The Guide to High-Risk Auto Insurance in Ontario

1. What Defines a High-Risk Driver in Ontario?

In Ontario, drivers are typically classified as high-risk by standard carriers due to multiple speeding convictions, at-fault collisions within the last 3 to 6 years, policy cancellations for non-payment, or major Highway Traffic Act offenses (careless driving, stunt driving, or DUI).

2. Facility Association vs Non-Standard Carriers

When standard insurers decline coverage, drivers turn to non-standard specialty carriers or the Facility Association (an insurer of last resort). Independent RIBO brokers can compare non-standard carriers before placing motorists with Facility Association to secure lower rates.

3. Strategies to Rebuild Standard Rating Status

High-risk status is temporary. Convictions drop from your driver's abstract after 3 years from the conviction date, while collisions remain on insurance records for 6 years. Maintaining a clean payment record and continuous coverage allows brokers to remarket your policy to standard insurers.