An impaired-driving conviction can sharply increase your car insurance cost and may make you ineligible with some standard insurers. You must not drive while suspended. Once you are legally allowed to drive again, you still need valid insurance, and a broker may need to look at non-standard insurers or the Facility Association.
For this article, our team reviewed the federal Criminal Code, Ontario’s updated impaired-driving rules, FSRA’s high-risk and declined-policy guidance, and the Facility Association.
Keep reading to learn how a conviction affects insurance, where to seek coverage, which costs to compare and what can help you return to the standard market.
How Does a DUI Conviction Affect Car Insurance?
A conviction becomes a major part of your driving profile. An insurer may apply a higher approved rate, decline a new application or refuse renewal under an approved underwriting rule. If an Ontario insurer declines or does not renew you, FSRA says it must identify the rule in writing.
A roadside suspension, criminal prohibition, provincial licence suspension and insurance decision are separate. Follow the licensing authority’s dates and conditions. Do not drive until your licence is valid, any required program or ignition-interlock conditions are met, and an insurance representative confirms that the vehicle and driver are covered.
Read More: See How High-Risk Auto Insurance Works in Ontario
What MyChoice Quote Data Shows in Ontario
Based on our analysis of 50,000 auto insurance quotes collected through the MyChoice platform since the beginning of 2026, the average annual quote for a standardized Ontario profile was $2,345 with a clean record and $5,661 with an impaired-driving conviction.
That is a $3,316 difference, or about 141%. It is not a prediction for every driver. Your province, conviction details, licence status, prior record, vehicle, address, coverage and insurer eligibility rules can change the result.
Read More: Learn More About Car Insurance in Ontario
Where Can You Get Insurance After a DUI?
Start with a licensed broker or agent and disclose the conviction, suspension, reinstatement date and any ignition-interlock condition accurately. Ask for the same liability limit, accident benefits, physical-damage coverage, endorsements and deductibles on every quote.
| Market | When it may apply | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Standard insurer | The conviction fits the insurer’s approved rules | Is the quote final after the driving record is checked? |
| Non-standard insurer | A standard insurer will not accept the recent record | Which conviction, cancellation and payment rules apply? |
| Facility Association | You cannot obtain required coverage in the regular market in a participating jurisdiction | Which broker will place it, what coverage is included and when should you re-shop? |
Facility Association operates in Ontario, Alberta, the Atlantic provinces and the territories. British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec use different public/private arrangements, so use the current licensing and insurance authority in your province rather than an Ontario penalty schedule.
Costs Beyond the Base Premium
A conviction may affect eligibility for claims-free, conviction-free, telematics, loyalty or multi-vehicle discounts. It does not automatically remove every discount at every insurer. Ask for the quote breakdown and compare the total annual cost.
Budget separately for licence reinstatement, mandatory education or treatment, ignition-interlock installation and monitoring, transportation while suspended, and any legal obligations. These are not all insurance charges, and the amounts and timing vary by jurisdiction.
How to Work Back Toward Standard Rates
Complete every court and licensing requirement. Keep proof of licence reinstatement and program completion. Pay premiums on time, avoid new convictions and claims, and re-shop before renewal using the same coverage on each quote.
Ask each insurer how long the conviction affects rating and eligibility under its current rules. Do not assume one province-wide insurance period. A clean period helps only with time and accurate disclosure, and no course guarantees a discount.
Read More: Review Ontario’s Rules for Driving Without a Licence