Car Insurance for Hard to Insure Drivers

If you’re a hard-to-insure driver in Ontario, you may face some challenges in getting car insurance. However, there are still options available to you.

Here are some tips for finding car insurance as a hard-to-insure driver in Ontario:

1. Shop around: Look for insurance companies that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers or those with a history of accidents, tickets, or convictions. Don’t assume that one insurer’s quote is the best – it pays to compare rates from several companies.
2. Consider a high-risk insurer: In Ontario, there are insurance companies that specifically cater to high-risk drivers. These companies offer coverage to drivers who may be turned down by traditional insurers.
3. Take a driver’s education course: By taking a driver’s education course, you may be able to improve your driving skills and demonstrate to insurers that you’re committed to safe driving.
4. Increase your deductible: If you’re having difficulty finding coverage, consider raising your deductible. By increasing the amount you’re willing to pay out of pocket in the event of a claim, you may be able to reduce your premium.
5. Look for discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts for things like low mileage, good grades, or installing a tracking device in your car. Be sure to ask about any available discounts.
6. Improve your driving record: While it may take time, working on improving your driving record can help you get better rates in the future. This includes avoiding accidents and tickets, and maintaining a clean driving record.

Car insurance is mandatory in Ontario, and driving without it can result in fines, penalties, and even the suspension of your license. While it may be challenging to find coverage as a hard-to-insure driver, it’s important to keep looking until you find a policy that works for you.

Find out the Reasons for the Denial

There are several reasons why your car insurance application may be denied in Ontario. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Poor driving record: Insurance companies may deny coverage if you have a history of accidents, traffic violations, or DUI convictions. This is because insurers see high-risk drivers as more likely to file claims and cost them money.
2. Lack of driving experience: If you’re a new driver or have limited driving experience, you may be seen as a higher risk to insure. Insurance companies prefer drivers with a track record of safe driving.
3. Previous insurance lapses: If you’ve had a gap in insurance coverage, insurers may see you as a riskier driver. This is because a lapse in coverage suggests that you may have had difficulty paying your premiums or have been driving uninsured.
4. Your car: The type of car you drive can also affect your ability to get insurance. High-performance or expensive cars may be more costly to insure, while cars with a history of accidents or theft may be harder to insure.
5. Fraudulent activity: If an insurer suspects that you’re being dishonest or fraudulent in your application, they may deny coverage. This can include providing false information about your driving history or claims history.
6. Age: Some insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage to drivers who are too young or too old. Drivers under the age of 25, for example, are often seen as higher risk due to their lack of experience on the road.

Insurance companies have the right to deny coverage based on their own underwriting guidelines and risk assessments. If your application is denied, you may want to consider seeking coverage from a high-risk insurer or working to improve your driving record.

Can a Car Insurance Company Deny Coverage?

Yes, car insurance companies in Ontario have the right to deny coverage to drivers based on their underwriting guidelines and risk assessments. Insurance companies evaluate several factors when determining whether to offer coverage, including driving record, age, type of car, and claims history.

If an insurance company determines that you’re too high of a risk to insure, they may deny coverage or offer you a policy with higher premiums and more limited coverage. Insurance companies are required by law to provide a reason for denial or non-renewal of coverage.

However, it’s important to note that insurance companies cannot deny coverage based on certain prohibited grounds such as age, gender, race, religion, or marital status. If you believe that your application was denied based on prohibited grounds, you may file a complaint with the Insurance Bureau of Canada or the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

If you’re having difficulty getting coverage from traditional insurers, you may want to consider seeking coverage from a high-risk insurance company or an insurance broker who specializes in high-risk drivers.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance in Ontario typically comes with higher premiums than standard auto insurance due to the increased risk of insuring drivers who have a history of accidents, traffic violations, or other high-risk factors. The cost of high-risk auto insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your driving history, age, gender, location, and the type of car you drive.

On average, high-risk auto insurance in Ontario can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 per year, depending on your individual circumstances. However, it’s important to note that these are just general estimates and your actual cost may vary.

To get a more accurate idea of the cost of high-risk auto insurance in Ontario, it’s best to contact a few different insurance companies or brokers and get quotes based on your individual situation. By comparing quotes, you can find the best coverage and price for your needs.

Reduce Your Risk Factor

Reducing your risk factor can help you get lower car insurance rates in Ontario. Here are some tips for reducing your risk factor:

1. Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid accidents, traffic violations, and DUI convictions, as they can increase your risk factor and lead to higher insurance rates. Drive safely and defensively, obey traffic laws, and avoid distractions while driving.
2. Choose a safe car: The type of car you drive can also affect your insurance rates. Choose a car with safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control, and avoid high-performance or sports cars that may be more expensive to insure.
3. Increase your deductible: A higher deductible can lower your premiums, but make sure you can afford to pay the deductible in the event of an accident.
4. Bundle policies: If you have other insurance policies, such as home or life insurance, consider bundling them with your car insurance to get a discount.
5. Take a defensive driving course: Completing a defensive driving course can improve your driving skills and demonstrate to insurers that you’re committed to safe driving. Some insurers may offer discounts for completing such a course.
6. Pay your premiums on time: Pay your insurance premiums on time to avoid late fees and potential policy cancellations, which can increase your risk factor and lead to higher rates.

Remember, reducing your risk factor takes time and effort, but it can help you save money on car insurance in the long run. Be sure to shop around for the best rates and coverage, and don’t hesitate to ask insurers about available discounts and ways to reduce your premiums.

How Much Does Your Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

The amount your car insurance goes up after an accident can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the accident, who was at fault, your driving history, and your insurance company’s policies.

On average, a single at-fault accident can cause your car insurance rates to increase by 20% to 30%, depending on the circumstances. This means that if you were paying $1,000 per year for car insurance before the accident, your rates may increase to $1,200 to $1,300 per year after the accident.

However, the actual amount of your rate increase can vary widely depending on the above factors. If the accident was minor and you have a good driving history, your rates may not increase as much as they would if the accident was more severe or you have a history of accidents or traffic violations. Additionally, some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs or have policies that allow for one accident without a rate increase.

How Long Before an Accident is Removed From Your Record?

In Ontario, an at-fault accident generally stays on your driving record for 6 years from the date of the accident. This means that the accident will be visible to insurance companies when they are calculating your premiums for 6 years after the accident occurred.

It’s important to note that even after the accident is removed from your driving record, it may still be considered by insurance companies when assessing your risk factor. This is because accidents can indicate a higher risk of future claims.

Here are some examples of how long an accident stays on your driving record in Ontario:

1. If you had an at-fault accident on January 1, 2020, it would stay on your driving record until January 1, 2026.
2. If you had another at-fault accident on June 1, 2022, it would stay on your driving record until June 1, 2028.
3. If you had a non-fault accident on December 1, 2019, it would not stay on your driving record as non-fault accidents do not affect your insurance rates.

The length of time an accident stays on your driving record may vary depending on your province or territory. It’s always best to check with your local licensing authority or insurance provider to confirm the rules in your area.