Everything you need to know about winter tire discounts

If you are an Ontario resident like me, you’re ready with your parka, shovel and hot chocolate long before the calendar declares, “officially winter.” By early November, most of the province is already bracing for grey skies and icy sidewalks. There’s no hiding from black ice, sudden whiteouts, and slick highways, making even short drives feel risky.  

The good news for Ontario drivers is that installing winter tires does more than improve grip and braking in these conditions – it can also unlock a dedicated winter tire discount on your auto insurance. 

As per the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s (TRAC) Winter Tire Report 2024, 74% Ontario residents use winter tires for safety in extreme winter conditions, but only 20% do it to secure auto insurance discounts.  

What counts as a real winter tire?

Winter tires provide superior traction, braking and cornering in cold-weather road conditions. A true winter tire features the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, also known as the Alpine symbol, on its sidewall, which means it meets industry snow performance requirements. Dedicated winter tires are designed with a softer rubber compound and specific treads to deliver better grip on icy road surfaces at -30°C. All-season tires are intended for use in warmer conditions and best for use at minimum 4°C temperatures. 

Kathy Dang, Licensed Insurance Advisor at Surex, says, “I find it is common for clients to confuse the eligibility of the winter tire discount when they have purchased all season tires due to the name of the type of tire.” 

An all-season tire may sound like it is suitable for all weather conditions; however, these tires do not have the 3PMSF symbol and do not meet the requirements to be considered a winter tire. Provinces and insurers look for this symbol as eligibility for a winter tire auto discount. 

Some all-weather tires carry the 3PMSF symbol and meet the minimum snow traction performance requirements. However, these tires may or may not qualify for an insurance discount. “Only full winter tires qualify for the insurance discount. All-weather tires, even those marked with the mountain snowflake symbol, do not qualify. [Insurance companies] require four winter tires to be installed on the vehicle. Some carriers only honour the discount for up to five years from the date the tires were purchased,” Dang adds. 

TRAC insists all-season tires are a compromise when it comes to traction and stopping power during the winter driving season. 

Is it mandatory to get winter tires installed in Ontario?

While it is not mandatory by law to install winter tires in Ontario, the province requires all insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers who buy and install winter tires. In Ontario, there’re no fixed dates set by law to install winter tires. The requirements are set by the insurance company, so drivers must confirm the eligibility criteria to benefit from this discount.  

“It is recommended to install winter tires between October and April. The exact date range is carrier-specific and will be confirmed once the policy carrier is selected,” Dang says. 

Drivers in Quebec are bound by law to get winter tires installed for driving on roads between December 1 and March 15, and on designated highways on British Columbia from October 1 to April 30.   

How much is a winter tire discount and do you need to show proof of installation?

Ontario insurers, influenced by guidelines from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), offer winter tire discounts typically ranging from 3% to 5% on premiums for eligible drivers. This incentive is mandatory for all Ontario insurers since January 1, 2016, and aims to promote safer winter driving.  

“The discount typically ranges from 3% to 5%, depending on the specific insurance carrier,” Dang affirms. 

For instance, if an Ontario driver pays $1,600 annually for auto insurance and installs winter tires, they could receive an $80 annual discount (5%) in the first year, which means they’d pay $1,520 instead. 

Some insurers may request proof like tire purchase receipts, photos, or installer certification during claims or renewals. In some cases, a declaration to your insurer may be enough, however, drivers should keep documentation in case of audits or claims. 

What if you crash without winter tires?

If a driver never claims to have winter tires installed, they will get no discounts from the insurance company at the time of claim. On the other hand, if a driver who accepted a winter tire discount but did not have qualifying tires installed during the insurer’s date, or at the time of claim, will not receive the discount. Dang confirms, “If a policyholder is involved in an accident during the mandated winter tire timeframe without winter tires installed, their claim may be denied.”  

Keep documentation handy, as insurers verify compliance post-claim. Failure to prove winter tires were on during the discount period may nullify the reduction. Consequently, if the insurer finds out a driver made false claims of installing winter tires, the insurer could remove the discount and charge back the difference.

How to make sure you are covered and saving?

The best way to stay protected, safe and get your winter tire discount is: 

1. Choose the right winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol and install a full set of four tires before your insurer’s date window.
2. Keep proof of installation like photos or receipts and confirm your discount with your broker or insurer.
3. Review your auto insurance policy and winter tire dates at each renewal and compare quotes to ensure you are still getting competitive pricing.  

Talk to a Surex advisor to check your eligibility, confirm your installation dates, and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies if you always drive on winter tires when the season commences.