A guide to understanding primary and secondary driver insurance in Canada
Adding another driver to your policy could result in higher car insurance premiums. Find your best rate today by comparing quotes from Canada’s top providers.
With files from Samantha Kohn
This article was first published on June 8, 2023 and was updated on August 21, 2026.
When it comes to auto insurance, having the right coverage is key to keeping you protected while paying the right amount in premiums.
If a friend or family member needs to borrow your vehicle and this doesn’t happen often, they will automatically be covered by your regular auto insurance policy, as long as they have a valid driver’s license and follow the law.
However, if you own a vehicle that’s regularly used by another driver, it's critical to understand primary and secondary driver insurance to ensure you’re properly covered.
Here’s what you should know about adding a secondary driver to your insurance policy.
Key takeaways
- When a vehicle has more than one regular driver, you must inform your insurance provider, as you’ll need coverage for a secondary driver.
- The primary driver is the person who uses the vehicle most and is typically the registered vehicle owner, though not necessarily.
- Certain factors will impact your premium when you add a secondary driver, such as their age, driving experience and insurance history. But if the driver is low risk, your premium may not increase at all.
- Failing to tell your insurance company about secondary driver usage of your vehicle is a form of fraud and carries serious consequences.
What is the difference between primary and secondary driver insurance?
Primary driver insurance refers to the auto insurance policy held by the person who uses the vehicle the most. This is usually the vehicle's registered owner, but it doesn’t have to be. Secondary driver insurance refers to adding an additional driver as an occasional or secondary driver to the primary’s auto insurance policy.
| Feature | Primary driver | Secondary driver |
| Vehicle usage | Drives the vehicle the majority of the time | Drives the vehicle less than the primary driver |
| Policy ownership | Usually the vehicle owner and main policyholder, but doesn’t have to be | Added to the primary’s auto policy as an additional driver |
| Premium calculation | Main factor in calculating rates based on age, location, gender, vehicle make and model, etc. | Primary’s premium adjusts based on the secondary driver’s risk profile |
| Insurance authority | Can make policy changes and submit claims | Cannot make policy changes or submit claims unless authorized by the policyholder or insurer |
| Common examples | Parent or main commuter | Teenager or spouse |
For example, if you have a partner who uses your vehicle, your insurance provider will add them as a secondary driver on your policy, and your own coverage will extend to them. While they can operate the vehicle, they do not have the ability to file a claim or make changes to your coverage, unless authorized to do so.
It’s important to let your insurer know if anyone else is using your vehicle, as you can add multiple secondary drivers to an auto policy. For example, if your teenager gets their license and starts driving your car occasionally, you can also add them as a secondary driver.
How much does it cost to add a secondary driver?
The cost to add a secondary driver to your car insurance policy varies based on a number of factors, including the driver’s age, gender and driving history. Depending on the secondary driver’s risk profile, your premium can increase by just a few hundred dollars, over $1,000 or not at all.
Essentially, when an additional person has access to operate your vehicle, the risk to your insurer increases, which in turn raises your insurance premium. This increase is likely to be minimal or non-existent if the additional person has a good driving record. But it could be substantial if the additional person has limited experience behind the wheel, such as a newly licensed driver.
That said, for younger drivers under age 25 in Canada, being added as a secondary driver on a parent’s policy is typically the most affordable way to get auto insurance.
Also read: Young driver’s car insurance in Canada
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Do I have to tell my insurance company about a secondary driver?
Yes, you are legally required to inform your insurance company if someone else is regularly driving your car. While people often do whatever they can to save money on premiums, lying about a secondary driver is a form of insurance fraud.
A common scenario is when an experienced driver lists themselves as the primary, while an inexperienced, higher-risk driver is listed as the secondary to save on premiums. This is known as fronting.
The risk is that if there is an accident and the insurance company finds out that the policyholder has withheld the truth, not only will the claim likely be denied, but there could also be serious legal consequences.
Also read: Lying to your insurance company – the consequences
The bottom line
Any person who regularly uses your vehicle should be added to your policy as a secondary driver, provided you drive the vehicle more than they do. If that person ends up using the vehicle more than you, this means they have become a primary driver, and it’s time to update your policy to let your insurer know.
Being honest about your history, driving habits, and who has access to your vehicle is not only the right (and legally required) thing to do, but it also protects you in case there’s ever an accident and you need to file a claim.
So to be safe, reach out to your auto insurance provider to review your policy and all the drivers included, and be confident you’re fully protected when you’re out on the road.