Interpreting exactly how your driving record impacts your auto insurance premiums can be complicated. We’re committed to helping you understand this while providing steps that can improve your record and potentially qualify you for discounts.
The Direct Link Between Your Driving Record and Insurance Rates
Your driving record is a comprehensive log of your traffic violations, accidents, and other on-road incidents. We use this record as a primary indicator of your risk level. The logic is straightforward: a driver with a history of accidents or traffic violations is more likely to file a claim than one with a clean record. Consequently, higher risk translates into higher premiums.
The Impact of Traffic Violations
Traffic violations range from minor offences like speeding tickets to more severe infractions such as impaired driving. Minor infractions might only slightly increase your premiums, but repeated offences or serious violations can lead to a significant hike in your insurance costs. In Ontario, these violations stay on your record for at least three years, affecting your premiums during this period.
Accidents and Fault Determination
If you’re involved in an auto accident in Ontario, fault determination rules come into play. These rules define who is at fault in various accident scenarios. If you’re deemed at fault in an accident, this will likely increase your insurance premiums. However, if you’re not at fault, your rates may not be affected as much, depending on your insurance provider’s policies.
Tips for Improving Your Driving Record
Improving your driving record and your insurance premiums involves practicing safe driving habits as well as understanding and following traffic laws. These steps can help improve your record and potentially qualify you for discounts on your insurance premiums.
How We Can Help
We understand that everyone’s driving history is unique. We offer personalized insurance solutions that consider your specific circumstances. Our team of brokers and agents are dedicated to providing guidance and options that suit your needs, ensuring that you’re adequately covered and receive the best possible rates.
Your driving record plays a pivotal role in determining your auto insurance premiums in Ontario. By understanding this relationship and taking steps to maintain or improve your driving record, you can work towards more favourable insurance rates. Remember, most importantly, safe driving benefits everyone by keeping our roads safer.
