Can a visitor drive my car in Ontario?

Driving a Car with Ontario Car Insurance: Authorized Drivers

In Ontario, car insurance policies typically allow authorized drivers to operate the insured vehicle. To ensure coverage in the event of an accident, certain requirements must be met:

Authorized Driver Eligibility

• Permission: The owner or principal driver must give explicit permission for another person to drive their car.
• Valid License: The authorized driver must possess a valid driver’s license appropriate for the type of vehicle and jurisdiction.
• Legal Use: The authorized driver must not engage in any reckless or prohibited driving behaviors that violate traffic laws.

Coverage Applicability

When an authorized driver is operating the insured vehicle with permission, they are typically covered by the policy’s liability and collision coverage. This means that the insurance company will assume responsibility for bodily injury, property damage, and other expenses arising from an accident caused by the authorized driver.

Limitations and Exclusions

Insurance policies may have certain limitations or exclusions regarding authorized drivers. For example:

• Age and Experience Restrictions: Some policies may impose age or driving experience requirements on authorized drivers.
• Commercial Use: If the car is used for commercial purposes, additional coverage or endorsements may be required.
• Exclusions for Reckless Driving: The insurance company may not provide coverage if the authorized driver is involved in an accident while driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Importance of Authorization

It is crucial to ensure that all drivers operating an insured vehicle have proper authorization. This protects both the vehicle owner and the authorized driver by ensuring that insurance coverage is valid in the event of an accident.

Reporting Unauthorized Drivers

If you discover that an unauthorized driver has been operating your car, it is important to report it to your insurance company immediately. This will allow the insurer to assess the situation and determine whether coverage remains valid.

By following these guidelines, Ontario drivers can ensure that authorized drivers are properly covered when operating their insured vehicles.