An occasional driver is someone who may drive a vehicle, but uses it less frequently than the primary driver. In Ontario, insurers generally require that all household members who regularly use a vehicle be listed on the policy as either primary or occasional drivers.
Understanding the importance of occasional driver insurance is critical if you allow others to drive your car. Occasional driver insurance can help ensure you’re properly covered on Ontario Roads. Additionally, understanding how insurers classify occasional drivers, how coverage works, and the potential impact on your premiums can help you make informed decisions. In turn, you can stay protected.
What Is An Occasional Driver For Insurance?
When it comes to insurance, an occasional driver, also known as a secondary driver, is someone who regularly gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, this driver doesn’t use it the most. In most cases, occasional drivers use the vehicle less than half of the time.
A common example of an occasional driver is someone who uses the vehicle only to run the odd errand or to visit friends or family on the weekends. Generally, they will use the vehicle once or twice a week. Meanwhile, the primary driver will use it daily. In most cases, primary drivers will use it to commute to either work or school.
What Is A Primary Driver In Ontario Car Insurance?
A Primary Driver is the main user of a vehicle. They are the person who leases or purchases a vehicle and takes out a policy. Moreover, the primary driver uses the vehicle the most.
For example, let’s say you share your car with your partner. When purchasing insurance, your insurer will ask how often you both drive the car. If you use it daily for work but your partner uses it only once a week to run errands, you would be considered the primary driver.
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Does Everyone Who Uses My Car Need To Be Listed As An Occasional Driver?
Not everyone who ever uses your car will need to be listed as an occasional or secondary driver. You only need to add drivers to your insurance who regularly use your vehicle at least a couple of times a month; anything more, and you should consider adding them as occasional drivers. If someone only borrows your vehicle on a one-off instance, or you lend your car to visitors staying from out of town, you do not need to add them to your insurance.
You can safely lend your vehicle to a trusted friend or family member. With that in mind, it’s always important to remember that when you lend a car to someone, you are also lending them your insurance.
Who Can I List As An Occasional Driver On My Insurance?
When it comes to who you should list on your insurance as an occasional driver, it will likely differ from person to person.
With everything considered, anyone who uses your car regularly, such as weekly, should be listed as an occasional driver on your insurance policy. Some examples include:
- A teen with a G2 or G Class licence
- Family members
- An adult child who lives at home
- A parent who lives with an adult child
- Roommates or friends
- All licenced drivers residing in your household
- Neighbour
- Nanny or housekeeper
What Happens If Someone Gets Into An Accident With My Car And They Are Not A Secondary Driver?
If you have let someone borrow your car and the unfortunate has occurred, you may be wondering what the next steps are. Your policy will usually cover them even if you don’t list them as a secondary driver. This is because your insurance will cover them if they are involved in an accident. In fact, this is the case as long as they have a valid licence and do not engage in illegal activity while behind the wheel.
With this in mind, you’ll likely have your driving record affected. You can expect the cost of your insurance premiums to also increase due to the result of an at-fault accident.
How Much Does It Cost To Add An Occasional Driver To Car Insurance In Ontario?
Unfortunately, when you add an occasional driver to your car insurance, you can expect to see some increased costs to your car insurance quotes. The exact amount of increase will depend on the type of driver you add.
In most cases, adding people to your insurance won’t result in too much of an uptick in premiums. You’ll see this most often when you add an experienced driver. However, if you are adding a new driver, teenager, or high-risk driver to your insurance, you can expect your costs to increase considerably.
Some factors include:
- Driving History
- Age
- Driving experience
- Tickets and fines
- Years with insurance
What Is Non-Owner Driver Insurance?
If you’re an occasional driver and want to make sure you are covered in the event of an accident, you’ll want to look into Non-owner driver insurance. Also known as OPCF 27, this insurance will provide you with liability for damage to any non-owned vehicles. This applies if you are driving someone else’s car.
Unlike standalone insurance, you add OPCF 27 coverage to your existing auto insurance policy. Many insurers include it as part of a comprehensive coverage package. It will typically cover liability when you borrow a vehicle, including when you rent one! On top of this, it will provide you with coverage for any damage done to rented or borrowed vehicles.
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Occasional Drivers And Frequently Asked Questions
What is an occasional driver?
An occasional driver in Ontario is someone who regularly drives a vehicle but uses it less often than the primary driver or owner. Ontario insurers generally require you to list all regular drivers on a vehicle’s insurance policy, regardless of how often they drive.
Does an occasional driver need their own insurance?
No, in most cases, an occasional driver does not need their own insurance. The vehicle owner’s policy covers occasional drivers and lists them as secondary drivers. In some cases, non-owner insurance may provide additional protection for a secondary driver.
Does adding an occasional driver increase your insurance rates?
Yes, adding an occasional driver can potentially increase your insurance rates. The extent of the increase depends on many factors. These factors include the age of the secondary driver, their driving experience, claims history and licence class.
What happens if I don’t list a secondary driver on my policy?
Failing to disclose any regular drivers on your insurance policy may result in repercussions. These repercussions include claim disputes, policy cancellations, or allegations of misrepresentation.
Can I lend my car to someone who is not on my insurance policy?
Yes. Your insurance generally covers occasional borrowing. If someone only borrows your car for a day every few months, you likely don’t need to add them to your policy. However, you should list anyone who regularly drives your vehicle on your insurance policy.
Be Prepared When Your Car Is Borrowed
Protect yourself by ensuring everyone who regularly uses your vehicle has the proper insurance coverage. Whether you’re adding a partner, a friend, or a teenage driver, understanding how occasional drivers work can help you avoid coverage issues and unexpected costs.
List all regular drivers on your policy and review your coverage to maintain peace of mind and stay protected no matter who gets behind the wheel. Remember, if you are ever in the market for car insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure.
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