High Risk Insurance in Ontario: Get Lowest Rates

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Are you looking for high risk auto insurance? Have you had some bad luck with tickets, accidents, traffic convictions or payment issues and need high risk insurance? Did your insurance company cancel your policy? Have you been denied coverage? Thousands of motorists experience these issues and require high risk auto insurance. If you've been labelled as a high risk driver we can help you!

ThinkInsure is a leading high risk insurance broker. We are experts in high risk coverage. Every day, we help high risk drivers get insured and back on the road. We'll compare rates from the largest selection of high risk insurance companies to find the lowest rates. If you need help getting insured, we can help. Get started by comparing free quotes online, or give us a call. We'll do the shopping, find the best rate, and insure you!

Key things to know about high risk auto insurance

High risk auto insurance can increase your premiums by up to 300% or more.
Drivers can become high risk when they have a poor driving record, too many claims or payment issues.
Using a high risk insurance broker is the best option for comparing quotes and finding the lowest high-risk rates.

What is high risk auto insurance?

High risk auto insurance is a category for drivers more likely to file a claim, get in an accident, or default on payment.

High risk auto insurance is also referred to as non-standard insurance. There are a variety of reasons why you may be labelled a high risk. Most have to do with having too many tickets, license suspensions, DUI charges, claims or cancellations.

A mistake, oversight, or accident could result in you becoming a high risk driver. Dangerous driving habits can also put you in this category. For example, getting caught excessively speeding, driving carelessly, or driving while distracted.

Some providers are reluctant to offer a policy to high risk drivers because of the increased chance of a claim. Many are either unwilling to insure them or will provide a much higher premium. There are a few providers that specialize in high risk auto insurance.

How does high risk insurance work?

Many people have heard about high risk insurance, but most need clarification about how it works. You will be considered high risk after you’ve received a serious driving conviction, have payment issues, or have other problems. You are high risk if you have a poor driving or insurance record.

When you get a car insurance quote, you’ll have difficulty getting a policy from most companies. Some specialize in offering high risk auto insurance. These are the ones that will issue you a policy but at a higher premium.

If high risk providers are not willing to insure you, you can still get a policy through the Facility Association. This is the last resort for drivers who cannot find coverage. Since you are considered a significant risk, your premiums will reflect this. Depending on your situation, you could pay anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 or more for Facility insurance.

How long will I be considered a high risk driver?

While it's not ideal, you will not always be classified as a high-risk driver. Once you fall into the high risk category, you can start to work your way toward lower monthly payments. You can return to standard insurance if you maintain a clean driving record. How long it will take will depend on your specific situation. For many drivers, it's 3 to 5 years. This transition to standard coverage occurs when tickets, claims, or accidents are removed from your record.

You have protections and rights as a high risk driver

There are protections for your rights in place. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) works to protect consumers, including those labelled as high risk drivers.

Who is most likely to need high risk auto insurance?

Certain individuals are more likely to fall within the high risk classification. These are people who have a greater risk of a claim. They are:

Young and teen drivers
First-time drivers, new immigrant drivers
Drivers over 65
People with a lapse in insurance
Drivers with a DUI conviction
Drivers with multiple tickets or claims
Drivers with criminal driving convictions

How is high risk car insurance different from standard coverage?

While the types of coverage you receive under high risk car insurance are essentially the same as standard insurance, there are some differences. The main one is an insurer's reluctance to insure you because of your level of risk. Here are some ways it is different:

Fewer providers offer it: A select few insurers offer this type of coverage.
It is significantly more expensive: You could pay up to 300% more for your policy.
You have limited payment options: Most insurers require you to pay for coverage upfront.
There may be some limitations: Some coverage options may not be available.
You may have higher deductibles: Lower deductibles may not be an option.

Is high car risk insurance the same across other parts of Canada?

Insurance is regulated at the provincial level. So, how high risk car insurance is treated will vary by province. For example, since B.C., Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have government-run programs. It’s managed by private insurers in other provinces.

What are the types of high risk auto insurance coverage?

High risk auto insurance in Ontario is similar to regular auto insurance and includes mandatory and optional types of coverage.

Mandatory high risk auto insurance coverage

The following coverage is required by law, and it is the minimum amount you need to drive a car:

Third-party liability

$200,000 in third-party liability is the minimum. This protects you if you cause property damage or injure another person. You also have the option to increase your coverage limit.

