What Is Occasional Driver Insurance in Ontario? (The Full Guide)

Do you need occasional driver insurance in Ontario? Whether you’re borrowing a car from time to time, or driving someone else’s vehicle on a weekly basis, it’s important to be properly insured. Here, we’re explaining occasional driver insurance rules for Ontario drivers.

If you often borrow your parent’s, neighbour’s or sibling’s car, you may need to be added to their policy as an occasional driver.

Here, we’re explaining the ins and outs of occasional driver insurance in Ontario, including the rules and regulations.

Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about this coverage.

Or, if you’d rather speak to a real live human being, give us a call.

Our Ontario car insurance brokers will be happy to help.

Skip ahead to get to the good stuff:

• What is occasional driver insurance?
• How does occasional driver insurance work in Ontario?
• How much is occasional driver insurance in Ontario?
• What are the rules for occasional driver insurance in Ontario?
• How to get occasional driver insurance in Ontario

What is occasional driver insurance?

Occasional driver insurance refers to a type of auto insurance coverage designed for individuals who are not the primary drivers of a vehicle.

It’s particularly relevant for families or households where there are multiple drivers, but not all of them use the insured vehicle on a regular basis.

So, for example, if you’re a teen and you drive your parent’s car.

You can get occasional driver insurance by simply being added to the primary driver’s policy.

Here’s the difference between a primary and occasional driver in Ontario with regards to car insurance. 👇

1. The primary driver of the vehicle is the individual who uses it most frequently and is listed as the main policyholder.
2. An occasional driver is someone who has access to the insured vehicle but uses it less often, like a family member who occasionally borrows the car.

Remember: Each insurance company may have its own specific guidelines and policies.

Contact your insurance broker directly to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your circumstances.

Give our Ontario insurance brokers at KBD a call.

We’d be happy to help.

How does occasional driver insurance work in Ontario?

We’ve covered what occasional driver insurance is, and who it’s for.

Now, let’s go over exactly how occasional driver insurance works in Ontario.

Let’s start with the basics:

To get occasional driver insurance in Ontario, you simply need to be added to the primary driver’s insurance policy.

However, there are certain implications to being added to someone else’s policy that you should be aware of.

Here’s what you need to know about coverage, costs, and usage when it comes to occasional driver insurance in Ontario:

1. Insurance coverage: The primary driver’s insurance policy covers the occasional driver as well. So if the occasional driver gets into an accident while driving the insured vehicle, the insurance policy should provide coverage for the damages and liabilities, just like it would for the primary driver.
2. Premium considerations: Insurance companies assess the risk associated with each driver listed on the policy. Occasional drivers may have lower premiums compared to primary drivers since their infrequent use of the vehicle poses less risk. However, occasional driver insurance prices can still vary based on factors like age, driving experience, and claims history.
3. Usage: Be transparent and honest about who drives the vehicle and how frequently, as this can affect claims payouts and premiums.

Next, we’ll get into the costs associated with adding an occasional driver to your policy. 👇

How much is occasional driver insurance in Ontario?

So, how much does occasional driver insurance cost in Ontario?

Like with most insurance coverages, the cost of occasional driver insurance depends on your unique circumstances.

So, the best way to get an accurate estimate of how much occasional driver insurance will cost you personally is to speak with your car insurance broker.

Nonetheless, to understand the details, here are the factors influencing the cost of occasional driver insurance:

1. The insurance provider you choose: Different insurance companies in Ontario have different pricing structures. We recommend that you compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rates and coverage options for you. An insurance broker like KBD can help you shop around.
2. Primary driver’s profile: Insurance companies assess the risk associated with the primary driver when determining the overall cost of the policy.
3. Occasional driver’s profile: The occasional driver’s age, driving experience, claims history, and even their relationship to the primary driver may affect the premium. Drivers with less experience may have higher premiums due to increased risk.
4. Frequency of vehicle use: Generally, the more you intend to use the vehicle, the higher the premium.
5. Vehicle type and coverage: Expensive or high-performance vehicles may come with higher premiums, and additional coverage options may increase the overall cost.

Ready for a personalized quote?

Call the team at KBD today.

What are the rules for occasional driver insurance in Ontario?

There are a few boxes that you need to check in order to qualify for occasional driver insurance. ✅

It’s important to follow these rules so that you don’t face any surprises if you end up having to make an insurance claim.

Here are the general rules and regulations for occasional driver insurance in Ontario.

1. Accurate disclosure: Provide accurate and truthful information to your insurance provider regarding all drivers in your household. Failing to disclose an occasional driver or misrepresenting their usage of the vehicle can lead to coverage issues or claim denials.
2. Listing all drivers: Everyone who drives the insured vehicle should be listed on the insurance policy. Insurance companies consider the risk associated with each driver, and premiums may be adjusted accordingly.
3. Primary driver designation: The primary driver is the person who uses the insured vehicle most frequently and is typically the policyholder. The insurance policy is based on their driving profile, and they are responsible for the overall policy.
4. Updating the policy: If an occasional driver starts using the insured vehicle more frequently (i.e. more than the primary driver), you must notify your insurance provider and update the policy accordingly. This ensures that the coverage accurately reflects the increased usage and helps to avoid any potential coverage gaps.

How to get occasional driver insurance in Ontario?

If you got this far and have determined that occasional driver insurance applies to your situation, here are the steps to take to get insured:

1. Contact your car insurance provider: Reach out to your car insurance provider to inquire about their policies for occasional drivers. You can also shop around for coverage options. The brokers at KBD can help with that. Call us.
2. Explain your situation: Let your insurance company know that you will be an occasional driver and provide details about how often you will be driving and for what purposes. Be prepared to share information about your driving history, the primary driver of the vehicle, and any other relevant details.
3. Compare quotes: If you’re still deciding on which insurance company to go with, you can obtain quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage and rates for occasional driver insurance.
4. Review terms and conditions: Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to make sure that you’re adhering to the rules.

Once you’re properly insured, you’ll be ready to hit the road. 🚗

Wrap-up

To conclude, if you’re driving a car in Ontario, you are required by law to be properly insured.

Now, the type of car insurance you get depends on your unique situation.

If you’ve determined that occasional driver insurance is right for you, give us a call.

Our Ontario auto insurance brokers can help to adjust your policy, and add occasional drivers to your coverage as needed.

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