If I Add A Driver To My Car Insurance Will It Go Up?

There’s no way around it. Adding another driver to your car policy will almost always increase your auto insurance premium. However, including all regular drivers in your policy is a critical part of being properly insured. In this post, we’re sharing the different types of drivers you can add to your policy, and how that can affect costs.

So you’re wondering “If I add a driver to my car insurance will it go up?”

Generally speaking, yes. Adding drivers to your policy will increase your monthly car insurance costs. However there are some exceptions.

There are also several other factors that influence how much it will increase your premium.

Whether you’re a seasoned auto insurance policyholder or a new driver, in this post we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about having multiple drivers on your policy.

Or if you’d like to speak with one of our car insurance brokers directly, we can help with that too. 

Give us a call, or get your quote below. 

Keep reading, or click below to find what you need:

• If I add a driver to my car insurance will it go up?
• Types of drivers listed on an auto insurance policy
• Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Ontario?
• Do I have to add my child to my car insurance in Ontario?
• Can someone drive my car without their name on my insurance?

If I add a driver to my car insurance will it go up?

So, does adding a driver to your insurance cost more?

Generally speaking, yes. 

Adding what’s called a “named driver” (which means an additional person insured – this can be a secondary driver or an occasional driver) to your car insurance policy is common, but it typically comes with extra charges. 

And those charges depend on several factors, including:

• The person you’re adding 
• The driving history of the additional insured
• How often they will be driving the vehicle
• Whether you’re adding an additional vehicle to your policy
• The insurance company you’re with

In Ontario, adding another driver to your car insurance will cost an additional $200 a month on average for an experienced G2 driver. 

However, less experienced drivers will cost you more – for instance if you are adding your teenager to your car insurance policy.

New drivers under the age of 25 can pay up to $6000 to even $10,000 a year ($500 – $833/month) in car insurance due to inexperience and lack of driving history. 

Additional costs will change on a case by case basis, as a more experienced driver could also have a poor driving record, therefore hiking up your costs. 

The best way to get an accurate estimate of how much you can expect to pay is to speak with your car insurance provider and explain the situation. 

They will be able to get you an accurate quote from there. 

If you’re insured with KBD, give us a call. 

We’ll be happy to help.  

What are the types of drivers listed on an auto insurance policy?

Adding an additional driver to your policy isn’t just about cost – it’s crucial to ensuring adequate coverage. 

Understanding the different types of drivers listed on your auto insurance policy will help you make sure that you’re complying with legal requirements (and keep your insurance intact). 

As always, check with your insurer to see how this affects your specific circumstances.

Here are the various classifications of drivers commonly found on car insurance policies:

Primary Driver:

• Definition: The primary driver is the individual who primarily operates the insured vehicle and is typically the owner of the policy.
• Characteristics:
  • The primary driver is responsible for most of the vehicle’s usage and is the main policyholder.
  • Insurance premiums are based on the primary driver’s age, driving history, and other relevant factors.

Secondary Driver:

• Definition: A secondary driver is someone who occasionally operates the insured vehicle but is not the primary user.
• Characteristics:
  • Secondary drivers may include spouses, family members, or individuals sharing the same household as the primary driver.
  • Insurance companies consider secondary drivers when assessing risk and determining premiums.

Occasional Driver:

• Definition: An occasional driver is someone who infrequently operates the insured vehicle.
• Characteristics:
  • Occasional drivers may include friends, relatives, or other occasional users of the vehicle.
  • Insurance premiums may be affected by the occasional driver’s age, driving record, and frequency of use.

Additional Driver:

• Definition: An additional driver refers to any individual not included as the primary or secondary driver but authorized to operate the insured vehicle.
• Characteristics:
  • Additional drivers may be added to the policy for temporary or occasional use of the vehicle.
  • Insurance companies may require additional information about these drivers to assess risk accurately.

By understanding the distinctions between these types of drivers, you can ensure that your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage for all potential users of the insured vehicle.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Ontario?

While it’s best to consult with your insurance company to clarify coverage for non-listed drivers, here are the basic guidelines:

• Car insurance is mandatory in all provinces in Canada 
• Anyone who is driving your vehicle must have a valid drivers license 
• If someone wishes to drive your car, they must have explicit permission from you, the policyholder
• In the event of an accident, your insurance coverage extends to authorized drivers as per the terms of your policy – check with your insurer to determine the details. 
• If the person is driving your car frequently, they must be listed on your policy 
• Consult with your insurance company to clarify any uncertainties regarding coverage for non-listed drivers.
• It’s important to note that allowing an uninsured driver to operate your vehicle could affect your insurance record in the event of an accident.

Read our quick guide on who can drive your car in Ontario here. 

Understanding the rules and implications of allowing someone to drive your car in Ontario is crucial for ensuring compliance with insurance regulations and protecting yourself from potential liabilities.

Do I have to add my child to my car insurance in Ontario?

If your child regularly drives your vehicle, they should be added to your car insurance policy. 

Let’s delve into the considerations regarding adding your child to your car insurance in Ontario:

Adding your child to your car insurance policy ensures they are covered in case of accidents or damages while driving the insured vehicle.

While this will likely increase your premium, failure to add your child to your policy could result in coverage gaps and claim denials in the event of an accident.

Be sure to consult with your insurance provider to provide clarity on the process of adding your child to your car insurance policy.

Wrap-up

Now, let’s recap. 

If you add a driver to your car insurance, will it go up? 

Generally speaking, yes.  

Adding drivers might nudge those premiums north, but it’s not just about that.

Things like age, driving history, and how often they use the car all come into play. 

Your best bet? Have a chat with your insurance company. 

They’ll break it down for you to ensure that you’re following all regulations to keep your insurance coverage intact. 

Stay informed, stay covered, and reach out to your auto insurance provider if you have any questions!