Auto Insurance Claim Denied?

Common reasons for auto coverage denials include:

• Missed or late premium payments

• Alleged misrepresentation or missing information on the application

• Policy exclusions the insurer says apply

• Claims filed outside the required timeline

• Disputes over how the accident happened or the extent of the damage

• Driving by an excluded or unlisted driver

• Material change in risk the insurer claims wasn’t reported

Misrepresentation means giving incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information on your insurance application. This can include:

• Omitting or hiding important facts, such as prior accidents or driving convictions

• Understating annual mileage or not disclosing commercial or rideshare use

• Failing to list all household drivers who regularly use the vehicle

Even accidental omissions can be treated as “material,” which gives insurers grounds to deny coverage — but these decisions can often be challenged.

In most cases, yes — but the timing depends on your policy.

Most Ontario auto policies require you to notify your insurer if you are charged with or convicted of a DUI. The exact duty to report comes from the wording in your specific policy.

• If the DUI involved a collision (especially if you were at fault):
  You generally must report it to your insurer immediately.

• If there was no accident:
  Some policies require disclosure as soon as you’re charged, while others require it only upon conviction.

Failing to notify your insurer when required can be treated as a breach of your policy, which may lead to voided coverage and denied claims, even retroactively.

Yes. Under Ontario law, insurance companies are allowed to deny claims if the insured driver is convicted of an impaired driving offence. This includes charges related to refusing a breathalyzer or other forms of impaired operation.

If your accident was caused while you were impaired, don’t expect your insurer to cover damage to your own vehicle. In fact, they may also refuse to cover liability or third-party damage—leaving you personally responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs.

DUI Conviction = High-Risk Driver Status

A DUI conviction will almost certainly result in your insurer classifying you as a "high-risk driver." This can lead to one or more of the following:

• Cancellation of your current insurance policy

• Refusal to renew your policy at the end of its term

• Sharp increases in your auto insurance premiums

Insurance companies are allowed to make these decisions because a DUI represents a “material change” to your risk profile. In simple terms: you’re now seen as a bigger liability.

Can You Still Get Auto Insurance?

Yes—but it won’t be cheap.

Ontario requires all drivers to have basic auto insurance coverage. Even high-risk drivers must be insured, though it often comes at a steep price.

• Some insurers specialize in high-risk policies and offer limited coverage with premiums ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 annually.

• If you’re unable to secure a policy through a traditional provider, you may be insured through Ontario’s Facility Association, a last-resort insurance pool.

The financial burden of a DUI doesn't go away quickly. While a first offence may be cleared from your driving record after three years, insurance companies can continue treating you as high-risk for up to six years.

Yes. Even if another driver caused the crash, your impairment can still be grounds for your own insurer to deny coverage for your vehicle or injuries. The other driver's insurer may still be liable for your losses—but expect a battle.

If you’ve received a denial—or want to prevent one—speak to a lawyer today to understand your options and protect your rights.

Yes. Many auto insurance policies require a police report for certain claims—especially where there's injury, a hit-and-run, or suspected fraud. Failing to report in time could result in a coverage denial.

If you’ve received a denial—or want to prevent one—speak to a lawyer today to understand your options and protect your rights.

A material change in risk is any change that increases the insurer’s risk—such as:

• Modifying your vehicle

• Moving to a high-theft area

• Letting an unlisted driver use your vehicle regularly If you don’t inform your insurer, they can deny future claims or cancel your policy.

If you’ve received a denial or want to prevent one, speak to a lawyer today to understand your options and protect your rights.

Yes. Most policies have strict reporting timelines. Failing to notify your insurer “promptly” (usually within 7–30 days) could lead to denial, especially if the delay caused prejudice to the insurer.

If you’ve received a denial—or want to prevent one—speak to a lawyer today to understand your options and protect your rights.

You have several options:

• Request a written explanation and review your policy

• Use the company’s internal dispute resolution process

• File a complaint with the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO)

• Consult a lawyer for legal review or to pursue a claim in court

Fraud is serious—if you’re wrongly accused, you should immediately seek legal advice. A fraud flag on your insurance record can make it extremely difficult to get coverage in the future, and may even lead to criminal investigation.

Fraud is serious. If you’re wrongly accused, you should immediately seek legal advice. A fraud flag on your insurance record can make it extremely difficult to get coverage in the future, and may even lead to criminal investigation.

Yes. Insurers share claim and policy history through centralized databases (like AutoPlus in Ontario). A denial—especially for fraud or misrepresentation—can lead to:

• Higher premiums

• Refusals from mainstream insurers

• Being forced into the high-risk market

If you’ve received a denial—or want to prevent one—speak to a lawyer today to understand your options and protect your rights.