High Risk Driving Insurance
What is Considered High Risk Driving in Ontario?
Becoming a “high risk driver” happens more often than people think. It only takes a small mistake, a slight mental lapse in judgement, or even an oversight to be deemed as one.
If you have recently been deemed as a high risk driver, have been insured that way for a while, or know someone who is, you have come to the right place.
At Bryson Insurance, we understand that people do make mistakes. It is our goal to help you understand what it means to be a high risk driver, provide advice and ideas to help keep your premiums down and, when the time comes, celebrate with you as you shift back into standard vehicle insurance again.
Right now you may feel overwhelmed or that everyone is against you and that you don’t really know how you’re going to get through it. Take some time to read through what is here. If you have questions or are looking for a conversation, never hesitate to reach out to our team of trained professionals.
If you would like to talk with us now you can click the chat window in the bottom right, click here to e-mail us, or call us at 1-800-661-5196 to talk with a Bryson Insurance trained professional.
What is a “High-Risk Driver” as defined by Ontario insurance companies?
A high-risk driver presents a higher likelihood of having an at-fault accident compared with standard drivers. There are a variety of factors that can lead to being considered a high-risk driver that are detailed below. For a more detailed list of offenses that cause drivers to be classified as higher risk please read what makes someone a high-risk driver in Ontario.
What determines if someone is a high-risk driver?
Your driving record determines if you are classified as a high-risk driver and require high-risk vehicle insurance. Driving convictions, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, at-fault accidents, multiple speeding tickets are all taken into account in determining if you require high-risk insurance coverage. Additionally, missed payment and unexplained lapses in insurance coverage can also lead you to require high-risk insurance. See a more thorough list of potential offenses here.
Can my insurance company cancel my insurance coverage because I am a high-risk driver?
Yes, your insurance company reviews your file for renewal. Your insurance company may conclude the risk of insuring you is too high or may not actually have a solution that fits your needs. You will receive a notice in the mail that you are not being offered a policy on renewal.
If you haven’t been deemed a high-risk driver by your insurance company but have had an event that makes you think you may be upon your policy renewal we recommend that you be proactive and call your insurance company to ask. Find out if your insurer will be able to renew your policy and, if so, at what price. If they are not going to renew your policy you will want to provide yourself time to find the best alternative for your needs.
Am I considered a high-risk driver forever?
The positive is that once your driving record falls back into an acceptable range you will be able to qualify for standard-rated insurance again. The hard part is in realizing that this may be part of your life for some time depending on what offenses are on your driving record.
You want an insurance company that is going to work with you. At Bryson Insurance we customize with you a timeline of the touch-points you will receive based on important dates in your driving record. For example, the date on which a speeding ticket comes off of your record. Our team of insurance specialists partner with you and remove the need to shop, year after year, saving you time and confusion.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make purchasing insurance simple and easy to understand. We educate you in order for you to make informed and sound decisions, based on choice.
If you would like to continue learning more first, please take time to read other important information for high-risk drivers including:
- Questions to Ask While Shopping for High-Risk Insurance.
- What Driving Offenses Cause the Status ‘High-Risk Driver’.
- Take the test to see if you know what actions would make you a high-risk driver.
- Ways High-Risk Drivers can Reduce Their Insurance Premium.
- The Bryson Difference.
It is completely understandable if you are feeling down about the situation you find yourself in today. Many of our clients initially report feeling angry, frustrated, embarrassed, sad, or just annoyed with the whole process. Take a moment to read through these high-risk driving scenarios to see just how easily a mistake can happen. We are all human. We are here for you. Never hesitate to reach out and have a conversation.
Click 1-800-661-5196 to talk with a Bryson Insurance trained professional now.