Auto insurance is a legal requirement when driving in Ontario and other Canadian provinces. Presenting proof of insurance shows that the vehicle has the required coverage. This is why Ontario authorities require drivers to carry it while on the road.
Proof of Auto Insurance in Ontario at a Glance
Failing to have or surrender an insurance card in Ontario carries a $50 set fine. The maximum fine following conviction is $400.
Driving without insurance is a separate and much more serious offence. A first conviction carries a fine of $5,000 to $25,000, while a subsequent conviction carries a fine of $10,000 to $50,000. A licence suspension of up to one year may also apply.
What is considered proof of car insurance in Ontario? Keep reading to learn when you need to show it and the advantages of electronic proof of insurance.
What Is Considered Proof of Insurance in Ontario?
After purchasing an auto insurance policy, your insurer will provide you with proof of insurance. Ontario has two main forms:
- A paper insurance card, commonly called a pink slip
- An approved electronic insurance card
An insurer may also provide temporary proof of coverage or an insurance binder while the official card is being issued. Ask the insurer where and how the temporary document can be used.
Paper Pink Slip
The paper pink slip is the traditional proof of insurance issued by your insurer. It includes the name of the insured, policy number, insurance company, coverage dates and information about the insured vehicle.
Keep the card in the insured vehicle so it is available to anyone who drives the car with permission.
Digital Pink Slip
Ontario drivers have been allowed to use approved electronic insurance cards since 2019. The electronic card contains the same basic information as the paper version and can be displayed on a mobile device.
The electronic version must be issued by the insurer and stored so that it cannot be edited or altered.
What Are the Advantages of Electronic Proof of Insurance in Ontario?
As technology provides faster and more convenient options, some Ontario drivers are choosing electronic proof of insurance.
The card can be stored on your phone and accessed without searching through the glovebox. It can also be transferred to another person who has permission to use the insured vehicle.
Electronic proof does have limitations. You are still responsible for producing the card if your battery is dead, the screen is damaged or the device is not working. The electronic card should also be displayed using the lock-screen feature so another person cannot access the rest of your phone.
If you travel outside Ontario, bring a paper copy because not every jurisdiction accepts electronic proof.
When Will You Need to Show Proof of Insurance?
You may be asked to present proof of auto insurance in Ontario when:
- You are stopped by a police officer
- You exchange insurance information after an accident
- You register or plate a vehicle at ServiceOntario
Why Do You Need to Have Proof of Insurance in Ontario?
You need to have proof of insurance with you while driving in Ontario. A police officer can ask you to surrender the insurance card for reasonable inspection.
Proof of insurance also helps drivers exchange the insurer and policy information needed after an accident.
Failing to produce the card is not the same as driving without insurance. The $50 set fine applies when a driver fails to have or surrender the insurance card. The penalties for operating an uninsured vehicle are much higher.