Car Insurance for G1 Drivers
If you've got a recently licensed G1 driver in your household, you may be wondering "what happens next?" After all, it's not every day that you have a G1 driver in your house to worry about. Whether you're unfamiliar with how licensing works in Ontario, or even how and when insurance kicks in, we'll cover some basic questions that'll help you and your G1 driver plan your next steps.
How does licensing work in Ontario?
Before we go into all your potential insurance-related questions, it's important to understand the graduated licensing system in Ontario. Here's how it works:
Level one: By successfully passing a written knowledge test, a person can obtain a G1 license.
Level two: A G1 driver can attend a driving course to build skills and experience for their level two road test. If they successfully complete the road test, they'll obtain their G2 license.
Level three: A G2 driver must pass a road and highway test to earn their complete G license.
Auto Insurance requirements for these levels will vary, but we'll explain below.
Do G1 drivers need insurance?
In most cases with TD Insurance, G1 drivers don't need their own independent insurance policy, nor do they need to be added to an existing insurance policy. At least not yet. Since G1 drivers are required to drive alongside a fully licensed driver with at least four years driving experience1 in an insured vehicle, the G1 driver will typically be covered under that driver's insurance policy. Once the G1 driver passes their G2 road test and holds a G2 license, they should then be added to your policy.
Do I need to notify my insurance provider about a G1 driver in my household?
Although the G1 driver won't need to be added to your policy at this stage, it's ideal to give your insurer a heads up that a G1 driver will be utilizing the car(s) insured on the policy. Keep in mind that your current policy should remain unchanged after notifying them, but some insurers may have different rules or guidelines.
When should we start thinking about insurance for the G1 driver in our household?
As mentioned above, once your G1 driver obtains their G2 license, they'll need to be added and listed as another driver to your policy. Because G2 drivers are legally allowed to drive on their own, your policy should be updated to ensure they have the proper coverage and that your policy accurately reflects your household's drivers and vehicle usage.
You and the new driver in your household should start looking into insurance options once the G1 driver is close to taking their G2 road test. If they'll be added to your existing policy, reach out to your insurer for an idea of how your premium may be impacted based on your personal circumstances.
After your G1 driver obtains their G2 license, you can go ahead and add them to your policy. If you're an existing TD Insurance customer, you can add an additional driver to your policy by logging in to MyInsurance. But if the new G2 driver will be driving a vehicle they own, they'll require their own policy where they'll be the primary driver. They can easily get a quote to get started. Remember, it's illegal to drive in Ontario (and all of Canada) without being insured. Make sure the G2 driver has the proper coverage before stepping foot in the driver's seat.
Are there ways for a G2 driver to save on insurance?
Car insurance discounts will vary by insurer; however, if you're insured with TD Insurance or looking to be, here are a few of the ways you can save with us:
- If the driver can be added to your existing policy as a secondary or occasional driver, premiums will typically be cheaper compared to being a primary driver.
- If the driver will be living away from home for college/university, they may also qualify for a discount.
- The G2 driver can enroll in TD MyAdvantage – a voluntary program that analyzes your driving habits to promote and reward safe driving. They can save just for signing up and can receive further reductions for good driving.
While you're looking for discounts for the G2 driver in your household, why not look for additional savings that may apply to you? Check out some simple tips to save on your car insurance.
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The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Coverages described herein may be subject to additional eligibility criteria, limitations and exclusions. In the event you make a claim, potential indemnification is also subject to the receivability of the claim and the type of coverage you bought.
In the case of conflict between the content on this page and your policy wordings, your policy wordings shall take precedence. Please speak to an Advisor or consult your policy wordings for further details.