interactions, Monica has been incredibly helpful, patiently explaining complex insurance concepts and ensuring that I fully understand my coverage options. I wholeheartedly recommend Monica Chan to anyone seeking an insurance broker who genuinely cares about their clients' best interests. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to go the extra mile make her an invaluable asset in the insurance industry.

Phyllis Baker

2024-11-20

Absolutely amazing service the broker Todd worked on my quote fast I recommend this company to anyone very professional I’m so glad I called them .. Thank you for your great work

Charles Cameron

2024-11-15

Betsy Bannon has been nothing short of amazing at helping us through the complex process of acquiring business insurance. She quickly understood our needs and expertly guided us to the right solution. From start to finish, she made us feel like her most important client which gave us the confidence that we were in great hands. We highly recommend Betsy!

Jermaine M

2024-11-05

I had a great experience with Patrick Vuong. He went above and beyond to help me update last minute changes to my policy in order to qualify for a government grant. Staying back late and coming in early the next day to help finishes the changes. Very kind and professional!

Mark Gaffney

2024-11-05

Betsy Bannon is a professional extremely friendly and knowledgeable and made my experience wonderful! Highly recommend her for any insurance needs. Mark Gaffney

fabian ward

2024-11-04

Great service! Prompt and very helpful! Thanks to Todd allan for really helping me out!

Stephen Mcfadden

2024-11-01

Great experience working with Sohel Rahman, appreciate his honest and can-do attitude. Highly recommend!

How to find cheap high-risk auto insurance

Just follow these quick and easy steps to see the lowest quotes and get a policy.

1) Begin

Enter your postal code and some basic information.

2) Enter your driving details

Provide your driving and vehicle information.

3) Compare multiple quotes

See rates from the leading high-risk providers.

Choose your policy

Choose the lowest rate and confirm the details with us to get insured.

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How much is high-risk auto insurance in Ontario?

High-risk auto insurance is considerably more expensive than a regular policy in Ontario. You can expect to see a 20% increase at a minimum. In some cases, your rates increase by as much as 300% or more. This means many can expect premiums to be double or triple compared to regular car insurance in Ontario and other provinces. We’re talking about an increase of thousands of dollars.

Based on real quote data from our customers, we found the average cost for high-risk auto insurance in Ontario is $7,142 per year, or about $595 per month.**

An example of high-risk insurance costs

The average car insurance premium in the province is $1,927 for standard coverage (as of June 2024 via FSRAO). So, if your rates were to double because you became high-risk, you would have to pay $3,854 per year. If they tripled, you would have to pay $5,781. Rates could be even higher if you lived in certain areas known for higher premiums, such as Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto.

The average cost of high-risk auto insurance ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000+ per year, depending on the provider and why you are considered high-risk. For example, a person with an impaired or reckless driving charge will pay much more than someone who has multiple minor traffic convictions in a short period of time.

image of Ontario map and SUV with the average cost for high-risk auto insurance in Ontario being $7,142 per year or $595 per month.

How much are high-risk insurance monthly payments?

According to our customer quote data, monthly payments can range from $145 to $779. The average monthly high-risk driver payment is $438. These numbers are significantly higher than standard auto coverage.

The cities with the most expensive monthly payments are:

Richmond Hill - $779 per month
Brampton - $766 per month
Mississauga - $758 per month

The cities with the cheapest monthly high-risk payments are:

Ottawa - $144 per month
Burlington - $149 per month
Windsor - $168 per month

Here is a summary of how much high-risk insurance increases your monthly premiums based on your city:

City	Average monthly payment	Average high-risk monthly payment	Monthly payment difference	% increase compared to average monthly payment
Richmond Hill	$202	$779	$577	285%
Brampton	$241	$766	$525	219%
Mississauga	$203	$758	$555	273%
Markham	$195	$751	$556	286%
Toronto	$189	$695	$506	267%
Oakville	$164	$633	$469	287%
Milton	$186	$608	$423	228%
Hamilton	$186	$618	$432	233%
Windsor	$168	$579	$411	246%
London	$176	$580	$404	230%
Burlington	$149	$594	$445	299%
Oshawa	$198	$568	$370	188%
Newmarket	$176	$540	$365	208%
Kitchener	$173	$524	$351	203%
Cambridge	$171	$519	$348	204%
Ottawa	$144	$414	$270	187%

What are the types of high-risk insurance payment options?

