Are friends or family members insured if an accident occurs while they’re using your car? Well, you may be thinking if anyone in Ontario with a valid license and active auto insurance could even drive your car without violating any regulations or contracts in the first place. However, when you let someone else drive your vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Before the driver pulls out of the driveway, here’s what you should know if you let anyone drive your vehicle.
Can You Drive A Vehicle That’s Insured By Someone Else?
Insurance only protects the car, not the driver. If you don’t have one, you can’t lawfully drive in the province.
You may use someone else’s vehicle if you hold an active license in the jurisdiction. To use it, you must have authorization and drive properly. If you have a friend or family member that uses your vehicle regularly, you can use a car insurance calculator Ontario-based to calculate how much it would cost you to add an irregular driver and what are the benefits of doing so. You may be charged with significant misrepresentation if you deceive your insurance and fail to disclose this information.
Remember that if you receive a speeding ticket or are spotted stunt racing in their car, authorities will take the owner’s proof of insurance, but the fine will appear on your record.
In Ontario, Who Is Legally Allowed To Drive My Car?
Because it is attached to the VIN, you might lead your car to those who are not covered by your coverage in certain instances. Consider the following before lending your vehicle:
- Is the driver legally permitted to drive in Canada?
- Do they provide verbal or written documentation to back it up?
- Will they follow the terms of your insurance agreements?
- Are they engaging in unlawful acts while utilizing your vehicle?
Always think about the individual to whom you are borrowing your vehicle before handing over the keys. Allowing a buddy to use your car to relocate one day vs allowing your partner to drive to work regularly necessitates different commitments and protection.
What Occurs If I Am Involved In A Collision While Driving Someone Else’s Vehicle?
If anybody uses your car and has an accident, your insurance company will cover the damages as long as the driver has specific authorization to use it. It’s crucial to remember that when you lend someone your automobile, they are borrowing your clean driving record. Use your discretion if they are a bad driver.
Insures will pay automobile insurance claims stemming from an accident caused by someone else driving – they do not require their own policy. As an uninsured person, you are only covered up to the insurance limits of the automobile owner. It will cover the drivers’ damages and physical harm.
Bear in mind that Ontario has a graded licensing process, and based on what sort of license you have and if you violate any of those restrictions, you may have your claim dismissed and your charges raised.
When Is Someone Else’s Insurance Not Going To Cover Me?
There are various situations when you will not be insured if you use someone else’s automobile. This would include the following:
- Driving while intoxicated: If you are driving while impaired or high, you would not be insured for any damages and will be punished.
- You are a prohibited driver: You will not be covered if the owner deliberately named you as a prohibited driver and you continue to use their car.
- You were never given permission: If the holder can establish that you were not permitted to drive their car, you must pay for any damages.
- You do not have a valid license: Driving without a valid license may result in legal consequences.
If you live with a roommate or family member, you must inform your insurance if they drive and use their own insurance.
What Exactly Is Non-Owner Insurance?
There are methods to alter and supplement current insurance to provide the same level of protection if you use leased automobiles, ridesharing services, or rental cars. OPCF 27 (non-owner coverage) is an insurance add-on. This is a sort of liability coverage that exclusively protects the driver.
Non-owner insurance might be advantageous. For example, suppose you go to see a friend out of town and borrow their automobile, and there is an incident. If the damages exceed their coverage limitations, the non-owner insurance companies cover the difference. You would then have to pay for it anyway.
If you use a corporate car for work purposes or are named on the insurance of anyone you reside with, you do not require non-owner insurance.
If you’ve found yourself wondering if you need insurance when driving someone else’s car, now you know that insurance coverage depends on the vehicle’s policyholder. If you have particular questions about what is covered, it’s best to contact your provider.