Accident benefits

With accident benefits, you get access to medical benefits and other compensation if you’re injured or killed in an accident.

Direct compensation property damage

Direct compensation property damage (DCPD)covers vehicle damage when you’re not at-fault for a collision.

Note: As of January 1, 2024, DCPD is no longer mandatory coverage in Ontario. Drivers can opt-out using OPCF 49.

Uninsured motorist

Uninsured motorist coverage offers protection if an uninsured motorist hits you, such as a hit and run.

Optional high risk auto insurance

This is additional protection you can add to your policy to customize it. Options include:

Collision

Accidents happen. Collision insurance protects against damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive

Your vehicle could get damaged in many ways. Comprehensive insurance protects you from non-accident-related damage (theft, vandalism).

Specified perils

Looking to get coverage against specific threats? Specified perils coverage protects against risks that are specifically listed in your plan.

All perils

Want to be protected from most risks? All perils coverage offers protection from all risks unless they are specifically excluded from your policy.

Endorsements

Insurance endorsements, also known as riders, allow you to add or remove certain types of protection. They make it easy for you to customize your insurance.

Note that depending on your specific situation, your coverage options may be limited. Speak with our high-risk insurance brokers for advice or to have your policy questions answered.

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Kevin St Clair

2024-11-28

Betsy was a genuine pleasure to deal with considering the circumstances. Thanks again for all your help

Anthony Gomez

2024-11-27

Today, I want to take a moment to recognize Monica Chan, an exceptional insurance broker who has consistently gone above and beyond in her service to me. Monica's dedication to punctuality and consideration has been truly remarkable. She has always been prompt in responding to my inquiries and has never hesitated to offer her expertise and guidance. With Monica as my broker, I have never once felt worried about anything going wrong. Her proactive approach and attention to detail have provided me with peace of mind, knowing that my insurance needs are well-taken care of. Throughout our interactions, Monica has been incredibly helpful, patiently explaining complex insurance concepts and ensuring that I fully understand my coverage options. I wholeheartedly recommend Monica Chan to anyone seeking an insurance broker who genuinely cares about their clients' best interests. Her commitment to excellence and her willingness to go the extra mile make her an invaluable asset in the insurance industry.

Phyllis Baker

2024-11-20

Absolutely amazing service the broker Todd worked on my quote fast I recommend this company to anyone very professional I’m so glad I called them .. Thank you for your great work

Charles Cameron

2024-11-15

Betsy Bannon has been nothing short of amazing at helping us through the complex process of acquiring business insurance. She quickly understood our needs and expertly guided us to the right solution. From start to finish, she made us feel like her most important client which gave us the confidence that we were in great hands. We highly recommend Betsy!

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2024-11-05

I had a great experience with Patrick Vuong. He went above and beyond to help me update last minute changes to my policy in order to qualify for a government grant. Staying back late and coming in early the next day to help finishes the changes. Very kind and professional!

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2024-11-05

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fabian ward

2024-11-04

Great service! Prompt and very helpful! Thanks to Todd allan for really helping me out!

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2024-11-01

Great experience working with Sohel Rahman, appreciate his honest and can-do attitude. Highly recommend!

How to find cheap high risk auto insurance

Just follow these quick and easy steps to see the lowest quotes and get a policy.

1) Begin

Enter your postal code and some basic information.

2) Enter your driving details

Provide your driving and vehicle information.

3) Compare multiple quotes

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Why is high risk insurance so expensive?

High risk insurance is so costly because it’s a greater risk for insurers to give certain types of drivers a policy.

If a driver has multiple tickets, convictions, claims, or even payment issues, the chances are they are more likely to exhibit this same type of behaviour again. This increases the likelihood that an insurer would have to pay a claim. The more severe and costly the driving offence, the higher you can expect your premiums.

This logic is the same for someone with a clean record. If a person has been driving for 15 years and has never had a ticket, accident, or claim, they would be at a much lower risk of filing a claim and paying less.

How much is high risk insurance in Ontario?

High risk car insurance is considerably more expensive than a regular policy. You can expect to see a 20% increase at a minimum. In some cases, your rates increase by as much as 300% or more. This means many can expect premiums to be double or triple compared to regular car insurance in Ontario and other provinces. We’re talking about an increase of thousands of dollars.

The average car insurance premium in the province is $1,927 (as of June 2024 via FSRAO). So, if your rates were to double, you would have to pay $3,854 per year. If they tripled, you would have to pay $5,781.

