High-Risk Auto Insurance in Ontario
High-Risk Insurance in Ontario
Tickets, accidents, a licence suspension or a policy cancelled for non-payment can make getting car insurance more difficult. They do not mean you are out of options.
Sharp Insurance helps Ontario drivers understand why they have been classified as high risk, compare available coverage and find a practical way to stay protected while rebuilding their insurance record.
Need High-Risk Car Insurance in Ontario?
High-risk auto insurance, sometimes called non-standard auto insurance, is designed for drivers who do not meet the underwriting requirements of standard insurance companies.
You may need high-risk insurance if you have multiple tickets, at-fault accidents, a serious driving conviction, a licence suspension, missed insurance payments or a previous policy cancellation.
Being classified as high risk can mean fewer insurers are willing to offer coverage and the quotes you receive may be considerably higher. A broker can compare the markets available for your circumstances and explain what you can do to improve your options over time.
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What is High-Risk Auto Insurance in Ontario?
Every insurance company has rules that determine which drivers it is willing to insure. These rules consider your driving history, insurance history, vehicle, location, annual use and other approved rating factors.
When your record falls outside a standard insurer’s requirements, you may need coverage through a company that specializes in non-standard or high-risk drivers.
High-risk insurance still provides legitimate automobile insurance coverage. The main differences are that:
- Fewer insurance companies may be willing to insure you
- Your premium is likely to be higher
- Your coverage and payment options may be more limited
- A larger down payment may be required
- The insurer may impose stricter underwriting conditions
- Your policy may need to be reviewed more frequently
The right option depends on your complete record. Two drivers with similar tickets can receive very different quotes because their vehicles, claims, insurance histories, locations and coverage needs are different.
In general, a high-risk driver is someone who may have the below infractions on their driving record:
- A driving conviction, such as a DUI or criminal speeding charge
- A minor but frequent driving violation, including accidents or numerous tickets over a short span of time
- Numerous at-fault accidents in the last 3– 5 years
- Insurance cancelled due to non-payment
Ontario-based high-risk auto insurance is also referred to as non-standard auto insurance. You’ll need to buy it if your insurance company has cancelled your insurance policy, if your risk has changed or if you have been cancelled because of non-payment. High-risk can also apply to other policies, like home insurance.
Working with a licensed Car insurance broker in Ontario can help you find the best rates and coverage for your needs.
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What Makes You a High-Risk Driver in Ontario?
It’s not easy to be labelled as a high-risk driver after one minor mistake. Most insurance companies look at your overall record for dangerous driving habits, since high-risk classification typically stems from patterns suggesting a higher likelihood of future claims. If you easily file claims, even small ones, that’s when the high-risk label sticks.
There is no single definition used by every insurance company. Each insurer applies its own approved underwriting rules.
However, Ontario drivers are commonly moved into the high-risk or non-standard market because of one or more of the following:
Multiple traffic convictions
Several speeding tickets or other convictions within a relatively short period can make standard insurers less willing to offer coverage.
Serious driving convictions
Impaired driving, dangerous driving, careless driving and other serious offences can significantly affect your eligibility and premium.
At-fault accidents or frequent claims
Multiple at-fault accidents or a pattern of claims may indicate a greater likelihood of future losses from an insurer’s perspective.
A suspended licence
A previous licence suspension can make your insurance options more limited, particularly when it was connected to a serious driving offence.
Cancellation for non-payment
Missing payments can result in cancellation and make it more difficult to obtain affordable monthly payment options in the future.
A lapse in insurance coverage
A gap in coverage does not automatically make every driver high risk, but the cause of the gap and any related cancellation or non-disclosure can affect an insurer’s decision.
Inaccurate or incomplete information
Failing to disclose household drivers, vehicle use, convictions, claims or other material information can lead to cancellation or the policy being declared void.
A modified or specialized vehicle
Some heavily modified, high-performance or unusual vehicles may not qualify for standard auto-insurance programs and may require a specialty insurer.
One event does not always result in a high-risk classification. Insurers normally evaluate the complete record and the combination of risks involved.
Ontario insurers consider factors including driving history, years licensed, vehicle, location, annual kilometres, coverage selected and deductible.
Standard, Non-Standard and Facility Association Insurance
Ontario drivers generally obtain coverage through one of three parts of the auto-insurance market.
Standard insurance market
Standard insurers generally provide the broadest selection of coverage, discounts and payment options. Drivers with clean or relatively stable records are more likely to qualify for this market.
