Winter tires are not mandatory by law in Ontario, but the Ontario government recommends that drivers use them during the winter months from December 1st to March 31st. That said, some municipalities in Ontario have bylaws that require drivers to use winter tires on their vehicles during certain times of the year, particularly in areas with heavy snowfall and ice.
Regarding insurance claims, if you are involved in an accident during the winter months and do not have winter tires on your vehicle, your insurance company may still cover the claim depending on the circumstances of the accident. However, if the insurance company determines that you were driving recklessly or unsafely due to not having winter tires, they may deny your claim or reduce the amount they pay out.
It’s important to check with your insurance company to see if they have specific requirements for winter tires and how it may affect your coverage. Some insurance companies may offer discounts for using winter tires, so it’s worth checking to see if this is an option for you. Ultimately, using winter tires is recommended for safety reasons, and it’s always best to take the necessary precautions to ensure you and other drivers on the road are safe during the winter months.