Update on Winter Tire Discount: Ontario Insurers Disappoint
It’s mid-January and disgruntled Ontario drivers are discovering the truth behind the winter tire discount. The provincial government mandated all Ontario insurance providers to offer a winter tire discount in 2016, but insurers get to decide when the discount becomes available to their consumers.
Needless to say, many expectant drivers were disappointed when they called their providers in January. Although there’s been a lot of talk about the winter tire discount, consumers still don’t have all the facts.
Fact one is that insurance companies have the power to decide when their policyholders can get the winter tire discount. According to the Toronto Star, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario just has to make sure the discount is offered this year.
Some Ontario insurers only offer the discount when you renew your policy. Others make it available mid-policy. Then there’s the few that won’t mention the discount until you ask for it. Frustrated consumers are learning that their provider won’t give them the discount yet.
Given that each insurer gets to set the discount amount (it typically goes up to 5%) and decide when the discount will be available, it’s a good idea to shop around for car insurance. TD Insurance Meloche Monnex and RBC Insurance only offer the discount upon policy renewal; Desjardins Insurance, Aviva Canada, and other Aviva affiliates offer it mid-policy.
So don’t be turned off by the winter tire discount yet, Ontario drivers. You can find an insurer that will get you the discount you need, when you need it. And don’t lose sight of the value of the winter tires themselves either. The more prepared you are for winter driving, the better.
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock