Can A Seatbelt Ticket Affect Insurance?

What is the insurance impact of a seatbelt ticket in Ontario?

Buckle up – it's not just a lifesaver; it's the law in Ontario. But what happens if you get caught without it and face a seatbelt ticket? Well, the impact on your car insurance isn't always clear-cut. Every company has its own way of handling seatbelt infractions.

Here’s a look at how a seatbelt ticket in the province can increase your coverage costs.

Does a seatbelt ticket increase insurance in Ontario?

In Ontario, receiving a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt can have implications for your premiums. The impact of this ticket on your premiums may vary based on factors such as your provider and your driving history. Getting a ticket can cause you to lose the clean-driving discount of 5% to 10%, impacting your finances even if it doesn't raise your premium outright.

Here are some reasons why you may see an increase:

• Minor conviction: A seatbelt ticket is seen as a minor traffic violation, but it still indicates risky behaviour to insurance companies.
• Premium increase: A minor traffic violation can result in a 5-10% increase in your premium, depending on your insurer and past infractions.
• Cumulative impact: If you have existing tickets or convictions, a seatbelt ticket may have a greater impact on your rates. Insurers tend to raise premiums more for drivers with multiple infractions.
• Renewal: You may not see an immediate increase in your insurance premiums after getting the ticket, as most insurers reassess rates at policy renewal.
• Ticket removal options: Drivers can reduce the impact by contesting the ticket in court or attending driving school, which might prevent the conviction from being recorded on their driving record.

How many demerit points for not wearing a seatbelt?

Drivers in Ontario who don't wear a seatbelt face demerit points. You'll get two points on your driving record, which can lead to license suspension or cancellation if you accumulate too many. These points stay on your record for 2 years. If you get caught again within that time, you'll get more points and penalties. Wearing a seatbelt is crucial for safety. It reduces your risk of serious injury or death in a crash. The demerit point system encourages drivers to buckle up and stay safe on the road.

How long does a seatbelt infraction stay on my record?

In Ontario, a seatbelt violation remains on your driving record for three years. However, its impact on your car insurance can extend beyond that, depending on how your insurer evaluates your driving history. If you received demerit points with the ticket, those points stay on your driving record- accumulating too many points within this period can lead to consequences like licence suspension.