Jamie MacDonald
2026-05-07 14:59:32
★★★★★
Dylan Smith was a fantastic rep! Enjoyed our conversations and he was incredibly helpful and quick to get my policy replaced with a new one. Thank you.
About high-risk auto insurance in Ontario
Being labelled a high-risk driver in Ontario isn't permanent, and it doesn't mean you're stuck with the highest premium an insurer will quote you. ThinkInsure works with every high-risk auto insurance company in Ontario, so we can find you the cheapest available rate, often saving high-risk drivers thousands of dollars per year.
The average high-risk driver in Ontario pays around $7,713 per year (about $643 per month), based on our internal customer quote data. But the difference between the highest and lowest quote for the same driver can be over $2,000 per year. This is why comparing every high-risk insurer matters.
Whether you have tickets, at-fault accidents, a DUI, a licence suspension, or a recent policy cancellation, our RIBO-licenced brokers don't judge. We help. We'll find you the lowest monthly payment available and stay with you through every renewal until you're back in standard insurance. Call 1-855-550-5515 or get a free quote online to start saving today.
High-risk auto insurance in Ontario: The quick facts
- Most drivers in Ontario are in the high-risk category for 3 to 5 years, depending on the reason.
- High-risk auto insurance premiums can be up to 300% higher than standard rates.
- Common reasons for high-risk status include multiple tickets, at-fault accidents, DUI convictions, licence suspensions, and policy cancellations.
- Only a small group of specialty insurers offer high-risk coverage in Ontario. Not all insurers do.
- The Facility Association is the insurer of last resort, but most high-risk drivers don't need it.
- Working with a high-risk insurance broker who compares every high-risk insurer is the fastest way to find the lowest available rate.
- You will not always be considered high-risk. Maintaining a clean record is the path back to standard rates.
Current rate data is based on ThinkInsure customer quote submissions from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.*** See our methodology.
3 to 5 years
average time you're considered high-risk before moving back to standard
1 call
compares rates from every high-risk insurer in Ontario
Up to 300%
more for high-risk auto insurance vs. standard rates
$2,000+/yr
is the average difference between the highest and lowest quote for the same driver
What is high-risk car insurance?
High-risk car insurance is specialized auto coverage for drivers who are considered a greater risk of filing a claim. It's also called non-standard, substandard, or specialty insurance. Only a small group of insurers offer it, and premiums are significantly higher than standard rates. The coverage itself protects you the same way standard insurance does.
Drivers are placed in the high-risk category based on their driving record, claims history, and insurance payment history. The status is temporary. Most drivers move back to regular insurance within 3 to 5 years.
How do drivers become high-risk in Ontario?
Life happens. Anyone can become a high-risk driver, and most of the time, it's the result of a small number of incidents that compound on your record. In Ontario, here are the most common reasons drivers end up in the high-risk category:
- Multiple traffic tickets: Two or more minor convictions, or a single major conviction, can push you into the high-risk category.
- At-fault accidents: Two or more at-fault accidents within a three-to-five-year window typically results in high-risk classification.
- DUI or impaired driving convictions: A single DUI conviction places drivers in the high-risk category immediately.
- Licence suspensions: Driving suspensions for any reason (medical, demerit points, criminal) affect your high-risk status.
- Policy cancellations for non-payment: Having your insurance cancelled for missed payments can result in high-risk classification on your next policy.
- Lapses in coverage: Gaps in your insurance coverage (even unintentional ones) signal risk to insurers.
- Criminal driving convictions: Convictions like dangerous driving or hit-and-run automatically result in high-risk classification.
- First-time or returning drivers: New drivers, drivers re-entering the market after long lapses, and some new-to-Canada drivers may be quoted at high-risk rates.
How much is high-risk auto insurance in Ontario?
If you've been quoted a high-risk auto insurance rate in Ontario, the number can feel overwhelming, but it's rarely the lowest rate available to you. High-risk insurance companies price the same driver very differently, and the gap between the highest and lowest quote can be thousands of dollars per year. ThinkInsure compares them all and finds you the rate at the bottom of that range.
In Ontario, the average annual high-risk auto insurance premium runs around $7,713, or about $643 per month. That's the average across the high-risk customer base. Individual rates vary significantly based on driving record, age, gender, location, vehicle, and which insurer is quoting you.
The estimated ThinkInsure customer online quote data was collected from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.*** See our methodology.
How much do tickets, accidents, cancellations and suspensions raise your premium?
