If you’re wondering, “Who can drive my car under my insurance in Ontario?” This blog post is for you. Car insurance is a crucial aspect of owning a vehicle, providing financial protection in case of accidents, damage, or theft and understanding the nuances of car insurance policies is essential.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the guidelines and considerations associated with allowing others to drive your car under your insurance coverage in the province of Ontario.

Primary Drivers and Occasional Drivers

When you purchase car insurance in Ontario, you are required to identify the primary driver of the vehicle. The primary driver is the person who primarily uses the car and is named as such on the insurance policy. The primary driver’s information, including their driving record, will heavily influence the insurance premium you pay.

Occasional drivers, on the other hand, are individuals who may drive your car from time to time but are not the primary operators. They might include family members, friends, or coworkers. Insurance companies typically allow occasional drivers as long as they meet certain criteria, but it’s important to understand the limitations and potential implications.

Insurance Company Guidelines

Insurance policies vary between companies, so it’s crucial to review your specific policy and consult with your insurance provider for detailed information. However, the following general guidelines apply to most Ontario car insurance policies:

Household members: Immediate family members living in the same household as the primary driver are usually covered under the insurance policy. This includes spouses, parents, siblings, and children. It’s important to disclose all household members to your insurance company during the policy application or renewal process.

Non-household members: If an occasional driver does not reside in the same household as the primary driver, they may still be allowed to drive the insured vehicle. However, this usually depends on the insurance company’s policy and may come with certain limitations. Some insurance companies may require occasional drivers to be explicitly named on the policy, while others might provide coverage to drivers who have the vehicle owner’s permission to use the car.

Permission and exclusions: It’s essential to read your policy carefully to understand any specific exclusions or restrictions related to occasional drivers. Some policies may have restrictions on drivers under a certain age, drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations, or drivers with a suspended license. Remember, allowing an excluded driver to use your car may result in your insurance claim being denied in the event of an accident.

If the person who borrows my car gets in an accident, what happens?

A car’s insurance follows it, so in most cases, your insurance will cover the cost of an accident caused by someone else driving your car. Regardless of whether you were in the car with them or not, your policy will be the primary insurance, and so the person driving the car will be asked to provide proof of auto insurance to them.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that you might have to pay for any damages to the car itself, as well as the deductible.  It is also possible that you may be putting your good driving record at risk, as well as your claims history which could cause your car insurance rates to increase on your next renewal. 

How to make sure you’re covered if you’re driving someone else’s car?

Ontario Policy Change Forms- OPCF 27 is the policy that covers “Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s) and Other Coverages When Insured Persons Drive, Rent or Lease Other Automobiles .” This protects you against damages to someone else’s car and, more specifically, helps you avoid paying rental car insurance.

What if an unlicensed driver crashed my car?

In the province of Ontario, if an unlicensed driver crashes your car, it can have significant implications for insurance coverage and legal responsibilities. Ontario law requires all drivers to hold a valid driver’s license. 

Therefore, if an unlicensed driver is operating your vehicle and gets into an accident, your insurance company is likely to deny the claim, leaving you responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident.

Moreover, knowingly permitting an unlicensed driver to use your vehicle is considered illegal in Ontario, and you may face penalties, fines, or potential legal consequences if caught. 

As the owner of the vehicle, you could also be personally liable for any damages caused by the unlicensed driver, including property damage and medical expenses incurred by the other party involved in the accident. 

It is crucial to follow the law and ensure that only licensed and authorised individuals operate your vehicle to avoid these potential issues and protect yourself from financial and legal consequences under Ontario regulations.

Are you worried about potential mechanical breakdowns?

With Legacy Auto, you can protect your budget and credit rating with a warranty that is fully insured and trusted. We’ve partnered with Global Warranty and U Select Warranty to provide our customers with the best coverage and the freedom to choose their local repair shop for warranty repairs.

If you have any questions about our app or our in-house finance options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us at (519) 507-2277 or send an email to [email protected]. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and provide the information you need. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help!