Yes, improving your driving record is the single most effective way to reduce high-risk insurance premiums in Ontario. Insurers price policies based on perceived risk, and a history of traffic violations, accidents, or license suspensions makes you more expensive to insure.
The good news is that these negative marks don’t last forever. Minor convictions typically affect your rate for three years, while major convictions like impaired driving can impact you for six or more years. Staying claims-free, avoiding new tickets, and following traffic laws are key steps to lowering your premiums.
Some additional ways to speed up your return to standard rates include:
- Completing an accredited driver training program
- Installing telematics devices that reward safe driving behavior
- Reducing annual mileage to qualify for low-use discounts
- Maintaining continuous coverage without lapses
Aaxel Insurance Brokers plays a crucial role here. They can re-market your policy annually to see if you now qualify for lower premiums with a different insurer. Some specialty insurers also offer “step-down” programs where your rates decrease incrementally with each claim-free year.
Remember, the improvement process is gradual. You may see small premium drops after one year of clean driving and more significant reductions after three years. With persistence and the right broker guidance, you can transition from high-risk rates to competitive standard premiums.
