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<p>
  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.
</p>

<p>
  Across Canada, traffic volumes have rebounded after the pandemic, and so have serious collisions. Recent national data shows:
</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>1,900+ fatalities</strong> on Canadian roads in a single year (Source: 
Transport Canada)</li>
  <li><strong>8,800+ serious injuries</strong> nationwide (source: Statistics Canada)</li>
  <li>In the GTA, a single major snowfall caused <strong>over 300 crashes in one day</strong> (source: Global News)</li>
  <li>More severe collisions as traffic returns after pandemic (source: G1)</li>
</ul>

<p>
  With rising accident severity and repair costs, insurers are tightening their risk standards. That means more drivers are being classified as <strong>high-risk</strong>.
</p>

<p><strong>Here’s what you need to know — and how to move forward.</strong></p>

<figure style="text-align:center;">
  <img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/High_Risk_Auto_Reject_license_plate_7e9c991b45.png" 
       alt="High-risk auto insurance" 
       style="width:60%; height:auto;" />
</figure>

<h2>What Is High-Risk (Non-Standard) Auto Insurance?</h2>

<p>
  High-risk auto insurance, also known as <strong>non-standard</strong> or <strong>Facility</strong> insurance, applies to drivers considered more likely to file claims.
</p>

<p><strong>Common reasons drivers fall into this category:</strong></p>

<ul>
  <li>Multiple speeding or distracted driving tickets, including using handheld devices</li>
  <li>At-fault accidents</li>
  <li>Missed payments or policy cancellations</li>
  <li>Driving without insurance</li>
  <li>Licence suspensions or DUI charges</li>
  <li>Limited driving history or new to Canada</li>
</ul>

<h2>Why More Drivers Are Falling Into the High-Risk Category</h2>

<p>Several trends are pushing more drivers into non-standard insurance:</p>

<ol>
  <li><strong>More traffic on the roads:</strong> Post-pandemic commuting has increased congestion and collision frequency.</li>
  <li><strong>Distracted driving remains a major issue:</strong> Phone use continues to be one of the top causes of tickets and accidents.</li>
  <li><strong>Higher repair costs:</strong> Modern vehicles with sensors and cameras are more expensive to repair, making even minor accidents more costly.</li>
  <li><strong>Payment-related cancellations:</strong> With rising living costs, some drivers are missing insurance payments — one of the fastest ways to become high-risk.</li>
</ol>

<h2>What Can Get You a Ticket (and Raise Your Rates)</h2>

<p><strong>The most common violations affecting insurance:</strong></p>

<ul>
  <li>Speeding</li>
  <li>Distracted driving, including using handheld devices</li>
  <li>Running red lights or stop signs</li>
  <li>Following too closely</li>
  <li>Careless or aggressive driving</li>
  <li>Driving without valid insurance (pink slip)</li>
</ul>

<p>
  <strong>Important note:</strong> Automated enforcement, such as speed cameras or red-light cameras, typically
  <strong>does not affect your insurance</strong> because those tickets are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver.
  However, <strong>police-issued convictions</strong> will impact your rates.
</p>

<h2>How Much Does High-Risk Insurance Cost?</h2>

<p>
  High-risk insurance can cost <strong>up to three times more</strong> than standard coverage. Based on MIB portfolio data:
</p>

<table style="margin: 20px auto; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; text-align: left;">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th style="padding:10px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #ccc;">Driver Type</th>
      <th style="padding:10px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #ccc;">Average Annual Premium</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:10px 20px;">Standard driver</td>
      <td style="padding:10px 20px;">$2,000–$4,000</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:10px 20px;">High-risk driver</td>
      <td style="padding:10px 20px;">$7,000+</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding:10px 20px;">Extreme cases</td>
      <td style="padding:10px 20px;">Up to $28,000</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


<p><strong>Many insurers may also:</strong></p>

<ul>
  <li>Require higher deductibles</li>
  <li>Ask for large upfront payments</li>
  <li>Limit coverage options</li>
</ul>

