Orlando Harmon
When it comes to auto insurance in Ontario, companies will typically check your driving record for the past three to five years, though some may look back as far as seven to ten years. This is done to assess your risk level as a driver and the probability that they will have to pay out an insurance claim. Your driving record includes information such as collisions, claims, convictions, and tickets, and it can impact your insurance premiums. While minor violations like speeding may be forgiven after a certain period, more serious violations like DUIs can stay on your record for much longer, affecting your insurance rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How far back do insurance companies check your driving record in Ontario? | 3-5 years, some check as far back as 7-10 years. |
| How often do insurance companies check your driving record in Ontario? | Every 3-4 years for existing clients in good standing. More frequently for new policies. |
| What do insurance companies look for in your driving record? | Accidents, speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DUI/DWIs, traffic violations, claims history, etc. |
| How does your driving record impact your insurance rates? | A clean driving record means cheaper rates. A history of convictions, collisions, dangerous driving charges, etc. makes premiums higher. |
| How can you check your driving record in Ontario? | Request a copy of your driving record from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. You can also order a complete driver's record, also known as the Freedom of Information driver's record, for a fee. |
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What You'll Learn
How to check your driving record in Ontario
In Ontario, a driving record is also called a driver's abstract. It is a government-issued document that provides information about a driver and their licence.
You can request a copy of your driving record from the Ontario government. You can order a three-year driver record, which is the most commonly requested report, or a complete driver's record. The three-year record includes driver identification details, active fines, and Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code of Canada convictions within the last three years. A complete record includes all of the above, plus residential addresses, collisions, driver's licence replacements and renewals, and costs $48 for an uncertified record or $54 for a certified one. A certified record has an embossed seal from the Ministry of Transportation and is typically required for legal reasons. You can order these records online or in-person through ServiceOntario.
Your driving record is important because it is used by insurance companies when setting your rate, and can impact your insurance costs. It is also sometimes needed when applying for jobs that require driving, such as taxi drivers, sales jobs, truckers, and delivery services.
If you are concerned about your current insurance rate, it is recommended that you speak with your broker. You can also use tools like RATESDOTCA to compare multiple insurance quotes at the same time.
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How long do accidents stay on your record?
In Ontario, an at-fault accident remains on your driving record for six years from the date of the incident. This record is maintained by your insurance company and used to assess your risk profile. However, accidents remain on your record indefinitely, and some insurance companies may consider them for up to 25 years when determining your insurance premium.
The impact of an accident on your insurance rates and driving privileges depends on several factors. Firstly, the severity of the accident and the associated financial and legal repercussions can affect the extent to which your insurance rates are impacted. Secondly, the designation of fault plays a crucial role. In Ontario, fault determination rules outline responsibility in various accident scenarios, and even partial fault can influence your insurance rates. If you are found to be more than 25% at fault, your insurance premium may increase as much as it would if you were 100% at fault.
Additionally, demerit points accumulated due to driving infractions can also affect your insurance rates. These points remain on your motor vehicle record for two years and contribute to license suspensions if they exceed certain thresholds. HTA convictions, such as speeding, can further impact your record, remaining for up to three years after the conviction date, even if the associated demerit points have been erased.
To mitigate the consequences of accidents and maintain a clean driving record, you can consider taking defensive driving courses or purchasing protection endorsements offered by insurance providers. These steps can help reduce the impact of accidents on your insurance rates and driving privileges.
It is worth noting that insurance companies may not always check your entire driving record when providing a quote. Some companies may only look back three to five years, and others may focus on specific aspects, such as claims or tickets. However, once you decide to switch to a new provider, they will typically perform a comprehensive check, which may result in a different rate than the initial quote.
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How often do insurance companies check driving records?
In Ontario, insurance companies will check your driving record dating back three years. They will look for any claims, tickets, or violations during this period. If you have received any tickets within the last three years, they will be discovered, and this may increase your insurance rate. Some companies may even check your driving record as far back as seven to ten years.
Insurance companies want to evaluate your risk level and how likely you are to cost them money through claims. They will check for a history of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI/DWIs. Driving behaviours like these increase your risk as a driver, which leads to higher insurance rates. Speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and vehicular manslaughter are examples of major driving violations that stay on your record longer. For example, in Florida, causing an accident while under the influence stays on your record for 75 years.
The frequency with which insurance companies check driving records depends on the underwriting guidelines of the company and the client's history. Most existing clients in good standing with an insurance company have their driving records checked every three to four years. If a client has a history of convictions, it is common for insurance companies to run reports on that client's file yearly until they cease to occur.
If you are concerned about what an insurance company might find on your driving record, you can request a copy of your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In Ontario, a driving record is also called an "abstract", and you may request a certified or uncertified record. A certified record displays an embossed seal from the Ministry of Transportation.
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What do insurance companies look for?
In Ontario, insurance companies check your driving record to assess the level of risk you pose as a driver and the probability that they will have to pay out an insurance claim. They will look at your driving record dating back three years, although some companies can look back five years. They will check for a history of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI/DWIs. Driving behaviours like these increase your risk as a driver, which leads to higher insurance rates. Accidents, excessive insurance claims, and traffic violations are considered the biggest red flags. If your record check turns up any combination of these factors, your insurer will likely charge you a higher rate.
Insurance companies want to see your driving habits and how likely you are to make a claim. Your driving record gives them a reasonable idea of how safe or unsafe your driving habits are. If you are deemed a high-risk driver, you will pay a higher rate than you were quoted. The reverse is also true: if you are deemed a low-risk driver, you could qualify for a lower rate than initially quoted.
Insurance companies in Ontario will also look at your Ontario driver record, which shows the number of demerit points you have on your licence, as well as any suspensions and Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code of Canada convictions. They will also look at your insurance history, which is influential in determining what you'll pay for car insurance. Other factors that insurance companies take into account include whether you have had driver's training, your payment history, your marital status, your vehicle usage, and whether you have winter tires.
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How to get cheaper insurance rates
In Ontario, insurance companies will typically look at your driving record dating back three years when you switch to a new provider. They will check for a history of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI/DWIs. These driving behaviours increase your risk as a driver, which leads to higher insurance rates.
- Compare quotes from different insurance companies. There are over 100 licensed automobile insurance companies in Ontario, so it's worth shopping around to find the best rate.
- Improve your driving habits. Insurance companies want to see your driving habits and how likely you are to make a claim. By driving carefully and avoiding accidents and traffic violations, you can rebuild your driving record and qualify for lower rates.
- Take defensive driving classes. This can help you improve your driving skills and may result in lower insurance rates.
- Consider the location of your vehicle. Car insurance in Ontario is cheaper the further away you get from the Golden Horseshoe, as densely populated areas record higher theft rates, fraud, and collisions.
- Look for discounts. Some professional associations have partnerships with specific insurance providers and can offer their members savings on car insurance.
- Pay on time. Maintaining a good insurance record with no cancellations for non-payment can result in cheaper rates.
- Increase your deductible. A higher deductible will lead to lower insurance rates.
- Get winter tires. Some insurance companies offer discounts for having winter tires on your vehicle during the snowy season.
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Frequently asked questions
Most auto insurance companies in Ontario check your driving record for the past three years. Some companies check records dating back seven to ten years.
Insurance companies look for negative marks on your driving record that indicate you are a high-risk driver. They will check for a history of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs.
Driving behaviours such as speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, and vehicular manslaughter are considered major driving violations. These stay on your record longer and can lead to higher insurance rates.
You can request a copy of your driving record from the Ontario government. It is called an "abstract" and provides information about your driving history and driver's license.