Your driving record is the single biggest factor in your high-risk premium. Even a single ticket can raise rates by over 260% versus the average standard premium. The table below breaks down how each type of incident affects your rate.
| Violation | Average high-risk premium | Premium increase vs average | % increase vs average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tickets | |||
| 1 ticket within the past 3 years | $7,651 | $5,531 | 261% |
| 2 tickets in 3 years | $8,222 | $6,102 | 288% |
| 3 tickets in 3 years | $8,190 | $6,070 | 286% |
| Accidents | |||
| 1 collision in past 3 years | $7,553 | $5,433 | 256% |
| 2 collisions in past 3 years | $7,864 | $5,744 | 271% |
| 3 collisions in past 3 years | $8,040 | $5,920 | 279% |
| Cancellations | |||
| 1 cancellation in past 3 years | $7,216 | $5,096 | 240% |
| 2 cancellations in past 3 years | $8,308 | $6,188 | 292% |
| Suspensions | |||
| 1 suspension in past 3 years | $7,338 | $5,218 | 246% |
| 2 suspensions in past 3 years | $8,053 | $5,933 | 280% |
The estimated ThinkInsure customer online quote data was collected from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.*** See our methodology.
What if no insurer will cover you?
In rare cases, drivers with very serious driving histories can't find coverage from any standard or high-risk insurance company. The Facility Association is the insurer of last resort. It's required to provide basic coverage to any licenced driver in Ontario who can't get insurance elsewhere. Facility premiums are the highest in the market, sometimes more than double the average high-risk rate.
Most high-risk drivers don't need the Facility Association. A ThinkInsure advisor will exhaust every high-risk insurance company first. Facility is genuinely a last resort.
How much are high-risk car insurance monthly payments in Ontario?
Monthly payments for high-risk car insurance in Ontario typically range from around $500 to over $900, with an average of around $643 per month. Where you live in Ontario is one of the biggest factors in your monthly premium.
The cities with the highest high-risk auto insurance rates in Ontario are concentrated in the GTA, particularly the Vaughan area (Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg, Thornhill), as well as North York, Brampton, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, and Etobicoke. The table below shows current monthly payments in the highest-rate cities.
| City | Annual premium | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| Woodbridge | $11,732 | $930 |
| Maple | $10,780 | $880 |
| Kleinburg | $10,651 | $888 |
| North York | $10,614 | $873 |
| Richmond Hill | $10,569 | $867 |
| Brampton | $10,500 | $866 |
| East York | $10,500 | $864 |
| Thornhill | $10,424 | $851 |
| Scarborough | $10,339 | $844 |
| Etobicoke | $10,023 | $828 |
The estimated ThinkInsure customer online quote data was collected from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.*** See our methodology.
What are the types of high-risk insurance payment options?
Most high-risk insurers in Ontario offer flexible payment options, though terms vary by insurer:
- Monthly: Most common. Some insurers may require a larger first payment or a down payment.
- Quarterly: Available with most high-risk insurers. Reduces administrative fees vs monthly.
- Annually: Pay the full premium upfront and avoid administrative fees. Often discounted 5–10% vs monthly payments.
- Pre-authorized debit: Most insurers require automatic withdrawal for monthly plans.
Your advisor can confirm which payment options are available with each insurer they quote for you.
The profile of a high-risk driver
Anyone with the wrong combination of circumstances can end up in the high-risk category. There's no single profile. That said, ThinkInsure's customer data shows clear patterns about who's most likely to need high-risk coverage in Ontario.
The majority of high-risk drivers in Ontario are between 26 and 35 years old, hold a full G licence, and live in the GTA. Premiums vary significantly by age. Drivers over 50 pay roughly $1,500 less per year than drivers in their 20s.
- Age: 26–35 is the largest age bracket, representing about 38% of high-risk customers.
- Gender: Men make up over 70% of high-risk customers and pay about $1,000 more per year than women on average.
- Licence type: Full G-licenced drivers pay about 11% less than G1/G2 drivers, even within the high-risk category.
Based on ThinkInsure high-risk customer quote submissions from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.*** See our methodology.
Ways to save on high-risk auto insurance in Ontario
Even as a high-risk driver in Ontario, you can take steps that meaningfully reduce your premium, and shorten the time you spend in the high-risk category. Here are the most effective ways to save on the cheapest high-risk insurance available to you:
- Compare every high-risk insurer in one call: A high-risk broker like ThinkInsure compares rates from every insurer in Ontario in a single comparison. The difference between the highest and lowest quote on the same driver can be thousands per year. We find you the lowest one.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Every clean year reduces your premium and shortens the path back to normal rates. This is the most impactful long-term action you can take.
- Take a defensive driving course: Some insurers offer discounts for completing approved defensive driving courses. Confirm eligibility with your advisor before enrolling.
- Choose a higher deductible: Raising your collision or comprehensive deductible can reduce your monthly premium. Do this if you can comfortably cover the higher out-of-pocket cost in the event of a claim.
- Bundle home and auto: Even high-risk auto policies can sometimes be bundled with home insurance for a multi-policy discount.
- Pay annually if you can: Some high-risk insurers charge a premium for monthly payment plans. Paying annually upfront can save 5–10%.
