Updated October 2026

Winter driving in Ontario can be challenging. Snow-covered roads, freezing rain, black ice, reduced visibility and rapidly changing weather conditions can make even familiar routes dangerous.

While modern vehicles have improved safety features, no technology can eliminate the risks associated with winter driving.

Preparing your vehicle, adjusting your driving habits and understanding how automobile insurance responds to winter accidents can help protect you and your passengers.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage Ontario drivers to prepare before the first snowfall rather than waiting until winter weather arrives.

1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before Winter

A properly maintained vehicle is essential for safe winter driving.

Before temperatures begin to fall, consider having the following items checked:

• Battery: Cold weather can reduce battery performance, particularly in older batteries.

• Brakes: Ensure your braking system is functioning properly.

• Tires: Check tire condition, tread depth and inflation pressure.

• Windshield Wipers: Replace worn blades and use washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.

• Heating and Defrosting Systems: Make sure you can keep the windshield and windows clear.

• Lights: Confirm that headlights, brake lights and turn signals are working.

• Cooling System: Ensure the coolant is suitable for winter temperatures.

Keeping your vehicle in good mechanical condition reduces the likelihood of a breakdown and helps you maintain control in difficult conditions.

2. Consider Installing Winter Tires

Winter tires are one of the most effective ways to improve vehicle traction during cold weather.

Unlike conventional all-season tires, winter tires are designed to remain more flexible at lower temperatures.

They can provide improved traction, braking and handling on cold, snowy and icy roads.

Winter tires are generally recommended when temperatures consistently fall below approximately 7°C.

For the best performance, install a complete set of four matching winter tires.

Look for the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, which identifies tires designed to meet specified snow-traction requirements.

Remember that winter tires improve traction, but they do not eliminate the risk of sliding or losing control.

3. Are Winter Tires Mandatory in Ontario?

For most private passenger vehicles, winter tires are not legally mandatory in Ontario.

However, they are strongly recommended for winter driving.

Ontario automobile insurance companies are required to offer a discount to qualifying policyholders who install winter tires.

The discount amount and eligibility conditions vary by insurer.

Some companies require winter tires to be installed during specified months, and the tires must generally meet the insurer's eligibility requirements.

If you use winter tires, make sure your insurance broker knows so the applicable discount can be reviewed.

For more information, see our article Winter Tire Discount.

4. Check Road Conditions Before Leaving

Winter weather can change quickly, especially when travelling long distances or driving through areas affected by lake-effect snow.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast and current road conditions.

Ontario's 511 service provides information about provincial highways, including road conditions, closures and winter maintenance activities.

You can access it at www.ontario.ca/511.

If freezing rain, heavy snowfall or dangerous visibility conditions are expected, consider postponing non-essential travel.

Arriving late is better than risking a serious collision.

5. Slow Down and Increase Your Following Distance

One of the most important adjustments drivers can make during winter is reducing their speed.

Posted speed limits are established for favourable conditions and do not mean that travelling at the posted limit is always safe during snow or ice.

Even if you are driving below the speed limit, you may still be travelling too fast for the conditions.

On slippery roads:

• Reduce your speed.

• Allow substantially more distance between vehicles.

• Accelerate and brake gradually.

• Avoid sudden steering movements.

• Begin slowing down earlier when approaching intersections.

• Allow extra time for turns and lane changes.

Stopping distances can increase significantly when roads are covered with snow or ice.

6. Watch for Black Ice

Black ice is particularly dangerous because it can be difficult to see.

It often appears as a thin, transparent layer of ice on the road surface.

Areas that deserve extra caution include:

• Bridges and overpasses.

• Shaded sections of roads.

• Intersections.

• Areas near lakes, rivers and wetlands.

• Roads where melting snow may refreeze.

Black ice can form even when the rest of the roadway appears clear.

If you suspect icy conditions, reduce your speed gradually and avoid abrupt braking or steering.

7. Clear Snow and Ice From Your Vehicle

Before driving, remove snow and ice from your vehicle.

Pay particular attention to:

• Windshield and windows.

• Mirrors.

• Headlights and taillights.

• Roof and hood.

• Licence plates.

• Cameras and sensors used by driver-assistance systems.

Snow left on a vehicle's roof can blow onto your windshield or become dislodged while driving, creating a hazard for other motorists.

Do not rely solely on windshield wipers or the defroster to clear accumulated snow.

Proper visibility is essential for safe driving.

8. Be Careful Around Snowplows

Snowplows and other winter maintenance vehicles are essential for keeping Ontario roads open.

However, they can create temporary visibility problems and require additional space to operate.

When approaching snow removal equipment:

• Reduce your speed.

• Stay well back.

• Avoid driving in the snow cloud behind a plow.

• Do not attempt unsafe passing manoeuvres.

• Follow applicable traffic laws concerning snowplows.

Ontario has specific restrictions on passing snowplows operating in echelon formation on certain highways.

Drivers should remain patient and allow maintenance crews to complete their work safely.

9. What Happens if I Slide Into Another Vehicle on an Icy Road?

This is an important insurance question.

Many drivers believe that if their vehicle slides on ice and strikes another vehicle, the accident should be considered unavoidable because of the road conditions.

However, Ontario's automobile insurance Fault Determination Rules generally do not take weather or road conditions into account when assigning fault.

For example, suppose you are driving behind another vehicle on a snow-covered road.

The vehicle ahead stops at a red light. You apply your brakes, but your vehicle slides on the ice and strikes the rear of the other vehicle.

