Does My Insurance Cover Me on Someone Else's Car?
Many believe that they are covered under their own auto insurance policy when driving someone else’s vehicle. This is not the case. Whether driving a rental car or a co-worker or friend’s vehicle, the primary coverage is first covered by the vehicle being driven.
Does car insurance follow the car of the driver?
This is another common question asked of insurance companies in Ontario. In short, auto insurance coverage follows the car being driven first and not the driver. Provided that you have permission to drive the vehicle, that vehicle’s auto policy would the first to respond in the event of a property damage or bodily injury claim. This permission doesn’t need to be written and can be verbal. If for some reason there wasn’t enough coverage under that vehicle’s policy, there is a possibility that the driver’s policy could respond to the shortfall. There are many variables that should be considered such as the following:
If the driver is someone who is in the household of the vehicle being driven and has not been disclosed as a regular driver of the vehicle and not insured elsewhere, that person should be noted on the policy as such. If this isn’t disclosed to the insurer of said vehicle, there is a possibility that the insurance company may deny the claim for reasons of non-disclosure of a material change in risk that should have been rated for and charged premium.
There are other times when a particular driver may be specifically excluded by way of a 28a exclusion form and therefore is not covered under the policy in the event of a liability or DCPD claim. Keep in mind however, that this may not the case for accident benefits coverage. There is a possibility that this coverage may still respond in the event of an auto insurance claim.
If you have any other questions concerning what your auto insurance policy covers, 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.