Non-standard or specialty insurance market
Specialty insurers cover drivers who may not qualify for standard insurance. This can include drivers with convictions, accidents, suspensions, non-payment cancellations or other difficult insurance histories.
Although premiums are normally higher than in the standard market, a specialty insurer may still offer a better option than going directly to the market of last resort.
Facility Association
Facility Association helps ensure eligible drivers can obtain auto insurance when coverage is not available elsewhere. It is considered the insurer of last resort.
Facility Association does not issue policies directly. Policies are issued and serviced through participating insurance companies. A broker can help determine whether another standard or specialty option is available before placing your policy through Facility Association.
What Does High-Risk Auto Insurance Cover in Ontario?
Being classified as high risk does not automatically mean you have no meaningful protection. However, the coverage available to you can vary by insurer and by the circumstances of your driving record.
Your broker should explain what is included, what is optional and what is unavailable before you accept a policy.
Third-party liability coverage
This coverage may protect you when someone is injured, killed or has their property damaged in an automobile incident for which you are responsible.
Ontario requires a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, although many drivers choose a higher limit after discussing their needs with a broker.
Statutory accident benefits
These benefits may provide support when you are injured in an automobile accident, regardless of who caused it.
For new policies entered into on or after July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory. Other accident benefits, including income replacement, caregiver, housekeeping and home-maintenance benefits, are optional and must be selected based on your needs.
Uninsured automobile coverage
This coverage may protect you when you are injured or killed by an uninsured or unidentified driver. It may also cover certain damage caused by an identified uninsured motorist.
Direct Compensation–Property Damage
Under qualifying circumstances, this section may cover damage to your vehicle and its contents when another insured driver is at fault.
Ontario drivers can elect not to claim this coverage, but doing so can leave a significant gap. Discuss the financial consequences with a broker before removing or declining it.
Collision coverage
Collision may cover damage to your vehicle when it hits another vehicle or object, or when the vehicle rolls over. This coverage is normally optional.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive may cover risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail and certain other losses that do not involve a collision.
Coverage availability, limits and deductibles can vary across high-risk insurers. Do not compare quotes using price alone. Make sure the quotes include comparable protection.
What Changed in Ontario Auto Insurance on July 1, 2026?
Ontario changed the way accident benefits are included in new auto-insurance policies.
For policies entered into on or after July 1, 2026:
- Medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory
- Income-replacement benefits are optional
- Caregiver benefits are optional
- Housekeeping and home-maintenance benefits are optional
- Non-earner benefits are optional
- Death and funeral benefits are optional
- Dependant-care and other accident benefits are optional
- Drivers can choose higher limits for certain benefits
These choices matter for high-risk drivers too. Choosing fewer benefits may lower part of your premium, but it may also leave you with less financial support after an accident.
Before removing a benefit, consider your employment income, workplace health plan, dependants, caregiving responsibilities and ability to manage expenses following a serious injury. Read our Ontario Auto Insurance Reform Changes for 2026 guide.
FSRA confirms that medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory for new policies from July 1, 2026, while the other accident benefits become optional.
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Why Choose Sharp Insurance for high-risk insurance in Ontario
Sharp Insurance has several high-risk insurance brokers in Ontario who are more than happy to help you find non-standard insurance. Sharp brokers will also advise you on keeping your costs low and will walk you through your insurance coverage options.
Give us a call today to get a free high-risk car insurance quote.
How Much Does High-Risk Auto Insurance Cost in Ontario?
There is no reliable one-price-fits-all average for high-risk insurance.
The amount you pay depends on what caused your high-risk classification and how an insurer evaluates the rest of your profile. A driver with one non-payment cancellation can receive a very different quote from a driver with an impaired-driving conviction or several at-fault accidents.
Your premium may be affected by:
- The number and type of driving convictions
- At-fault accidents and previous claims
- Licence suspensions
- Previous policy cancellations
- Your payment and insurance history
- Your years of driving experience
- The vehicle you drive
- Your postal code
- How far and how often you drive
- Personal, commuting or business use
- The coverage limits and deductibles you select
- The insurance company’s underwriting and rating approach
Premiums can differ significantly between companies, even when each insurer receives the same information. This is why comparing suitable options can be especially important for a high-risk driver. FSRA also notes that rates vary by vehicle, driving record, location, annual use, coverage, deductible and insurance company.
What Is the Cheapest High-Risk Insurance in Ontario?
