Can someone drive my car if they aren't on my insurance policy?
Can a friend or relative drive my car under my insurance policy is a common question I often get as an insurance agent. The short answer is yes since auto insurance policies in Ontario cover the vehicle and not the driver. However, there are a few details we should clarify to ensure there is understanding concerning this question.
Under the Ontario highway traffic act, every automobile that is operated on publically owned roads must have minimum standard auto insurance limits. With that being said, a standard auto insurance policy follows the car and not the driver. In the event someone drivers the car other than the car’s owner or someone named on the policy, the auto insurance policy would respond in most cases. Here are some examples for us to look at:
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A neighbour asks to borrow your pickup. Provided you gave them permission to do so, there would be coverage but keep in mind that when you share your vehicle you also share your insurance. If they crash and are at fault, your auto insurance premiums and personal record will likely be negatively affected.
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Your 19 year old son is a g2 driver but you purposely don’t tell your insurance company because you are afraid of what it will do to your insurance rates. If your son had an accident, you may not have coverage because this material change in risk wasn’t disclosed.
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Your unlocked car is stolen off of the driveway by someone you don’t know and used for street racing by the thief and results in an accident. Provided that this is reported to the police, your insurance company would likely cover you for the damages and not affect your future premiums.
If you have any other questions concerning who can drive your vehicle and still be insured under your insurance policy, please feel free to call Kyle Wijnands at 519-393-3246 so that he can answer your specific question. To get an auto insurance quote now, please click the link below. Kyle can them follow up with you shortly to see if there is anything else that can be done to get you cheaper and better auto insurance.
John Brookshaw
"We have been with Tradition Mutual Insurance for 60 plus years Kyle is one of the BEST agents we have ever had Full marks on everything!"
Kim Good
I have my car insurance with Tradition Mutual Insurance and am very pleased with the rates as well as the service I have experienced. Kyle will be sure to provide you with excellent customer service answering any question you may have thoroughly and honestly. He has excellent communication skills and does well to ensure that your insurance needs are met and exceeded.
Dayna Vyse
Kyle found me a much better fit for my auto insurance for a cheaper price and was very easy and pleasant to work with! Kyle was very prompt and responsive and never pushy or sales-y. Super great to work with!"
Frequently asked auto insurance questions:
Ways to get cheaper auto insurance in Ontario:
New Driver Discounts
If you have auto and home/tenant insurance, you can save on both policies
Bundle Policies
If you have auto and home/tenant insurance, you can save on both policies
Multiple Vehicles
If you have more than one vehicle in the household insured, car insurance rates are cheaper
Pay Annually
Paying annually instead of monthly will make your auto insurance premiums cheaper.
Take Driver Training
For new drivers, having driver's training helps to lower auto rates and get cheaper insurance.
Pay on Time
If you pay on time, your insurance record won't have any cancellations for non-payment and will get you cheaper rates.
Relationship Status
Typically, the statistics for those who are married are better and can get you cheaper auto rates.
Have a Clean Record
At fault collisions, convictions, dangerous driving charges etc make premiums higher. A clean record means cheaper auto rates.
Low KM Use
The lower the usage of the vehicle, the cheaper the insurance.
Shop & Compare
Rates range from company to company. Look around to see what is the best and cheapest.
Raise Deductibles
The deductible is what you pay before the insurance company does. Higher deductibles make car insruance rates cheaper.
Winter Tires
Discounts are available for having winter tires on your vehicle during the snowy season.
Mandatory Car Insurance Coverages Required in Ontario
Liability Coverage
For bodily injury or property damage of someone else, costs are covered for you.
Direct Compensation
If you are are not at fault, damages to your car are covered.
Uninsured Auto
If an uninsured driver is negligent, medical costs and physical damages are covered.
Accident Benefits
Regardless of fault, medical and other expenses you are eligible to receive are paid out. have entitled to receive are covered.
Optional and Enhanced Auto Insurance Coverages
Comprehensive
Protects your vehicle from damage caused by perils like fire, hail or theft (besides collision or upset.)
Collision or Upset
Protects your vehicle from losses such as collision with another vehicle or object.
All Perils
Combines collision or upset and comprehensive coverage and also includes increased theft coverage.
Accident Forgiveness
With this protection, provided that you are not charged with a careless, your rates won't increase if you have a partial or 100% at fault accident.
Rental Car Coverage
Liability for damage to non-owned Automobile(s) when insured persons rent other automobiles. Contact for further details.
Vehicle Replacement
Coverage for reasonable expenses incurred in
renting a similar substitute automobile or obtaining alternate transportation while
the insured vehicle is out of use as a result of an insured loss.
Depreciation Protection
If eligible, vehicle can qualify for 24 months of replacement cost coverage instead of the depreciated value at the time of loss.
Family Protection
If the other motorist has
insufficient insurance, additional protection is available for you subject to liability limits and policy agreements.