Under Ontario's Fault Determination Rules, the driver of the vehicle striking the other vehicle from behind would generally be considered 100% at fault in this situation.

The fact that the road was icy would not ordinarily change that determination.

Poor road conditions do not automatically excuse a driver from being found at fault for an accident.

This is one reason maintaining a safe following distance is especially important during winter.

10. How Is Fault Determined After a Winter Accident?

Ontario insurance companies use the Fault Determination Rules under the Insurance Act to assess responsibility for automobile accidents.

These rules assign fault according to the circumstances and configuration of the collision.

For situations covered by the rules, fault is determined without reference to weather conditions, road conditions or visibility.

For example:

Rear-End Collisions

A driver who strikes the rear of a stopped or forward-moving vehicle in the same lane is generally considered 100% at fault.

Lane Changes

A driver changing lanes may be found at fault if a collision occurs in circumstances described by the applicable rule.

Intersection Collisions

Fault depends on factors such as traffic signals, right-of-way and the vehicles' movements.

Where a collision is not addressed by a specific Fault Determination Rule, different legal principles may apply.

The insurance company's fault assessment is also separate from whether police issue a traffic ticket.

A driver can be found at fault for insurance purposes even if no charge is laid.

11. What if I Slide Off the Road and Hit a Guardrail or Tree?

If you lose control on an icy road and strike a guardrail, tree, ditch or other object, the resulting damage to your vehicle would generally fall under Collision or Upset coverage, if purchased.

Collision or Upset coverage is optional for many Ontario automobile policies.

If you carry only the mandatory automobile insurance coverages, damage to your own vehicle from a single-vehicle collision may not be covered.

The applicable deductible would generally apply to an insured collision claim.

A single-vehicle collision may also be assessed as an at-fault accident, potentially affecting future insurance premiums.

12. Does Comprehensive Coverage Pay for Winter Accidents?

Comprehensive coverage generally protects against certain non-collision losses, such as theft, vandalism, fire and specified weather-related events.

For example, if a tree branch falls onto your parked vehicle during an ice storm, Comprehensive coverage may respond, subject to the policy.

However, if you slide on an icy road and collide with a tree, that is generally a Collision or Upset loss rather than a Comprehensive loss.

Understanding the difference is important when selecting your automobile insurance coverage.

13. Will a Winter Accident Increase My Insurance Premium?

An at-fault accident may affect your future automobile insurance premiums.

The impact depends on factors such as:

• The degree of fault assigned.

• Your previous driving and claims history.

• The insurance company's rating rules.

• Whether you have applicable accident forgiveness protection.

• Other underwriting and rating considerations.

Some insurers offer accident forgiveness endorsements that may protect qualifying drivers from certain premium consequences following an eligible first at-fault accident.

However, accident forgiveness has conditions and limitations.

It does not necessarily prevent an accident from appearing on your claims history, and another insurance company may treat the accident differently.

Contact your insurance broker to understand how your coverage applies.

14. What Should I Do After a Winter Collision?

If you are involved in a collision during winter:

Check for Injuries

Make sure everyone is safe. Call emergency services if anyone is injured or there is an immediate danger.

Avoid Further Danger

If it is safe and appropriate to do so, move vehicles out of traffic and follow police instructions.

Exchange Information

Obtain the names, contact information, driver's licence details and insurance information of the drivers involved.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of the vehicles, damage, road layout and surrounding conditions when it is safe to do so.

Report the Collision as Required

Ontario has specific requirements for reporting collisions to police or a Collision Reporting Centre, depending on the circumstances.

Contact Your Insurance Broker or Insurance Company

Report the accident promptly and ask about the claims process.

Do not assume that a collision is too minor to report without first understanding your obligations and options.

15. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Winter weather can leave motorists stranded because of breakdowns, road closures or collisions.

A basic emergency kit should include:

• Warm blankets and extra clothing.

• Flashlight and spare batteries.

• Phone charger or portable power bank.

• Ice scraper and snow brush.

• Small shovel.

• Non-perishable food and drinking water.

• First-aid supplies.

• Jumper cables or an appropriate battery booster.

• Reflective warning equipment.

• Traction aids.

If your vehicle becomes stranded during severe weather, assess your surroundings and follow emergency guidance.

Keep your vehicle's exhaust pipe clear of snow if the engine is running, as a blocked exhaust can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to accumulate.

16. Review Your Auto Insurance Before Winter

Winter is a good time to review your automobile insurance.

Consider asking your broker:

• Do I have Collision or Upset coverage?

• Do I have Comprehensive coverage for falling objects and other insured weather-related damage?

• What deductibles apply?

• Am I receiving the available winter tire discount?

• Do I have rental vehicle coverage if my vehicle is damaged?

• Do I have applicable accident forgiveness protection?

The right combination of coverages depends on your vehicle, driving habits and financial circumstances.

Drive Safely This Winter

Winter driving requires patience, preparation and extra caution.

Good winter tires, proper vehicle maintenance and adjusting your speed to road conditions can significantly reduce the risk of an accident.

It is also important to understand that snow and ice do not automatically eliminate a driver's responsibility for a collision.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage Ontario motorists to review their automobile insurance coverage before winter arrives.

If you have questions about winter tire discounts, collision coverage, accident forgiveness or how an accident may affect your policy, please contact our office.

Remember: The safest winter driving strategy is to slow down, leave extra space and adjust your driving to the conditions.

This article provides general information about winter driving and automobile insurance in Ontario as of October 2026. Insurance coverage, deductibles, fault assessments and premium consequences are subject to applicable legislation and the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.