If you have been classified as a high-risk driver due to at-fault accidents, traffic violations, or licence suspensions, getting affordable insurance can be challenging. In Canada, high-risk drivers are often placed in the residual or facility market, where premiums are significantly higher than standard rates. An experienced insurance broker can help you compare options, find the best available rate, and work toward getting back into the standard market. Understanding your options is the first step to lowering your premiums over time.
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Provide details about your driving record, including convictions and claims, so brokers can assess your risk profile accurately.
We connect you with licensed brokers who specialize in high-risk and non-standard auto insurance across Canada.
Review quotes from multiple insurers, choose the best rate and coverage for your situation, and get back on the road.
In Canada, drivers are typically classified as high-risk if they have multiple at-fault accidents, serious traffic convictions (such as impaired driving or stunt driving), licence suspensions, or a combination of minor infractions within a short period. Insurance companies use these factors to assess risk, and drivers who exceed their thresholds are declined coverage in the standard market.
Facility insurance (also known as the residual market) is a last-resort insurance pool available in most Canadian provinces. It exists to ensure that all drivers can obtain mandatory auto insurance, even if no standard insurer will cover them. Facility premiums are substantially higher, often two to four times the standard rate, and coverage is limited to mandatory minimums.
Most at-fault accidents remain on your insurance record for six years, while minor convictions (such as speeding tickets) typically affect your rate for three years. Major convictions like impaired driving can impact your premiums for up to ten years. The exact timeline varies by province and insurer.
Yes. An independent insurance broker can shop your policy across multiple insurers, including those that specialize in non-standard or high-risk drivers. Brokers understand which companies offer the most competitive rates for specific risk profiles and can advise you on steps to improve your record and eventually return to the standard market.
The best way to return to the standard market is to maintain a clean driving record over time. Avoid any further infractions, complete a recognized driver improvement course, and work with your broker to re-shop your policy each renewal period. Most drivers can return to standard rates within three to six years of their last incident.
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Disclaimer: AtlasBrokers is a directory service. We do not sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance. Information on this page is for general reference only and should not be taken as financial or insurance advice. Always verify a broker's licence with your provincial regulator.