Distracted driving convictions and consequences for your insurance

According to CAA South Central Ontario, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of collisions in Ontario.

If you are convicted of distracted driving in Ontario, the consequences to your driving record and your insurance rates could be very significant.

Distracted driving and your insurance

If you are convicted of distracted driving in Ontario, you will face the fine associated with your conviction, and your insurance rate will most certainly be impacted.

Here’s a real-life scenario to show the impact of a conviction on your insurance.

A 31-year-old female drove a 2020 Ford F-150. Her premium was $2136.00 with a clean driving record. She was convicted of distracted driving; therefore, her insurance was moved to a high-risk market. After her first conviction, her insurance jumped $1,528.00 to $3,664.00 per year.

What’s considered distracted driving?

Anything that takes your focus away from the safe operation of a motor vehicle can be considered distracted driving.

Although most people consider distracted driving to mean using your cell phone, there are many other activities that are classified as distracted driving. This includes:

• Passengers and conversations
• Eating and drinking
• Personal grooming
• Using your in-vehicle console and infotainment system
• Holding or using your cell phone or other digital device

The law states that you can use hands-free wireless communication devices and GPS display screens if they are pre-programmed. Simply holding your phone or other device while driving is against the law.

Distracted driving penalties by the Government of Ontario

Penalties are severe and range in degree based on how many convictions you have had. For a full list of penalties, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s distracted driving website.

If you are outside of Ontario, you can visit your provincial authority’s website for the penalties for distracted driving in your area.

If you have questions, we have answers.

Roughley’s team of insurance professionals is standing by to answer your call. If you have questions about your insurance, we invite you to call us and speak to one of our team members.