There is no single company that will always be the cheapest for every high-risk driver.
The lowest quote depends on the reason you are considered high risk and how each insurer evaluates that particular situation. One company may be more competitive for a driver with a non-payment cancellation, while another may be more suitable for someone with multiple convictions.
When comparing quotes, make sure you compare:
- The same liability limit
- The same accident-benefit selections
- The same collision and comprehensive coverage
- The same deductibles
- The same listed drivers and vehicle use
- Payment charges and financing costs
- Any exclusions or special conditions
The cheapest initial premium is not necessarily the best policy if important protection has been removed.
Can You Get High-Risk Insurance With Monthly Payments?
Monthly payment options may be available, but they are not guaranteed.
Your eligibility can depend on your previous payment history, the insurer, the amount of the annual premium and whether you have had a recent cancellation for non-payment.
Common payment arrangements include:
Paying the annual premium in full
Paying in full may help you avoid certain instalment or financing charges. Some high-risk insurers may also require full payment when the payment history presents a concern.
An insurer’s monthly payment plan
Some insurers allow the premium to be divided into monthly instalments. A down payment, service charge or financing cost may apply.
Premium financing
A third-party premium-finance company may pay the insurer and collect the remaining balance from you through monthly instalments. This normally requires a down payment and may include financing charges.
Facility Association monthly payments
For Ontario Facility Association policies, a monthly plan may be available when the annual premium exceeds $300 and the applicant has had no more than one policy cancellation for non-payment during the previous three years.
Other financing arrangements may also be available through an insurance representative or premium-finance company.
Whatever payment arrangement you choose, make every payment in full and on time. Another cancellation for non-payment can further reduce your options and make future coverage more expensive.
Ontario High-risk Insurance Monthly Payments:
The average cost of high-risk auto insurance in Ontario ranges from approximately $4,412 to $9,030 per year, and monthly payments can range from $200 to $500 or more depending on your situation.
High-risk insurance costs in Ontario can be significant, with premiums that can be two to three times higher than standard insurance due to the increased likelihood of claims. High auto insurance rates are especially common in cities where traffic density and accident rates are higher. Here’s an overview of the average monthly payments for high-risk auto insurance in some cities:
Top Three Cities for Average Monthly Payment:
- Brampton: $640
- Mississauga: $627
- Richmond Hill: $610
Lowest Three Cities for Average Monthly Payment:
- Ottawa: $288
- Oshawa: $355
- Kitchener: $435
Rates for high-risk insurance can rise dramatically, potentially increasing 25% to over 150% for several years. For more precise information on car insurance premiums, including whether you may need Facility Association coverage, we recommend reaching out to our high-risk insurance brokers at Sharp Insurance. They can provide personalized quotes based on your specific situation.
Below are some tips to reduce your Ontario High risk insurance rates:
- Practice safe driving behaviour. Watch your speed and be mindful of traffic signs and lights.
- Use your vehicle less and public transport more to qualify for a low mileage discount.
- Choose a higher deductible amount.
- Ask your high-risk insurance broker in Ontario about potential discount eligibility.
- Partake in a defensive driving course to sharpen your skills.
- Invest in a car alarm system.
One of the best ways to save money on your high-risk auto insurance in Ontario is to work with a broker from Sharp Insurance. With our expertise and insights, we’ll give you suggestions on how to save on your insurance. Plus, we’ll shop around on your behalf to find you the best insurance quotes.
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What Factors Impact My High-Risk Auto Insurance Rate in Ontario?
Some drivers are given the high-risk label because they are young and inexperienced behind the wheel. Certain factors can place drivers in a higher risk category.
Your high-risk premium in Ontario will vary based on:
- Your age, gender and marital status
- Make, model, and safety features of the vehicle you drive
- The condition, age, and labour costs associated with repairing the car you drive
- How often you drive your car, how far, and whether you insure multiple vehicles under the same company
- Previous driving record
- Your insurance history, past cancellations and claims
How to Get Lower High-Risk Insurance in Ontario?
If you are already paying more than you’d like to under your high-risk auto insurance policy in Ontario, it’s essential to know how to lower your insurance rates over time.
Here are some tips to get affordable High-Risk Insurance premiums:
- Ensure you make payments on time. Pay annually, if financially feasible, as this can save you administrative fees.
- Raise your deductible amount. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your insurance premiums, as it lowers the insurer’s risk by requiring you to cover more of the costs in the event of a claim.
