In Ontario, stunt driving isn’t just a joyride – it’s a serious offence with lasting consequences, especially when it comes to your car insurance.

Defined under the Highway Traffic Act as driving 50 km/h or more over the posted speed limit (or 40 km/h over in zones under 80 km/h), stunt driving triggers immediate penalties:

• a 30-day licence suspension
• vehicle impoundment for 14 days
• six (6) demerit points, and
• a minimum fine of $2,000 upon conviction

But beyond the immediate roadside fallout, the impact on your insurability and rates can be significant.

Proactive Police Enforcement

Locally, as the spring season begins, Waterloo Regional Police Service are being more proactive with patrols and enforcement. They will often share stories about drivers caught speeding and the resulting penalties through their social media channels:

Insurance companies in Ontario view stunt driving as a major conviction. Once convicted, you’re marked with a serious red flag on your driving record, which insurers use to assess risk. Most standard insurers classify this as high-risk behavior, often leading to increased premiums or outright policy cancellation or a decline to quote.

While a clean driving record (ticket-free and accident-free) can earn you lower rates, a stunt driving conviction could easily double or triple your premium – think $5,000 per year or more, depending on your age, history, and where you drive.

Stunt Driving Can Make a Driver Uninsurable

Worse still, some insurers may refuse to insure you altogether. When this happens, you’re forced into what’s called the “non-standard” insurance market, where high-risk drivers pay higher rates through a pool of providers. For example: the Facility Association, Ontario’s insurer of last resort, often steps in to offer coverage and premiums can exceed $10,000 yearly.

A stunt driving conviction remains for at least three (3) years on your driving record from the time of conviction, either when found guilty by a court or the day you pay the fine. While no longer appearing on a record after three years, suspensions need to be disclosed for six (6) years.

During this time, you will not be eligible for discounts for safe driving and every renewal brings a reminder of that reckless moment.

In short, stunt driving doesn’t just cost you with the loss of your licence and immediate costs (e.g. towing and impound fees), it continues to be a financial hit, making affordability and insurability a challenge.

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Staebler Insurance is a general insurance broker specializing in car insurance, home insurance, small business insurance, and commercial insurance. Staebler Insurance Brokers proudly serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Listowel, Fergus, Elora, Wellington County, Perth County, Waterloo Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Region, and all over beautiful Ontario, Canada. Get a Quote to get started today.