If you’ve been in a collision, you may be wondering how long an accident stays on your insurance and how it could affect your premiums and driving record. The answer depends on whether the accident was considered at-fault vs not-at-fault, how your insurer rates claims, and your overall driving history.

How Insurers Rate Accidents

Insurance companies in Ontario don’t all use identical formulas, but most follow similar principles. When an accident is deemed at-fault, it typically remains on your insurance record for six years from the date of the incident. During that time, insurers may increase premiums or adjust your risk profile.

A not-at-fault accident, on the other hand, usually does not affect your premiums. Ontario operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means each driver deals with their own insurer regardless of who caused the crash. However, disputes over fault can complicate this process, and how an insurer classifies the accident is critical.

At-Fault vs Not-At-Fault

Determining fault is not always straightforward. Even in rear-end collisions or multi-vehicle crashes, insurers rely on Fault Determination Rules and investigation reports to assign responsibility. Being found even partially at fault can influence your driving record and lead to higher rates.

Not-at-fault accidents, claims for hit-and-run incidents, or situations involving uninsured drivers are generally treated differently. These claims may be recorded, but they should not trigger premium increases if fault is clearly established in your favour.

What Can Affect Your Premiums

Several factors can influence how much your insurance changes after an accident. Your prior driving history, number of previous claims, and whether you have accident forgiveness coverage all play a role. The severity of the collision and the total cost of repairs or benefits paid can also impact how insurers view your risk level.

Younger or newer drivers often see greater increases after an at-fault accident because insurers consider them higher risk. Conversely, long-time drivers with clean records may experience smaller adjustments or none at all if they carry forgiveness protection.

Steps to Reduce Risk After an Accident

Here are a few practical ways to protect yourself and limit the long-term impact on your insurance costs:

• Report the accident promptly and accurately, and keep copies of any police reports, photos, and witness details in case fault is disputed.
• Review your policy to confirm whether you have accident forgiveness or any endorsements that can help limit premium increases.
• Consider taking a defensive driving course, which may help with eligibility for certain discounts.
• Maintain a clean driving record moving forward to support better rates over time.
• Shop around at renewal to compare options and make sure you’re still getting a competitive premium.

When Legal Advice Helps

If fault is being unfairly assigned or your insurer is treating a not-at-fault claim as at-fault, legal advice can make a significant difference. Disputes over liability affect not only your insurance rates but also your right to pursue compensation if you were injured.

Understanding how long an accident stays on your insurance in Ontario is only part of the picture; ensuring it is classified correctly is just as important.

The way an accident is recorded can affect your insurance rates for years, and mistakes in fault determination happen more often than people realize. If you’re facing higher premiums, confusion about liability, or injuries from the crash, Hoffman Law can step in to review the evidence and advocate on your behalf.

Book a consultation to understand your rights and the next steps available to you.