Earlier this month the provincial government introduced steeper penalties for speeding and stunt driving offences. The new laws are targeting the most dangerous of drivers on the road, including those drivers who are caught driving too much over the speed limit.
One of the common questions our brokers get is: how long does a speeding ticket show on my driving record?
In Ontario, your driving record (or driver’s abstract) is maintained by the Ministry of Transportation. Your abstract contains up-to-date information on things like: demerit points, dates of offences, types of convictions, and dates convictions were registered.
A speeding ticket, for example, will stay on your abstract for three years from the date of conviction. Demerit points will be shown for two years.
Typically, you will only see a premium increase when it comes time for your auto insurance renewal. Generally speaking, insurance companies will run updated driver abstracts at renewal time to ensure they’re working with the most up-to-date and accurate data possible.
Did you get a ticket? Insurance companies only learn about a driving infraction after either: a) A conviction is applied, or b) the ticket is paid without dispute.
Even without demerit points, a ticket is a ticket in the eyes of the insurance company. They rank convictions for severity as one of: minor, major, or criminal.
Many companies now offer a conviction-free premium discount which varies by insurer. However, it’s important to keep in mind that, following a ticket, that discount is gone for three years. There is a minor conviction protection endorsement offered by some companies, which helps protect your rates from increasing after your first minor conviction (but it doesn’t count for major or criminal offences).
If you have a ticket on your record or want to make sure getting one doesn’t mean a jump in auto insurance rates, talk to a Staebler broker today.
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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in auto insurance, home insurance, small business, and commercial insurance. Staebler brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region and southern Ontario. Click here to get started.
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