If you are wondering how much a stunt driving conviction will increase your insurance in Ontario, the short answer is devastating. We are not talking about a modest rate bump — we are talking about premiums that jump from roughly $1,824 per year to $9,500 or more per year, often pushing drivers out of the standard insurance market entirely. The stunt driving insurance increase is the single largest financial consequence of a conviction, and it lasts far longer than most people expect.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, Ontario courts received 11,284 stunt driving charges under section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act. Every one of those drivers faces a potential insurance impact that stretches years into the future – not just fines and suspensions, but tens of thousands of dollars in excess premiums. At NextLaw, we handle stunt driving cases across Ontario every day, and the insurance consequences are consistently the biggest concern our clients bring to us.
This article breaks down exactly what happens to your insurance after a stunt driving charge, how much it actually costs over time, and what you can do right now to protect your rates.
How Much Does Insurance Increase After a Stunt Driving Conviction?
A stunt driving conviction typically causes insurance premiums to increase by 300% to 500%, with some Ontario drivers seeing increases of 700% or more. The average Ontario driver pays roughly $1,824 per year for auto insurance. After a stunt driving conviction, that number jumps to $8,000 to $15,000 or more per year.
The reason the increase is so severe is that stunt driving is classified as a major conviction on your driving record. Unlike a minor speeding ticket that might add a few percentage points to your premium, a stunt driving conviction signals to insurers that you are a high-risk driver – and they price accordingly.
Here is what the numbers look like over time:
| Category | Clean Record | After Stunt Driving Conviction |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Premium | ~$1,824 | $9,500+ |
| 3-Year Insurance Cost | ~$5,472 | $28,500+ |
| 6-Year Insurance Cost | ~$10,944 | $57,000+ |
| Excess Premium Over 6 Years | — | $46,056+ |
That excess of $46,056 over six years is on top of everything else — the fines, the impound fees, the licence reinstatement costs. For many Ontario drivers, the insurance increase alone costs more than all other stunt driving penalties combined.
Why Standard Insurers Drop You After Stunt Driving
Most standard market insurers in Ontario — companies like Intact, Aviva, and TD — will decline to renew your policy after a stunt driving conviction appears on your driving record. This is not a decision they make on a case-by-case basis. It is a blanket underwriting rule for most major carriers.
When your standard insurer drops you, you have two options: find a high-risk specialty insurer, or end up with the Facility Association. The Facility Association is Ontario’s insurer of last resort — a pool that exists specifically for drivers who cannot find coverage anywhere else. Their rates are typically 2 to 3 times what even high-risk specialty companies charge, with basic coverage and high deductibles.
Insurance companies can also cancel or non-renew your policy mid-term with proper notice after a conviction. This means you could face a coverage gap at the worst possible time.
Jon at NextLaw was super helpful with our case. He was able to negotiate our Son’s stunt driving case down to a speeding ticket, sparing him from a 1 year suspension and a lifetime of high insurance rates. He kept us fully in the loop during the court proceedings. Thanks Jon.
Tim Lamarche
Tim’s son avoided the stunt driving conviction entirely — which means no major conviction on the driving record, no Facility Association placement, and no six-figure insurance penalty over time. The difference between a stunt driving conviction and a speeding ticket on your insurance is enormous.
How Long Does Stunt Driving Affect Your Insurance in Ontario?
A stunt driving conviction stays on your Ontario driving abstract for 3 years from the date of conviction. However, the insurance impact lasts much longer than that.
Most insurance companies look back 6 years for major convictions when setting premiums. Some insurers look back 10 years for stunt driving specifically. Even after the conviction drops off your Ministry of Transportation record, insurers may require 3 or more additional years of clean driving history before offering you standard market rates again.