The average cost of high risk auto insurance ranges from $2,500 to $7,000+ per year, depending on the provider and why you are considered high risk. Prices could climb up to $20,000 per year.

For example, a person with an impaired or reckless driving charge will pay much more than someone who has multiple minor convictions in a short period of time.

High risk insurance cost breakdown by reason

There are a lot of reasons why you could fall into the high risk driver category. The most common are tickets, accidents, licence suspensions and cancellations. As you can see in the chart below, high risk auto insurance is significantly more expensive than regular coverage in the province.

Depending on the severity of your driving issues, they can increase by as little as 20% to as much as 300% or more. Based on our customer data, here's a sample of how much you can expect to pay depending on the reason:

Violation	Average high risk premium	Premium increase compared to average	% increase compared to average
Tickets
1 ticket within the past 3 years	$6,796	$4,869	253%
2 tickets in 3 years	$6,972	$5,045	262%
3 tickets in 3 years	$7,338	$5,411	281%
Accidents
1 collision in past 3 years	$7,040	$5,113	265%
2 collisions in past 3 years	$7,207	$5,280	274%
3 collisions in past 3 years	$7,457	$5,530	287%
Cancellations
1 cancellation in past 3 years	$6,680	$4,753	247%
2 cancellations in past 3 years	$7,138	$5,211	270%
Suspensions
1 suspension in past 3 years	$6,686	$4,759	247%
2 suspensions in past 3 years	$7,047	$5,120	266%

High risk car insurance rates by city in 2024

We compiled data from some of the province's biggest cities to see which ones have the most and least expensive high risk driver insurance rates.

High risk auto insurance in Toronto and GTA are the most costly cities for high risk insurance. Richmond Hill has the most expensive prices at $9,429 per year on average. However, Brampton and Mississauga have the most high risk drivers by a large margin. Our data also suggests Ottawa is the lowest high risk premium of the cities on the list at $4,911 annually.

Based on our customer data of over 12,000 high risk quotes, the average cost for high risk car insurance in the province is $7,091. Premiums range from as low as $1,739 up to $37,519.

See below for costs in your city:

City	Minimum premium	Maximum premium	Average annual premium	Average monthly payment
Richmond Hill	$4,305	$25,457	$9,429	$786
Brampton	$3,207	$35,219	$9,180	$765
Mississauga	$3,280	$26,334	$9,079	$757
Markham	$3,618	$28,588	$8,981	$748
Toronto	$3,117	$20,576	$8,256	$688
Oakville	$2,791	$26,334	$7,581	$632
Milton	$2,594	$35,742	$7,463	$622
Hamilton	$2,594	$35,742	$7,462	$622
London	$2,183	$16,153	$6,077	$506
Windsor	$2,539	$15,693	$6,966	$581
London	$2,268	$21,358	$6,960	$580
Burlington	$1,876	$19,338	$6,874	$573
Oshawa	$2,813	$22,605	$6,832	$569
Newmarket	$3,072	$11,252	$6,289	$524
Kitchener	$2,229	$18,087	$6,287	$524
Cambridge	$2,574	$11,373	$6,131	$511
Ottawa	$2,056	$12,220	$4,911	$409

You've got a choice of high risk insurance companies

With our large selection of providers, we can get you insured for the most affordable price. We have the largest selection of high risk insurers in the province. Here are some of them:

Aviva Canada
CAA Insurance
Coachman Insurance (a subsidiary of SGI)
Echelon Insurance (Part of CAA)
Economical Insurance
Jevco Insurance (Part of Intact Insurance)
Pafco Insurance (Part of Allstate Insurance)
Pembridge Insurance
Perth Insurance (Part of Economical)
Facility Association (a risk-sharing pool of insurers)

Speak with a ThinkInsure advisor today to find out which one is a good choice for you.