<h2>How Long Will You Stay High-Risk?</h2>

<p><strong>The good news: it’s temporary.</strong> Typical timelines:</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>Minor convictions:</strong> 3 years</li>
  <li><strong>At-fault accidents:</strong> up to 6 years</li>
</ul>

<p>
  With clean driving and consistent payments, most drivers return to standard rates within <strong>3 to 6 years</strong>.
</p>

<h2>How to Get Back to Standard Insurance</h2>

<p>If you’re already high-risk, focus on these steps:</p>

<ol>
  <li><strong>Keep continuous coverage:</strong> Never let your policy lapse or cancel for non-payment.</li>
  <li><strong>Drive clean:</strong> Avoid new tickets or at-fault accidents.</li>
  <li><strong>Pay premiums on time:</strong> Payment history matters.</li>
  <li><strong>Ask your broker for progress reviews:</strong> As your record improves, better options may open up.</li>
</ol>

<h2>How MIB &amp; Evolve Insurance Help High-Risk Drivers</h2>

<p>
  At My Insurance Broker, we believe protection shouldn’t be out of reach. Through our non-standard auto division,
  <strong>Evolve Insurance</strong>, we help drivers:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Compare quotes from multiple high-risk providers</li>
  <li>Understand options in simple language</li>
  <li>Stay insured when others say no</li>
  <li>Move back toward standard rates over time</li>
</ul>

<blockquote style="text-align:center; font-style:italic; max-width:700px; margin:40px auto;">
  <p>
    “It’s not just about price. It’s about helping you keep moving forward safely, confidently and responsibly.”
    <br />
    — Tom Badwal, VP of Underwriting, My Insurance Broker
  </p>
</blockquote>

<figure style="text-align:center;">
  <img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/High_Risk_Auto_Reset_c34a87ee79.png" 
       alt="High-risk auto insurance" 
       style="width:60%; height:auto;" />
</figure>
<hr />
<h2>Final Thought</h2>
<p>
  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:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Rebuilding after tickets or a claim</li>
  <li>A parent helping a young driver</li>
  <li>A newcomer building insurance history</li>
  <li>Or just looking for advice</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>We’re here to help you reset and move forward.</strong></p>

<p>
  Call our <strong>non-standard auto insurance specialist</strong> at
  <a href="tel:18333860023">1-833-386-0023</a>
  or visit
  <a href="https://evolveinsurance.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evolveinsurance.ca</a>
  to get started or refer someone who needs support.
</p>

<hr />

<h4>Sources</h4>

<ul style="font-size:13px; color:#666; line-height:1.6;">
  <li>
    <a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/statistics-data/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics/2023/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
      Transport Canada – Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics 2023
    </a>
  </li>

  <li>
    <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
      Statistics Canada – National road safety and vehicle cost data
    </a>
  </li>

  <li>
    <a href="https://globalnews.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
      Global News – GTA snowstorm collision reports
    </a>
  </li>

  <li>
    <a href="https://www.g1.ca/driving-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
      G1.ca – Ontario driving statistics and collision trends
    </a>
  </li>
</ul>



A practical guide to rebuilding your record and lowering your premiums in Ontario

High-Risk Auto Insurance: Why More Drivers Are Falling Into It — and How to Get Back Out 

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  <article>
  <figure class="image"><img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/i_Stock_851948506_86a41dd335.jpg" alt="a person calling on phone in front of a car"></figure>
    <header>
      <p><em>A calm, step-by-step guide for the first 10 minutes, the first 24 hours, and your insurance claim.</em></p>
    </header>

    <p>Car accidents happen fast. Even a minor fender bender can leave you shaken, unsure what to do next, and worried about insurance. The good news: if you follow a few simple steps, you can protect your safety, your rights, and your claim.</p>

    <p>This guide is written for <em>Ontario drivers</em>, with the latest reporting rules.</p>

    <h2>First: Safety comes before paperwork</h2>

    <h3>1) Stay calm and check for injuries</h3>
    <p>Take a breath. Check yourself and passengers first. If anyone is injured, call <strong>911</strong> immediately.</p>

