You have a good driving record. You have a job. You have a family. You have responsibilities. Your life revolves around you driving, whether it be for any of the above factors. But you just got a No Insurance charge in Ontario, and you don’t know what to do now.
Everything I read about No Insurance penalties is freaking me out
The penalties and fines can be severe. Not just for your car or insurance, but for your civil liberties and bank account. You run the possibility of a minimum fine of $5,000 plus court costs of 25% – for a HUGE total of $6,250. You won’t even know which penalties the prosecutor will be asking for until you arrive in court on your appearance date. And even then, you haven’t even seen the Province’s evidence against you. It’s a lot to take in at once.
Relax. Focus on one thing at a time
The first thing you have to worry about is getting your insurance fixed. Call your insurance company or your broker and get your policy reinstated, because if you are caught again, the penalties will be a minimum of $10,000 plus court costs. Breathe and get yourself back on track. Otherwise, the costs will be high, and there is no recourse, even if you fight the charge later in the courts.
Get legal advice
It’s your first time getting this type of No Insurance charge. Speak to an expert. It’s worth the time. If you were buying a new TV, you would get help from experts, whether this is YouTube videos, or the salesperson at the BestBuy store. With a No Insurance charge, find a lawyer that specializes and has experience with these charges, and request a free consultation. This is a no-brainer, considering what is on the line for you.
Factor the costs
You are now facing more than $5,000 in fines. The cost of legal representation has a price tag as well. But don’t just weigh the cost against the possible $5,000+ fine for No Insurance. You have to weigh other factors such as:
- What will the yearly cost of my insurance increase be?
- Will paying for legal help save me more money on this fine than doing it myself?
- Do I understand the courts well enough to defend myself?
If any of the above points are worth something to you, it is recommended to seriously consider getting help. Your livelihood and bank account is at stake. For some, that’s worth everything.
