Driving during the winter is no simple task, especially if you live in a part of Ontario that receives more than its fair share of snow. Aside from the standard safety precautions (watching for pedestrians, following the speed limit, etc.), drivers need to watch out for slush, black ice and several other seasonal risks.2

Thankfully, the coming of the winter season doesn’t mean that you have to store your vehicle and start the countdown to spring. Instead, you can simply install a set of winter tires. If this is your first time driving in a Canadian winter, you may not be aware of the various benefits and discounts that come with installing winter tires in Ontario.

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of making the swap and the Ontario winter tire insurance discount dates that you should mark on your calendar.

What are the differences between regular tires and winter tires?

First things first — we need to address the differences between winter tires and traditional tires.

Regular tires are a solid choice for driving throughout most of the year; however, they begin to decline in quality during the late autumn and winter. This is due to the fact that regular tires become less grippy in cold conditions.

In contrast, winter tires become grippier in cold temperatures, allowing you to stay in control of your vehicle. Furthermore, winter tires feature a specialized tread pattern and sharp teeth that puncture through snow and ice, which gives you even more control when you’re behind the wheel.

How can you identify a winter tire?

Identifying a winter tire is relatively easy, as long as you know what to look for.

If your tire features a small mountain or snowflake icon on the sidewall, then it’s a valid winter tire. Tires that don’t feature either or both of these icons are not ideal for winter use.

Winter tire insurance discount Ontario — what is it and how much do policyholders save?

Now that we’ve had the first course, it’s time to move on to the entree: what is the Ontario winter tire discount?

As mentioned earlier, drivers can take advantage of special insurance discounts if they install winter tires in Ontario. The amount that you save depends on a handful of factors but is primarily influenced by your car insurance provider.

Generally, insurance providers offer a 2% to 5% discount to drivers that use winter tires during the set timeframe.

So, how much will you save on car insurance if you install winter tires in Ontario? Let’s find out:

The typical price of car insurance in Ontario is approximately $1,600, and the average cost of winter tires ranges from $120 to $200. If we pull out our calculators, we find that 5% of $1,600 is $80.

Using this data, we can determine that the average driver will save money after two to four years of using their winter tires. However, if you pay more than the average amount for car insurance, then you may be able to recoup your investment even sooner. Contact your car insurance provider or a Surex insurance advisor to learn what Ontario winter tires insurance deals and discounts you may be eligible for.

Do all car insurance providers in Ontario offer a winter tire discount?

Yes, all car insurance providers in Ontario offer a winter tire discount. The Ministry of Finance and the provincial government created this requirement in 2016.

The requirement improves road safety and helps Ontarians save on car insurance during the winter months.

When do winter tires need to be on in Ontario for insurance discounts to be valid?

The time frame of the winter tire discount varies from province to province. In Ontario, most insurance providers require drivers to use winter tires from November 1st to April 1st.

Drivers should note that some car insurance providers in Ontario have a winter tire start date of November 15th. You can reach out to your car insurance provider to confirm their start date for the winter tire discount.

How to get a winter tire car insurance discount in Ontario

Getting the winter tire car insurance discount is extremely easy. Drivers simply need to prove to their car insurance provider that they are using valid winter tires.

Most car insurance companies ask drivers to provide a photo of the installed winter tires (with the mountain or snowflake icon visible).

Additionally, your insurance carrier will most likely ask you to provide proof of purchase and installation (a receipt or invoice will usually suffice).

When and why should you swap out your old winter tires?

Like their all-season counterparts, winter tires need to be swapped out after a few years.

Over time, winter tires can get worn out, making them less effective on slick surfaces and in cold conditions. Because of this, they become more of a risk than a safety precaution.

Not only are old winter tires unsafe, but your car insurance provider will likely not offer any discounts if your winter tires are too old or worn out.

You should install a new set of winter tires every four to six years as a rule of thumb. Doing this will ensure that they are in good condition and can help you save money on insurance simultaneously!

Do you want to take advantage of more car insurance deals and discounts?

Installing winter tires isn’t the only way to save money on car insurance in Ontario. If you’re tired of paying too much for car insurance, you should reach out to a Surex insurance provider.

At Surex, our main goal is to help you stay safe and save money on insurance. Our experienced advisors can walk you through the policy-buying process with step-by-step advice and guidance.

Once you’re familiar with the various options, we can provide you with upwards of ten personalized (and affordable) car insurance quotes in ten minutes or less. We can help you save a significant amount on car insurance in the same amount of time it takes to buy a coffee.

So, what are you waiting for? Call or click to learn how we can help you save up to 25% on car insurance today!