What changes do you have to notify your auto insurance company about?

By: Jessica Mach and Arshi Hossain on April 20, 2026

QUICK TAKEAWAYS:

In Ontario, drivers are legally required to report any material change in risk—such as changes in vehicle use, drivers, or location—to their auto insurer as soon as possible.
Unreported changes can lead to denied driver claims, reduced coverage, or policy cancellation, even if the update seems minor or unrelated to a claim.
Changes that owners must report include new drivers, moves, mileage changes, rideshare or delivery use, and vehicle modifications.
Ontario insurers cannot cancel or refuse coverage based on income, credit score, employment status, disability, or bankruptcy, under protections in the Insurance Act.

Updated: April 2026 by Arshi Hossain

In Ontario, you’re required to notify your auto insurance company about any change that could affect your risk as a driver—such as how your vehicle is used, who drives it, where it’s kept, or details that affect your coverage or discounts.

A lot of things can happen in the time between your policy purchase and your renewal date. Some of them could even impact your premium. While your insurance agent might rank low on the list of people you’re excited about reporting life changes to, it’s still important to update them in specific circumstances. Consequences of not doing so could result in one of several penalties—including having your insurance policy cancelled altogether.

What changes do you need to report?

Ontario Regulation 777/93 (Statutory Conditions – Automobile Insurance) under the Insurance Act requires drivers to promptly notify their insurer of any “material change in risk". Any change that could affect how your vehicle is used, who drives it, or how likely it is to be involved in a claim should be reported. You should notify your insurance company if any of the following happens:

Changes to where or how the vehicle is used

You move, change postal codes, or change where the vehicle is primarily parked or garaged
Your commute distance changes significantly (for example, a new job or shift pattern)
You start using the vehicle for commercial or app‑based purposes, such as Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Skip, or other delivery services
Your estimated annual mileage changes materially

Changes to drivers

A new driver will regularly use the vehicle
The principal (main) driver changes
A household member gains access to the vehicle
Any listed driver receives a licence suspension, reinstatement, or new licence class

Changes to the vehicle itself

You buy, sell, replace, or transfer ownership (title) of a vehicle
You add or remove a vehicle from your policy
You make material modifications to the car (e.g. engine tuning, suspension lifts, performance parts, wraps, or alterations to safety or driver‑assist systems)
Changes affecting discounts or underwriting
You no longer qualify for a discount you were receiving (such as winter tires, low‑mileage usage, anti‑theft systems, or usage‑based/telematics programs)
You install or remove anti‑theft devices
Your participation in a usage‑based or driver‑monitoring program changes

Failing to report a material change can lead to insurance coverage being reduced, a claim being denied, or a policy being cancelled, even if the change seems minor. Ontario law places responsibility on the policyholder to keep information accurate and up-to-date. Phil Gibson, Aviva Canada's previous managing director for personal insurance, recommends that customers notify their insurance agent or broker about any changes they are unsure about...just in case.

When your insurer is not allowed to cancel, refuse, or non‑renew your policy

In Ontario, auto insurers cannot cancel, refuse to issue, or refuse to renew a policy based on certain personal or financial characteristics. These protections are set out in Section 237 of Ontario’s Insurance Act and apply to all private passenger auto policies.

An insurer is not allowed to base a refusal, non‑renewal, or cancellation on:

A physical or mental disability
Your employment status
Your income
Your credit history or credit score (In Ontario, credit cannot be used to deny, cancel, or refuse renewal—only for pricing, and only with consent)
A history of bankruptcy
The amount of personal debt you carry

These rules exist to ensure auto insurance decisions are made using legitimate risk factors—such as driving record, claims history, vehicle type, and usage—not health, employment, or financial hardship.