A part of what goes into determining your auto insurance rate is your driving record, including any tickets you may have received. There are a variety of different types of tickets and some have more influence on your premiums than others. For example, if you have what's commonly called a "minor" ticket on your record, you may not be faced with a higher premium. But if you have a couple of minor tickets or "major" ticket your premiums will likely take a major hit.
The following are some examples of what is typically considered a minor ticket and major ticket. However, keep in mind that sometimes how a ticket is classified may vary by province or by insurer.
Minor traffic convictions:
- Speeding up to 45km/h over the posted speed limit (Note: The cut-off may vary.)
- Following too closely
- Failing to signal before a turn or lane change
- Failing to obey a stop sign
- Failing to wear a seat belt
- Failing to produce your driver's licence or proof of insurance
Major traffic convictions:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to report an accident
- Improper passing of a school bus
- Speeding in a school zone
- Speeding in a construction zone
- Driving without insurance
- Speeding in excess of 50km/h (Note: The cut-off may vary.)
In addition to minor and major tickets, there's another classification of ticket type: serious or criminal convictions. These traffic violations take into account serious Highway Traffic Act convictions or criminal convictions and often come with the threat of a licence suspension or even jail time.
- Racing
- Careless or dangerous driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to remain at the scene of an accident
- Failure to stop for a police officer
- Failure or refusal to take a breath test
- Criminal negligence committed in the operation or use of a motor vehicle
- Manslaughter committed while operating a motor vehicle
How long do traffic tickets affect your auto insurance rates?
In general, traffic tickets will affect your rate for three years. However, if your ticket (or tickets) have resulted in a licence suspension, the suspension usually is factored into your premiums for six years.
Did you know? Parking tickets do not affect your auto insurance rates. It's a very common and popular auto insurance myth that often leads drivers astray.
Tickets and your auto insurance quotes: Honesty is the best policy
No matter what type of ticket you have, don't fudge the information you enter when getting your auto insurance quotes. Insurance companies will most certainly check the driving records of all people applying for coverage. If they find that you misrepresented any information on your application, the insurance company can cancel your policy for "non-disclosure". This type of cancellation shows as a black mark on your insurance record and can mean you will be paying higher insurance rates for many years to come.
