Driving is a fundamental part of daily life for many Canadians, but it comes with many responsibilities. A key driving responsibility is sticking to speed limits. No one wants to get a speeding ticket, yet it continues to be the most common traffic infraction in Canada year after year.
One common question among drivers is whether a speeding ticket can affect your car insurance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between speeding tickets and insurance premiums, offering insights that apply to drivers across Canada.
Key takeaways
- A speeding ticket can not only increase your auto insurance rates, but it can also lead to your policy being cancelled - especially if it’s a major offence or if you have multiple violations on your driving record
- Single minor speeding tickets may not significantly affect your insurance rates, while major offences or recurring offences can lead to higher costs and demerit points
- To mitigate the impact of a speeding ticket, consider maintaining safe driving habits, taking defensive driving courses and shopping around for better coverage.
How speeding tickets affect car insurance in Canada
When you are convicted of a speeding infraction, it becomes part of your driving record. Currently in Ontario, any conviction for driving offences (including speeding, seatbelt infractions and other moving violations) will remain on your driving record for 3 years. Your driving record is important for insurance providers when evaluating your risk and determining your car insurance rates.
Insurers see speeding tickets as indicators of risky behaviour, which can lead to higher insurance premiums.
Minor vs. major speeding offences
Understanding the distinction between minor and major offences can help clarify how they affect your insurance:
- Minor speeding tickets: These typically involve driving just a few kilometers over the speed limit (10-20 km/hour). Even safe drivers with a generally clean driving record can still be impacted by minor tickets depending on their claims history and other factors.
- Major speeding offences:These are significant violations, such as driving over 40 km/hour above the speed limit. These offences are much more likely to result in higher insurance premiums or potentially impact your eligibility to purchase car insurance.
It’s important to be aware of the implications of both types of violations to avoid surprises when it comes to your car insurance rates.
Common questions about how speeding offences impact insurance
Speeding tickets can, and will, impact your auto insurance rates, whereas a conviction free driving record may qualify you for a reduction of your auto insurance premium. Even though the best course of action is to drive safely and avoid tickets altogether, it’s worth understanding some of the details involved:
Does every speeding ticket increase insurance premiums?
Not all speeding tickets lead to increased insurance premiums. In some cases, a single minor speeding ticket might not have a significant impact, especially for drivers with otherwise clean records.
The impact often depends on several factors, including the severity of the offence and your driving history.
Minor speeding tickets, for example, may have a lesser impact on your insurance rates than more severe infractions. A single minor speeding ticket might not significantly affect your insurance premium, particularly if you have an otherwise clean driving record.
In contrast, multiple minor speeding tickets or more severe violations, such as excessive speeding (driving 40 km/hour or more over the speed limit), are likely to lead to a noticeable increase in your rates.
How long does a speeding ticket affect your insurance?
The duration of impact from a speeding ticket can vary across provinces. Generally, a speeding ticket remains on your driving record for three years, depending on the province and the severity of the offence. During this time, it can affect your car insurance rates.
After the ticket expires from your record, your insurance provider may reassess your risk profile and you may see a reduction in your insurance premiums. However, if you continue to accumulate speeding tickets, you may eventually become ineligible for standard coverage and require a high-risk coverage.
Speeding ticket insurance misconceptions
There are several misconceptions about how speeding tickets impact insurance premiums. Let’s debunk a few common myths:
Myth: Every speeding ticket increases your insurance. While many insurance providers consider speeding tickets a risk factor, a single minor speeding ticket may not lead to an increase in all cases. It’s important to ensure you do not accumulate tickets to avoid impact to your insurance rates.
Myth: You can avoid an increase in premiums by delaying payment of your ticket. Not paying your ticket can lead to more severe penalties, including additional fines or even a suspension of your license. If you plan to dispute your ticket, consider seeking professional legal advice before moving forward.
Myth: Speeding tickets from other provinces don’t affect your insurance. This is false; infractions from other provinces can also impact your driving record.
Understanding the truth behind these misconceptions can help you navigate the consequences of receiving a speeding ticket.
How to dispute a speeding ticket in Canada to avoid insurance hikes
If you believe you were wrongly issued a speeding ticket, you have the option to dispute it. Here’s a general guide on how to go about it:
- Contact a legal professional: First consult with a lawyer familiar with traffic law to determine whether you have a case.
- Review the ticket details: Check for any errors that could strengthen your case.
- Gather evidence: Collect any relevant information, such as dashcam footage or witness statements that support your claim.
- Attend your court date: Be prepared to present your case before a judge. If successful, you may avoid penalties that could impact your car insurance rates.
Taking these steps could save you money and help maintain your driving record.
Three ways to reduce the impact of speeding tickets on your insurance
If you've received a speeding ticket, you may be wondering how to mitigate its impact on your insurance in the future. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Maintain a clean record moving forward: Future driving habits play a significant role in determining your risk profile. Avoiding further traffic violations can help lower your rates.
- Consider telematics programs: Some insurers offer programs that track your driving behaviour. If you demonstrate safe driving habits, you could qualify for discounts.
- Shop around for better coverage and protection: Some insurers offer options to purchase protection against minor convictions. Aviva's Minor Conviction Protector waives the impact of your first minor conviction. Speak with an insurance representative for more details and to confirm if you are eligible for this endorsement.
By being proactive, you can help manage the effects of a speeding ticket on your insurance premiums.
Conclusion: Drive safe and keep premiums low
Understanding how a speeding ticket can affect your car insurance is important for all Canadian drivers. While not every ticket will lead to increased insurance premiums, it's important to recognize the potential risks involved.
By adopting safe driving practices and exploring options to mitigate the impact of speeding tickets, you can help protect your insurance rates. For more information about how to manage your auto insurance, consider checking out Aviva's personal auto insurance page.
Remember, safe driving is the best way to keep your premiums low and maintain a clean driving record. Stay informed, drive safely and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re doing your best on the road. For tips on staying safe, visit our blog on safe driving practices.
