Answer summary: In Ontario, every car insurer must offer a winter tire discount, but each one sets its own amount and rules. CAA South Central Ontario, for example, gives 5%. In Manitoba, MPI lends up to $2,000 per vehicle for winter tires at prime plus 2%, paid back over one to four years.
Key takeaways
- Ontario law has made insurers offer a winter tire discount since January 1, 2016.
- Each Ontario insurer decides how much the discount is and what proof it wants.
- CAA South Central Ontario gives 5% if four winter tires are on by November 20 and stay on until April 15.
- Manitoba MPI finances up to $2,000 per vehicle at prime plus 2%, over one to four years.
- Since October 1, 2026, MPI only finances tires made and sold for winter, with the mountain and snowflake symbol.
- Call your insurer before you buy, so you know the dates and the proof they need.
Winter Tire Insurance Discount in Ontario: What the Law Says
Winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario. But you can still save money with them.
Under Ontario law, every insurer must offer a discount to car owners who use winter tires. The rule started on January 1, 2016.
The province did not set the size of the discount. Ontario said each insurer picks how much it gives. Each one also picks what proof it wants, if any.
How Much Is the Winter Tire Discount in Ontario?
It depends on who insures you. Here is one real example.
CAA South Central Ontario says its car policy holders get 5% off with four winter tires. The tires must be on by November 20 and stay on until at least April 15. They must be true winter tires.
Other companies set their own numbers and dates. Some will not bring it up unless you ask. Many drivers have winter tires and never tell their insurer. That is money left on the table every year.
How to Get the Discount: A Simple Checklist
- Call your insurer or broker and ask if they offer the discount and how much it is.
- Ask for the install and removal dates they use.
- Ask what proof they want. It might be a receipt or a photo.
- Buy four matching winter tires with the mountain and snowflake symbol.
- Keep your receipt in your glovebox or phone.
The Ontario government also says good winter tires can cut braking distance by as much as 25%. The discount is nice. Stopping sooner is the real payoff.
Manitoba MPI Winter Tire Program: Loan Amount, Rate and Terms
In Manitoba, MPI runs a winter tire loan. It is not a discount. It lets you pay over time.
| Detail | What MPI says |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | Up to $2,000 per vehicle |
| Interest rate | Prime plus 2% |
| Payback time | One to four years |
| Payments | Monthly, taken from your bank account |
| Where to apply | A tire shop in the program |
MPI says the rate is set by the Bank of Canada and can change at any time.
Photo: Lombroso / Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Who Qualifies for the MPI Winter Tire Loan
MPI says you may qualify if you:
- Are an MPI customer as a person, not a company.
- Own a car or light truck in your name.
- Owe MPI no money and have no limits on your file.
What the MPI Loan Covers and What It Does Not
The loan can cover:
- Winter tires and rims
- Mounting, balancing and alignment
- Tire pressure sensors
- Studding, with some limits
- Storage or swaps, if paid with the first buy
- Valve stems, nitrogen, shop supplies, taxes and fees
It does not pay for tire repairs. It also does not pay for storage or swaps added later.
The New 2026 Rule on Which Tires Qualify
Many people will miss this change. Tires must show the three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol. And as of October 1, 2026, they must also be made and sold only for winter.
Tires sold as all-weather, all-season, four-season or year-round no longer qualify, even if they have the symbol. If you are not sure what your tire is, read our guide to winter tires vs all-season vs all-weather tires.
How to Apply for the MPI Loan
- Go to a tire shop that takes part and pick your tires.
- Bring your driver's licence and car papers.
- The shop checks if you qualify and sets up the loan.
Make the Most of Your New Winter Tires
Savings only help if the tires go on at the right time. Read when to put winter tires on and how to check tread before your appointment. For the legal rules in each province, see our winter tire law guide.
Getting the car ready for the cold? Our polar vortex car prep guide covers the battery, fluids and emergency kit.
FAQ
Do all Ontario insurers give a winter tire discount?
Yes. Since January 1, 2016, Ontario law says insurers must offer a winter tire discount on car policies. Each one sets the amount and the proof it needs.
How much is the winter tire discount in Ontario?
It varies by insurer. CAA South Central Ontario, for example, gives 5% if four winter tires are on by November 20 and kept on until April 15.
How does the Manitoba MPI winter tire loan work?
You can finance up to $2,000 per vehicle at prime plus 2%. You pay it back monthly over one to four years. You apply at a tire shop in the program.
Can I use the MPI loan for all-weather tires?
No. Since October 1, 2026, MPI only finances tires made and sold for winter. All-weather and all-season tires do not qualify, even with the mountain and snowflake symbol.
What do I need to bring to get the MPI winter tire loan?
Bring your driver's licence and car papers to a tire shop in the program. You must be an MPI customer as a person and owe MPI no money.
Sources
- Ontario e-Laws, O. Reg. 222/15 Automobile Insurance
- Ontario Newsroom, Preparing for winter driving in Ontario (winter tire discount backgrounder)
- Ontario Newsroom, Drivers with winter tires eligible for insurance discount
- CAA South Central Ontario, Winter tire discounts
- Manitoba Public Insurance, Winter Tire Program
