Lead-foot motorists caught zooming along the Trans-Canada Highway like Formula 1 racers could end up with more than just a big speeding ticket.
Local auto insurance specialists warn that policy holders convicted of excessive speeding — known in Ontario as stunt driving — could also face sky-high premiums down the road.
Since stunt-driving is considered a serious infraction, major insurers would likely cancel coverage for a policy-holder convicted of the offence.
“The (insurance-related) consequences would be similar to that of an impaired-driving conviction,” Thunder Bay insurance agency operator Scott Schooler said on Wednesday.
Those convicted of excessive speeding can still find an insurer, as long as they continue to hold a valid driver’s licence. But they will likely have to pay double, or in some cases triple, the cost of their current premiums if a new company is willing to take them on.
“You’re going to have to pay a whole lot more,” said Schooler, adding a higher premium designation could remain in effect for certain drivers for two to three years.
In recent weeks, provincial police in the Thunder Bay district have issued news releases about motorists being picked up on radar at 150 km/h or faster — more than 60 km/h over the posted limit on Highway 11-17.
Some believe the excessive speeds are linked to the new sections of four-lane highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon, but police say that’s not the case.
“There is more enforcement being conducted by both Nipigon and Thunder Bay OPP detachments, which correlates to more people being caught for stunt driving,” said Thunder Bay OPP traffic and marine Staff Sgt. Kyle Arnold.
“There is nothing to suggest that it is related to the four lanes,” Arnold added.
When a motorist has been charged with stunt driving in Ontario, their driver’s licence is automatically suspended for 30 days, and their vehicles are impounded for two weeks.
The maximum fine upon a conviction is $10,000.
