Health News For South West
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Ministry of Finance
Drivers with Winter Tires Eligible for Insurance Discount
Ontario Promoting Safe Driving and Helping Drivers Save on Auto Insurance
Ontario is moving forward with its plan to help lower auto insurance rates by requiring all insurance companies in the province to provide a discount for drivers who buy and install winter tires, starting January 1, 2016.
Today, Minister of Finance Charles Sousa was at Canadian Tire where he participated in a demonstration showcasing the benefits of using winter tires to enhance safety in winter driving conditions.
Winter tires enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions by improving traction, braking and handling in frost, snow, slush and under cold and icy conditions. When buying winter tires, Ontario is also reminding drivers to:
- Look for tires marked with a logo of a peaked mountain with a snowflake
- Install winter tires in sets of four
- Do not mix tires with different tread patterns or size
- Change tires that are worn close to the tread-wear indicators
- Check the tires' air pressure at least once a month
Over the last two years, the government has introduced a number of important and necessary reforms to Ontario's auto insurance system to reduce costs and lower the premiums of Ontario's more than 9.5 million drivers. In order to continue achieving rate reductions, the government outlined a series of further initiatives in the 2015 Budget, including bringing costs more in line with other provinces and providing Ontario consumers with more choice in purchasing auto insurance to suit their needs.
Protecting auto insurance consumers and ensuring affordable premiums is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Winter tires that are in good condition can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent.
- Ontario’s accident benefits coverage is the most generous among provinces with private marketplace systems.
- Drivers with winter tires need to first contact their insurance company to determine the amount of the discount they offer and the documentation they require to verify use of winter tires.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Our government is committed to reducing insurance costs and lowering premiums after recently introducing important and necessary reforms to the auto insurance system. Auto insurance is dependent on individual drivers’ behaviour, and this winter season, drivers across Ontario will be able to save more on their auto insurance by installing winter tires. Consumers are also encouraged, as with any insurance product, to shop around for the best possible rate and package that meet their needs."
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance
"The Ontario Safety League congratulates the Minister of Finance on his support for road safety by encouraging the use of winter tires. The insurance industry incentives and the discounts to use them should be taken up by all drivers in the Province. Broad multi-sector public education from car dealers, tire dealers and safety partners this year will increase voluntary use by drivers across the Province. The science and now the Province are in sync. 'Four winter tires for winter driving' now is a motto endorsed by the Province. Safety initiatives like this save lives."
— Brian Patterson, Ontario Safety League
"Canadian Tire is proud to help drivers prepare themselves and their vehicles for winter roads. With over 93 years of experience in Canadian winters, we understand the unique challenges that drivers face. We recommend that as soon as the temperature drops to a consistent seven degrees Celsius, using winter-rated tires becomes one of the best safety precautions a driver can take."
— Tony Laguardia,Vice President, Automotive, Canadian Tire
Media Contacts:
Kelsey Ingram
Minister’s Office
416-326-1409
kelsey.ingram@ontario.ca
Scott Blodgett
Ministry of Finance
416-325-0324
scott.blodgett@ontario.ca
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