<figure>
  <img src="https://www.myinsurancebroker.com/insurance/car-insurance/resources/new-distracted-driving-fines/phonedriving.jpg" alt="Man holding phone" title="Using a GPS, looking at a smart watch, and even eating are also affected"/>
  <figcaption><span>Using a GPS, looking at a smart watch, and even eating are also affected.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/distracted-driving">Ontario’s new driving laws</a> will officially take affect on January 1, 2019. The severity of punishments increase will increase with the number of offences committed.</p>
<ul>
  <li>1. The first offence will mean a three day suspension and a $1,000 fine (the current fine is set at $490).</li>
  <li>2. The second offence will mean a seven day suspension and a $2,000 fine.</li>
  <li>3. Three or more offences will lead to a thirty day suspension, a $3,000 fine, and six demerit points.</li>
</ul>
<p>With the new rules in the place, distracted driving could cost you even if you're on a hightway or stopped.</p>
<h2>New Rules</h2> <p>Distracted driving is no longer limited to making phone calls or texting. Using a GPS, looking at a smart watch, and even eating behind the wheel are all punishable under the new laws.</p>


New Distracted Driving Fines

New Distracted Driving Fines of 2019

<img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/client_newsletter_header_travel_edition_32ee1cbfd2.png" alt="Ontario Road Trip Edition" style="width:100%; height:auto;" />

<p>Ontario has no shortage of road trip destinations, but chances are your list looks a lot like everyone else's. This summer, skip the usual stops and consider five destinations that you probably haven't explored yet.</p>

<h2>1. Prince Edward County</h2>
<p>Prince Edward County has become one of Ontario's most beloved destinations for good reason. With over 40 wineries, sweeping beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park, and a food scene that punches well above its weight, it's an easy place to spend a full weekend without running out of things to do.</p>

<h2>2. 1000 Islands</h2>
<p>Straddling the Canada-US border along the St. Lawrence River, the 1000 Islands region is best experienced by water. Boat cruises out of Gananoque or Kingston offer views of historic estates, including the famous Boldt Castle, along with shoreline scenery that's hard to find anywhere else in the province.</p>

<h2>3. Elora</h2>
<p>Discover the charm of Elora, a picturesque village known for its limestone architecture, boutique shops, and the stunning Elora Gorge. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, tubing down the Grand River, or exploring the vibrant downtown, Elora makes for the perfect weekend escape.</p>

<h2>4. The Petroglyphs</h2>
<p>Tucked into the woods near Peterborough, Petroglyphs Provincial Park is home to the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada. Known as the "Teaching Rocks," the site holds deep cultural and spiritual significance and remains one of Ontario's most underrated landmarks.</p>

<h2>5. Merrickville</h2>
<p>Self-proclaimed as the "biggest little town in Ontario," Merrickville sits along the Rideau Canal and offers a walkable historic downtown filled with artisan shops, cafes, and canal-side views. It's an easy stop to add to a longer route.</p>

<h2>Before You Hit the Road: Insurance Tips for Your Trip</h2>
<p>A little preparation can save you a major headache if something goes wrong on the road.</p>
<p>Here's what to check before you leave:</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Keep your documents accessible.</strong> Store a digital copy of your pink slip, insurance card, and any roadside assistance numbers on your phone before you leave.</li>
<li><strong>Confirm your roadside assistance coverage.</strong> Many auto policies offer optional roadside assistance, which can be a lifesaver if you break down in a more rural area, such as near Amherst Island or the Petroglyphs.</li>
<li><strong>Check your out-of-province coverage.</strong> If your route brings you close to the Quebec or US border, such as around the 1000 Islands, it's worth confirming what your policy covers if you cross over, even briefly.</li>
<li><strong>Review your rental car insurance.</strong> Renting a vehicle for the trip? Check whether your existing auto policy extends coverage to rentals, or whether you'll need separate coverage.</li>
</ul>

<p>Have questions about your auto or travel insurance before your next road trip? Give us a call at <a href="tel:18554825001">1-855-482-5001</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:info@myinsurancebroker.com">info@myinsurancebroker.com</a>, and we'll make sure you're covered.</p>

5 Ontario Road Trip Destinations You Haven't Tried Yet

<img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/let_your_driving_2b635deccb.png" alt="Let your driving speak for itself - Usage-Based Insurance" />

<p>If you have a clean driving record, rarely speed, and approach every yellow light with caution, your habits help keep you safe. But does your auto insurance premium reflect that?</p>
 
<p>Traditionally, insurers have priced policies based on broad factors like your age, location, and vehicle, meaning two people with completely different driving habits could end up paying nearly the same rate. Usage-based insurance, or UBI, offers Ontario drivers a more personalized approach to how you pay.</p>
 
<h2>What Is Usage-Based Insurance (UBI)?</h2>
 
<p>Usage-based insurance is a safe driver program offered by major insurers in Ontario. It uses a telematics app on your smartphone to assess your driving behaviour. Your premium is based on how you really drive, and not just who you are on paper.</p>
 
<h2>What Does a UBI Program Assess?</h2>
 
<p>Here is what the app actually measures when you drive:</p>
 
<ul>
  <li><strong>Acceleration and braking:</strong> How smoothly you speed up and slow down.</li>
  <li><strong>Speed habits:</strong> Whether you consistently drive within posted limits.</li>
  <li><strong>Distance and frequency:</strong> How often you drive and how far.</li>
  <li><strong>Time of day:</strong> Whether you tend to drive during higher risk hours like late at night.</li>
</ul>
 
<p>You drive as you normally would, and the app does the rest.</p>
 
<h2>How Much Can Ontario Drivers Save with UBI?</h2>
 
<p>Many programs offer a discount just for signing up. From there, your driving behaviour is monitored over a set period (typically six months to a year), and your discount is adjusted at renewal based on your results.</p>
 
