Skip to main content
Author photo

Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on Mar 10, 2025 3 mins read

Blog Careless Driving Impact on Insurance

Understand why careless driving can increase your insurance

Careless driving is not something you should be careless about. One careless driving charge has big insurance repercussions.

You may not be surprised to learn one of the most common forms of careless driving is distracted driving. The two fines can go hand-in-hand and have repercussions beyond the initial event. A momentary lapse in attention can result in accidents, and careless driving fines can cause insurance increases, which we will explore in this blog.

Three important things about careless driving and insurance

  • You will see an increase in your insurance premiums if you are fined for careless driving.
  • Insurers will see the charge as a red flag and may not renew your policy.
  • A careless driving ticket comes with 6 demerit points and will stay on your record for 3 years.

How does a careless driving ticket affect insurance?

You could face serious insurance repercussions if you receive a careless driving ticket. It is considered one of the most serious tickets that affect insurance. Receiving a careless driving charge WILL impact insurance, which is why many drivers are interested in fighting the ticket.

There are three main ways you could be impacted:

  • Increased coverage costs: Your monthly and yearly payments could increase by up to 100%.
  • Loss of policy: Some insurers will cancel or not renew your coverage when it expires. You may also have issues finding others to offer you coverage, and if they do, expect costs to be very high compared to before your careless driving conviction.
  • Renewal denied: When it comes to car insurance renewal, many providers consider a careless driving charge a bad driving conviction. They may not renew your policy and see you as a high-risk driver.

How many demerit points for careless driving in Ontario?

One of the first things most drivers will be worried about when charged with careless driving is how many they will incur. If you are charged with careless driving and pay your fine or are summoned to court and convicted, you will receive 6 demerit points.

How long does careless driving stay on your driving record?

A careless driving charge will stay on your driving record for three years, like other driving convictions such as speeding ticket. Remember, they remain on your record from the date of the conviction.

How much does a careless driving ticket raise insurance?

Depending on if you have other charges or convictions, you could see increases starting at $50-$100 per month and upwards. However, additional claims and incidents can raise it to over 100%.

Have issues getting insurance after a careless driving charge?

Contact us if you have been charged with careless driving and have issues getting car insurance. We’ll help you explore your options.

Red car driving on country road

Take careful considerations while the driving

Being a safe, considerate driver is step one to preventing careless driving accidents. Keep in mind rules of the road, such as right of way and defensive driving techniques to keep you and others safe.

Share

Kayla Jane Barrie

Digital Content Writer

Kayla-Jane has been a content writer with ThinkInsure since 2020. She creates insurance content for auto, home, and commercial. Kayla-Jane has a diploma in Journalism.

Categories Auto
Tags Auto Coverage

Insurance Blog And News

Read our insurance blog to get helpful tips, information and news.

car being stolen
2025-11-26

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles Across Canada

Dive into the world of auto theft with our blog on the most stolen cars in Canada. See the most stolen cars across Canada, including provincial lists for Ontario and Quebec, and learn how high-risk models can affect your car insurance premiums.

Person with yellow sweater driving winter road in Ontario
2025-11-10

Canadian Winter Driving Safety Tips

Drive safe this winter! Check out these tips for driving in snowy and icy conditions in Ontario. Get other helpful info and FAQs on winter driving.

Winter tire on snow packed road
2025-11-09

Ultimate Guide To Buying Winter Tires In Canada

Drive safer this winter. Learn how the right set of winter tires drastically reduces stopping distance and risk on ice and snow. Get expert tips from your trusted insurance provider.

speed camera sign in safety zone crosswalk
2025-11-06

Speed Cameras in Ontario

Ontario municipalities have until November 14 to remove all automated speed enforcement cameras following fast-tracked provincial legislation. This post breaks down why the government is removing them, the pushback from road safety advocates, and what alternative measures will replace them.