Tips to get the cheapest high risk car insurance

It's frustrating when you require high risk car insurance. You may be paying more, but there are still ways to save. Here are some tips and advice to help you save as much as possible:

Complete driver training: Take a certified driving course and inform your advisor. This will qualify you for savings, especially if you are a new or young driver.
Take a defensive driving course: Extra driving courses could help young drivers under 25 save. For example, you could take a defensive driving or winter driving course. Receiving this training could qualify you for a discount. Check for approved classes and driving schools.
Drive an insurance-friendly vehicle: Driving a sports car or expensive vehicle may be considered a greater risk. Choose a vehicle that is known to be safe and not likely to get stolen.
Use a broker: High risk insurance brokers are experts in the category and work with multiple high risk insurers. They will help you get insured and advise you on getting back into more affordable premiums.
Boost your deductible: Increasing your insurance deductible to a higher amount will lower your premium. So, if your deductible is on the lower end, increase it. Just make sure you can pay that amount if you must file a claim.
Bundle: Combine your home and auto insurance to get a discount. This is a simple way to save on all your costs.
Avoid unnecessary claims: Too many claims can increase your payments. Can you afford the repairs? Does it make sense to file considering your deductible payment? Think twice before filing too many claims in a short timeframe.
Check before renewing: Always compare car insurance quotes and explore your options before renewing. Even if you need high risk insurance, there may be ways for you to reduce your costs. Each year of claims and accident-free driving should drop your costs.
Try UBI: Usage based insurance (UBI) can help you save as much as 25%. Under the program, you are rewarded for good driving habits.
Know when tickets are coming off your record: It’s particularly important to know the dates when tickets and accidents will be removed from your record. This is when you can reduce your costs. Be sure to contact your agent or advisor when this date approaches.

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High risk insurance FAQs

What is a high risk driver?

A high-risk driver is a person with a poor insurance record. This can be due to driving violations, a bad payment history, fraud, or other situations. These drivers do not qualify for standard insurance and are required to get insured through a high-risk insurance company.

Even though you may be labelled high risk, it doesn’t mean you always will. Over time, with an improved driving record, you can move back into regular insurance.

Is high risk car insurance more expensive than regular insurance?

Yes, high risk car insurance is more expensive than standard coverage. It is one of the most expensive types of auto insurance you can purchase. Premiums can be 2 or 3 times more expensive, ranging from $2,500 to $7000 or more.

How do I know if I need high risk auto insurance?

If you have recently had several tickets or accidents, there is a good chance you will need high risk auto insurance. But the only way to know is to speak with your insurer. One sure-fire way to know is if your current insurer chooses not to renew your policy. If this is the case, you must get insured by a high-risk provider.

How do you choose a high risk insurance broker?

Working with an insurance broker is the easiest way for high risk drivers to get insured at the lowest rate. That is if you choose the right one. When considering your options, look for one who has partnerships with multiple providers, to give you a greater opportunity to find a better price.

Other things should factor into your decision. They include:

How many high risk insurers do they have access to?
Can they help you transition back to standard insurance?
What level of customer service do they offer?
Can they help you get other types of insurance?
Do they offer claims assistance?
Do they offer other products and services you find of value?

Will I always be considered a high risk driver?

Being considered a high risk driver for insurance is temporary. The amount of time depends on the reasons you are considered high risk. Getting out of the category can take up to three years or more. Here are some things to do to get back into regular coverage as quickly as possible:

Accidents: It’s very important to re-establish a clean driving record. Drive safe, and avoid at-fault accidents and claims.
Obey road rules: You want to avoid getting rated for any traffic tickets. They can stay on your record for 3 to 6 years.
Never drive while drinking: Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pay on time: You don't want to have your insurance cancelled for non-payment.

Are high risk and non-standard auto insurance the same thing?

High risk and non-standard refer to the same type of coverage. As a high risk driver, you will not qualify for regular insurance coverage. So, you’ll need non-standard coverage until you are in a situation to transition back to standard insurance coverage.

I've been labelled a high risk driver because of an at-fault accident. What if I disagree with my insurer's assessment of fault?

Causing a collision is one of the many reasons people fall into the high risk category. Insurers review all accident claims and determine fault based on the actions surrounding the incident. You may be deemed wholly or partially at-fault. When this happens, you will likely be labelled a high risk driver and see your rates significantly increase.

But what if you disagree with your insurer's fault determination? This decision can dramatically impact your insurance rates and driving record going forward. Fortunately, you can dispute the assessment. Speak with your claims adjuster first. Provide any additional information. They could reconsider their decision if you have new information. You can take your dispute to the insurer's complaint officer if there is still a disagreement.

Lowest rates for high risk auto insurance

ThinkInsure is your one-stop for high risk insurance. We can help you get insured and save as much as possible. Get started online, or give us a call, and we'll be happy to assist you.

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Sources

* Based on data from quotes completed on ThinkInsure.ca between January 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024, for drivers considered high risk. Results can vary based on your specific situation.

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