- Re-shop your policy every renewal: As tickets, accidents, and claims age off your record, the lowest-rate insurer can change. Your advisor should re-quote across every high-risk insurance company at every renewal.
- Drive a lower-risk vehicle: Vehicles that aren't on the most stolen list and have strong safety ratings cost less to insure, even with high-risk status.
Find a lower rate for high-risk auto insurance in Ontario
Want to save more on your high-risk auto insurance? Compare quotes for free from every high-risk insurer in Ontario, all in one call.
Get Quotes
Compare high-risk auto insurance companies in Ontario
Not all insurers offer high-risk auto insurance in Ontario, and the ones that do, price policies very differently. Here's a comparison of average premiums from the leading high-risk insurance companies ThinkInsure works with, based on our customer data.
The spread between the lowest and highest insurers in this table is over $2,100 per year on the same driver profile. Individual cases can vary even more. This is why comparing every high-risk insurance company matters. ThinkInsure works with all of them and finds you the bottom of the range.
Here's a comparison of average premiums from the leading high-risk insurance companies ThinkInsure works with, based on our customer data.
| Company | Annual | Quarterly | Monthly | Difference vs average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All companies (average) | $7,713 | $1,928.25 | $642.75 | |
| Coachman | $6,519 | $1,629.75 | $543.25 | -15.48% |
| Echelon | $8,641 | $2,160.25 | $720.08 | +12.03% |
| Jevco Insurance | $7,611 | $1,902.75 | $634.25 | -1.32% |
| Pafco Insurance | $7,240 | $1,810.00 | $603.33 | -6.13% |
| Economical | $8,554 | $2,138.50 | $712.83 | +10.90% |
The estimated ThinkInsure customer online quote data was collected from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.*** See our methodology.
Will I always be considered a high-risk driver?
No, you will not always be in this category. High-risk status is temporary. Most drivers return to standard insurance within 3 to 5 years. The exact timeline depends on why you were classified as high-risk in the first place.
Tickets, accidents, and claims come off your insurance record over time. The fastest path back to lower rates is a clean record from this point forward and comparing rates on renewal.
How do I move back to standard insurance from high-risk?
The path off high-risk takes time and a clean record. Here's what to focus on:
- Avoid at-fault accidents and claims: Drive safely. A clean accident record is the single most important factor.
- Avoid traffic tickets: Tickets can stay on your record for 3 to 6 years and continue affecting your premium.
- Never drive impaired: A DUI conviction resets the clock and can extend your high-risk status by years.
- Pay your premium on time: A cancellation for non-payment will keep you in the high-risk category longer.
Your advisor can re-quote your policy at every renewal to check whether you've moved back into standard-rate territory.
How to find cheap high-risk car insurance in Ontario
1
Driving details
Tell us about your driving history honestly, including tickets, accidents, claims, and any prior cancellations.
2
Compare quotes
We compare rates from every high-risk insurer in Ontario, including Coachman, Echelon, Jevco, Pafco, Economical and more.
3
Get insured
Choose the lowest rate and confirm the details with to get your policy, often the same day.
Helping Ontario high-risk drivers save on auto insurance!
High-risk versus standard car insurance: what's the difference?
The types of coverage you receive under high-risk auto insurance are essentially the same as standard insurance. The difference is the rate, not the protection. You still get:
- All mandatory coverage: Third-party liability, accident benefits, direct compensation–property damage (DCPD), and uninsured automobile coverage are all included.
- Optional coverage: Collision and comprehensive coverage are available, though some insurers may require higher deductibles.
- Standard add-ons: Endorsements like OPCF 20 (rented vehicle coverage), OPCF 43 (waiver of depreciation), and OPCF 44 (family protection) are available with most high-risk policies.
What is different:
- Premiums can be up to 300% higher than standard rates.
- Fewer insurers offer the coverage. Only specialty providers.
- Some insurers may require annual payment upfront rather than monthly.
- Deductibles may be higher than standard policies.
For a full breakdown of how each coverage type works in Ontario, see Ontario car insurance coverage.
Why choose ThinkInsure for high-risk insurance?
We specialize in high-risk car insurance in Ontario and work with high-risk drivers every day.
Our high-risk brokers don't judge. We help you get insured so you can drive.
We will compare every high-risk insurer in Ontario in one call, including Coachman, Echelon, Jevco, Pafco, Economical and more.
Get exceptional customer service. We have a 4.7/5 Google rating from thousands of Ontario drivers.
Ontario high-risk auto insurance FAQs
High-risk auto insurance in Ontario averages around $7,713 per year, or roughly $643 per month. Individual rates vary significantly based on driving record, age, location, vehicle, and which insurer is quoting.
