Driving without a license in Ontario is a legal offense under the Highway Traffic Act. While this law prevents suspended drivers from driving, car insurance is still very important for car owners, even while suspended.
In this article, you’ll find out why suspended drivers still need insurance, the mechanics of suspension, and how to get car insurance for high-risk drivers in Ontario.
Do I need Car Insurance with a Suspended License?
Having at least minimum coverage will keep your car protected, even if you can’t drive due to a suspension. Here are some reasons why you should keep your policy:
- It keeps your car registered. Renewing a car registration requires proof of insurance. With a suspended license, you’ll need still need the insurance policy as the necessary proof.
- It helps avoid lapses in coverage. Canceling a policy without a replacement will cause your coverage to lapse. Insurance providers consider this a risk and could raise your rates for several years, which can exceed the period of your suspension and keep your premiums high for a long time.
- Protects your car while in storage. Your car is still vulnerable to damage even when not in use. This includes fire, vandalism, theft, or natural disasters, which insurance covers you against.
Can I Get Car Insurance with a Suspended License?
It is still possible to get car insurance despite having a suspended license. However, it’s likely that your current insurance policy will be canceled or not be renewed.
Suspensions are considered serious strikes by insurance providers and will classify you as a high-risk driver. When this happens, you can only sign up for high-risk car insurance, a specialized insurance product offered by some providers, which on average costs 25% more than standard insurance.
How Long Does a Suspension Affect Insurance?
A suspended driver’s license can affect your car insurance for up to 6 years. If you received a 3-day driver’s license suspension, insurance will not be affected especially if there were no charges or convictions. More than though, however, can cause insurers to categorize you as a high-risk driver, which will limit your options for insurance.
How to Get Car Insurance with a Suspended License
Drivers with suspended licenses can find high-risk car insurance providers through licensed brokers.
Getting in touch with licensed brokers like Youngs Insurance Brokers Burlington is an effective way to shop and compare quotes from various high-risk providers. Our access to multiple providers will help you get multiple quotes and find which one has the best value. We can also provide you with advice to improve your risk and lower your rates, and help you with any claims with your chosen provider.
To help you accomplish all this, your broker may ask you for:
- Your personal information
- Current or previous insurance company
- Other drivers who may use your car
- List of prior traffic violations and accidents you were involved in
You can also use this table from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to see what other relevant information may be required.
Make sure to provide the correct details of any suspension or violations that you have had. Insurance companies can cancel your policies due to incorrect details.
In general, you can expect rates to increase between 10% to 50% depending on the driving offenses, and perhaps even more for major offenses like DUI suspensions. The average annual insurance rate varies but typically ranges from $900 to $1,900.
Even with a suspended driver’s license, it is possible to secure car insurance. It not only protects your car while you’re not using it, but it could also prevent your premiums from staying high for a long time.
An Insurance Broker You Can Trust
At Youngs Insurance Brokers Burlington, our friendly and experienced team of professionals will help you through your insurance options and make sure you understand your coverage. Contact us today to request a free quote.
