You're out riding on a sunny afternoon, taking full advantage of an open stretch of road. It’s the kind of ride that reminds you why you got a bike in the first place. Then you see flashing lights in your mirror. A police officer pulls you over—maybe for going a bit over the speed limit or not fully stopping at a sign. It's a minor ticket, nothing serious. You pay the fine and carry on.
But later, it hits you: Will this affect my insurance?
For motorcyclists, who already pay higher premiums due to the risks involved, even a small ticket can raise concerns. The good news? A single minor conviction doesn’t usually mean a huge jump in cost—but it can still have an impact, especially over time. Knowing how insurance companies treat these infractions can help you avoid surprises and keep your coverage affordable.
Insurance companies group traffic offences by severity. A minor conviction sits at the lowest level. These infractions still count, but they won’t lead to the harshest penalties.
A ticket becomes a conviction after you pay the fine or lose in court. Once recorded on your driving abstract, it can affect your insurance.
Speeding (usually 1 to 30 km/h over the limit, though this varies by province)
Failing to yield
Rolling through a stop sign or red light
Improper signalling (such as not signalling a turn or lane change)
Following too closely (tailgating)
Not every ticket touches your premium. Some violations are administrative or tied to the vehicle, not the driver:
Parking tickets - These do not appear on your abstract and won’t impact your insurance.
Camera tickets - Infractions caught by red-light or speed cameras are mailed to the registered owner. Because they don’t identify the driver, they usually don’t affect your personal driving record or rates.
If your record has been clean, a single minor ticket might not cause a huge spike. Some insurers may overlook it entirely. But you’ll likely lose a safe driver or conviction-free discount, often worth around 10%. Losing this benefit feels like a direct increase in price.
Trouble brews when you collect multiple convictions in a short window—usually within three years.
Two minor convictions signal a potential pattern. Insurers see this as an increased risk, which can raise your premium significantly.
In some cases, two minor convictions can trigger a higher increase than one major ticket. Repeated behaviour matters more than a single slip-up.
Across Canada, a minor conviction affects your insurance for three years from the conviction date. After this period, it drops off your abstract for rating purposes. If you stay clean during this time, your premium should return to normal levels.
Many riders believe demerit points drive insurance rates. This is a myth.
Demerit points are tracked by your provincial transportation ministry. Too many can result in licence suspension.
Insurance companies, however, care about the conviction—not the points. A conviction indicates risk, whether or not points are attached.
So, even if your ticket carries zero demerit points, it can still raise your insurance.
Some insurers offer minor conviction protection, an optional add-on.
Many riders choose to challenge tickets. The aim? Not always a full dismissal, but a reduction.
This is your strongest move.
Using a broker makes this process easier. A broker can access multiple quotes quickly and find the insurer that treats your conviction more favourably.
A minor motorcycle infraction doesn’t have to derail your finances. It affects your rates for up to three years, and the damage gets worse with repeat offences. The key is to avoid multiple convictions and take control at renewal time.
Working with a motorcycle insurance broker gives you access to the tools and options that help keep your premiums affordable—even with a bump in the road.
At Begin Insurance, we understand that finding the right motorcycle policy after a ticket can feel like going through a maze. To make the process hassle-free for you, we compare the top insurance providers in Canada and help you find the right insurance for your needs and lifestyle. As one of the best motorcycle insurance brokers, we carefully assess the riding habits, budget and coverage preferences of our clients. We help you find competitive quotes and flexible plans that provide complete protection without overpaying. We can help you find tailored:
Minimum or mandatory coverage, such as third-party liability coverage, statutory accident benefits, direct compensation-property damage, and uninsured automobile coverage
Optional coverage options, such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, loss of use coverage, roadside assistance, accessories and custom parts coverage.
To learn more about affordable motorcycle insurance, contact our team or request a free quote.
Posted May 29, 2025