As president of KBD, Curtis aims to simplify insurance for his clients. He’s helped lead KBD to become one of Canada’s fastest 400 growing companies according to the Globe & Mail.
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In this post, we’re explaining who can drive your car under your insurance in Ontario (and vice-versa) in 2 minutes or less. ⏰
That way, you can confirm that you’re properly insured before hitting the road.
You know, just in case. 😉
Or, if you need a car insurance quote, just give us a call.
Who can drive my car under my insurance in Ontario?
Car insurance is mandatory throughout Canada for all drivers – but how does it work if you’re lending your car to someone else?
In this post we’re answering exactly that, including:
- Who can drive your car under your insurance in Ontario?
- Are you covered under insurance if you drive someone else’s car in Ontario?
The quick and dirty answer is this: If a friend borrows your car occasionally to get groceries or run errands, (for example), they will automatically be covered under your car insurance.
In this instance, your insurance covers your car – even if someone else is driving.
The exception is if that person regularly drives your vehicle.
Let’s say they borrow it three times every week to drive to work.
In that case, you’re required to add the driver to your car insurance policy as a secondary driver (also known as occasional driver insurance).
However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t let just anyone use your vehicle.
Why?
Because your insurance record can be affected if someone else gets into an accident while driving your car.
So, before handing over your keys, make sure that anyone borrowing your car fulfills the following requirements:
- They’re licensed to drive in Canada
- They have your permission to drive your vehicle (written or verbal)
- The driver must know where to find your proof of insurance & vehicle registration
Pro tip: If the driver borrowing your car lives in the same household as you and drives your car on a regular basis, they should be added as a secondary driver on your car insurance.
And if you’re wondering whether you can drive your friend’s car in Ontario – yes, you can – subject to a few restrictions, that is.
In general, as long as the vehicle owner has the mandatory car insurance in place, and you have a valid Canadian driver’s licence (and permission!), you can drive someone else’s vehicle.
BUT, if you borrow their vehicle on a regular basis, you’ll also have to be added as a secondary driver to their policy under occasional driver insurance.
And this will affect your car insurance premium – you can visit our full guide on car insurance costs in Ontario here.
Wrap-up
Et voilà – the simple guide to insurance for occasional drivers.
But remember, as always, there can be exceptions.
To recap, here are the main things you should remember when borrowing or lending a car:
- Car insurance is mandatory in Ontario
- Anyone borrowing your car must have a valid driver’s licence
- The borrower must have permission to drive the vehicle
- If someone else gets into an accident, your insurance record can be affected
- Regular drivers are required to be added to your insurance policy
Still have questions about who can drive your car under your insurance in Ontario?
Just give us a call. 😊
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