Occasional Driver Insurance In Ontario

A primary driver is the main user of a vehicle. They are the person who, in most cases, leases or purchases a vehicle and takes out a policy. Primary drivers use the vehicle the majority of the time. Every insured vehicle is assigned a primary driver.

An occasional driver for insurance, 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.

Any one who uses your car on regular basis such as once a week should be listed as an occasional driver on your insurance .

This includes :

• A teen with a G2 or G license
• An adult child living at home
• Parents living with adult child
• All licensed drivers residing in your household
• Roommates, neighbors or friends
• Family members
• Nanny

You only need to add drivers to your insurance 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.

So 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.

Primary and secondary driver refers more to the status of a driver on the insurance. Both primary and secondary drivers are subject to the same coverage as outlined within an auto policy.

The one area where defining driver designations is the amount of the premium. Primary drivers are scrutinized by insurers more heavily when determining costs.

In Ontario, anyone in your home with a valid license will be added to your insurance as an occasional driver. This is the case even if they have their own vehicle and are the primary driver on their insurance.

Things you should know about occasional drivers and insurance :

• Any person who uses your vehicle regularly should be added as a secondary driver.
• Add all licensed drivers who reside in your home.
• Make sure roles are properly assigned – the secondary driver cannot actually be the primary driver.

You can have an occasional driver removed from your insurance. You will need to fill out the OPCF 28A endorsement form. The driver will need to sign the form, agreeing not to be insured or drive your vehicle.

Adding an occasional driver to your insurance will result in increased costs. The actual amount will depend on the type of driver you add.

Adding an experienced good driver will not likely increase your premiums much. However, adding a teen, a new driver, or someone with a poor driving record could increase your costs considerably.

Some factors that affect costs include :

• Age and experience
• Driving history
• Tickets and fines
• Years with insurance

If you give someone permission to drive your car and they are not listed as a secondary driver you will be covered in most cases. Your insurance provides protection if they are involved in an accident as long as they have a valid license and do not engage in illegal activity while driving.

It may affect you driving record and you can expect your costs to increase as a result of an at-fault accident.