Ontario’s winter tire car insurance discount: What you need to know

This article has been updated from a previous version.   

As snow falls and the weather changes, thick slush and translucent black ice will coat more and more driveways, sidewalks, and roads. Winter conditions are hazardous to drivers, often reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of collisions.  

Fortunately, winter tires are one way to safeguard yourself during harsh winter conditions. Thanks to their ability to withstand cold temperatures and maintain grip, winter tires reduce the likelihood of your vehicle sliding over translucent and slick black ice.   

And, if safety wasn’t incentive enough, a winter tire insurance discount can lower your car insurance premium, too.  

What is a winter tire insurance discount and how much can you save? 

In Ontario, most insurance providers offer a winter tire discount to drivers who install winter tires during specific months, typically between November 1 and April 1. This discount can save you up to 5% on your auto insurance premium, and while that might sound small, the savings add up over time. 

For example, if a driver pays $1,500 annually for auto insurance and installs winter tires, they could receive a 5% discount—$75 in the first year. Over five years, that’s $375 back in their pocket. 

To qualify for the discount: 

• Purchase a set of four winter tires, carefully checking for the winter tire emblem — an illustration of a snowflake inside a mountain peak. All-season tires, identified by their signature “M + S” marking for mud and snow tires, do not qualify for a discount.  
• Inform your insurance company that you’ve purchased and plan to install winter tires. You may be required to provide proof, such as a receipt, invoice, or photograph.  
• Install your winter tires before your insurance provider’s specified dates.    

Typically, the winter tire insurance discount applies for the duration of your auto insurance policy; however, you should also inquire about the discount upon renewal or when switching auto insurance providers.  

Read more: 10 easy ways to keep your car safe and save money this winter 

Are winter tires mandatory and when should you install them?  

Winter tires are legally required in Quebec from December 1 to March 15 and on designated highways in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. In all other provinces and territories, winter tires are not mandatory, but insurers strongly recommend them to improve safety and reduce claims. 

In Ontario, installation dates aren’t set by law—they depend on your insurer’s requirements, usually November to April or December to March for the winter tire discount.  

Beyond insurance rules, weather should guide your decision. All-season tires begin to stiffen and lose their grip at seven degrees Celsius, temperature Ontarians often see in mid-October. So even if it’s before your insurer’s deadline, consider switching when temperatures consistently drop below seven degrees. 

Read next: How important is it to get winter tires in Canada? 

When can you remove your vehicle’s snow tires?  

As with installation dates, insurance providers have specified dates for when to take off winter tires in Ontario. Typically, the end date is in March or April.  

While insurers rarely monitor your tires, they can deny a claim if you remove them before the required date. This is because the discount is offered in exchange for your agreement to use winter tires during the specified period. Failing to comply can be considered a material misrepresentation under most auto insurance policies. 

To keep your winter tire discount, know your insurer’s dates and keep your tires on until the period ends. 

Winter tire safety tips  

According to Transport Canada and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, drivers should follow a few simple guidelines when choosing winter tires, including:  

• Install four winter tires. Installing only two winter tires on the front can cause your car to oversteer; two on the back will cause your car to understeer. However, a full set (four winter tires) will allow for maximum effectiveness and safety.  
• Avoid mixing tires. If possible, use winter tires with the same tread patterns and size. Mixing winter tires can reduce stability.  
• Check each tire’s wear. You should not drive your winter tires in the snow if the tires are worn close to the tread-wear indicators.  
• Inflate your tires. Drivers should check their tires pressure at least once a month in the winter. Proper tire pressure can increase overall safety and the lifespan of your tires.  

Winter tires aren’t just about compliance or discounts, they're about safety. Check your insurer’s requirements, watch the temperature, and follow best practices for tire maintenance. A little preparation now can save you money—and keep you safer—through the winter season. 

Learn more: What to know about winter driving and car insurance in Canada