Winter driving discounts are coming

Winter is coming. And that means driving in snow, ice, slush and all the other challenges cold weather brings.

But there's some good news for drivers who spend the money to put winter tires on their vehicles. As of Jan. 1, all insurance companies in Ontario will have to offer such drivers a discount on their auto rates.

Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault made the announcement Wednesday at Kal Tire on Falconbridge Road. He said Northerners use winter tires more than people in the south.

“I hate talking about winter, but it is coming,” Thibeault said. “We're in the middle of October and in the North, winter tires almost seem a necessity … So it's great that now we'll be able to get a discount on our insurance, as well."

Thibeault said about 45 per cent of insurers in Ontario already offer winter-tire discounts, ranging from three to eight per cent.

“I think I even read even 10 per cent in some instances," he said.

While making the discounts mandatory, Thibeault said the governing Liberals are not dictating how big the savings has to be.

"We're not in the insurance business, so we shouldn't be then setting what the rate should be,” he said. “We will leave that up to the insurance companies, making sure they know that the law states they have to do this as of Jan. 1."

However, with other insurance companies already offering discounts, he hopes the safety advantages and market competition will prompt insurers to offer competitive discounts.

"Cars equipped with winter tires greatly outperform all-season tires when it comes to braking in winter driving conditions," he said. "I know some drivers feel all-season tires are adequate for winter driving, but installing winter tires is a proven first step in getting ready for the likely long, harsh winter that's ahead."

He's encouraging drivers to talk to their insurance company to find out more about how they can quality for their discount, and to shop around for the best rates. With more severe weather in the North, Thibeault said it's in an insurers' own interest to make the discount worthwhile to customers here.

"That's what I'm hoping the insurance companies will see,” he said. “We know they weather we get up here.

"People can make their own choices about what they want to do with their vehicles. But we would like to see people use winter tires more. If you start looking at the safety aspect of braking with winter tires on our roads, this is a safety issue for us."