Here is a realistic timeline of what the insurance journey looks like after a stunt driving conviction:
| Time After Conviction | What Happens to Your Insurance |
|---|---|
| Year 0-1 | Standard insurer declines renewal. Placed with Facility Association or high-risk insurer at $9,500+/year. |
| Year 1-3 | Conviction on driving abstract. High-risk premiums continue. Limited options. |
| Year 3-6 | Conviction drops off abstract, but insurers still see it in their lookback period. Rates may decrease slightly but remain elevated. |
| Year 6-10 | Some insurers stop factoring the conviction. Rates gradually return toward normal. Some insurers still penalize for stunt driving specifically. |
The practical reality is that a single stunt driving conviction can affect your insurance costs for a decade. That is why fighting the charge before conviction is so critical — preventing the conviction from appearing on your record in the first place eliminates the entire insurance cascade.
The Total Financial Impact of a Stunt Driving Conviction
Insurance is the biggest financial consequence, but it is not the only one. When you add up every cost associated with a stunt driving conviction in Ontario, the total is staggering.
| Cost Category | Range |
|---|---|
| Court Fine | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Vehicle Impound (14-day) | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Insurance Excess Over 6 Years | $46,056+ |
| Lost Income During Suspension | $2,000 – $8,000/month |
| Alternative Transportation | $400 – $800/month |
| Total All-In Impact | $25,000 – $75,000+ |
For commercial drivers, delivery drivers, and anyone whose career depends on driving, the total can exceed $100,000 when factoring in lost career earnings. Ride-share platforms like Uber and Lyft pull driver access immediately upon learning of stunt driving charges, and many trucking companies have zero-tolerance policies that result in immediate termination.
Thanks to Jon and team for exceptional service, although it is an overwhelming period of time facing a stunt driving charge I highly recommend NextLaw for thorough communication, follow ups and more importantly attaining a result far beyond expectation. You will save thousands on potential fines, insurance hikes and have a peace of mind your case is in fully capable hands, thanks again
Trevor Manbahall
Trevor’s point about saving thousands on insurance hikes is exactly right. When a stunt driving charge is resolved favourably — reduced or withdrawn — the insurance savings alone typically far exceed the cost of legal representation.
What Happens to Your Insurance If the Charge Is Reduced or Withdrawn?
This is where the financial math becomes very clear. If your stunt driving charge is withdrawn, no conviction appears on your driving record. Your insurance rates are unaffected. If it is reduced to a minor speeding ticket, the insurance impact drops from catastrophic to manageable — a minor conviction might add 10-25% to your premium instead of 300-500%.
Provincial data from Ontario courts shows that between October 2024 and September 2025, 39.2% of stunt driving charges were withdrawn before trial. An additional 9.1% were withdrawn at trial. The total disposal rate shows that the majority of stunt driving charges do not result in a stunt driving conviction.
Here is what the insurance difference looks like:
- Stunt driving conviction: $46,056+ in excess premiums over six years, potential Facility Association placement, possible policy cancellation
- Reduced to speeding ticket: Modest premium increase of roughly $200-$500 per year for 3 years, standard insurer keeps your policy
- Charge withdrawn: Zero insurance impact. Your record stays clean.
The gap between the worst outcome and a favourable resolution is $40,000 or more in insurance costs alone. This is why investing in experienced legal representation for a stunt driving charge is not just smart — it is one of the best financial decisions you can make.
Litterally saved my driving record from an overzelous prosecutor. Could’ve seen jail time and massive fines but they got it reduced to a ticket that wouldnt even effect my insurance. They do gods work
Bryson Daye
Bryson’s result – a reduction to a ticket that would not affect his insurance – is the exact outcome that saves tens of thousands of dollars over the following years. That is what fighting the charge makes possible.
Real Results: How NextLaw Clients Protect Their Insurance Rates
These reviews are from Ontario drivers who faced stunt driving charges and worked with NextLaw to protect their records and their insurance. Every quote is taken directly from our Google reviews.
Called John at the midst of a crisis and from the very first moment we spoke he outlined the steps that we are going to take and what the process is going to look like. I immediately felt better after speaking with John. He knows his stuff and most importantly he saved my career and my insurance. Thank you John 10/10
D
For D, the stakes went beyond insurance — a conviction would have affected both career and coverage. Getting the charge resolved favourably protected both.
