Do Penalties for Distracted Driving Affect Your Car Insurance?
Staying connected seems more important than ever. When it comes to driving, this need for connection can lead to dangerous—and costly—consequences. Distracted driving, especially due to cellphone use, is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road.
Whether it’s sending a quick text, scrolling through social media, or making a phone call, these seemingly small distractions can have big repercussions, both for safety and for your car insurance premiums.
So, what happens when you’re caught using your cellphone or otherwise driving while distracted? Beyond fines and demerit points, do penalties for distracted driving affect your car insurance?
Let’s take a look at how these penalties impact your driving record, your wallet, and your car insurance rates.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving covers a broad spectrum of activities that take your attention away from driving. While cellphone use is the most well-known form of distraction, distracted driving also includes:
- Texting
- Using a GPS or in-car infotainment system
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Talking to passengers or dealing with children or pets in the car
- Personal grooming, such as applying makeup
Any of these behaviors can take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving, increasing the likelihood of an accident. In fact, studies show that distracted drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to those who are fully focused on driving.
Legal consequences of distracted driving
Many jurisdictions across Canada have implemented strict penalties for distracted driving, particularly for cellphone use. While the laws can vary depending on the province, distracted driving fines generally fall into two categories:
- Monetary fines: These can range from $300 to over $1,000 depending on where you live and whether it’s a first or subsequent offense.
- Demerit points: Most provinces will also assign demerit points to your driving record. For instance, in Ontario, drivers can receive 3 demerit points for distracted driving, while in British Columbia, it could be as many as 4 points.
If you accumulate too many demerit points, you could face further penalties such as license suspension or mandatory driver education programs.
Even more importantly, though, demerit points and fines from distracted driving violations can lead to significant increases in your car insurance premiums.
How Distracted Driving Affects Your Car Insurance
Car insurance companies assess your driving habits to determine your risk profile. If you’re considered a higher-risk driver—someone who’s more likely to be involved in an accident—your premiums will go up. A distracted driving charge sends a clear message to insurers that you’re engaging in risky behavior behind the wheel.
Here’s how a distracted driving ticket can affect your car insurance:
Increased premiums
For most insurance companies, a distracted driving ticket will be treated similarly to other major traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light. If you're caught using your cellphone while driving, your insurer will likely view you as a greater risk and adjust your premiums accordingly.
On average, car insurance premiums could increase by 15% to 30% following a distracted driving conviction. In some cases, the increase can be even higher, particularly if you have multiple offenses on your record. This increase can last for several years, typically 3 to 5 years, depending on the insurance provider and the severity of the violation.
Loss of discounts
Many drivers enjoy discounts on their car insurance for maintaining a clean driving record. If you’re caught distracted driving, you could lose eligibility for these discounts. For instance, some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who haven’t had any traffic violations for a set period (often 3 or more years). A single distracted driving ticket can cause you to lose this "good driver" discount, leading to higher premiums.
Risk of policy non-renewal
In extreme cases, particularly for repeat offenders, your insurance company may choose not to renew your car insurance policy when it comes up for renewal. This is especially true if distracted driving tickets are coupled with other driving violations. If your policy isn’t renewed, you’ll be left searching for a new insurer, and when you do, you’ll likely face significantly higher car insurance premiums.
Difficulty finding affordable insurance
Once you have a distracted driving ticket on your record, finding affordable car insurance can become more challenging. High-risk drivers often face limited options when it comes to choosing an insurance provider, and the options they do have tend to be more expensive.
Some drivers may even be required to seek out insurance from non-standard insurers who specialize in high-risk drivers, where premiums are much higher than standard market rates.
Preventing distracted driving
Given the severe consequences for both safety and your wallet, it’s clear that distracted driving is something to avoid. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Use hands-free devices: If you must make a call, use hands-free technology to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Put your phone away: Store your phone out of reach while driving so you won’t be tempted to check it.
- Pre-program your GPS: Enter your destination before starting your journey to avoid fiddling with your device while driving.
- Pull over if necessary: If you need to make a call, send a message, or adjust your GPS, pull over safely and stop your vehicle before doing so.
Many cars now come equipped with safety features that can help reduce distractions, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features, while not a substitute for paying attention, can add an extra layer of safety on the road.
Final thoughts
Distracted driving is more than just a momentary lapse in attention—it can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. The financial impact is also significant, especially when it comes to your car insurance premiums. A single distracted driving ticket can cause your premiums to skyrocket, and multiple offenses can make it difficult to find affordable coverage.
The best way to avoid these consequences is to drive responsibly. Keep your phone out of reach, focus on the road, and avoid distractions whenever possible. Not only will this help keep you and others safe, but it will also protect your driving record—and your insurance rates—from the negative effects of distracted driving penalties.
Remember, staying focused on the road isn’t just about avoiding tickets. It’s about being a responsible driver and protecting everyone’s safety.
