Driving Without Insurance in Ontario: Fines, Suspension and Defences
Charged with no insurance in Ontario? Learn the $5,000–$25,000 CAIA fines, licence suspension, impoundment, insurance fallout and the defences that can apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for driving without insurance in Ontario?
Under section 2 of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, a first conviction carries a fine of $5,000 to $25,000, and a subsequent conviction $10,000 to $50,000. A 25% victim fine surcharge is added, so the $5,000 minimum becomes $6,250. The court may also suspend your licence for up to one year and impound the vehicle for up to three months.
Can I just pay a no-insurance ticket?
Usually not. A section 2 no-insurance charge has no set fine because its $5,000 minimum is above the $1,000 cap for Part I tickets. It is normally laid by summons with a court date that you or a representative must attend. If you do not appear, the court can convict you in your absence.
Does driving without insurance give me demerit points?
No. Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act offences are not listed in Ontario’s demerit point regulation. The bigger long-term cost is usually insurance: a conviction can push you into the high-risk market or the Facility Association, at much higher premiums.
My insurance was cancelled for non-payment and I never got notice. Do I have a defence?
Possibly. Statutory Condition 11 requires a non-payment notice to state the amount owing and, in most cases, a termination date at least 30 days after notice by registered mail, or at least 10 days after personal delivery, courier or consented-to electronic notice. If the insurer did not follow those rules, the policy may still have been in force on the day you were stopped.
I just bought a new car. Is it insured right away?
Under the standard Ontario Automobile Policy, a newly acquired vehicle is covered as long as you tell your insurer within 14 days of delivery and pay any additional premium. A replacement vehicle gets the same coverage as the one it replaces, while an additional vehicle has extra conditions, so call your insurer or broker the day you take delivery.
Contact Legal Assist
Legal Assist Paralegal Services — Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Serving London, Ontario and Southwestern Ontario. Call 226-272-5153 or email general@legalassist.london for a free consultation.