Careless Driving Insurance Increases

Careless driving can have serious financial repercussions on your auto insurance in Ontario. Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, being convicted of careless driving means that your insurance premiums are likely to go up significantly. Rates often increase because insurers view careless driving as risky behaviour, which leads to higher costs for them. Even a single careless driving charge will affect your insurance premiums for several years.

Impact on Insurance Premiums and High-Risk Status

Careless driving can cause a sharp rise in insurance premiums. Insurers consider it an indicator of risky behaviour. When a driver is involved in careless driving incidents, they are often placed in the high-risk category.

High-risk drivers typically face higher premiums due to greater claims likelihood. Even a single incident of careless driving can lead to significant rate increases. Insurers maintain records of driving incidents, and these records play a critical role in assessing risks and setting premium rates. Insurance companies adjust premiums based on these records, meaning an incident can continue to affect rates for several years. 

On average, insurance premiums can rise anywhere from 50% to more than double after a careless driving charge. This increase varies depending on the insurance provider and the individual’s driving history.

 

Importance of a Clean Driving Record for Insurance Renewal

A clean driving record is vital for affordable insurance renewal rates. Insurers review driving histories when policies come up for renewal. Multiple infractions such as careless driving can lead to higher renewal rates or, in severe cases, non-renewal of the policy.

Some insurers may refuse to renew policies, forcing drivers to seek coverage from other providers who cater to high-risk individuals, often at much higher rates.

FREE CONSULTATION & QUOTE

Do You Need To Defend Yourself Against A Careless Driving Ticket?

If you need to defend yourself against careless driving, you should contact us as soon as possible. We have the skill and experience to help drivers just like you, all while protecting your best interests in the process. We provide free, no obligation, confidential consultations. We help drivers throughout Ontario, including in Kitchener, Georgetown, London, and Windsor, or from our home office in Cambridge. To start a free consultation, text a copy of your ticket to 226-240-2480 or email a copy to help@otdlegal.ca. Once we receive a copy of your ticket, we will call you. As always, we can also be contacted toll-free by calling 1-844-647-6869.

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Our Recent Careless Driving Videos

WHAT IS CARELESS DRIVING IN ONTARIO?

WHAT IS CARELESS DRIVING IN ONTARIO?

Careless driving is one of the most common charges client’s face when they come to OTD Legal for advice. Legal implications and what constitutes careless driving under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act (section 130) are often misunderstood.  Understanding...

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Our Recent Careless Driving Blogs