I cannot thank John enough for his help with my stunt driving charge.
I was facing a minimum one-year license suspension, a $2,000 fine, and the long-term impact of a stunt driving conviction. I live about 40 km from my college and there is no public transportation where we live, so losing my license would have meant I couldn’t get to school or my part-time job.
Thanks to John’s expertise, he was able to have the charge reduced to a speeding ticket with an $800 fine. This outcome allowed me to keep my license, continue my education, and keep working.
John was professional, knowledgeable, and truly worked hard to get the best possible outcome for me. I’m incredibly grateful and would highly recommend him to anyone needing legal representation.
Avery Manwaring
Avery’s situation shows the real-world cascade: a stunt driving conviction would have meant losing the licence, losing access to college and work, and then facing years of elevated insurance on top of everything else. The reduction to a speeding ticket with an $800 fine eliminated the entire chain of consequences.
I had a stunt driving charge and Jon and Dan got it completely dropped! They dealt with everything for me with zero headaches for me at all. Their retainer rate was beyond fair, and they even have a payment plan if needed. I could not have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Jon and Dan. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who is considering hiring them. They are extremely professional and extremely competent. Thank you so much Jon and Dan!!
Cole Starkman
Cole’s charge was completely dropped – which means zero insurance impact, zero demerit points, and zero conviction on the record. That is the best possible outcome and one that NextLaw achieves regularly for clients across Ontario.
Got both my stunt driving and suspended license charges reduced to only fee payment, avoiding license suspension and other harsh penalties. And all at a highly affordable competitive rate.
Jon was extremely informative and helpful. Thank you guys so much will reccomend anyone in similair situation to seek your assistance.
Mat
Mat avoided both the licence suspension and the stunt driving conviction — keeping the insurance impact to a minimum and preserving the driving record from the worst consequences.
Ontario Courts That Handle Stunt Driving Cases
Your stunt driving case will be heard at the Provincial Offences Court closest to where you were charged. NextLaw represents clients at courts across Ontario. Here are some of the busiest courts for stunt driving matters:
Greater Toronto Area
Brampton Provincial Offences Court
5 Ray Lawson Blvd, Brampton, L6Y 5L7
1,000 stunt driving charges received (Oct 2024 – Sep 2025)
Mississauga Provincial Offences Court
950 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga
778 charges received | 61.2% withdrawal rate
Toronto Provincial Offences Courts
Multiple locations across the city
718 charges received | Handles the highest trial volume in the province
Central Ontario
Barrie Provincial Offences Court
45 Cedar Pointe Drive, Barrie, L4N 5R7
660 charges received | 78.8% withdrawal rate
Durham Region (Whitby)
605 Rossland Road East, Lower Level, Whitby, L1N 0B3
400 charges received | 67.3% withdrawal rate
Southwestern Ontario
London Provincial Offences Court
670 charges received
Waterloo Region Provincial Offences Court
656 charges received | 87.3% withdrawal rate (highest in Ontario)
No matter which Ontario court your case is assigned to, NextLaw can represent you. We handle cases across the province and understand how each court operates.
Ontario Stunt Driving Statistics: What the Withdrawal Rates Mean for Your Insurance
The provincial data on stunt driving outcomes is directly relevant to the insurance question because every charge that is withdrawn or reduced is a driver whose insurance rates are protected. Here is what the numbers show across Ontario’s busiest courts:
| Court Location | Charges Received | Withdrawn Before Trial | Total Withdrawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Ontario | 11,284 | 4,422 (39.2%) | 5,451 (48.3%) |
| Brampton | 1,000 | 352 (35.2%) | — |
| Mississauga | 778 | — | 476 (61.2%) |
| Barrie | 660 | — | 520 (78.8%) |
| Waterloo | 656 | — | 573 (87.3%) |
Nearly half of all stunt driving charges in Ontario are withdrawn before they reach a conviction. Every one of those withdrawals represents a driver who avoided the full insurance impact — the $46,000+ in excess premiums, the Facility Association placement, the years of elevated rates. The data makes a clear case: fighting a stunt driving charge is not a gamble. It is the financially responsible decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stunt Driving and Insurance in Ontario
How much does insurance go up after a stunt driving conviction in Ontario?
