A letter from your insurer says your auto policy is ending. Insurers in Ontario can't drop you for just any reason, and the notice has to follow strict rules. Before the date in that letter, you have two jobs: challenge the decision if it's wrong, and make sure you are never on the road without coverage.
Step by Step
1Read the notice closely. Find the reason, the exact date and time the policy ends, and, if it's for a missed payment, the amount owed. Notices can now arrive by registered mail, courier, in person or by email if you agreed to electronic delivery. If an email looks off, check it with our Verify a Document tool before you click anything.
2If it's a missed payment, call right away. Ask your insurer or broker exactly what you must pay, and by when, to keep the policy. Get the answer in writing.
3Ask for the reason in writing. Under sections 237 and 238 of Ontario's Insurance Act, an insurer can only refuse, cancel or not renew an auto policy on grounds it has filed with the regulator, FSRA, and never on prohibited grounds. Ask which filed rule it is relying on.
4Complain to the insurer first. Every insurer has a complaint officer. Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy. Our complaint form can start the letter for you.
5Escalate if it isn't fixed. The General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) reviews home and auto disputes for free, and FSRA takes complaints about insurers that break the rules.
Who to Call
| For | Call |
|---|---|
| Your insurer or broker Payment, reason, complaint officer | Number on your policy |
| General Insurance OmbudService Free dispute help | 1-877-225-0446 |
| FSRA Contact Centre Ontario insurance regulator | 1-800-668-0128 |
Do It on ComplaintCA
If Your Claim Was Denied Instead
A cancelled policy and a denied claim follow different paths. If the insurer refused to pay a claim, see Insurance Claim Denied in Canada? 4 Steps to Dispute It.
Write down the notice date, the reason given and what you want reviewed in one clear complaint.
Draft It With Asya →Frequently Asked
Can my insurance company cancel my car insurance in Ontario?
Yes, but only on grounds it has filed with and had approved by FSRA, Ontario's insurance regulator, and never on grounds the regulations prohibit. It must also give you written notice before the policy ends.
What should I do if I missed a car insurance payment?
Call your insurer or broker as soon as you get the notice. Ask exactly what you must pay, and by when, to keep the policy, and get the answer in writing. Don't drive after the end date if the policy lapses.
Who do I complain to about my auto insurer in Ontario?
Start with your insurer's complaint officer, in writing. If that doesn't fix it, the General Insurance OmbudService at 1-877-225-0446 offers free help, and FSRA at 1-800-668-0128 takes complaints about insurers that break the rules.
What if no insurance company will cover me?
The Facility Association is Ontario's insurer of last resort for drivers who can't get coverage in the regular market. Ask a licensed insurance broker to place you with it.
Sources & Verification
Figures, rules and phone numbers in this article come from official sources:
- FSRA — Why you were declined, not renewed or terminated
- Insurance Act (Ontario), sections 237–238
- Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (Ontario), section 2
- RIBO — Auto policy forms updated for termination notice delivery
- FSRA — Facility Association and the residual market
- General Insurance OmbudService
This article is general information, not legal advice. Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.