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It’s important to understand secondary or occasional driver insurance rules if you allow others to drive your vehicle.
All car insurance has at least one driver listed on the policy. Many policies have multiple drivers listed. There are also many situations where it’s unclear whether or not an occasional or secondary driver needs to be added to a driver’s auto insurance policy.
In this blog, we will define the different types of drivers (primary, occasional, secondary) who can appear on a car insurance policy. We’ll also explain the different between primary and secondary driver insurance in Ontario and Alberta. We’ll finish by answering common questions about occasional driver insurance.
A primary driver is the main driver of a vehicle. They are the person who, in most cases, leases or purchases a vehicle and takes out an insurance policy. Primary drivers use the vehicle the majority of the time. Every insured vehicle is assigned a primary driver.
An occasional driver, also often referred to as a secondary driver, is a person who regularly drives the vehicle, but doesn’t use it the most. They drive the vehicle less than 50% of the time.
For example, an occasional driver is most commonly a spouse who uses the vehicle to run errands or visit family on the weekend. They use the vehicle a couple times per week, while the primary driver uses the vehicle to commute to work daily.
It’s perfectly okay to lend your vehicle to a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member on occasion. But remember, you are also lending your insurance to this individual. Here are some of the instances when a driver needs to be listed as an occasional driver :
You only need to add drivers to your policy who regularly use your vehicle. This means you don’t need to add a person if they borrow your vehicle one time only or if you lend your vehicle to visitors from out of town staying at your home.
Occasional and secondary drivers refer to the same thing. They are the driver on the insurance policy who drives regularly, but is not the main driver for the vehicle.
Occasional driver insurance is not a standalone policy. You cannot get a separate policy to be an occasional or secondary driver. Occasional drivers are added onto a primary driver’s insurance policy. You will have the same coverage as the primary driver.
Getting added onto a policy as a secondary driver will increase the car insurance premiums.
Primary and secondary driver insurance refers more to the status of a driver within a policy than the insurance coverage itself. Both a primary driver and secondary driver are subject to the same coverage as outlined within an auto policy.
The one area where defining driver designations is the cost of the premium. Primary drivers are scrutinized more heavily when determining the cost of auto insurance policies.
In Ontario, anyone in your home with a valid driver’s license will be added to your policy as an occasional driver. This is the case even if they have their own vehicle and are the primary driver on their own insurance policy.
You can have an occasional driver removed from your policy. You will need to fill out driver endorsement form 28A. The driver will need to sign the form, agreeing not to be insured or drive your vehicle.
Occasional driver insurance rules all drivers should follow :
In Alberta, all primary drivers are asked to list all drivers within their household. All licensed drivers must be listed. If a driver gets into an accident with your vehicle, and they are not listed on your policy, the claim could be denied.
The cost to add an occasional driver to your policy will result in a rate increase. The actual cost will depend on the driver you add. An experienced driver with a clean driving record will not likely increase your rates much, but a teen driver, new driver, or a driver with a poor driving record could raise your rates considerably.
Occasional driver insurance cost factors include :
Adding a secondary driver to your car insurance policy will have an impact. Occasional driver insurance rates can vary as much as coverage for primary drivers.
Here are some tips for adding occasional driver to insurance :
Your auto insurance policy, in most cases, will provide coverage if an occasional driver is involved in an accident as long as they have a valid driver’s license and do not engage in illegal activity while driving.
Expect your insurance rates to increase as a result of an at fault car accident.
Here are some commonly asked questions about secondary driver insurance :
A secondary driver is the person who drives the car occasionally. They are not the main driver.
Yes. It’s advisable to add all occasional drivers to your car insurance policy.
Insurance rates will vary based on the persons driving record, age, and other common factors used to determine auto insurance rates.
If you are insuring multiple vehicles within the same household, and there are two or more licensed drivers, insurance companies will assume that each vehicle will have a different primary driver. Speak with your insurer about your options for defining driver roles with multiple vehicles.
Yes. You can permit any licensed driver to use your vehicle. If they use your vehicle regularly, you may need to add them as an occasional driver.
It depends on the situation. Generally, adding a secondary driver will slightly increase your rates and it will be cheaper than having two policies. Speak with your insurance advisor about your options.
Yes. But it is advisable to get added onto their policy if you drive their vehicle regularly.
Yes, as long as you give them permission. Insurance coverage follows the vehicle, not the driver.
Yes. In Alberta, you will be asked to list add licensed drivers in your household on your policy.
No. You do not have to list a teen driver on a parent’s policy until they have a G2 driver’s license.
Have an occasional driver you want to add to your policy? Did your teenager get their license and needs insurance? Contact our insurance experts today to get a free quote for occasional driver insurance.
Occasional Driver Insurance - Coverage For Occasional Or Secondary Drivers
Feb 26, 2019
Auto Insurance For Occasional Or Secondary Drivers
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