    <h3>2) Move to a safe location if you can</h3>
    <p>If it’s safe and your vehicle is drivable, move out of traffic and turn on hazard lights. If it’s not safe to move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.</p>

    <h3>3) Call police when required</h3>
    <p>Call 911 right away if:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Someone is injured</li>
      <li>You suspect impairment</li>
      <li>There’s a hit-and-run</li>
      <li>A vehicle is undrivable or there’s damage to public property</li>
    </ul>

    <p>Ontario’s reporting threshold has increased: collisions involving property damage must be reported to police when damage appears to exceed <strong>$5,000</strong>.</p>

    <h2>Second: Don’t say the wrong thing at the scene</h2>

    <h3>Avoid admitting fault</h3>
    <p>Even if you feel flustered, don’t apologize in a way that sounds like you’re accepting blame. Liability is determined later based on evidence.</p>

    <h3>Watch for “predatory towing”</h3>
    <p>You have the right to choose who tows your car and where it goes. If you feel pressured, call your insurer first. Ontario’s regulator also warns drivers to be cautious with towing arrangements after a crash. Learn more about your towing rights at these two references:</p>
   <p>
         <ul>
      <li><strong>CAA: Towing Bill of Rights-</strong><br />
      <a href="https://www.caasco.com/-/media/caasco/advocacy/government-relations/towing-rights/pdf/new-caa-towing-bill-of-rights.pdf" target="_blank">
        https://www.caasco.com/-/media/caasco/advocacy/government-relations/towing-rights/pdf/new-caa-towing-bill-of-rights.pdf
      </a></li>
    </p>
    <p>
      <li><strong>IBC: Ontario drivers are now better protected from towing and storage fraud-</strong></br>
      <a href="https://www.ibc.ca/issues-and-advocacy/regulation/ontario-towing-storage-regulations" target="_blank">
        https://www.ibc.ca/issues-and-advocacy/regulation/ontario-towing-storage-regulations
      </a>
    </p>
    </li>
    </ul>

    <h2>Third: Collect the right information (this helps your claim)</h2>

    <p>When it’s safe, exchange details with other drivers involved:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Full name and contact info</li>
      <li>Driver’s licence number</li>
      <li>Plate number</li>
      <li>Insurance company and policy number</li>
      <li>Vehicle year/make/model/colour</li>
    </ul>

    <p>If there are witnesses, get their contact info too.</p>

    <h3>Take photos (lots of them)</h3>
    <p>Capture:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Damage to all vehicles (multiple angles)</li>
      <li>Plates of all vehicles</li>
      <li>The full scene (signs, lanes, skid marks)</li>
      <li>Road and weather conditions</li>
      <li>Any visible injuries (if appropriate)</li>
    </ul>

    <p>Pro tip: write a short note while it’s fresh, or email yourself a quick summary.</p>

    <h2>Reporting in Ontario: what to do within 24 hours</h2>

    <p>Ontario guidance emphasizes reporting promptly.</em></p>

    <h3>When damage appears over $5,000</h3>
    <p>If police don’t attend the scene, you may be directed to a <strong>Collision Reporting Centre</strong> when the <strong>combined damage to all vehicles and property appears to exceed $5,000.</strong></p>
    <p>Police services note you must report at a Collision Reporting Centre if combined damage appears to exceed <strong>$5,000</strong>.</p>

    <h3>Don’t assume “small damage” means “no report”</h3>
    <p>Even if you plan to pay out-of-pocket, reporting can protect you if injuries surface later or the other driver changes their story.</p>

    <h2>Call your insurance provider as soon as possible</h2>

    <p>Even if you’re not sure you’ll claim, notify your insurer. Be ready to provide:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Date/time/location</li>
      <li>What happened (brief, factual)</li>
      <li>Other parties’ info</li>
      <li>Photos and witness contacts</li>
      <li>Police report number (if applicable)</li>
    </ul>

    <p>Your insurer (and your broker) will guide you on next steps: repairs, rental coverage (if you have it), and claim handling.</p>

