Occasional driver insurance in Quebec: Coverage, costs and requirements

Adding a young driver to your car insurance policy can increase your premium, but the amount varies significantly from one situation to another. At iA Auto and Home Insurance, factors such as the driver's age, experience, driving record, vehicle type and how often they use the car all influence the cost. Before your teen starts driving regularly, it's important to understand when they should be declared, how they may affect your premium and what coverage applies.

Primary, occasional or secondary driver: What is the difference?

The designation generally depends on how the vehicle is used and who drives it most often.

Primary driver

The primary driver is the person who uses the vehicle most often. This is often the vehicle owner, although that is not always the case.

For example, your teen may become the primary driver if they take the car to CEGEP, university or work nearly every day while you use it only from time to time. Even when the vehicle and insurance policy remain in your name, the person who actually drives it most must be identified accurately.

Occasional driver

An occasional driver uses the vehicle less frequently than the primary driver. Your kid might fall into this category if they borrow the family car sporadically or once in a while or share the vehicle with other family members.

Secondary driver

“Secondary driver” is commonly used to describe another person listed on the policy who drives the vehicle less than the primary driver, but who uses the car on a regular and predictable basis.

Not sure if you need occasional driver insurance or secondary driver insurance? Your car insurance company will help you determine the appropriate driver designation.

Do you have to add your teenager to your car insurance in Quebec?

A friend or relative who borrows your car once or twice for an exceptional reason will not necessarily need to be added to your policy. However, the situation changes when someone begins driving it regularly.

If your teenager lives with you and is allowed to use the vehicle routinely, notify your insurer. The same recommendation applies when a young adult regularly borrows your car to attend classes, travel to an internship or commute to a job.

Every insurance policy and insurance company has its own terms and conditions. Contacting your car insurer before the new driving routine begins is the best way to determine whether the person should be listed and under which designation.

How much does occasional driver insurance cost in Quebec?

There is no standard price for adding a young or new driver to a car insurance policy in Quebec. The increase is calculated according to the driver, vehicle, location, coverage and intended use.

Young drivers generally cost more to insure because they have less experience behind the wheel. Their premium can gradually decrease as they gain experience and maintain a good driving record.

The following examples show how different family arrangements may affect the cost. They are general illustrations, not insurance quotes.

The only reliable way to determine the impact on your own premium is to request a personalized calculation from your car insurer.

Why should every regular driver be declared?

Car insurance premiums in Quebec are based on the risk associated with the vehicle and the people who drive it. A car insurer may consider, for example:

• Each driver’s age and driving experience
• The type of Quebec driver’s licence held
• Driving records and previous claims
• The vehicle’s make, model and year
• Where the vehicle is driven and stored
• Annual mileage
• What the car is used for
• The coverage and deductible selected

Failing to disclose a person who regularly drives the car prevents the insurer from evaluating the risk based on complete information.

According to the Autorité des marchés financiers, withholding information that could influence an insurer’s assessment may be considered concealment. Depending on the circumstances, this could result in a reduction of the amount paid following a claim or even the cancellation of the insurance contract.

Up-to-date information also helps prevent disagreements after an accident. Before lending the vehicle, discuss the deductible, what coverage applies and what each person should do if a collision occurs.

Is a teen covered with a learner’s or probationary licence in Quebec?

The type of Quebec driver’s licence determines how a young person is allowed to drive, but it does not replace the need to confirm their insurance coverage.

Learner’s licence

In Quebec, a learner driver must be accompanied by someone who has held a valid Class 5 driver’s licence for at least two years. Other restrictions also apply, including zero alcohol and restrictions on driving between midnight and 5:00 am. You can learn more about your legal rights and obligations with a teen learning to drive with Éducaloi.

As soon as your teenager starts practicing with your vehicle, notify your insurer. Some insurers handle learner drivers differently from drivers who hold a probationary licence. Your insurer can confirm whether the learner must be formally listed on the policy and whether there is any immediate effect on the premium.

The SAAQ provides complete information on the steps and conditions for obtaining a Class 5 licence.

Probationary licence

A probationary licence allows a young driver in Quebec to use a vehicle without an accompanying driver, subject to certain conditions. Because they can now drive independently, they should be declared when they have access to the family car.

Their designation will depend on their actual use. A teenager who borrows the vehicle occasionally may be listed as an occasional driver, while someone who uses it for most of their weekly travel may need to be identified as the primary driver.

What is the process to get secondary driver insurance in Quebec?

Contact your car insurance company before any occasional driver begins using your vehicle regularly. The insurer will ask questions about the new driver and how the car will be used.

Have the following information ready:

• The driver’s full name and date of birth
• Their Quebec driver’s licence number
• The date the licence was obtained
• Their driving and claims history
• How often they will use the vehicle
• The reason for using it, such as school, work or personal travel
• The approximate distance they expect to drive

The car insurer will determine whether the person should be listed as an occasional, secondary or primary driver and explain how the change will affect your premium and coverage.

Is your young driver ready to purchase a car? These five things to consider when buying a first vehicle can help them evaluate the full cost of vehicle ownership in Quebec.

Did you know?

iA Auto and Home Insurance clients can use the Client Space to manage several simple transactions online.

You can:

• Review your policy information
• Access your contracts and insurance documents
• View payment information
• Download your digital car insurance certificate
• Add or replace a vehicle
• Store a vehicle
• Request a change of address
• Start an insurance claim

Adding a driver currently requires a conversation with the insurer so that the person’s driving profile and use of the vehicle can be assessed properly.

Is your child moving away to attend CEGEP or university? It is also worth checking whether their belongings remain covered under their parents’ home insurance.

For help reviewing your family’s coverage, contact an advisor.

FAQ – Car insurance and occasional drivers

What is the difference between a primary, secondary and occasional driver?

The primary driver uses the vehicle most frequently. A secondary or occasional driver also uses it, but less often. The insurer determines the appropriate designation based on the person’s actual driving habits, not simply on who owns the car.

Is my teenager covered with a learner’s licence in Quebec?

Do not assume that coverage is automatic. A learner must respect Quebec’s accompanied-driving conditions, and the vehicle must have valid insurance. Notify your insurer when your teenager begins practicing so it can confirm whether they must be listed and whether your premium will change.

Do I have to add my child if they only drive occasionally?

It depends on how often they use the vehicle and the terms of your insurance policy. A person who borrows the car once for an exceptional reason may be treated differently from a child who has regular access to it. Describe the situation accurately to your insurer so it can determine whether the driver should be added.

How much does adding a young or new driver cost in Quebec?

The amount varies according to the driver’s age, experience and record, as well as the vehicle, location, mileage, intended use and selected coverage. Ask your insurer for a personalized calculation before the new driver begins using the car regularly.

What happens if I do not declare a driver?

A claim is not automatically denied in every situation. However, failing to disclose a person who regularly drives the vehicle can create a serious coverage issue. Depending on the circumstances, the insurer may reduce the compensation payable or cancel the contract because the risk was not accurately declared.

Adding a new driver to your policy can affect your coverage and premium. Before making any changes, make sure you understand the protections available and how your policy works. Read our Quick Reference Guide to Car Insurance.