Ontario is set to simplify its vehicle registration process with the introduction of an automatic license plate renewal system. This change aims to eliminate the need for drivers to manually renew their plates either online or at Service Ontario centres. By automating the renewal process, the system saves time and ensures continuous vehicle registration, which is essential for maintaining valid auto insurance coverage. This update highlights Ontario’s commitment to making vehicle ownership more convenient and compliant for all drivers.
How Automatic License Plate Renewal Works
Under the new system, drivers will no longer need to manually renew their passenger vehicle license plates at Service Ontario centres or online. Instead, license plates will be automatically renewed 90 days before their expiry date, provided there are no outstanding fines or tolls. Vehicle owners can also sign up for digital notifications from Service Ontario about any issues related to the automatic renewal.
Eligibility for Automatic Renewal
To qualify for automatic renewal of your passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle under 3,000 kg, motorcycle, or moped license plate, you must meet certain criteria. First, ensure all defaulted driver fines and fees are paid. Plus, any outstanding vehicle fines, penalties, or tolls must be settled. Finally, you need to have valid vehicle insurance. By fulfilling these requirements, you can benefit from the convenience of automatic license plate renewal, ensuring continuous compliance and insurance coverage.
Exceptions to Automatic Renewal
Your license plate won’t be automatically renewed if you have issues with your insurance or outstanding fines or tolls. In such cases, Service Ontario will contact you. If you’ve signed up for digital reminders, you’ll receive notifications via text, email, or phone call 90, 45, and 10 days before your license plate expires. If not, you’ll get a letter 90 days prior.
Make sure your address is updated within six days of moving to receive notifications. Once contacted, you need to pay any outstanding fines and ensure your vehicle insurance is valid. After resolving these issues, you must manually renew your license plate either online or at a Service Ontario centre.
Renewing Other Plate Types
Automatic license plate renewals apply only to certain vehicle types. For heavy commercial vehicles, including buses and farm-plated vehicles, you must renew your plate either online or at a Service Ontario centre. Business owners having vehicles in their business name must also renew their vehicle plates online or at a Service Ontario centre. Moreover, snow vehicle plates and stickers need to be renewed through the same methods. Follow the appropriate renewal process for these specific vehicle types to maintain compliance and valid registration.
Benefits of Automatic Renewal
The move to automatic license plate renewal in Ontario offers several benefits for vehicle owners and their insurance policies:
Convenience
Automatic renewal eliminates the need to remember renewal dates and manually complete the process, saving time and reducing the risk of oversight. This convenience ensures that your vehicle registration is always current without added stress. Automatic renewal helps maintain continuous insurance coverage, preventing any gaps that could affect insurance coverage.
Cost Savings
Automatic renewal at no charge (if there are no outstanding fines or tolls) can save money and reduce the administrative burden on vehicle owners. These savings can be significant over time, especially for those who might forget to renew manually.
Improved Compliance
Automatic license plate renewal primarily helps ensure that drivers maintain current vehicle registrations, which is legally required. This reduces the chances of drivers inadvertently letting their vehicle registrations lapse, thereby avoiding fines and legal issues. While automatic renewal itself doesn’t directly make roads safer, it helps keep more vehicles compliant with registration laws. This ensures that vehicle owners maintain valid insurance, contributing to overall road safety by ensuring that all vehicles are properly insured and legally registered.
Addressing Outstanding Fines and Tolls
While automatic renewal simplifies the process, it’s essential to address any outstanding fines or tolls promptly. Failing to address these issues could result in the need for manual renewal, potentially disrupting your insurance coverage. Staying on top of these obligations reflects positively on your driving record, which can lead to lower insurance premiums over time. By managing fines and tolls efficiently, you maintain not only your vehicle registration but also your financial health and driving reputation.
How Automatic License Plate Renewal Impacts Automotive Insurance
Automatic license plate renewal plays a crucial role in maintaining valid automotive insurance. When your license plate is automatically renewed, it ensures continuous registration of your vehicle, which is essential for keeping your insurance coverage active. An expired license plate can lead to lapses in insurance coverage, resulting in denied claims and potential legal issues. By avoiding these gaps, automatic renewal helps ensure that your insurance policy remains valid, providing peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Keller & Associates Insurance Brokers offers comprehensive auto insurance coverage tailored to your needs. Whether you drive a personal car, van, truck, or business vehicle, Keller & Associates ensures that you have the right protection. Serving residents across Ontario, including St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and the Niagara Region, we work hard to source the best automotive insurance rates. We provide exceptional claims service, helping to ensure that in the unfortunate event of an accident, the claims process is smooth and efficient. Our dedicated team helps guide you through every step, making sure you receive the support and compensation you need promptly.
Why Automotive Insurance is Essential
Legal requirement
In Ontario, having at least basic liability insurance is mandatory. Driving without insurance can result in fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment. It is essential to adhere to these legal requirements to avoid serious consequences.
Financial protection
Accidents can be costly. Without insurance, you would have to cover repair costs, medical bills, and legal fees yourself, which could be financially crippling. Insurance helps mitigate these costs, ensuring you don’t bear the full financial burden. To lower your car insurance premiums, consider increasing your deductible, maintaining a clean driving record, bundling insurance policies and avoiding lapses in insurance.
Protecting Assets
Auto insurance helps protect your personal assets from being seized to pay for damages or injuries resulting from an accident for which you are at fault. This protection is crucial for maintaining your financial stability and securing your future.
Automotive insurance is essential for financial protection, legal compliance, and peace of mind. Ontario’s automatic license plate renewal minimizes the risk of coverage lapses due to expired registrations. At Keller & Associates Insurance Brokers, we are committed to providing you with the best coverage options to meet your needs. Don’t leave your financial security to chance. Get a quote today and ensure you’re covered with the right insurance.