- Participate in a defensive driving course, especially if your high-risk label was the result of poor driving behaviour, violations or multiple at-fault accidents. Taking a defensive driving course can lead to discounts on your insurance premiums, as many providers recognize the value of improved driving skills.
How Do You Move Back to Standard Auto Insurance?
High-risk status does not necessarily last forever.
Facility Association explains that maintaining a clean record without accidents or traffic tickets for several consecutive years can improve your opportunity to return to a regular insurer.
You can improve your chances by:
- Maintaining continuous insurance
- Making every premium payment on time
- Avoiding new tickets and convictions
- Preventing at-fault accidents where possible
- Providing complete and accurate information
- Choosing a vehicle that is easier to insure
- Reviewing your policy at every renewal
- Asking your broker whether you now qualify for a specialty or standard market
There is no universal date when the high-risk label automatically disappears. Convictions, accidents, suspensions and cancellations may be evaluated for different periods depending on the insurer and the circumstances.
Your broker should review your eligibility regularly rather than automatically leaving you in the same market year after year.
Can You Switch Insurers When You Are High Risk?
Yes. A high-risk driver can switch insurance companies, provided another insurer is willing to offer coverage.
However, do not cancel your current policy before the replacement policy is confirmed.
Before switching:
- Confirm the new premium and payment schedule
- Review the coverage, limits, deductibles and exclusions
- Make sure every driver and vehicle use has been disclosed
- Confirm the exact effective date
- Check whether your existing insurer charges a cancellation fee
- Avoid even a one-day gap in coverage
- Obtain written confirmation that the new policy is active
If possible, changing insurers at renewal may help you avoid a mid-term cancellation penalty. FSRA recommends considering whether the replacement policy can begin when the existing policy expires.
How Long Does High-Risk Status Last?
High-risk status doesn’t last. It’s a temporary label, and most Ontario drivers can obtain insurance at standard rates again by maintaining a clean driving record and keeping their premium payments consistent.
Here’s how long common violations stay on your insurance record:
- Speeding tickets and careless driving: 1 to 3 years
- At-fault accidents: 3 to 6 years
- Licence suspension: 3 to 6 years
- Non-payment: 1 to 3 years
- Criminal driving convictions (DUI, dangerous driving): up to 6 years
The clock starts from the date of the incident, not the conviction date. Maintaining a clean driving record for several years can help lower your insurance premiums, as insurers may reassess your risk level over time and move you back to standard rates.
What Do You Need for a High-Risk Insurance Quote?
Having accurate information ready can make the quote process faster and reduce the risk of the premium changing later.
Prepare the following:
- Driver’s licence information for every household driver
- Vehicle year, make, model and identification number
- Current insurance company and policy details
- The date and reason for any cancellation
- Dates and details of tickets or convictions
- Licence-suspension information
- Accident and claim history
- The vehicle’s annual kilometres
- Personal, commuting, business, delivery or ridesharing use
- Requested liability limits and optional coverage
- Your preferred payment arrangement
Tell the broker about all licensed drivers in the household, even when they do not regularly use the vehicle. The insurer may need to list, rate or formally exclude them, depending on the circumstances.
FSRA says brokers and insurers generally require information about the applicant, vehicle, driving record, other drivers and current insurer to prepare an auto quote.
Why Work With a High-Risk Insurance Broker?
Searching for high-risk insurance on your own can be frustrating. Some insurers may decline the application, while others may quote very different premiums for similar coverage.
A broker can help you understand:
- Why you have been classified as high risk
- Which insurers may consider your application
- Whether specialty insurance is available
- Whether Facility Association is necessary
- Which coverage is mandatory or optional
- What payment arrangements may be available
- What you can do to improve your options
- When your policy should be reviewed again
Why Choose Sharp Insurance?
Sharp Insurance helps take the confusion out of difficult insurance situations.
Our brokers can:
- Review your driving and insurance history
- Compare the options available through our insurer markets
- Explain the differences between quotes
- Help you understand coverage and deductibles
- Discuss available monthly payment arrangements
- Identify steps that may help you return to standard insurance
- Review your policy as your record improves
We will not pretend that a difficult record does not matter. We will explain how it affects your options and help you make an informed decision about what to do next.
FAQ’s: High-Risk Insurance Ontario
High-risk auto insurance is coverage for drivers who do not meet the requirements of standard insurers. This may be caused by multiple tickets, at-fault accidents, serious convictions, a licence suspension, non-payment cancellation or another difficult insurance-history issue.