High-risk drivers typically have two payment options. Insurers may request that you pay your premiums upfront, especially if you previously had payment issues. This can be a lot of money to get secure a policy, especially if you have a major offence. Insurers can also ask you to pay monthly instalments in advance. Insurers have different policies about payments.

At ThinkInsure, we work with you to find an affordable payment solution that works for you. We understand that mistakes happen, and we work with you to get insured and work toward getting out of the high-risk category.

Why is high-risk insurance so expensive?

High-risk insurance is so costly because it’s a greater risk for insurers to give certain types of drivers a policy. Insurers perform risk assessments and know the behaviours that result in costly claims.

If a driver has multiple tickets, convictions, claims, or even payment issues, the chances are they are more likely to exhibit this same type of behaviour again. This increases the likelihood that an insurer would have to pay a claim. The more severe and costly the offence, the higher you can expect your premiums. This logic is the same for someone with a clean record. If a person has been driving for 15 years and has never had a ticket, accident, or claim, they would be at a much lower risk of filing a claim and paying less.

High-risk insurance cost breakdown by reason

There are a lot of reasons why you could fall into the high-risk category. The most common are tickets, accidents, licence suspensions and cancellations. As you can see in the chart below, high-risk auto insurance is significantly more expensive than regular coverage in the province.

Depending on the reasons you are considered a high-risk driver, your premiums can increase by as little as 20% to as much as 300% or more. Based on quote data from our customers, here's an example of how much you can expect to pay depending on the reason:

Violation	Average high-risk premium	Premium increase compared to average	% increase compared to average
Tickets
1 ticket within the past 3 years	$6,874	$4,947	256%
2 tickets in 3 years	$7,019	$5,092	264%
3 tickets in 3 years	$7,380	$5,453	282%
Accidents
1 collision in past 3 years	$7,055	$5,128	266%
2 collisions in past 3 years	$7,061	$5,134	267%
3 collisions in past 3 years	$7,431	$5,504	285%
Cancellations
1 cancellation in past 3 years	$6,666	$4,739	245%
2 cancellations in past 3 years	$6,900	$4,973	258%
Suspensions
1 suspension in past 3 years	$6,712	$4,785	248%
2 suspensions in past 3 years	$6,884	$4,957	257%

High-risk car insurance rates by city in 2024

We compiled data from some of the province's biggest cities to see which ones have the most and least expensive high-risk car insurance rates.

High-risk premiums for drivers in Toronto and GTA are the most expensive. Richmond Hill has the most expensive premiums at $9,357 per year on average. Our data also suggests Ottawa has the lowest average high-risk premium of the cities on the list at $4,976 annually.

See below for costs in your city:*

City	Average standard premium	Average high-risk premium	Yearly premium difference	% increase compared to standard premium average
Richmond Hill	$2,429	$9,357	$6,928	285%
Brampton	$2,887	$9,196	$6,309	219%
Mississauga	$2,439	$9,097	$6,658	273%
Markham	$2,337	$9,017	$6,680	286%
Toronto	$2,272	$8,342	$6,070	267%
Oakville	$1,964	$7,599	$5,635	287%
Milton	$2,226	$7,305	$5,079	228%
Hamilton	$2,230	$7,419	$5,189	233%
Windsor	$2,011	$6,955	$4,944	246%
London	$2,109	$6,970	$4,861	230%
Burlington	$1,787	$7,139	$5,352	299%
Oshawa	$2,371	$6,819	$4,448	188%
Newmarket	$2,106	$6,490	$4,384	208%
Kitchener	$2,077	$6,288	$4,211	203%
Cambridge	$2,049	$6,237	$4,188	204%
Ottawa	$1,731	$4,976	$3,245	187%

Are you driving a high-risk vehicle?

The type of car you drive could land you in the high-risk category. Certain features, makes, and models are viewed as riskier by insurers. Here’s a list of vehicle-related factors that could greatly increase your premiums:

You drive a vehicle on the most stolen vehicle list.
You drive a sports car.
Your vehicle is classified as a high end luxury car
You have a foreign or rare car. These vehicles typically have significant repair and labour costs.
You drive an older car with minimal safety features.
You’ve made aftermarket vehicle modifications.
Your vehicle has a poor claims rating. Based on Canadian collision data from IBC.