A stunt driving conviction typically increases Ontario insurance premiums by 300% to 500%, with some drivers seeing increases of 700% or more. The average Ontario driver paying roughly $1,824 per year can expect premiums of $9,500 or more annually after a stunt driving conviction, often through the Facility Association at even higher rates. This creates a premium penalty of approximately $46,056 over six years compared to a clean record.
How long does a stunt driving conviction affect insurance rates in Ontario?
While a stunt driving conviction stays on your Ontario driving abstract for 3 years, most insurance companies look back 6 years for major convictions when setting premiums. Some insurers look back 10 years for stunt driving specifically. Even after your record clears, insurers may require 3 or more additional years of clean driving history before offering standard rates again.
What is the Facility Association and why does it matter for stunt driving?
The Facility Association is Ontario’s insurer of last resort. When standard insurance companies like Intact, Aviva, or TD decline to cover you after a stunt driving conviction, you are placed with the Facility Association. Their rates are typically 2 to 3 times what even high-risk specialty insurers charge, with basic coverage and high deductibles. Most drivers convicted of stunt driving end up here.
Can my insurance company cancel my policy after a stunt driving charge?
Yes. Ontario insurance companies can cancel or non-renew your policy mid-term with proper notice after a stunt driving conviction. Most standard market insurers will decline to renew policies for drivers with a stunt driving conviction. You will then need to find coverage through a high-risk insurer or the Facility Association at significantly elevated premiums.
Will fighting a stunt driving charge reduce my insurance impact?
Yes. If your stunt driving charge is withdrawn or reduced to a lesser offence like a minor speeding ticket, the insurance impact is dramatically lower. Provincial data shows 39.2% of stunt driving charges were withdrawn before trial between October 2024 and September 2025. A reduction from stunt driving to speeding can mean the difference between $46,000+ in excess premiums and a modest rate adjustment.
What is the total financial cost of a stunt driving conviction including insurance?
The total all-in financial impact of a stunt driving conviction typically ranges from $25,000 to $75,000 or more. This includes fines of $2,000-$10,000, vehicle impound fees of $500-$1,500, insurance excess premiums of $46,000+ over six years, lost income during licence suspension, and alternative transportation costs. For commercial or delivery drivers, the total can exceed $100,000 when factoring in lost career earnings.
Does a stunt driving charge affect insurance before conviction?
A stunt driving charge alone, before conviction, does not automatically appear on your driving abstract. However, the 30-day roadside licence suspension is recorded, and some insurance companies may ask about pending charges at renewal. The conviction itself triggers the full insurance impact when it appears on your driving record. This is why resolving the charge before conviction is so important for protecting your rates.
Talk to NextLaw About Protecting Your Insurance Rates
The numbers are clear: a stunt driving conviction costs Ontario drivers an average of $46,056 in excess insurance premiums over six years, on top of fines, impound fees, and lost income. That is money you do not have to spend – because provincial data shows that thousands of stunt driving charges are withdrawn or reduced every year, and the drivers whose charges are resolved favourably walk away with their insurance rates intact.
Jonathan Cohen and the team at NextLaw have represented Ontario drivers through every stage of this process – from the roadside charge to the final court resolution. We understand how to build a defence strategy that prioritizes your driving record and your insurance rates, and we handle the disclosure, the negotiation, and the court appearances so you can focus on everything else.
Book your free consultation with NextLaw today and let us review your stunt driving charge. There is no obligation, no pressure, and no cost for the initial call.
Phone: 1-833-639-8529
Online: https://stunt-call.nextlaw.ca
