How Do You Add a New Driver to Car Insurance in Ontario?
To add a new driver to a car insurance policy in Ontario, contact your insurer or broker with the new driver's licence number, date of birth, and driving history. The driver will typically be listed as an occasional driver if they are not the primary user of the vehicle, which results in a lower rate than insuring them as a primary driver.
Key Facts
- Primary driver: highest impact on premium, especially if young or inexperienced
- Occasional driver: lower rate increase, still covered when they drive
- Principal operator must be the person who genuinely drives most
- Misrepresenting usage (fronting) is insurance fraud
In this article
Why You Must Add All Drivers
Ontario law and insurance contracts require policyholders to disclose all licensed drivers in their household to their insurer. Failing to do so is considered material misrepresentation, which can void your policy entirely in the event of a claim. Even if a family member only drives the vehicle occasionally, they must be listed.
Occasional Driver vs. Primary Driver
When adding a new driver, your insurer will classify them based on how frequently they use the vehicle. A primary driver is the person who drives the vehicle most often. An occasional driver uses it less than 50 percent of the time. Listing a new driver as occasional rather than primary results in a lower rate increase because the risk exposure is calculated proportionally.
- Primary driver: highest impact on premium, especially if young or inexperienced
- Occasional driver: lower rate increase, still covered when they drive
- Principal operator must be the person who genuinely drives most
- Misrepresenting usage (fronting) is insurance fraud
What Information You Need to Provide
To add a new driver, contact your insurer or broker by phone, online portal, or in person. You will need the new driver's full name, date of birth, Ontario driver's licence number, licence class (G1, G2, or G), and any driving history including past convictions or at-fault claims. The insurer will run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) to verify the information.
How Adding a New Driver Affects Your Premium
The premium impact depends on the new driver's age, experience, and record. Adding a teenage G1 or G2 driver to a policy can increase the annual premium by $500 to $2,000 or more depending on the insurer and vehicle. Adding an experienced adult driver with a clean record may have a minimal or no impact. Shopping around with different insurers after adding a driver is worthwhile.
BDE Certificate Reduces the Impact
If the new driver has completed an MTO-approved BDE course, their completion certificate can be provided to the insurer at the time of adding them to the policy. This may qualify for the 5 to 15 percent BDE discount on the new driver's portion of the premium. Always ask the insurer if the discount applies and confirm it appears on the policy documents.
Related Questions
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for a New Driver in Ontario?
Car insurance for a new driver in Ontario typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000 per year. The exact amount depends on the driver's age, vehicle type, location, coverage level, and whether they are insured as a primary or occasional driver on a parent's policy.
Read answerHow Can a New Driver Lower Their Car Insurance in Ontario?
New drivers in Ontario can lower car insurance by completing a BDE course for a 5 to 15 percent discount, enrolling in a usage-based insurance program, staying on a parent's policy as an occasional driver, choosing a lower-value vehicle, and maintaining a clean driving record.
Read answerDoes Driving School Reduce Insurance in Ontario?
Yes, completing an MTO-approved BDE course at a driving school in Ontario can reduce your car insurance premiums by 5 to 15 percent with most insurers. The discount is applied when you present your completion certificate, and it typically lasts for several years.
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