High-risk home insurance

High-risk home insurance covers homeowners who’ve had issues getting a policy. Your home or property could also be considered high-risk. However, seeing premiums increase is usually more about your home type and location than behavioural factors (but they can also play a role).

Here are the main factors that could put your property in the high-risk insurance category:

You live in a rural or remote area.
Your home is older. It's a century home.
The property is vacant.
It’s a luxury property or has unique features that are expensive to replace.
You live in a high-risk area for flooding or severe weather.
It uses oil or wood heating.
The home has not been updated recently (roof, heating, HVAC, electrical).
You’ve had your policy cancelled for non-payment.
You’ve had your policy cancelled for misrepresentation.
Too many claims.
It's used as a vacation or rental property.

Speak with our high-risk insurance brokers to compare home insurance quotes and find the best policy for your property.

Compare rates with all high-risk auto insurance companies in Ontario

mobile phone comparing high risk insurance rates from multiple insurance companies

We have the largest selection of high-risk auto insurance companies in the province. So we can get you insured for the best rate. Here are some of them:

Aviva Canada
CAA Insurance
Coachman Insurance (a subsidiary of SGI)
Echelon Insurance (Part of CAA)
Economical Insurance
Jevco Insurance (Part of Intact Insurance)
Pafco Insurance (Part of Allstate Insurance)
Pembridge Insurance
Perth Insurance (Part of Economical)
Facility Association (a risk-sharing pool of insurers)

Speak with a ThinkInsure advisor today to get a free quote and find out which one is a good choice for you.

How can I get the cheapest high-risk car insurance?

It's frustrating when you require high-risk car insurance. You may be paying more, but there are still ways to save. Here are some tips and advice to help you save as much as possible and get affordable rates:

Complete driver training: Take a certified driving course and inform your advisor. This will qualify you for savings, especially if you are a new or young driver.
Take a defensive driving course: Extra driving courses could help young drivers under 25 save. For example, you could take a defensive or winter driving course. Receiving this training could qualify you for a discount. Check for approved classes and driving schools.
Drive an insurance-friendly vehicle: If you drive a sports car or expensive vehicle may be considered a greater risk. Choose a vehicle that is known to be safe and not likely to get stolen.
Use a broker: High-risk insurance brokers are experts in the category and work with multiple high-risk insurers. They will help you get insured and advise you on getting back into more affordable premiums.
Boost your deductible: Increasing your insurance deductible to a higher amount will lower your premium. So, if your deductible is on the lower end, increase it. Just make sure you can pay that amount if you must file a claim.
Bundle: You may be able to combine your home and auto insurance to reduce your premiums.
Avoid unnecessary claims: Too many claims can increase your payments. Can you afford the repairs? Does it make sense to file considering your deductible payment? Think twice before filing too many claims in a short timeframe.
Check before renewing: Always compare car insurance quotes and explore your options before renewing. Even if you need high-risk insurance, there may be ways for you to reduce your costs.
Try UBI: Usage based insurance (UBI) can help you save as much as 25%. Under the program, you are rewarded for good driving habits.
Know when tickets are coming off your record: It’s particularly important to know the dates when tickets and accidents will be removed from your record. This is when you can reduce your costs. Be sure to contact your agent or advisor when this date approaches.

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Will I always be considered a high-risk driver?

Being considered a high-risk driver is temporary. The time you’ll pay higher premiums depends on why you are considered high-risk. Getting out of the category can take up to three years or more. To move out of this category, you’ll need to stay claims-free and take steps to improve your standing with your insurer.

Moving back to standard insurance

Moving back to normal car insurance takes time. You’ll need to allow for tickets, convictions, and claims to come off your insurance record over time. The key is to have a clean record during this time.

Here are some things to do to get back into regular insurance as quickly as possible:

Accidents: It’s very important to re-establish a clean driving record. Drive safe, and avoid at-fault accidents and claims.
Obey road rules: You want to avoid getting rated for any traffic tickets. They can stay on your record for 3 to 6 years.
Never drive while drinking: Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pay on time: You don't want to have your insurance cancelled for non-payment.

Ontario high-risk insurance FAQs

What is a high-risk driver?