The spread between the lowest and highest quote on the same driver can be over $2,100 per year. Comparing rates across every high-risk insurance company typically saves high-risk drivers hundreds to thousands annually.
The leading high-risk auto insurance companies in Ontario include Coachman Insurance, Echelon Insurance, Jevco Insurance, Pafco Insurance, and Economical Insurance. Each prices high-risk policies differently, and the lowest quote for one driver isn't necessarily the lowest for another.
ThinkInsure accesses all of them through a single comparison, so you get the lowest available rate without calling each one individually.
Most drivers in Ontario remain in the high-risk category for 3 to 5 years, depending on the severity of the reason. Tickets and at-fault accidents can stay on your insurance record for 3 to 6 years.
DUI convictions and serious offences can extend the timeline. The fastest path back to regular rates is a clean record and checking rates at every renewal to catch the moment you cross back to cheaper premiums.
The cheapest way to get high-risk car insurance in Ontario is to compare rates across every high-risk insurance company in the province in a single comparison. The lowest quote on the same driver can vary by thousands of dollars between insurers. ThinkInsure works with every major high-risk insurer in Ontario, so one call does the comparison for you. There's no need to fill out forms at five different companies.
Yes. Even with a DUI conviction or a recent licence suspension, you can get auto insurance in Ontario. It'll be through a high-risk insurance company, not a standard one. Premiums will be higher, and the category typically lasts several years.
ThinkInsure brokers specialize in these cases and work with the insurers most likely to cover drivers in your situation. The earlier you start the process, the smoother the transition back to normal rates when the time comes.
5-star high-risk auto insurance in Ontario
KCAP KCAP
2026-05-07 14:46:38
★★★★★
Big shout out to Darryl for helping me out and turning a sour experience to a splendid one Shubham left me in the wind for a couple days even after I had a his team member reach out to him and left a voicemail . Called back the next day and Darrly handle everything on the spot so thank you Darryl
Zhiqing Xu
2026-04-30 20:06:56
★★★★★
Had a great experience with Sohel Rahman. The whole process is easy and clear without any unnecessary back and forth. Got the insurance exactly as I wanted in 1 day. Highly recommended!
Chris Arsenault
2026-04-21 20:09:51
★★★★★
Great experience with Todd Allen at ThinkInsure. Very professional and helpful. Thanks Todd!
Russell Turner
2026-04-21 14:26:53
★★★★★
Gabe was great and looked after my issue
Sandy Kerr
2026-04-19 13:47:28
★★★★★
I would like to recognize our Broker, Jeff Plesman to thank him for always providing us with outstanding and professional customer service. Thank you so much Jeff, we appreciate you. ;-)
Tony Sturino
2026-04-17 20:37:33
★★★★★
Gabe, as usual takes care of my demanding insurance issues, very professional, I like the way he calls to update me on any new features Thanks again
Anna Kacina
2026-04-16 15:29:05
★★★★★
Excellent service, great price
Talk to a high-risk insurance broker today
ThinkInsure specialize in high-risk insurance. We work with every high-risk insurance company in Ontario, to find you the lowest available rate, and to help you return to normal coverage and lower rates.
We don't judge
Whatever brought you here, including tickets, accidents, a DUI, or a lapse, we work to get you covered at the lowest rate available.
Compare every high-risk insurer
We compare quotes from every high-risk insurance company in Ontario. By comparing all of them, we help high-risk drivers find the lowest rate available, often saving thousands per year.
Get insured quickly
Choose the provider that offers the best coverage and rate for your situation. We often can get you insured with a new high-risk policy on the same day.
We work to get you back to lower rates
At renewal, we can re-quote your policy across every insurer to find a better rate or move you back to standard auto insurance in Ontario. The sooner we know your record has improved, the sooner you save.
Expert high-risk auto insurance advice
Don't accept the first high-risk quote you get. The price difference between insurers can be over $2,000 per year. Be sure to compare every Ontario high-risk insurance company, and re-quote your policy at every renewal.
Neel Khan
Insurance Broker (RIBO)
Want to save on your high-risk policy? We can help!
Monday–Friday: 8am–6pm
Methodology and sources
Disclaimer:
- Estimated high-risk car insurance rate data is from Ontario drivers in the high-risk category who completed an online quote on ThinkInsure.ca.
- Premiums can vary based on your driving record, vehicle, location, and insurance history.
- Quotes shown in the Recent Quotes section reflect actual rates offered by partner insurers to ThinkInsure customers.
- All personal information related to estimated quotes has been kept strictly confidential.
*** Estimated premiums are based on data entered by high-risk drivers on ThinkInsure.ca from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
Nolan Wilson
Content Marketing Manager
Nolan is a content marketing manager and writer at ThinkInsure. He has 15+ years of experience in the insurance industry, working with brokerages and direct insurers to create compelling insurance content, specializing in auto, home, and commercial.
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