Feb 15, 2024
How red light camera fines impact insurance
So, you received a mail notice that you have a red light camera fine. After you get over the sticker shock (They are $325!!), your next thought is likely, “Will a red light camera ticket impact my car insurance?”
Red-light cameras are installed at intersections with a history of collisions or drivers running red lights. If a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red, the camera takes a photo of the car and its license plate, which will mail the ticket to the vehicle owner.
Ontario municipalities that have installed red light cameras claim that they have been successful in reducing angle collisions at intersections. According to CBC, there has been a 25 percent reduction in the number of angle collisions that result in fatalities and serious injuries and a 17 percent reduction overall in angle collisions resulting in damage only to the vehicles involved.
Photo radar technology is used to enforce traffic laws without direct interaction between police and drivers – will a red light camera increase your Ontario auto insurance?
Three key takeaways on red light cameras and your policy
- You will likely not see an increase on your insurance after a red light camera fine, but this depends on previous infractions and the type of licence you hold.
- Red light camera tickets do not show up on your abstract and there are no demerit points
- Police-issued tickets, however, present a distinct scenario as they can identify the driver who was driving which may reflect on your monthly costs.
What's on this page:
Does a ticket from a red light camera impact insurance?How much will my insurance go up after a red light camera ticket?
How many demerit points for a red light camera ticket in Ontario?
Does a ticket from a red light camera impact insurance?
Running a red light is a common traffic violation on the bustling streets of Ontario. However, many drivers may need to realize that receiving a ticket can have potential implications for their insurance. Every driver needs to understand how red light tickets intersect with insurance in Ontario. Let's explore the details.
Numerous drivers have expressed concern about receiving fines from a red light camera and its potential impact on their policy. They would like to know if this type of ticket affects their policy. The good news is that a red light camera ticket has no insurance-related impact.
This ticket type will NOT appear on your driving record, and you will NOT receive demerit points. Therefore, considering there is no impact on insurance, there is no need to dispute a red light camera ticket unless you want to lower the fine.
Learn more about how tickets affect insurance in Ontario.
How much will my insurance go up after a red light camera ticket?
Tickets from a red light camera do not go on your driving record and have no impact on your car insurance quotes. This is because you do not generally receive any demerit points with the ticket, meaning it will not appear on your driving record for your insurance company to review.
However, the impact of the ticket on your premium may vary depending on the province and type of license you hold. For example, if you have a G1 or G2 license in Ontario, your license can be suspended if you receive more than four demerit points. This suspension will show up on your driving record, and insurers will adjust your premium accordingly.
How many demerit points for a red light camera ticket in Ontario?
Unlike a traditional red light traffic ticket, Ontario has no demerit points for a red light camera infraction. You are still subject to the $325 fine.
Tickets from a red light camera are unique because they are one of the only tickets issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. Vehicle owners are assigned tickets because drivers cannot be identified through red light camera photos.
Hit the brakes on paying too much for your premium.
Red light camera tickets can be costly, but the expenses don't end there. To guarantee you're getting the most affordable rate available, make sure to compare your options with us today.
Keep an eye on the posted speed limit and red light cameras
If you think ignoring the red-light ticket is a good idea, don’t. It’s in your best interest to either pay or fight the fine. If you choose not to pay the fine, it could mean refusing your licence plate renewal, and you won’t be able to drive legally.