    <h2>Common “what if” situations</h2>

    <h3>What if the other driver is uninsured?</h3>
    <p>Ontario policies typically include uninsured automobile coverage, but timing and documentation matter. Call your insurer right away.</p>

    <h3>What if you’re driving a rental?</h3>
    <p>Report the collision as you normally would, then contact the rental company. If you purchased the rental company’s coverage or used credit card coverage, keep all documentation and receipts.</p>

    <h3>What if it happened in a parking lot?</h3>
    <p>Treat it the same as any collision: photos, exchange info, report as required, and notify your insurer.</p>

    <h2>Final Thought</h2>

    <p>Accidents are stressful. But a calm, simple plan protects you in the moment and sets your claim up for success. Keep your insurance details accessible, <strong>know Ontario’s $5,000 reporting threshold</strong>, and always report injuries. Don’t let a stressful scene push you into quick decisions (especially towing).</p>

    <p>If you want help understanding your coverage before you need it, we’re here. <strong>My Insurance Broker</strong> can review your auto policy and help you feel prepared for the unexpected.</p>

    <p><strong>Call</strong><a href="tel:18554825001"> 1-855-482-5001 </a> <strong> | Email</strong> <a href="mailto:info@myinsurancebroker.com">info@myinsurancebroker.com</a></p>

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario

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<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.myinsurancebroker.com/uploads/speedcam_33d9d55745.png" alt="municipal speed camera"></figure>
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  <div class="container">
    <h2>Automatic Speed Cameras Are Officially Leaving Ontario. What Happens Now?</h2>
    <p>As of <strong>November 14, 2025</strong>, Ontario will remove all municipal Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras following the passage of <a href="https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-56"<strong>Bill 56</strong></a> — <strong>the “Less Red Tape, More Common Sense Act, 2025.”</strong></p>

    <p>This change comes as the province argues ASE devices are a “cash grab,” while municipalities and safety advocates warn the sudden ban could make community roads, especially school zones, less safe.</p>

    <p>Before we dig into insurance and fines, let’s look at why ASE existed in the first place.</p>

    <h2>Why Speed Cameras Were Installed in the First Place</h2>
    <p>Across Ontario, ASE cameras were implemented to reduce speeding in school zones and community safety zones. And they worked.</p>
    <p><li>Proven Road Safety Results</li></p>
   <p><li>A joint study from SickKids & Toronto Metropolitan University  found that ASE reduced speeding by 45% in Toronto school zones.</li></p>
    <p><li>Across York Region (Markham, Stouffville, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket), regional staff reported significant speed reductions on major regional roads.</li></p>
    <p><li>Municipalities across Ontario, including Peel, Ottawa, Hamilton and Waterloo, saw similar results.</li></p>
    <p><li>ASE was one of the few tools that reduced speeding without increasing police resources.</li></p>

    <h2>How Much Money Did Municipalities Make From ASE Cameras?</h2>
    <p>Speed cameras were also a major source of funding for road safety programs.</p>
    
     <p><h3>Toronto</h3></p>
    <li>$40 million collected in 2024</li>
    <li>$45+ million collected in 2025 (YTD)</li>

    <p><h3>York Region, including Markham & Stouffville</h3></p>
      <li>Operated dozens of ASE units</li>
      <li>Revenue used to offset program costs & fund road safety</li>
      <li>After the ban, York Region asked the province for full reimbursement (NewmarketToday)</li>
    </ul>

    <p><h3>Other municipalities using ASE: Peel Region • Ottawa • Hamilton • Waterloo</h3></p>
    <li>Revenue went back into crosswalk upgrades, school-zone safety, flashing signs, and traffic calming. The ban removes millions in municipal funding that supported road safety.</li>

    <h2>What Does Bill 56 Actually Do?</h2>
    <p>Bill 56 fast-tracked a province-wide ban on automated speed cameras. All municipalities must remove ASE units by November 14, 2025, with the province offering temporary large warning signs until physical road calming measures (speed bumps, roundabouts, etc.) can be installed. Safety experts argue these replacements won’t be ready in time.</p>

