Got a DUI and a car insurance quote that made your jaw drop? You are not alone. An impaired driving conviction in Ontario is one of the fastest ways to go from a good rate to a “high-risk” label. The good news: high-risk does not have to mean highest price. Shop smart, and you can keep more of your money for groceries, gas and getting your life back on track.
This guide explains how a DUI affects car insurance in Ontario, how long it lasts, and the practical steps to find cheaper DUI car insurance, including which brokers work with high-risk drivers.
Why a DUI sends your insurance through the roof
Insurers price risk. An impaired driving conviction (impaired operation, over 80 or refusing a breath test) tells them you are statistically more likely to have a claim, so most standard insurers either raise your rate sharply or decline to renew you. You are moved into the high-risk or non-standard market, where fewer insurers compete for your business.
- Bigger premiums: industry sources report rates can double after a first impaired driving conviction, and some drivers pay several times their old premium.
- Fewer choices: many insurers will not quote you at all for a few years.
- Stacked costs: insurance comes on top of fines, the Back on Track program, the ignition interlock and your licence reinstatement fee.
How long does a DUI affect car insurance in Ontario?
A criminal driving conviction stays on your Ontario driver’s record for three years, and a licence suspension shows for six years. Many insurers look back further than that. In practice, expect higher DUI insurance rates for at least three years, often up to six, and longer if anything else happens. The clock only helps you if your record stays clean from here on.
Get a deal on your DUI insurance: 8 ways to pay less
- Use a broker, not one insurer. A broker can quote you with several high-risk insurers at once. One phone call can turn up prices you would never find yourself.
- Compare every year. High-risk rates vary a lot from company to company and drop as your conviction ages. Re-shop at every renewal.
- Always disclose the conviction. Hiding it can get your policy cancelled or a claim denied, and a cancellation is far more expensive than the truth.
- Raise your deductible. Agreeing to pay more yourself if you claim can noticeably lower your premium.
- Trim optional coverage on an older car. If your car is worth little, ask whether collision coverage is still worth paying for.
- Drive a cheaper-to-insure vehicle. A modest, safe car usually costs far less to insure than a sporty one.
- Bundle if you can. Some brokers can bundle home or tenant insurance for a discount.
- Keep your record spotless. No tickets, no claims. Every clean year moves you closer to standard rates.
High-risk car insurance brokers in Ontario
These brokers say on their own websites that they help high-risk drivers find coverage. Call two or three and compare:
- Duliban Insurance Brokers: an Ontario brokerage that says it compares quotes from 20+ insurers and names driving under the influence as a high-risk factor it can help with. Phone 1-855-385-4226.
- BrokerLink: a national brokerage with a dedicated high-risk car insurance service. It says most drivers stay on a non-standard policy for about two to three years before moving back to regular rates.
- ThinkInsure: an Ontario brokerage that compares car insurance quotes online and by phone at 1-855-550-5515. Ask whether it can place a driver with an impaired driving conviction.
Brokers often place high-risk drivers with non-standard insurers such as Echelon, Jevco (part of Intact) and Coachman. You buy these policies through a broker, not directly.
We list these companies for your information. We are not paid for these mentions, and you should compare quotes before you buy.
What if nobody will insure you? The Facility Association
If no private insurer will offer you a policy, the Facility Association exists so that every Ontario driver can get the auto insurance the law requires. You apply through a licensed broker or agent. It is usually more expensive, but it keeps you legal while your record improves, and you can move back to the regular market later.
Never drive without insurance
Driving without insurance in Ontario carries fines starting at $5,000 for a first offence, and you can lose your licence again. Make sure your policy is active before you drive, especially right after your licence is reinstated.
Fight the charge first if you can
The cheapest DUI insurance is no DUI conviction at all. A charge is not a conviction. An experienced impaired driving lawyer may be able to get the charge withdrawn, reduced or beaten, which can save you years of high premiums. Find an Ontario impaired driving lawyer, and read our guide to insurance after a licence suspension in Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI in Ontario?
It depends on your insurer and record, but an impaired driving conviction usually puts you in the high-risk category. Industry sources report premiums can double or more, and some drivers pay several times what they paid before.
How long does a DUI affect my insurance in Ontario?
A conviction stays on your Ontario driving record for three years, and a licence suspension shows for six. Many insurers look back further, so higher premiums often last three to six years, and sometimes longer.
Can I still get car insurance with a DUI in Ontario?
Yes. Many standard insurers will decline you, but brokers that work with high-risk insurers can usually find coverage. If no private insurer will offer a policy, the Facility Association makes sure Ontario drivers can still get the coverage the law requires.
Do I have to tell my insurer about my impaired driving conviction?
Yes. Hiding a conviction is misrepresentation. Your insurer can cancel the policy or refuse to pay a claim, and a cancellation makes your next policy even harder to get.
What is the cheapest way to get insured after a DUI?
Compare quotes through a broker who works with several high-risk insurers, keep your record clean, and ask about higher deductibles and dropping coverage you do not need on an older car. Rates usually improve each year you stay claim-free and ticket-free.
Sources: Ontario Ministry of Transportation driver record rules; BrokerLink, Duliban and ThinkInsure websites; Rates.ca and MoneySense guides on impaired driving and insurance (checked November 2026). This is general information, not legal or insurance advice.
