Ontario law requires that all motorists have automobile insurance. The mandatory automobile insurance coverages in Ontario are: $200,000 of third party liability, statutory accident benefits, uninsured automobile and direct compensation-property damage.

Fines for vehicle owners, lessees and drivers who do not carry valid automobile insurance can range from $5,000 to $50,000. If you are found driving without valid automobile insurance, you can have your driver's licence suspended and your vehicle impounded.

If you are convicted of driving without valid automobile insurance, your insurance company may consider you a "high-risk" driver and charge you higher premiums or refuse to sell you insurance altogether.

Driving without insurance (contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act) is considered a major conviction. Surcharges should apply to your insurance for three years. Insurance companies have access to your driving record for the past three years (and the past six years for claims).

Ontario insurance companies assess your insurance rates depending on what they perceive as their risk of having you as a policyholder. From the information we cited above, which we found from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, it would appear that 3 years that the driving without insurance conviction should no longer affect your husband's rates.

So you may want to speak with your insurance agent to find out why your policy rates continue to be high. You might find that it is time to shop around for auto insurance. You can start here by obtaining a Canadian car insurance quote.