It's the law - what you need to know | Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario

In Ontario, all motorists are legally required to have auto insurance.

Fines for vehicle owners, lessees and drivers who do not carry valid auto insurance can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Your driver’s licence can be suspended and your vehicle impounded if you drive without valid auto insurance.

Suppose you are convicted of driving without valid auto insurance. In that case, your insurance company may consider you a "high-risk" driver and charge you higher premiums or refuse to insure you. If you are injured in an accident while driving or occupying an uninsured vehicle, you may not be:

Entitled to receive non-earner benefits

Entitled to receive income replacement

Allowed to sue the at-fault driver for compensation as a result of injuries received in the accident

If you are at fault for an accident, causing injury or death, you may be held personally responsible for medical costs and other losses.

Your auto insurance policy

Your certificate of automobile insurance:

Lists the vehicles that are insured

Lists the drivers

Lists the coverages purchased, including any optional coverages you have selected

Describes your rating for the premiums charged

Indicates your insurance coverage period

It is important to you read this certificate. You only have insurance coverage for a vehicle if your Certificate of Automobile Insurance shows a premium for that vehicle or shows that your coverage is free.

Your proof of auto insurance

You are responsible for ensuring you have proof of auto insurance (sometimes called a “pink card” or “pink slip”) while driving in Ontario. Insurance companies are responsible for providing you with proof of auto insurance.

Some insurance companies may provide an option to receive your proof of auto insurance electronically.

If you choose to receive your proof of auto insurance electronically, then you can display it on a mobile device in Ontario.

Here are six things you should know when considering whether to opt to receive electronic proof of auto insurance:

You must provide consent to your insurance provider to use an electronic insurance card.

Your mobile device is your responsibility. You are responsible for any risks that may arise, such as damage to your mobile device, including during inspections of the electronic insurance card.

Insurance providers offering electronic insurance cards must include lock screen capability by design or by consumer activation. This may reduce the risk of other people viewing the electronic insurance card from gaining access to other information on the electronic mobile device. It is your responsibility to activate privacy settings, such as lock screen functionality.

It is your responsibility to show proof of auto insurance regardless of potential issues with your mobile device, such as diminished cellular service, drained batteries or damaged screens. Consider receiving a paper version as a backup.

5. Be aware that when driving outside of Ontario, the requirements for showing proof of auto insurance could be different than when in Ontario. This could mean that you may need a paper version of your proof of insurance outside of Ontario. Contact your insurance provider with any questions about using your proof of auto insurance when thinking about driving outside of Ontario.

If someone is using your vehicle with your consent, the law requires that you still have proof of auto insurance in the vehicle at all times. If someone borrows your vehicle, that person must have an emailed or transferred version of the electronic insurance card or a paper version of the card in the vehicle.