    <h2>Do You Still Need to Pay Speed Camera Tickets?</h2>
    <p><strong>YES!!!</strong> If you receive a ticket before November 14, you must still pay it. Tickets issued while cameras were operational remain <strong>valid</strong>, according to the Ministry of Transportation.</p>

    <div class="highlight">
      <p><strong>✔️ Speed camera tickets do NOT affect your:</strong></p>
      <ul>
        <li>Car insurance rates</li>
        <li>Driving record</li>
        <li>Demerit points</li>
      </ul>
      <p><strong>✔️ They DO affect:</strong></p>
      <ul>
        <li>Your wallet</li>
        <li>Your next licence plate renewal (if unpaid)</li>
      </ul>
    </div>

    <p>Camera tickets are tied to the <strong>vehicle</strong>, not the <strong>driver</strong>, so insurance companies cannot use them to assess risk.</p>

    <h2>Do Speed Camera Tickets Affect My Insurance?</h2>
    <p>No. Because ASE cameras do not identify the driver, these tickets:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>Don’t appear on your driving abstract</li>
      <li>Don’t impact your Ontario car insurance premiums</li>
      <li>Are treated similarly to parking tickets</li>
    </ul>
    <p>Your insurance company will never see them.</p>

    <h2>Can You Fight Speed Camera Tickets?</h2>
    <p>You can request a court date, but most legal experts agree there is <strong> little value</strong>  in fighting them because:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>They do NOT affect insurance</li>
      <li>They do NOT appear on your abstract</li>
      <li>Hiring legal representation often costs more than the fine</li>
    </ul>
    <p>If the fine is unusually high, you may appear in court to request a <strong>fine reduction</strong>, but outcomes vary.</p>

    <h2>What If You Get a Speed Camera Ticket in a Rental Car?</h2>
    <p>Here’s what happens:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>The rental company receives the ticket.</li>
      <li>They automatically forward the cost to you.</li>
      <li>Many add an <strong>administration fee</strong>.</li>
      <li>You are responsible for paying the ticket immediately.</li>
      <li>If you don’t pay, charges and admin fees can escalate quickly.</li>
    </ul>

    <h2>How Did ASE Cameras Work? (Quick Overview)</h2>
    <ul>
      <li>Your vehicle’s speed</li>
      <li>License plate</li>
      <li>Make & model</li>
      <li>Date, time, direction of travel</li>
    </ul>
    <p>An officer then verified the data and mailed a ticket to the registered owner.</p>

    <h3>Ontario Photo Radar Tickets and Fines</h3>
    
<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Speed Over Limit</th>
      <th>Fine</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>1–19 km/h</td>
      <td>$5 per km</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>20–29 km/h</td>
      <td>$7.50 per km</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>30–49 km/h</td>
      <td>$12 per km</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>50+ km/h</td>
      <td>Court appearance required</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>
    <h2>Final Thought</h2>
    <p>Ontario’s decision to eliminate ASE cameras has sparked strong reactions. On one hand, these devices reduced speeding and kept school zones safer. On the other hand, many viewed them as a revenue tool that didn’t address the root cause of dangerous driving.</p>

    <p>Regardless of the debate, one thing remains true:<br>
    <strong>Safe driving protects your family, your community and your insurance rates.</strong></p>

    <p>At My Insurance Broker, we’re here to help Ontario and Alberta drivers stay informed — and protected — through every policy change.</p>

    <p><strong>For questions or a free policy review:<strong></p
    <p>Call us <a href="tel:18554825001">1-855-482-5001</a>
or email <a href="mailto:info@myinsurancebroker.com">info@myinsurancebroker.com</a><br/></p>
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High-Risk Auto Insurance: Why More Drivers Are Falling Into It — and How to Get Back Out

What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario

Automatic Speed Cameras in Ontario: What the Ban Means for Drivers in 2025

Resources

Latest Articles

High-Risk Auto Insurance: Why More Drivers Are Falling Into It — and How to Get Back Out

What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario

Automatic Speed Cameras in Ontario: What the Ban Means for Drivers in 2025

High-Risk Auto Insurance: Why More Drivers Are Falling Into It — and How to Get Back Out 