In Canada, automobile insurance typically follows the car, rather than the driver. This means that the insurance policy is tied to the specific vehicle being insured, rather than the individual driving the vehicle.

This is why, when you purchase a car, you must have an active insurance policy in place before you can legally drive the vehicle. The policy must include coverage for the specific make, model, and year of the car being insured.

However, it’s important to note that in some cases, drivers may be required to have their own insurance coverage, separate from the policy covering the vehicle. For example, if you frequently drive a company car for business purposes, your employer may require you to have your own insurance policy to cover any accidents or incidents that occur while you’re driving on company time.

It’s always best to check with your insurance provider and/or your employer for specific details on the insurance requirements for the vehicles you drive.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about whether automobile insurance follows the car or the driver in Canada:

1. Will my car insurance cover anyone who drives my car? In most cases, your car insurance will cover anyone who drives your car with your permission. However, it’s important to note that some insurance policies may have specific exclusions or limitations on coverage, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what your policy covers.
2. What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets into an accident? If someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, your car insurance policy will likely be the primary coverage that applies to any damages or injuries caused in the accident. However, the other driver’s insurance may also come into play if they are deemed to be at fault for the accident.
3. Can I let someone else drive my car if they don’t have insurance? Technically, you can let someone else drive your car if they don’t have insurance, but it’s generally not recommended. If the driver gets into an accident, your car insurance policy will likely be the primary coverage that applies, which could result in increased premiums or even a cancellation of your policy.
4. What if I borrow someone else’s car and get into an accident? If you borrow someone else’s car and get into an accident, their car insurance policy will likely be the primary coverage that applies to any damages or injuries caused in the accident. However, your own insurance policy may also provide coverage, depending on the specifics of your policy.
5. Can I get a discount on my car insurance for good driving habits? Many insurance providers offer discounts or incentives for safe driving habits, such as avoiding accidents or driving fewer miles. These discounts are typically tied to the driver rather than the car, so you may be able to get a discount even if you drive multiple vehicles.
6. What happens if I move to a new province with my car? If you move to a new province with your car, you will need to update your car insurance policy to meet the requirements of your new province. This may involve purchasing additional coverage or adjusting your existing coverage to meet local regulations.
7. Can I let someone else insure my car under their policy? In most cases, you cannot let someone else insure your car under their policy. Car insurance policies are typically tied to the vehicle rather than the driver, which means that the owner of the car is usually the one who needs to purchase and maintain insurance coverage for the vehicle.
8. What happens if I lend my car to someone who doesn’t have a valid driver’s license? If you lend your car to someone who doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, your insurance policy will likely not cover any damages or injuries that occur in the event of an accident. It’s generally not recommended to let someone without a valid license drive your car.
9. Can I let my children or other family members drive my car? Yes, you can let your children or other family members drive your car, as long as they are listed on your insurance policy as an authorized driver. It’s important to note that adding additional drivers to your policy may impact your premiums, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider before adding someone to your policy.
10. Can I have multiple car insurance policies on the same vehicle? No, you cannot have multiple car insurance policies on the same vehicle. Car insurance policies are typically tied to the vehicle rather than the driver, which means that only one policy can be in effect at any given time.
11. What happens if I am driving a rental car and get into an accident? If you are driving a rental car and get into an accident, your rental car insurance policy will likely be the primary coverage that applies to any damages or injuries caused in the accident. However, your own car insurance policy may also provide coverage, depending on the specifics of your policy.
12. What happens if I lend my car to someone who is involved in a hit-and-run accident? If you lend your car to someone who is involved in a hit-and-run accident, your car insurance policy will likely still provide coverage for any damages or injuries caused in the accident. However, you may need to pay a deductible or your premiums may increase as a result of the claim. It’s important to report the hit-and-run to the police and your insurance provider as soon as possible.
13. Can I add someone to my car insurance policy temporarily? Yes, you can add someone to your car insurance policy temporarily if they will be driving your car for a short period of time. Many insurance providers offer temporary coverage options that allow you to add a driver for a set period of time, such as a few days or weeks.
14. What happens if I let someone else drive my car without my permission? If you let someone else drive your car without your permission, your car insurance policy may not cover any damages or injuries that occur in the event of an accident. It’s generally not recommended to let someone else drive your car without your permission.
15. What if I have an accident in a friend’s car? If you have an accident in a friend’s car, their car insurance policy will likely be the primary coverage that applies to any damages or injuries caused in the accident. However, your own car insurance policy may also provide coverage, depending on the specifics of your policy.
16. What if I don’t have car insurance and I’m involved in an accident? If you don’t have car insurance and you’re involved in an accident, you may be held personally liable for any damages or injuries caused in the accident. This could result in significant financial costs and legal consequences, so it’s important to make sure you have adequate car insurance coverage before driving on the road.