Increased number of Ottawa motorists allegedly operating vehicles without insurance coverage, according to OPP claims.
In the bustling city of Ottawa, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been actively enforcing traffic regulations, particularly focusing on drivers operating motor vehicles without insurance. Since the start of 2024, a staggering 697 drivers have been charged for this offence, as reported by OPP Const. Michael Fathi.
The rise in uninsured drivers on Ottawa's highways can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, the significant increase in auto insurance premiums in Ontario saw an 18.5% jump in 2025, making insurance unaffordable for some drivers. This cost hike, the highest among Canadian provinces, likely contributes to the decision of some drivers to drive without insurance.
Another factor is the rise in hit-and-run incidents, particularly in urban areas like Ottawa. These incidents may indicate that some drivers are uninsured or unwilling to maintain coverage.
Driving without insurance is not only illegal but also carries severe penalties. If caught, drivers may face fines, vehicle impoundment, and license suspensions. In the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, victims must call 911, document the scene, and report to their insurer to utilize their Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. In hit-and-run cases, drivers must file a police report within 24 hours and claim through their insurer’s UM coverage if the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.
The OPP's enforcement efforts are aided by automated license plate recognition (ALPR) system cameras installed in their cruisers. These cameras scan license plates to flag vehicles without insurance, suspended licenses, expired registrations, and stolen vehicles.
Fathi warns drivers who are considering driving without insurance, emphasising that if a person cannot afford insurance for their vehicle, they should not drive. He reported an increase in drivers driving without insurance in Ottawa, with the cost of living being a significant factor.
The consequences of driving without insurance can be financially crippling. A driver, stopped twice on Highway 417 for not having insurance on Tuesday, is now facing 10 charges and $10,000 in fines. During the August long weekend, 25 charges were issued to drivers without insurance on Ottawa highways. One OPP officer has laid 70 charges for driving without insurance since January 2024.
Every driver is advised to ensure their insurance is up to date to avoid being flagged by ALPR cameras or facing charges and fines. Driving without insurance is not a cost-saving measure, as the minimum fine for this offence in Ottawa is a hefty $5,000.
[1] Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada [2] Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation [3] Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada
- The rising cost of auto insurance premiums, which saw an 18.5% jump in 2025, may led some drivers in Ottawa to drive without insurance, as reported by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
- Despite the steep fines and penalties associated with driving without insurance, some drivers continue to make this decision, as evidenced by the increase in charges issued by OPP officers, including one officer who has laid 70 charges since January 2024, as reported by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
