Are You Getting Your Winter Tire Insurance Discount?

The fall is also the kickoff to the winter tire season for us living in Ontario and Canada. For those who have had the opportunity to compare winter driving with all-season tires versus winter tires, you know the added security and grip provided by winter tires. Not only do winter tires keep you and your family safer, but having them installed on your vehicle throughout the winter also saves you money on your auto insurance.

Below are common questions about winter tires and the discount Ontario drivers receive for having them installed on their vehicles.

To Get The Winter Tire Discount On My Insurance, How Long Do I Need To Keep The Winter Tires On My Vehicle?

To get the winter tire discount on your insurance premium, winter tires need to be installed on your vehicle throughout the winter. Some insurance companies require the tires to be on your vehicle starting November 1st, while others do not require the tires to be installed until December 1st. In general, it is recommended to keep the tires installed until April 30th.

How Many Winter Tires Do I Need to be Installed On My Vehicle To Get The Winter Tire Discount On My Insurance Premium?

You are required to have all four tires on your vehicle rated for winter driving conditions.

How Do Winter Tires Work In Winter Weather?

Winter tire technology is unique from all other tires. Winter tires have a soft rubber compound that remains flexible in cold weather. This allows the tire to conform to the road for more controlled handling during cold days. Winter tires also sport wider grooves to enhance traction on snow and ice and have deep sipes (small slits in the tread) that help cut through slush and water. These features mean winter tires deliver as much as 25 to 50% greater traction over all-weather tires.

How Do We Know If It Is A Winter Tire?

The severe service winter tire designation looks like a peaked mountain with a snowflake in the middle.

When you see a tire with the mountain snowflake pictograph on the sidewall, you know it meets specific snow traction performance requirements set by the Rubber Association of Canada.

Do All-Weather Tires Qualify For The Winter Tire Insurance Discount?

Well, all-weather tires are worlds better than summer tires for winter driving. They do not replace the grip and reliability of winter tires. Some insurance carriers may recognize a discount for having all-weather tires installed during the winter months, but that is rare. As well, during our harsher winter driving weather, all-weather tires are not as safe for yourself or others on the road.

Do I Have To Notify My Insurance Broker Again This Year To Get The Winter Tire Discount?

If you notified your insurance broker last year, the winter tire discount would automatically be applied again.

What If I Say I Have Winter Tires On But Do Not Have Them Installed? Will I Still Get The Discount?

The winter tire discount is based on an honour system. When you tell your insurance broker that you have winter tires installed on your vehicle, it acts as a legal confirmation of your action. It is also a sign to your broker and insurance carrier that you are taking steps to be safer on the roads in the winter. If you have an accident and are caught lying about having winter tires on your vehicle, your insurance carrier can refuse your claim. It is much better to be honest and safe on the roads than to risk everything to save a few dollars.

As always, we are here to serve your needs. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bryson Insurance broker.