Driving convictions can have a significant impact on your auto insurance premium and driving record. It is important to understand what constitutes a driving conviction and the different infractions on the road. In this article, we will explore the various types of driving convictions in Alberta, from minor to major infractions, criminal code convictions, and what they ultimately could end up costing you on your insurance.
Driving convictions are tickets where you were pulled over by law enforcement. Photoradar tickets, parking tickets, and tickets unrelated to your driving performance (like having a burned out headlight) do not impact your insurance premiums. You will only need to pay the fine. Convictions related to driving performance will impact your insurance premiums. More information about driving convictions can be found here.
There are 41 minor driving convictions in the province of Alberta. For the most part, they can be boiled down into four main categories.
Major convictions are more serious infractions that can be committed in a vehicle. These have some of the greatest impacts on the price of insurance. There are 16 infractions that can be broken down into 4 main categories.
Criminal code convictions on a driving record may carry a prison sentence for the crime. Here are some of them:
While driver's licence demerits only stay on your licence for two years, minor and major convictions stay on your record for three years. Three years plus one day past your conviction date, your insurance premiums will no longer be impacted. Criminal code convictions will remain on your insurance record for four full years.
Here is a breakdown from the Alberta Insurance Rate Board on how driving Convictions impact your insurance premiums.
| Number of Convictions | Surcharge | ||
| Minor Convictions | Major Convictions | Criminal Code Convictions | |
| 1 | 0% | 25% | 300% |
| 2 | 25% | 50% | 450% |
| 3 | 35% | 100% | For each additional conviction, add 150% to the previous |
| 4 | 50% | 200% | |
| 5 | 75% | 400% | |
| 6 | 100% | 800% | |
| 7+ | Double for each additional conviction. | Double for each additional conviction. | |
If you were to have an annual auto insurance premium of $2,000, here is what the cost for convictions would look like for you.
| Number of Convictions | Surcharge | ||
| Minor Convictions | Major Convictions | Criminal Code Convictions | |
| 1 | $2,000 | $2,500 | $8,000 |
| 2 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $11,000 |
| 3 | $2,700 | $4,000 | $14,000 |
| 4 | $3,000 | $6,000 | $17,000 |
| 5 | $3,500 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| 6 | $4,000 | $18,000 | X |
| 7 | $6,000 | $34,000 | X |
Driving convictions are serious. If you commit a driving infraction, it could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
No, they can not. If you take a defensive driving course, you can get a maximum of three demerits on your licence removed, however, they will remain on your insurance record. You will still see an increased premium.
Minor convictions, such as speeding or improper signaling, can result in fines and higher insurance costs and a fine. Major convictions, like distracted driving, can have severe consequences to your finances. Understanding the various categories of driving convictions and the associated penalties can help you stay safe on the road and avoid unnecessary costs and legal issues.
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