<p>While some Ontario carriers offer up to 25%* for consistently safe drivers, most drivers land somewhere between 5% and 15%. On an Ontario auto premium, that can translate to hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.</p>
 
<p>One thing worth knowing is that Ontario regulations allow insurers to apply a small surcharge if the app picks up persistently risky driving habits. For careful drivers this is rarely a concern, but it is important to be aware of this before you enroll.</p>
 
<h2>What About My Privacy?</h2>
 
<p>This is a question we hear a lot. Telematics apps track driving behaviour, not your destination or personal information. That said, every carrier handles data a little differently. If privacy matters to you, ask your broker what data is collected, how long it is kept, and how it is used. All major carriers in Ontario are required to comply with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which governs how your data is stored and protected.</p>
 
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
 
<p>UBI tends to work best for drivers with clean records, lower mileage, or anyone who simply feels their premium does not reflect how carefully they drive. If that sounds like you, it is one of the simplest ways to lower your auto insurance premium without changing your coverage.</p>
 
<p>Let your driving speak for itself. Contact us at <a href="tel:18554825001">1-855-482-5001</a> or <a href="mailto:info@myinsurancebroker.com">info@myinsurancebroker.com</a> to explore your options.</p>

<p style="font-size: 0.65em;"><em>* Discounts vary by carrier and are not guaranteed. Actual savings depend on individual driving behaviour, program eligibility, and policy terms. Not all insurers offer a usage-based insurance program. Program formats vary by carrier and may include a smartphone app or a plug-in OBD port device. Speak with your broker for details.</em></p>


Does Your Auto Insurance Premium Reflect How Safely You Drive?

<p>In today’s legal and economic environment, the traditional $1 million Third-Party Liability limit on an automobile policy is no longer the “safe” choice it once was. Increasing liability protection to $2 million is a prudent step for many drivers seeking to protect their personal assets and financial future. A serious accident can lead to a life-altering lawsuit, and higher liability limits provide an additional layer of financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.</p>

<div style="text-align:center; margin:30px auto 40px auto; max-width:900px;">
  <img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/SABS_2026_3_f15737d0ef.png" 
       alt="$2 Million Third Party Liability Protection Ontario Auto Insurance" 
       style="width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:10px; box-shadow:0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);" />
</div>


<h2>1. The Rising Cost of Court Awards</h2>

<p>While $1 million may appear substantial, it can be exhausted quickly in the event of a severe accident.</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Catastrophic Injury Settlements:</strong> Accidents involving permanent disability, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple victims often result in court awards ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million when future care costs and income loss are considered.</li>
<li><strong>Pain and Suffering Damages:</strong> The inflation-adjusted cap on non-pecuniary damages continues to increase, and when combined with long-term medical care and lost earnings, total compensation can easily exceed standard liability limits.</li>
</ul>

<h2>2. Exponential Increase in Litigation</h2>

<p>The legal landscape has evolved significantly in recent years.</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Aggressive Legal Strategies:</strong> There has been a noticeable rise in lawsuits seeking full recovery against individuals’ personal assets.</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Vehicle Accidents:</strong> If you are found liable in a collision involving multiple vehicles or passengers, the $1 million limit may be divided among several injured parties, potentially exposing you to significant out-of-pocket liability.</li>
</ul>

<h2>3. Minimal Cost for Maximum Protection</h2>

<p>One of the most compelling reasons to increase liability limits is the relatively small premium difference.</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Affordable Upgrade:</strong> For many drivers, increasing coverage from $1 million to $2 million may cost approximately $5 to $10 more per month.</li>
<li><strong>Asset Preservation:</strong> This modest investment can help protect your home, savings, investments, and future income from potential legal judgments.</li>
</ul>

<h2>4. Protection Against Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers</h2>

<p>Your liability limit may also help protect you and your family if you are injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Under the Family Protection Endorsement, higher liability limits can provide access to greater compensation should you become the victim of a catastrophic accident.</p>

<p>With legal costs rising and court awards increasing, the traditional $1 million liability limit is gradually becoming insufficient for many Ontario drivers. For homeowners, professionals, and families seeking stronger financial protection, $2 million is increasingly viewed as the new prudent minimum.</p>

<div style="background:#fff8cc; border-left:6px solid #ffcc00; padding:25px; margin:40px 0; border-radius:6px;">
<h3 style="margin-top:0;">Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net</h3>

<p>Higher liability limits can play an important role in protecting your lifestyle and long-term financial wellbeing. As insurance regulations evolve and court awards continue to rise, reviewing your liability coverage regularly can help ensure you remain adequately protected.</p>

<p><strong>For more details on the Ontario Auto Insurance Reform 2026, please visit:</strong><br>
<a href="https://www.myinsurancebroker.com/sabs2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
www.myinsurancebroker.com/sabs2026</a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:0;"><strong>Speak with a My Insurance Broker advisor today</strong> to review your liability protection and explore whether increasing your Third-Party Liability limits is right for you.</p>

<p style="margin-top:15px;">
Call us: <strong>1-855-482-5001</strong><br>
 Email: <a href="mailto:info@myinsurancebroker.com">info@myinsurancebroker.com</a>
</p>
</div>

<hr>

<p><strong>Prepared by:</strong> Dino Mustafa – Trainer<br>
<strong>Date:</strong> March 5, 2026</p>

Ontario SABS 2026 Guide: The Case for $2 Million Third-Party Liability Coverage

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New Distracted Driving Fines of 2019

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5 Ontario Road Trip Destinations You Haven't Tried Yet

Does Your Auto Insurance Premium Reflect How Safely You Drive?

Ontario SABS 2026 Guide: The Case for $2 Million Third-Party Liability Coverage