A high-risk driver is a person with a poor insurance record. This can be due to driving violations, a bad payment history, fraud, or other situations. These drivers do not qualify for standard insurance and are required to get insured through a high-risk or sub-standard insurance company.

Even though you may be labelled high-risk, it doesn’t mean you always will. Over time, with an improved record, you can move back into regular insurance.

Is high-risk car insurance more expensive than regular insurance?

Yes, high-risk car insurance is more expensive than regular insurance. It is one of the most expensive types of auto insurance you can purchase. Premiums can be 2 or 3 times more expensive, ranging from $2,500 to $7000 or more.

How do you choose a high-risk insurance broker in Ontario?

Working with high-risk insurance broker is the easiest way to get insured at the lowest rate. That is if you choose the right one. When considering your options, look for one who has partnerships with multiple providers, to give you a greater opportunity to find a better price.

Other things should factor into your decision. They include:

How many high-risk insurers do they have access to?
Can they help you transition back to standard insurance?
What level of customer service do they offer?
Can they help you get other types of insurance?
Do they offer claims assistance?
Do they offer other products and services you find of value?

Are high-risk and non-standard auto insurance the same thing?

High-risk and non-standard refer to the same type of coverage. As a high-risk driver, you will not qualify for regular insurance. So, you’ll need a non-standard or high-risk policy until you are in a situation to transition back to standard insurance.

What are the types of high-risk auto insurance coverage?

High-risk auto insurance in Ontario is similar to regular automobile insurance and includes mandatory and optional types of coverage.

Mandatory high-risk auto insurance

The following coverage is required by law, and it is the minimum amount you need to drive a car:

Third-party liability

$200,000 in third-party liability is the minimum. This protects you if you cause property damage or injure another person. You also have the option to increase your coverage limit.

Accident benefits

With accident benefits, you get access to medical benefits and other compensation if you’re injured or killed in an accident.

Direct compensation property damage

Direct compensation property damage (DCPD)covers vehicle damage when you’re not at-fault for a collision.

Note: As of January 1, 2024, DCPD is no longer mandatory in Ontario. Drivers can opt-out using OPCF 49.

Uninsured motorist

Uninsured motorist coverage offers protection if an uninsured motorist hits you, such as a hit and run.

Optional high-risk auto insurance

This is additional protection you can add to your policy to customize it. Options include:

Collision

Accidents happen. Collision insurance protects against damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive

Your vehicle could get damaged in many ways. Comprehensive insurance protects you from non-accident-related damage (theft, vandalism).

Specified perils

Looking to get coverage against specific threats? Specified perils protects against risks that are specifically listed in your plan.

All perils

Want to be protected from most risks? All perils coverage offers protection from all risks unless they are specifically excluded from your policy.

Endorsements

Insurance endorsements, also known as riders, allow you to add or remove certain types of protection. They make it easy for you to customize your insurance.

Note that depending on your specific situation, your coverage options may be limited. Speak with our high-risk insurance brokers for advice or to have your policy questions answered.

I've been labelled a high-risk driver because of an at-fault accident. What if I disagree with my insurer's assessment of fault?

Causing a collision is one of the many reasons people fall into the high-risk category. Insurers review all accident claims and determine fault based on the actions surrounding the incident. You may be deemed wholly or partially at-fault. When this happens, you will likely be labelled a high-risk driver and see your rates significantly increase.

But what if you disagree with your insurer's fault determination? This decision can dramatically impact your insurance rates and driving record going forward. Fortunately, you can dispute the assessment. Speak with your claims adjuster first. Provide any additional information. They could reconsider their decision if you have new information. You can take your dispute to the insurer's complaint officer if there is still a disagreement.

We've got the lowest rates for high-risk auto insurance in Ontario

ThinkInsure is your one-stop for high-risk insurance in Ontario. We can help you get insured and save as much as possible. Get started online, or give us a call, and we'll be happy to assist you.

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Sources

* Based on data from customer quotes completed on ThinkInsure.ca between January 1, 2024, and December 4, 2024, for drivers considered high-risk. Results can vary based on your specific situation.

** Based on data from customer quotes completed on ThinkInsure.ca between January 1, 2024, and December 4, 2024, for drivers considered high-risk in Ontario. Results can vary based on your specific situation.

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