Apr 8, 2024
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 main takeaways about careless driving and insurance
- You will likely see an increase in your monthly and yearly insurance payments if you are fined for careless driving.
- Providers will see the charge as a red flag and may not renew your policy.
- Expect more repercussions and rate increases if there are other charges involved.
What’s on this page
How does a careless driving ticket affect insurance?How many demerit points for careless driving in Ontario?
How long does careless driving stay on your driving record?
How much does a careless driving ticket raise insurance?
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.
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 tecniques to keep you and others safe.
