Can I Let Someone Else Drive My Car? Understanding the Coverage in Ontario

It happens all the time. A friend needs to borrow your truck for a quick move, a family member asks to use your car for a few errands, or your child wants to drive to school once or twice a week. While it might seem harmless, many drivers ask the same question afterward: Can I let someone else drive my car, and will my insurance still protect me if something goes wrong?

In Ontario, lending your vehicle comes with important insurance considerations. Understanding the rules before handing over your keys can help you avoid unexpected claims, premium increases, or coverage gaps.

Can You Drive Someone Else’s Car in Ontario? Insurance Implications and Coverage

So, can you drive someone else’s car in Ontario? In most cases, yes, but the insurance coverage works a bit differently than many people expect.

If you are driving someone else’s vehicle with their permission, the car owner’s insurance is usually the primary coverage if an accident happens. This means that even if you have your own auto insurance, the policy attached to the vehicle typically responds first.

Many drivers also wonder if they can drive someone else’s car with their insurance. Your own policy may provide limited coverage in certain situations, but it usually acts as secondary coverage, if at all.

For people who frequently drive vehicles they do not own, non-owned vehicle coverage may be an option. Availability varies, so it’s worth confirming with your broker. This type of coverage is designed for drivers who regularly borrow or rent vehicles but do not have a car insured in their own name. It can help fill gaps, but it does not replace the owner’s insurance.

Rules and coverage can vary, so it is always smart to confirm details before driving someone else’s vehicle.

What Happens if I Lend My Car to Someone Else and They Get Into an Accident?

One of the most common misunderstandings is assuming that an accident will only affect the driver, not the owner. In reality, who is driving your car matters a great deal.

If you lend your car to someone with your permission and they get into a collision, the claim is typically made against your insurance policy, not theirs. Even if the driver is at fault, the accident can still appear on your insurance record and may impact your premiums at renewal.

In some cases, if the person borrowing your car has their own insurance, it may help cover certain costs. However, this depends on their policy and the situation. Before lending your vehicle, it is wise to understand what coverage the borrower has and how it may interact with your own.

How to Add Someone as an Occasional Driver to Your Car Insurance Policy in Ontario

Many drivers ask when it becomes necessary to officially list someone on their policy. As a general rule, if someone uses your car regularly, they should be added as an occasional driver.

If a friend or family member drives your vehicle once or twice a week, that usually meets the threshold. On the other hand, someone who borrows your car only occasionally, such as once a month or less, may not need to be added.

There are exceptions. For example, drivers with a learner’s permit, such as a G1 in Ontario, typically do not need to be added if they are driving under required supervision.

If you are unsure, it is always best to review your policy or contact us before someone gets behind the wheel.

Risks of Lending Your Car: Should You Consider Temporary Insurance for the Borrower?

Lending your vehicle comes with risks, especially if the borrower is not listed on your policy and does not drive your car often. In some situations, temporary or short-term coverage may help reduce those risks.

This is where non-owned car insurance or temporary insurance options can be helpful. These policies are often used when someone borrows a car for a short period, such as a weekend trip or occasional errands. They can help cover gaps when the borrower’s driving situation does not fit neatly under your policy.

Temporary coverage is not necessary in every situation, but it can provide peace of mind when lending your vehicle for longer or less predictable use.

Understanding the Impact on Your Insurance Premiums When Someone Else Drives Your Car

Another common question is, can a friend drive my car, and will it affect my rates? The answer depends on what happens while they are driving.

If the borrower gets into an accident, even if they are at fault, the claim is usually tied to your policy. This can lead to higher premiums or changes to your coverage. That is why driving someone else’s car in Ontario should never be taken lightly, whether you are the owner or the borrower.

To help reduce risk, make sure the person borrowing your vehicle is licensed, responsible, and using the car within the terms of your policy.

What to Do Before Lending Your Car: Insurance Checklist for Ontario Drivers

Before handing over your keys, take a few simple steps to protect yourself:

• Confirm the borrower is properly licensed
• Ask whether they have their own insurance and what it covers
• Review your policy rules around permitted use
• Consider temporary coverage if the vehicle will be used for more than a short period
• Make sure the borrower understands how the car can and cannot be used

These steps can help prevent surprises if something goes wrong.

Contact PetleyHare for Expert Auto Insurance Advice in Ontario

If you are unsure about lending your vehicle or want clarity around coverage, PetleyHare is here to help. Our team can explain when someone should be added to your policy, whether temporary coverage makes sense, and how to protect yourself from unnecessary risk.

Learn more about your coverage options with auto insurance or contact us for personalized advice. At PetleyHare, we make insurance easier to understand so you can feel confident every time you hand over your keys.

You can also explore coverage options for specialty vehicles like classic car insurance and RV insurance if you own more than one type of vehicle.