Driving without insurance is a serious offence in Ontario. If you are caught driving without valid insurance, you could face hefty fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. But what happens if you get in a car accident without insurance in Ontario? The consequences could be even more severe and costly. Looking for a car crash lawyer in ottawa?
In this blog post, we will explain what happens if you get in a car accident without insurance in Ontario, and why you should always make sure you have adequate coverage before you hit the road.
What are the legal consequences of driving without insurance in Ontario?
According to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, every driver in Ontario must have at least the minimum amount of insurance required by law. This includes:
- Third-party liability coverage of at least $200,000, which covers the damages and injuries you cause to other people or property in an accident.
- Statutory accident benefits coverage, which covers your own medical expenses, income replacement, and other benefits if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Direct compensation-property damage coverage, which covers the damage to your own vehicle and its contents if you are not at fault in an accident with another insured driver.
- Uninsured automobile coverage, which covers your own damages and injuries if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or unidentified driver (such as a hit-and-run).
If you are found driving without any of these coverages, you could face the following penalties:
- A fine of $5,000 to $25,000 for a first offence, and $10,000 to $50,000 for a subsequent offence.
- A license suspension of up to one year for a first offence, and up to two years for a subsequent offence.
- A vehicle impoundment of up to three months for a first offence, and up to six months for a subsequent offence.
- A possible jail sentence of up to six months.
In addition, you will also have to pay a victim surcharge of 25% on top of your fine, and your insurance rates will likely increase significantly when you are able to get insured again.
What are the financial consequences of getting in a car accident without insurance in Ontario?
If you get in a car accident without insurance in Ontario, you will not only face the legal penalties mentioned above, but also the financial consequences of paying for the damages and injuries out of your own pocket.
If you are at fault in an accident, you will be liable for the full cost of the damages and injuries you cause to other people or property. This could include:
- The repair or replacement cost of the other vehicle(s) involved.
- The medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages of the other driver(s) and passenger(s) involved.
- The legal fees and court costs if the other party sues you for compensation.
Depending on the severity of the accident, these costs could amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. If you do not have enough assets or income to pay for them, you could face bankruptcy or garnishment of your wages.
If you are not at fault in an accident, you will not be able to claim any benefits from your own insurance company. This means that you will have to pay for:
- The repair or replacement cost of your own vehicle and its contents.
- The medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other damages that you suffer as a result of the accident.
- The legal fees and court costs if you decide to sue the other party for compensation.
Again, these costs could be very high depending on the extent of the damage and injury. You will also have to deal with the hassle and stress of dealing with the other party's insurance company or lawyer on your own.
How can I avoid getting in a car accident without insurance in Ontario?
The best way to avoid getting in a car accident without insurance in Ontario is to always make sure that you have valid and adequate insurance coverage before you drive. You should also:
- Carry your proof of insurance with you at all times and show it to the police or other drivers if asked.
- Renew your insurance policy on time and notify your insurer of any changes in your personal information or driving habits.
- Compare different insurance options and choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
- Drive safely and obey the traffic rules and regulations.
- Report any accidents or incidents to your insurer as soon as possible.
Driving without insurance is not worth the risk. It could cost you your license, your vehicle, your savings, and even your freedom. It could also put other people's lives and property at risk. Therefore, it is always better to be safe than sorry and drive with insurance in Ontario.