It is also commonly described as non-standard Ontario auto insurance.
Yes, but your insurer and payment options may be more limited. Some companies may require a larger down payment, payment in full or premium financing.
Be honest about the cancellation when requesting quotes. Another missed payment can make your options even more restricted.
Possibly. Monthly payment availability depends on the insurer, premium and your previous payment history.
Facility Association monthly payments may be available to an Ontario resident when the annual premium exceeds $300 and there has been no more than one non-payment cancellation within the previous three years. Financing charges or a down payment may apply.
Not necessarily.
A driver who does not qualify for standard insurance may still qualify for a specialty or non-standard insurer. Facility Association should generally be considered when no other eligible market is available.
A broker can check whether another option is available before placing the policy through Facility Association.
Compare quotes using the same drivers, vehicle use, liability limit, accident benefits, optional coverage and deductibles.
The insurer offering the lowest price for one high-risk driver may not be the cheapest for another. Your driving history, insurance history, vehicle and location all affect which company is most competitive.
The best policy is the one that provides suitable protection at a premium and payment schedule you can manage.
Do not judge a policy using price alone. Review its liability limit, accident benefits, physical-damage coverage, deductibles, exclusions and financing costs before deciding.
Ontario auto insurers and brokers are prohibited from using credit information when responding to quote requests, processing auto-insurance applications or renewing policies.
Your driving history, insurance history, vehicle, location, use, coverage and other approved factors are more relevant to your auto premium.
There is no single period that applies to every driver or insurer.
The length of time depends on what caused the classification, when it happened and the underwriting rules of the insurer reviewing your application. Maintaining continuous insurance, paying on time and keeping a clean driving record can improve your options over time.
Yes, provided another insurer has confirmed it will offer coverage.
Make sure the new policy is active before cancelling the current one. Cancelling early may also result in a penalty, so compare the cost of switching now with changing companies at renewal.
Not automatically, but some insurers may limit the optional coverage they are willing to provide.
Your policy can still include mandatory Ontario protection, and optional collision or comprehensive coverage may be available depending on the insurer, vehicle and driving record.
Review the policy carefully so you understand exactly what is and is not covered.
For new Ontario auto policies entered into on or after July 1, 2026, medical, rehabilitation and attendant-care benefits remain mandatory.
Other benefits, including income replacement, caregiver, housekeeping, non-earner, death and funeral benefits, are optional. Ask your broker to review the choices based on your income, workplace benefits and family responsibilities.
Your insurer may begin the cancellation process, and another non-payment cancellation can make future coverage and monthly-payment options harder to obtain.
Contact your broker immediately if you think a payment will fail. Do not simply stop paying when you want to change or end a policy. FSRA warns that non-payment cancellation may place a driver into a higher-risk category and lead to higher future premiums.
High-risk Insurance Monthly Payments in Ontario can be a range from $200 to $500 or more.
High-risk auto insurance in Ontario can be costly, especially in cities where factors like traffic density and accident rates are higher. Here’s an overview of the average monthly payments for high-risk auto insurance in some cities:
Top Three Cities for Average Monthly Payment:
- Brampton: $640
- Mississauga: $627
- Richmond Hill: $610
Lowest Three Cities for Average Monthly Payment:
- Ottawa: $288
- Oshawa: $355
- Kitchener: $435
The length of your high-risk label on your driving record or home insurance policy will depend on many factors, including your driving record, the frequency of missed payments and the condition of your home. For older homes, you may be stuck paying higher premiums until you make necessary renovations or modifications to your home. If you’re unsure about your specific situation, ask one of our skilled high-risk insurance brokers in Ontario for advice.
If you have a serious driving conviction or a cancelled auto insurance policy due to non-payment, your insurance rate will increase, and no insurance company agrees to offer you standard coverage until your record improves. If you have collected parking tickets, this will not change your insurance rate but will appear on your driving record.
Here’s how long the following tickets/high-risk driving behaviour will impact your insurance:
- Speeding tickets and other reckless driving: 1–3 years
- At-fault accidents: 3–6 years
- Licence suspension: 3– 6 years
- Non-payment: 1– 3 years
- Criminal convictions (DUIs, criminal speeding): 6 years
If applicable, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course or signing onto a payment plan to ensure good driving and continual, steady payments.
It’s a misconception that demerit points can affect your insurance rates. However, if your tickets accumulate and result in a licence suspension, they can impact your vehicle insurance rate.