Uninsured Vehicles Project in Ontario

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Ontario insurance industry are working together to reduce or eliminate uninsured vehicles on Ontario’s roads.

When it’s time to renew your vehicle license plate, an electronic verification system matches the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the number on your pink insurance liability card and your vehicle ownership. If they don’t match, the MTO will not give you a new sticker for your licence plate. This means that you are not legally able to drive your vehicle as it is considered to be uninsured.

How can I be sure that my VIN matches and my vehicle is properly insured?

Before your license renewal date, MTO will check to see if you have valid insurance. If there is an issue with your insurance, your VIN or both, you will receive a letter 120 days prior to the renewal date for your licence plate. This will give you time to correct or update your insurance information.

Letters are only sent to vehicle owners if valid insurance cannot be verified. If you don’t receive a letter, proceed with renewing your licence plate as you normally would.

What do I do if I receive a letter?

If you receive a letter, check the VIN on your vehicle dashboard or door against the VIN on your pink slip and vehicle ownership to see if they match. If the VIN on your ownership doesn’t match the VIN on your vehicle, contact MTO. If the VIN on your pink slip doesn’t match the VIN on your vehicle, contact your agent.

What if I receive a letter and do nothing?

If you receive a letter and do nothing, there could be a delay or denial when you go to renew your plates.

Where can I learn more about the Uninsured Vehicles Project?

Visit the MTO site to find more information and answers to frequently asked questions.