Updated October 2026

As temperatures begin to drop, many Ontario drivers start thinking about installing winter tires.

Winter tires are an important safety measure, helping improve traction, braking and handling in cold, snowy and icy conditions.

But did you know that installing winter tires may also reduce your automobile insurance premium?

Since January 1, 2016, Ontario automobile insurance companies have been required to offer a winter tire discount to eligible private passenger automobile policyholders.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage drivers to understand how the discount works and make sure they are receiving it if they qualify.

How Does the Ontario Winter Tire Discount Work?

Ontario requires automobile insurers to include a winter tire discount in their rating systems for private passenger automobiles.

However, the province does not prescribe one universal discount percentage.

Each insurance company establishes its own discount amount and eligibility requirements through its approved rating rules.

As a result, the savings may differ depending on which insurance company provides your coverage.

The discount is generally applied to your automobile insurance premium when the vehicle meets the insurer's requirements.

It is not a government rebate or a reimbursement for the cost of purchasing winter tires.

How Much Can You Save?

Winter tire discounts commonly range from approximately 2% to 5%, depending on the insurance company.

For example, if your annual automobile insurance premium is $2,000:

• A 2% discount would represent $40 in annual savings.

• A 3% discount would represent $60 in annual savings.

• A 5% discount would represent $100 in annual savings.

These examples are for illustration only.

The actual savings depend on the insurer's approved rating rules and how the discount is applied to your premium. The percentage may apply to particular premium components rather than simply reducing the entire amount by that percentage.

Although the discount may not cover the full cost of purchasing and installing winter tires, it provides an additional financial benefit alongside the safety advantages.

Are Winter Tires Mandatory in Ontario?

No. Winter tires are not mandatory for most private passenger vehicles registered in Ontario.

However, they are strongly recommended.

Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in cold weather, snow and ice than conventional all-season tires.

Ontario's winter tire insurance discount was introduced to encourage drivers to use winter tires and improve road safety.

While you generally do not have to install winter tires by law, you must satisfy your insurance company's requirements to receive its discount.

What Qualifies as a Winter Tire?

Winter tires are specifically designed to perform in cold temperatures and winter road conditions.

A common way to identify a winter-rated tire is by looking for the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol on its sidewall.

This symbol indicates that the tire meets a recognized snow-traction performance standard.

Winter tires generally use rubber compounds that remain more flexible in cold temperatures and tread designs intended to improve traction on snow and ice.

For safety, winter tires should be installed as a complete set of four.

Installing only two winter tires can create an imbalance in traction between the front and rear of the vehicle, potentially affecting handling and stability.

Most insurers also require four qualifying tires for the discount.

Do All-Weather Tires Qualify for the Discount?

This is an increasingly common question.

All-weather tires are designed for year-round use, and some carry the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol.

However, not every insurance company treats all-weather tires the same way when determining eligibility for the winter tire discount.

Some insurers may accept qualifying all-weather tires, while others require dedicated winter tires or impose additional conditions.

Do not assume that an all-weather tire automatically qualifies because it displays the mountain and snowflake symbol.

If you are considering purchasing all-weather tires, contact your insurance broker first to confirm whether your particular insurance company will accept them for the discount.

When Must Winter Tires Be Installed?

Insurance companies may require winter tires to be installed for a specified period each year.

For example, an insurer may require qualifying winter tires to remain on the vehicle from November through March or during another defined period.

The dates are not identical across all insurance companies.

This means you should not assume that the installation dates required by a previous insurer will be accepted by your current insurer.

If you remove your winter tires earlier than your insurer permits, you may no longer meet the conditions for the discount.

Check the required installation period before scheduling your seasonal tire change.

How Do I Get the Winter Tire Discount?

If you have winter tires installed on your vehicle, the process is generally straightforward.

1. Confirm Your Tires Qualify

Make sure you have four tires that meet your insurer's requirements.

2. Confirm the Required Installation Dates

Ask when the tires must be installed and how long they must remain on your vehicle.

