Discount auto insurance for vehicles with snow tires installed

Ontario is moving forward with its plan to help lower auto insurance rates by requiring all insurance companies in the province to offer a discount for drivers who buy and install winter tires, starting January 1, 2016.

Today, Minister of Finance Charles Sousa was at Canadian Tire where he participated in a demonstration showcasing the benefits of using winter tires to enhance safety in winter driving conditions.

Winter tires enhance safety and cut the likelihood of collisions by improving traction, braking and handling in frost, snow, slush and under cold and icy conditions. When buying winter tires, Ontario is also reminding drivers to:

• Look for tires marked with a logo of a peaked mountain with a snowflake
• Install winter tires in sets of four
• Do not mix tires with different tread patterns or size
• Change tires that are worn close to the tread-wear indicators
• Check the tires’ air pressure at least once a month

“The Ontario Safety League congratulates the Minister of Finance on his support for road safety by encouraging the use of winter tires. The insurance industry incentives and the discounts to use them should be taken up by all drivers in the Province. ‘Four winter tires for winter driving’ now is a motto endorsed by the Province. Safety initiatives like this save lives”, said Brian Patterson, Ontario Safety League.

Winter tires that are in good condition can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent. Drivers with winter tires need to first contact their insurance company to determine the amount of the discount they offer and the documentation they need to verify use of winter tires.