Getting a speeding ticket in Ontario is a serious matter. Speeding isn’t just risky; it can also drive up your car insurance rates if you get caught. How much it affects your rates depends on where you are, your insurance provider, and the details of your driving record. Let's break it down.
Will a speeding ticket cause my car insurance rates to rise?
Most likely. Insurance companies consider a lot of factors when setting premiums, but one of the biggest is your driving record. A speeding ticket ends up on that record, and the more tickets or infractions you have, the more likely your premium will go up.
Now, one regular speeding ticket on its own might not make a big dent in your rates, but ultimately, it’s up to the insurance company to decide. If you get multiple tickets in a short time or mix a speeding ticket with other infractions, you’re much more likely to see your car insurance rates increase.
How much will a speeding ticket affect my insurance premiums?
How much your premium goes up really depends on the severity of the speeding ticket and how many you’ve got on your record. That said, speeding tickets are usually considered one of the lighter infractions, so a single ticket might not cause a huge increase. Here’s a list of different types of infractions and how they can affect your premium in Canada:
10% increase to your car insurance premium
Minor offences like speeding tickets, failing to signal, failing to yield, driving below the speed limit, or obstruction of a licence plate.
25% increase to your car insurance premium
Tickets relating to distracted driving, speeding in a construction area, failing to report a car accident, or presenting a false insurance statement.
100% increase to your car insurance premium
Being convicted of a crime, such as racing, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fleeing the scene of a car accident, criminal negligence, etc.
As you can see, while a speeding ticket might bump up your premium, the increase is usually pretty minor compared to the hit you’d take from more serious infractions. So, one speeding ticket alone isn’t likely to skyrocket your rates.
However, multiple speeding tickets will have a bigger impact. If your driving record really takes a dive, you could even be classified as a high-risk driver. At that point, you’d risk policy cancellation and could have a tougher time finding auto insurance down the road.
How do insurance providers find out about speeding tickets?
Your insurance company will find out about your speeding ticket once it’s paid or if a court rules against you. At that point, it shows up on your driving record.
When it’s time to renew your car insurance, they’ll check your record and adjust your auto insurance rates based on any updates. So, if they see a new speeding ticket since your last renewal, there’s a good chance they might raise your rates.
When will my speeding ticket show up on my insurance?
After an Ontario speeding ticket, your insurance premium will probably go up, but usually not until your policy is renewed. If you’re looking for a cheaper policy, wait until after the ticket is officially on your record to get accurate quotes that reflect what you’ll likely pay.
If this is your first speeding ticket, it might not affect your insurance costs at all—some insurers don’t raise rates for a single violation. But if your current insurer does hike up your premium, it’s worth shopping around. You might find an insurance company that won’t penalize you for just one ticket.
How long can speeding tickets affect my car insurance premiums?
In Ontario, a ticket sticks to your driving record for three years from the date you pay it or are found guilty in court. That means it’ll impact your insurance premiums for those three years.
The more tickets you pick up in those three years, the higher your rates could climb. That’s why speeding tickets can make it harder to keep your car insurance affordable in Ontario. To learn more about how long speeding tickets impact your rates or how long it takes to get insurance, consider reaching out to BrokerLink.
Can speeding tickets influence the type of car insurance coverage I need?
Yes. Not only can speeding tickets impact your premium, but they can also influence the type of car insurance coverage you need. As you can probably guess by now, a single speeding ticket is unlikely to necessitate a certain type of coverage.
However, if you rack up too many speeding tickets in a span of three years or less or are convicted of a driving-related crime, such as impaired driving, you could be deemed a high-risk driver, which means an insurance company may require you to purchase certain types of coverage.
For example, you may have to purchase optional coverage like collision car coverage or increase the coverage limit on your liability car insurance.
Speeding tickets vs. speed camera tickets
Let’s take a quick moment to clear up the differences between speeding tickets and speed camera tickets. Many people assume they’re the same and come with the same consequences, but that’s not actually the case. Here are the key distinctions between these two types of tickets:
Speeding Tickets
A speeding ticket is given by a police officer if you’re caught speeding in person. The officer stops you on the spot, and the ticket is issued directly to the driver, whether or not they own the car. To determine your speed, the officer will likely rely on their observations and a speed gun. Once you pay the fine or are found guilty in court, the ticket goes on your driving record—and that’s when it can start affecting your insurance rates.
Speed Camera Tickets
A speed camera ticket works a bit differently. These tickets are automatically issued if a camera catches your car speeding. Speed cameras, also known as photo radar, are often placed in high-risk areas but not usually in Community Safety Zones. The ticket is sent to the car’s registered owner through the mail based on the licence plate in the photo. Since there’s no way to know who was actually driving, speed camera tickets don’t go on anyone’s driving record, which means speed camera tickets won’t impact your insurance rates.
Do demerit points affect your insurance?
When checking your demerit points in Ontario, you may be wondering if they affect your insurance premiums. In Ontario, getting demerit points on your driver’s licence can lead to higher car insurance rates because insurance companies see drivers with demerit points as more likely to be in accidents or get additional tickets since the points indicate some risky choices behind the wheel.
Do parking tickets affect your insurance?
If you've received a parking ticket, you may be wondering if the parking ticket will affect your insurance. The good news is that parking tickets won’t raise your car insurance premiums. You can still get affordable rates because parking tickets are tied to the vehicle, not the driver, so they don’t end up on your driving record.
How to lower your auto insurance rates after getting a speeding ticket
Want to lower your rates following a speeding ticket? There are many ways to do so. Reach out to BrokerLink to speak with a licensed insurance expert today and read through the following money-saving tips below:
Ask a BrokerLink car insurance specialist for help
If you want to save money on car insurance, we recommend going directly to the source: BrokerLink. As car insurance experts, we can give you all kinds of tips and advice on ways to lower your premium. We can also help you shop around for coverage to ensure you are getting the most competitive rate possible.
Sign up for a defensive driving program
If you were recently issued a speeding ticket or charged with another driving infraction, consider signing up for a driver’s education course, like a defensive driving program. Such programs can lead to a car insurance discount if you can show proof that you graduated from an approved course in your province. Plus, you will learn invaluable knowledge that will make you a safer driver.
Purchase accident forgiveness coverage
Purchasing accident forgiveness coverage won’t necessarily help you lower your rates after getting a speeding ticket. However, it can ensure your rates don’t increase the next time you get into an at-fault accident. Accident forgiveness is a type of additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province.
Instal snow tires on your vehicle
Installing snow tires on your vehicle can also help you lower your premium following a speeding ticket. Insurance companies in Ontario are legally required to offer auto insurance discounts to drivers who install winter tires on their cars so long as they meet the company’s conditions. Learn more about the many benefits of winter tires, including saving money on auto insurance, by contacting BrokerLink.
Drive a hybrid or electric car
Driving a hybrid or electric car is one last way that you can lower your auto insurance rates after a speeding ticket. Many insurers now offer discounts to those who drive eco-friendly vehicles as a way to incentivize more customers to reduce their carbon footprint. Call BrokerLink to learn more about how much money you can save by driving a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Contact BrokerLink today
Understanding how speeding tickets affect car insurance can be tricky, so if you still have questions, you’re not alone. BrokerLink is here to help with any questions about your car insurance. We can break down how much your rates might increase after a speeding ticket when that increase will likely kick in, and how long it could last.
Plus, a BrokerLink insurance broker can help you find the best policy for your needs. We’ll go over what’s required, like uninsured automobile insurance, and share advice on whether optional coverages, like comprehensive car coverage, might be worth it for you.
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