3. Advise Your Insurance Broker

Let your broker know that you use winter tires so the discount can be reviewed and applied if eligible.

4. Keep Your Documentation

Retain receipts for the purchase and installation of your winter tires.

Some insurance companies may request proof of purchase, installation or other information to verify eligibility.

5. Review Your Policy

Check your automobile insurance documents to confirm that the discount has been applied.

If you already use winter tires but are unsure whether you receive the discount, contact our office.

Can I Add the Discount in the Middle of My Policy Term?

Possibly.

If you purchase winter tires after your policy has already renewed, contact your insurance broker.

Depending on the insurance company, the discount may be available through a mid-term policy change.

The effective date and any premium adjustment will depend on the insurer's rules.

You should not assume that the discount will automatically be applied retroactively to previous policy periods.

It is best to notify your broker as soon as you begin using qualifying winter tires.

Do Winter Tires Make a Difference in Cold Weather?

Yes.

Many drivers associate winter tires only with deep snow, but their benefits extend beyond snowy roads.

Winter tire rubber compounds are designed to maintain flexibility in cold temperatures, while many conventional all-season tires become less effective as temperatures fall.

Winter tires can improve traction, handling and braking performance in a range of winter conditions.

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

However, winter tires cannot eliminate the risks of icy roads.

Drivers must still reduce their speed, allow extra stopping distance and adjust their driving to the conditions.

Does Having Winter Tires Affect Fault After an Accident?

Ontario automobile insurance companies determine fault using the province's Fault Determination Rules.

These rules generally assign fault based on the circumstances of the collision, without considering road or weather conditions.

For example, if you slide on an icy road and strike the rear of another vehicle, you would generally be considered at fault under the applicable rear-end collision rule.

Having winter tires does not automatically change that assessment.

Similarly, not having winter tires does not automatically mean you will be found at fault.

Fault depends on the applicable rules and the circumstances of the collision.

However, winter tires can help reduce the likelihood of losing control in difficult driving conditions.

Will My Insurance Company Check Whether I Actually Use Winter Tires?

An insurance company may request information or documentation to verify eligibility for the discount.

This could include receipts, tire details or other evidence required by the insurer.

When you advise your broker or insurance company that you use winter tires, you are providing information that may affect the calculation of your premium.

It is important that this information is accurate.

If you stop using qualifying winter tires or no longer meet the insurer's requirements, advise your broker so your policy information can be updated.

What if I Change Insurance Companies?

Winter tire discounts and eligibility conditions can differ between insurers.

If you change insurance companies, your new insurer may have different requirements concerning:

• The type of tires accepted.

• Whether all-weather tires qualify.

• The required installation period.

• Documentation needed to verify eligibility.

• The amount of the discount.

When comparing automobile insurance quotations, make sure the winter tire information is accurate and consistent.

Your broker can help confirm the discount offered by each insurance company.

Winter Tires Are About More Than Insurance Savings

Although the insurance discount is a welcome benefit, the primary reason to install winter tires is safety.

Winter tires can help improve vehicle control during Ontario's coldest months.

For many drivers, particularly those who commute long distances or travel on rural roads, the additional traction can make a meaningful difference.

However, winter tires should be combined with proper vehicle maintenance and cautious driving habits.

Before heading out in severe weather, check road conditions, clear snow and ice from your vehicle, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Make Sure You're Receiving Your Discount

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we want our clients to take advantage of the automobile insurance discounts available to them.

If you have four winter tires installed on your vehicle and are unsure whether your policy includes the winter tire discount, contact our office.

We can review your policy, explain your insurance company's eligibility requirements and determine whether the discount has been applied.

Winter tires can help make driving safer during Ontario winters, and the insurance discount is an added benefit worth checking.

This article provides general information about Ontario's winter tire insurance discount as of October 2026. Discount amounts, eligibility conditions, installation dates and documentation requirements vary by insurance company and are subject to the insurer's approved rating rules and applicable policy conditions.