Finding the right car insurance for yourself can feel daunting enough. When you have a growing family, it can become more and more complex with multiple drivers needing insurance. That’s okay, because we are here to help you navigate all the multi-driver insurance discounts, coverages and options for your entire crazy family.
In Ontario, it’s important to clearly define who the primary and secondary drivers are for each vehicle. The primary driver is the person who uses the vehicle most often and will be the main focus when pricing your policy. The secondary driver is anyone else who uses the car occasionally. Insurance companies expect this information to be accurate to offer the best rates and ensure proper coverage. Car insurance for multiple drivers can get complicated, but knowing these roles helps you get the best rates and avoid surprises.
Misrepresenting who the primary driver is can lead to coverage problems, so be honest and upfront when discussing your multi-driver situation with your broker.
When you have more than one car or multiple drivers, the first thing you should think about is a multiple car insurance discount or multi policy discount. A multi-vehicle discount is added to your policy when you have more than one car in the home. The theory is that most likely both cars won't be driven simultaneously all the time; therefore, why should you pay full price? Makes sense, right? This discount is usually 10% off.
A multi policy discount is added when you have property insurance as well. Either tenant, condo or home insurance qualifies. The multi-line discount is anywhere from 10% to 20%.
Once you have your discounts bundled and have saved 20% to 30% already, it’s time to figure out how to insure your loved ones properly. You might be worried about how someone else’s record could affect your rates. This is a very common issue for most families.
Here’s how it works. Insurance companies want to price for every single licensed driver in the household; that’s their right. If someone is licensed and able to drive, the insurance company wants to assess their driving record, or lack thereof, and price the risk accordingly.
Now, we know what you’re thinking; “But my 17-year-old son doesn’t really drive very often. I won’t let him.” Well, that’s a common occurrence. Still, everyone with access to the vehicle(s), even in an emergency situation, must be disclosed to the insurance company and priced for, period. Trying to hide young drivers or drivers with poor records only makes the problem worse and could leave you without coverage. It’s best to discuss your situation with a broker who can customize a plan for you to insure the best coverage and price for all your loved ones.
Insurance companies in Ontario closely watch for a practice called “fronting”, when a driver with a better driving record is listed as the primary driver on a vehicle primarily used by another driver with a riskier profile. This practice is generally discouraged and can lead to denied claims or canceled policies if discovered.
It’s important to list drivers accurately and honestly so your coverage remains valid and your premiums are fairly priced. Speak with a broker who understands Ontario’s regulations to find the best and most compliant way to insure your family.
Yes, in Ontario, an individual can be listed as the primary driver on multiple vehicles, usually up to 5 cars. This is common in families or individuals who own several vehicles or use multiple cars regularly. However, each vehicle’s insurance premiums will be calculated based on the risk profile of the primary driver listed.
It’s important to note that while you can be the primary driver on multiple cars, the insurance company expects that the driver primarily operates each vehicle. Misrepresenting primary driver status can lead to coverage issues.
Let’s take a look at a few different common examples of families with multiple cars and multiple drivers:
In this scenario the parent with the worst (or least best) record would be made primary driver on the vehicle. The second parent would be made secondary driver with no additional charge. The teen driver would be added on as an occasional driver with an extra charge. So if the insurance with both parents was $1500, you might expect an additional $600 for the teen, making the total $2100. These prices are all approximations.
In this event, the parent might feel like putting both cars in their name and think that they can be the primary driver of both cars, avoiding paying for the teen. Regardless of who owns the vehicle, if there are two cars and there are two drivers, each driver must be primary on a car.
“Good driver” and “bad driver” are probably misnomers. What we really mean is how good is your driving record over the last 3-6 years. Three years for tickets, six years for accidents. In this scenario, each driver is placed as primary driver on the vehicle they actually drive. The “good driver” can be placed with the regular market. The “bad driver” must be insured with a high-risk market. This instance requires a broker who deals with high risk and can place both drivers with an insurance company which will allow each driver to drive both vehicles if needed. We can put them on a different policy. Begin Insurance specializes in such scenarios.
Give us a call at 1 (844) 774-6340. We might even be able to insure Fido.
If you’re looking for the best car insurance in Ontario for multiple drivers and vehicles, Begin Insurance is here to help. We specialize in tailoring coverage options that balance protection and affordability for your whole family. With multi-car discounts and multi-line policies, you could save 20% or more on your premiums.
Our brokers understand the complexities of insuring multiple drivers and vehicles, and we’ll guide you through your options to find the best fit for your needs. Contact Begin Insurance today to get a customized quote and start saving!
We hope this blog post helps you and you family find what’s right for you. Give us a call if you need more help. We are happily here for you!
Q. Can I be the primary driver on 2 or more vehicles?
Yes, typically up to 5 vehicles. But you must genuinely be the main user of each vehicle listed.
Q. Can two people be listed as primary drivers on one vehicle?
No. Only one person can be the primary driver per vehicle. Others can be listed as secondary or occasional drivers.
Q. What happens if I lie about who the primary driver is?
This is called car insurance fronting, and it’s considered fraud. It can result in denied claims or cancellation of your policy.
Q. Does adding more drivers increase insurance premiums?
Yes, especially if the added driver is young, new, or has tickets/accidents. But bundling discounts may help offset the increase.
Q. Is it cheaper to insure all drivers on one policy or separately?
Generally, bundling all vehicles and drivers under one policy with a broker gets you the best car insurance in Ontario through multi-vehicle or multi-line discounts.
Q. What is the difference between occasional and secondary drivers?
They are usually treated the same: someone who uses the car less frequently than the primary driver.
Q. Does a secondary driver need to live at the same address?
Yes, in most cases. All licensed drivers in the household must be disclosed.
Q. Can I insure a car that someone else drives?
Yes, but you must list them properly as a driver. You can insure a vehicle you own, even if someone else drives it more often (but they should be the primary driver).
Q. How do insurers verify who’s the primary driver?
Insurers can look at address, usage patterns, and claims history. If something seems suspicious, they may investigate further.
Q. Is there a discount for students or young drivers?
Yes. If a student lives away from home and doesn’t use the car often, a "student away at school" discount may apply. A good student discount may also be available depending on the insurer.
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Posted Apr 27, 2019