The first thing you should know is, if you are or you’re thinking about driving without insurance, Ontario has some of the highest fines in the country. For a first-offence conviction, fines can range up to $25,000. Convictions of a second or higher number of offences can go up to $50,000.
Still, as with all traffic tickets, the fine for operating a motor vehicle without insurance may not be the highest financial cost of a conviction.
Why Are Fines for Driving Without Insurance so High?
First, in a way, it’s easy to understand the temptation of driving without insurance. Ontario has some of the highest auto insurance rates in Canada. And drivers can pay thousands of dollars in car insurance premiums, but never see any tangible benefit.
But the extremely high fines for a ‘no insurance‘ conviction are an indication of the seriousness of the offence. And it’s not unless you’re getting into a collision that you can begin to appreciate the grave consequences.
The first result of a vehicle collision that usually comes to mind is damaging to the vehicles involved and other property. But the most serious consequences are those that involve personal injury. And they include injuries to you and anyone in your vehicle; everyone in any other vehicles involved; and even injuries to pedestrians.
Vehicle damages may be in the tens of thousands of dollars or more. But the cost of rehabilitation, loss of income and pain and suffering, from injuries suffered a motor vehicle accident can be far higher and last a lifetime. Of course, if there’s a loss of life, the immeasurable cost goes far beyond mere finances.
It’s Not Worth the Risk to Drive Without Insurance
If you are in a vehicle collision without insurance, you may be responsible for paying for vehicle damage, ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatments, and even face lawsuits, especially if there’s a loss of life.
You may also be deemed a high-risk driver by insurance companies and face far higher insurance premiums than you were trying to avoid. In many cases, insurers refuse to insure drivers that they feel are too high a risk. So you may not even be able to drive.
Defend Your Rights
There may be extenuating circumstances around why you received a ticket for operating a motor vehicle without insurance. You should get legal advice and representation when you get the ticket.
X-Copper’s team of experienced paralegals will answer all of your questions during your free consultation. All of X-Copper’s paralegals are licenced to provide legal services by The Law Society of Ontario. So you get the most professional, confidential, and secure legal representation.
We will examine your case thoroughly, reviewing the police officer’s notes and disclosure evidence in advance. This will ensure you a professional and competent defence when we defend your rights in court.
If you found this post helpful, check out our recent article ‘Understanding the Demerit Point System in Ontario‘.
