High risk auto insurance
Considered a high-risk driver? Don’t worry, we work with most high-risk auto insurance company in Ontario, which means we have access to the best rates out there. Its not cheap, but we’ll find a solution.
We can help high risk drivers
Not every driver has a perfect record, and that doesn’t mean you should be left parked on the sidelines. High-risk driver insurance is designed for drivers who may have had tickets, claims, license issues, or other driving history that makes finding affordable coverage more challenging.
The good news? One bad chapter doesn’t have to be the whole story. Our brokerage can shop multiple insurance markets to find an option that fits your situation, while helping you work toward a better rate as your driving record improves.
High-risk insurance may cost more, but getting properly insured is the first step toward getting back on track. Keep driving, keep improving, and eventually your insurance company may have a lot less to complain about.
What makes you a high risk driver?
All drivers in Ontario (even high-risk ones) have a right to coverage. We can help you lower your rates through telematics and more. Here are some things that might make you a high-risk driver:
Three or more tickets
These are driving infractions like speeding or running a stop sign. They stay on your record for three years. Camera tickets do not count.
License suspension
Was this administrative or non-administrative? Maybe you just forgot to renew your license? Some are serious and others are not.
Non-payment cancellation
Did you forget to pay your previous insurance premiums, or thought not paying would be a good way to cancel the policy? Not great.
Combinations
There are essentially risk point charts. If you only have one speeding ticket, but also have an at-fault accident, this could make you high risk.
Two or more accidents
At-fault accidents are counted. Other claims such as theft, fire, falling objects, etc. do not impact your rates directly.
Insurance infraction
Did your previous insurance company cancel you for insurance fraud or misrepresentation? One of these instances will make you high risk.
Serious infractions
It only takes one serious or criminal infraction such as drinking and driving or careless driving to be considered high-risk.
Labeled high risk?
What can you expect once you’re labelled high risk?
Higher costs
Unfortunately, this can go without saying, the more the risk, the higher the premiums. The insurance company is taking a bigger gamble.
Specialized options
You may need coverage through a non-standard or high-risk insurance market designed for drivers with more complicated histories.
A path back
High-risk insurance doesn't necessarily last forever. Maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding further claims or convictions can eventually help you qualify for better markets and lower premiums.
Fewer options
Some standard insurers may decline to quote or may not renew a high-risk driver. This is when an experience broker can really help.
Higher deductibles
Some policies may carry higher deductibles to offset the increased risk. This can be even more present on high theft or high value vehicles.
More restrictions
Depending on your situation, the insurer may impose specific conditions on your policy. Some endorsements may not be available.
Frequently asked questions about high-risk auto insurance
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High-risk auto insurance – which is also known as non-standard auto insurance – is for drivers who don’t qualify for coverage from the regular or standard market. Drivers can be labelled high-risk for a number of reasons including having multiple tickets or at-fault accidents, DUI or distracted driving convictions, having had insurance policies cancelled because of non-payment or lying on your application, license suspensions and more. Insurers consider high-risk drivers to have a greater likelihood of making a claim, which is why high-risk auto insurance is usually more expensive than a standard car insurance policy.
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Your price will depend on your driving record and the reasons why you’ve been classified as high-risk. That being said, high-risk insurance premiums will almost always cost more than a standard car insurance policy. An insurance broker can get you quotes from different high-risk insurers to help find the cheapest rate.
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The high-risk label also means that most insurance companies will limit the amount of coverage they offer. You won’t get accident forgiveness.
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Here’s how long it takes for tickets and at-fault accidents to come off your record.
Tickets (even DUIs) stay on your record for three years
Suspensions stay three years from the end of the suspension
Cancellations stay for three years
At-fault accidents usually stay for six years
Remember that high-risk is not forever. If you’ve been labelled high-risk, adopting safe driving habits and avoiding traffic convictions and at-fault accidents will help you get back to the regular (standard) market sooner. This will make it much easier to save on your car insurance.
Save on property insurance with bundle discounts
Combine your home and auto coverage to save 10-20% on your premium.