High Risk Auto Insurance Ontario: Your Complete Guide for 2025

Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

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According to carinsuranceinontario.ca, finding affordable high risk auto insurance in Ontario can feel overwhelming, but specialized options are available to get you covered. This guide, updated for August 2025, explains who is considered high-risk, which companies will insure you, and how to lower your premiums.

Key Takeaways

A driver is considered “high-risk” due to factors like major convictions (e.g., DUI), at-fault accidents, numerous traffic tickets, or a history of policy cancellations for non-payment.
You are typically considered a high-risk driver for three to six years, depending on the severity and date of the infractions on your record.
A handful of specialized insurance companies in Ontario, including Jevco, Pafco, and Echelon, focus on the non-standard auto insurance market.
The most effective way to lower your costs is to maintain a clean driving record over time and shop for quotes with an experienced broker every year.
If no high-risk insurer will offer a policy, the Facility Association acts as the insurer of last resort for all licensed Ontario drivers.

What Makes a Driver High Risk in Ontario?

In Ontario, you are placed in the high-risk auto insurance category when standard insurance companies deem your profile too risky to cover under their normal guidelines. This isn’t an emotional decision; it’s a business calculation based on statistical data that suggests a higher likelihood of you filing a claim.

While every insurer’s rules are slightly different, the primary factors are consistent.

Common High-Risk Insurance Factors

Factor	Description
Major Convictions	A single major conviction, such as a DUI, driving without insurance, or stunt driving, will place you in the high-risk category.
At-Fault Accidents	Two or more at-fault accidents within the last 5-6 years will almost always require high-risk insurance.
Minor Convictions	An accumulation of multiple minor traffic tickets (e.g., speeding, failure to stop) in a three-year period.
License Suspensions	A license suspension related to a criminal conviction or driving violation.
Payment History	One or more policy cancellations for non-payment within a three-year period signals a high risk to insurers.
Lack of History	Being a newly licensed driver without a track record can, in combination with other risk factors, sometimes require non-standard insurance.

How to Lower Your High Risk Insurance Premiums

While high-risk auto insurance Ontario rates are expensive, they are not permanent. The single most important factor is time and maintaining a clean driving record. As infractions age, they fall off your record (typically 3 years for tickets, 6+ for major accidents) and your rates will decrease significantly.

Here is your checklist to get back to standard rates:

Drive Safely: Avoid any new traffic tickets or accidents. This is the #1 priority.
Track Your Record: Know the exact date your convictions and at-fault accidents will be cleared from your driving record.
Shop Annually: Don’t wait for your policy renewal. As soon as an infraction is cleared, [[contact a high risk insurance broker]] to get fresh quotes. The savings could be substantial.
Consider Telematics: Ask your broker about usage-based insurance programs that offer discounts for safe driving habits.
Bundle Policies: If possible, bundling your auto policy with a home or tenant policy can provide a multi-line discount.
Review Your Coverage: Increasing deductibles or driving a less expensive vehicle can lower costs, but discuss these trade-offs with a professional first.

Which Companies Offer High Risk Auto Insurance in Ontario?

Unlike the standard market, only a handful of specialized companies focus on high-risk drivers in Ontario. It’s crucial to work with a broker who has access to all of them to ensure you get the best possible rate. These companies include:

Jevco Insurance (A subsidiary of Intact)
Pafco Insurance (A subsidiary of Allstate)
Echelon Insurance (A subsidiary of CAA)
Definity Insurance (Parent company of Economical)
Coachman Insurance (A subsidiary of SGI)

What is the Facility Association?

The Facility Association is not a typical insurance company; it is a risk-sharing pool that all auto insurers in Ontario must belong to. It acts as the insurer of last resort. If your driving record is so severe that none of the specialized high-risk companies will offer you a policy, you can get coverage through the Facility Association. Premiums are extremely high, but it guarantees that every licensed driver in Ontario has access to basic auto insurance.

Common Questions About High Risk Insurance in Ontario

Being labeled a “high-risk driver” can be confusing and often comes with concerns about high costs. To provide clarity, this section answers the most common questions about what this classification means for your insurance and how you can work your way back to standard market rates.

How long am I considered a high-risk driver in Ontario?

Generally, you are considered high-risk as long as the infractions remain on your insurance record. This is typically 3 years for minor tickets and policy cancellations, and 6 or more years for at-fault accidents and major convictions like a DUI.

Can I get monthly payments for high-risk auto insurance?

It depends on your payment history. Having even one cancellation for non-payment will place you in the high-risk market. While some insurers might still offer a monthly payment plan for a single cancellation, having two or more often means you will be required to pay the full annual premium upfront.

Does a “high-risk” policy have different coverage?

The underlying policy contract (OAP 1) is the same. However, high-risk policies often have more restrictions. For example, the maximum third-party liability offered might be limited to $1 million, and payment options are stricter.

Why is a specialized broker important for high-risk insurance?

A broker who specializes in this market knows the specific underwriting rules of each high-risk company. They can quickly identify which insurer is the best fit for your specific situation (e.g., post-DUI vs. multiple tickets) and have access to all of them, which is essential to finding the most competitive rate.

Take the Next Step to Better Rates

Being classified as high-risk is temporary. The most important step you can take today is to connect with an expert who can navigate the non-standard market for you and create a plan to get you back to standard rates. To understand your options and get a high risk auto insurance quote, speak to an experienced insurance professional who can advocate on your behalf.

Why Trust carinsuranceinontario.ca?

The information on carinsuranceinontario.ca is guided by licensed Ontario insurance professionals with decades of industry experience in both the standard and high-risk markets. We aim to provide clear perspectives to help drivers understand their options. This guide is updated as of August 2025.