Nobody plans to become a high-risk driver. It often starts with a missed payment, a speeding ticket, distracted driving with a handheld device, or an accident on a bad day. But in today’s driving environment, more Canadians are finding themselves in the high-risk category.
Across Canada, traffic volumes have rebounded after the pandemic, and so have serious collisions. Recent national data shows:
- 1,900+ fatalities on Canadian roads in a single year (Source: Transport Canada)
- 8,800+ serious injuries nationwide (source: Statistics Canada)
- In the GTA, a single major snowfall caused over 300 crashes in one day (source: Global News)
- More severe collisions as traffic returns after pandemic (source: G1)
With rising accident severity and repair costs, insurers are tightening their risk standards. That means more drivers are being classified as high-risk.
Here’s what you need to know — and how to move forward.
What Is High-Risk (Non-Standard) Auto Insurance?
High-risk auto insurance, also known as non-standard or Facility insurance, applies to drivers considered more likely to file claims.
Common reasons drivers fall into this category:
- Multiple speeding or distracted driving tickets, including using handheld devices
- At-fault accidents
- Missed payments or policy cancellations
- Driving without insurance
- Licence suspensions or DUI charges
- Limited driving history or new to Canada
Why More Drivers Are Falling Into the High-Risk Category
Several trends are pushing more drivers into non-standard insurance:
- More traffic on the roads: Post-pandemic commuting has increased congestion and collision frequency.
- Distracted driving remains a major issue: Phone use continues to be one of the top causes of tickets and accidents.
- Higher repair costs: Modern vehicles with sensors and cameras are more expensive to repair, making even minor accidents more costly.
- Payment-related cancellations: With rising living costs, some drivers are missing insurance payments — one of the fastest ways to become high-risk.
What Can Get You a Ticket (and Raise Your Rates)
The most common violations affecting insurance:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, including using handheld devices
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Following too closely
- Careless or aggressive driving
- Driving without valid insurance (pink slip)
Important note: Automated enforcement, such as speed cameras or red-light cameras, typically does not affect your insurance because those tickets are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. However, police-issued convictions will impact your rates.
How Much Does High-Risk Insurance Cost?
High-risk insurance can cost up to three times more than standard coverage. Based on MIB portfolio data:
| Driver Type | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Standard driver | $2,000–$4,000 |
| High-risk driver | $7,000+ |
| Extreme cases | Up to $28,000 |
Many insurers may also:
- Require higher deductibles
- Ask for large upfront payments
- Limit coverage options
How Long Will You Stay High-Risk?
The good news: it’s temporary. Typical timelines:
- Minor convictions: 3 years
- At-fault accidents: up to 6 years
With clean driving and consistent payments, most drivers return to standard rates within 3 to 6 years.
How to Get Back to Standard Insurance
If you’re already high-risk, focus on these steps:
- Keep continuous coverage: Never let your policy lapse or cancel for non-payment.
- Drive clean: Avoid new tickets or at-fault accidents.
- Pay premiums on time: Payment history matters.
- Ask your broker for progress reviews: As your record improves, better options may open up.
How MIB & Evolve Insurance Help High-Risk Drivers
At My Insurance Broker, we believe protection shouldn’t be out of reach. Through our non-standard auto division, Evolve Insurance, we help drivers:
- Compare quotes from multiple high-risk providers
- Understand options in simple language
- Stay insured when others say no
- Move back toward standard rates over time
“It’s not just about price. It’s about helping you keep moving forward safely, confidently and responsibly.”
— Tom Badwal, VP of Underwriting, My Insurance Broker
Final Thought
Being labeled high-risk isn’t the end of the road, it’s a temporary detour. With the right guidance, clean driving, and consistent payments, most drivers return to standard insurance within a few years. Whether you’re:
- Rebuilding after tickets or a claim
- A parent helping a young driver
- A newcomer building insurance history
- Or just looking for advice
We’re here to help you reset and move forward.
Call our non-standard auto insurance specialist at 1-833-386-0023 or visit evolveinsurance.ca to get started or refer someone who needs support.