Yes, to the best of our knowledge you can obtain motorcycle insurance with only a M1 licence. Under Ontario law, all motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and limited-speed motorcycles used on public roads in Ontario must be insured. Also, off-road motorcycles used anywhere but on the owner's own private property must be insured.
Ontario has a no-fault insurance system in which the compensation after a motorcycle accident, unless it is very severe, is paid to you by your own insurance company. We have read in an article in the Toronto Star on March 21, 2008 by Allan Johnson what the average insurance expense for a 17-year-old male, with an M1 licence could pay around $1,500 a year for insurance on a 50 cc Vespa scooter to a regular insurer; the Facility Association rate could be as low as $800. The same rider insuring a Honda CBR125R would be paying around $2,500.
Insurance companies need to know what type of licence you have in order to calculate your insurance premium. M1 is the first licence level. As you know the M1 is a highly restrictive licence for those who have passed the written riders test. This licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days and a minimum of 60 days.
Insurers such as our affiliate Kanetix note under their motorcycle insurance section that they will need to know how long you have held your M1 class licence in order to calculate your insurance premiums. You can get a Canadian insurance quote for motorcycle insurance here.
Remember as an M1 licensed rider you are required to meet the following conditions:
- you must maintain a blood alcohol level of zero;
- you must ride only during daylight hours (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset);
- you must not ride on highways with speed limits of more than 80 km/h except highways 11, 17, 61, 69, 71, 101, 102, 144, 655;
- you cannot carry passengers
For more information on Motorcycle or Auto insurance for Ontario, Canadian contact the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the government body charged with regulating the insurance industry.
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