Call Now : 1-855-237-2905
or click below for quote
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Linked In
  • Youtube

Your Questions About Being a Young Driver in Ontario Answered

As specialists in high risk auto insurance here in Ontario, we get a lot of questions around being a young driver and what the implications are for insurance coverage. Young drivers pay more for their insurance, so if you find yourself in this category, it’s important to be as well informed as possible about getting coverage and looking ahead to your driving future. Keep reading for some of the most common queries and concerns around being a young driver in Ontario…

The Basics

Let’s start off by looking at some of the most common general questions about being a young driver and getting auto insurance…

What is the Difference in Insurance Between G1 and G2 Licences?

A G1 is the first step in the journey to getting a driver’s licence in Ontario. Since it is a learner’s licence, it comes with an array of restrictions. The next step is a G2 and you receive it after 12 months with a G1 (or 8 months if you’ve taken a driver’s education course – a good idea if you want to get the best insurance rates!) and after passing a road test. With a G1 licence, you cannot hold your own auto insurance and with a G2 licence you can.

Learn more here: Auto Insurance Q & A – What is the Difference in Insurance Between G1 and G2 Licences?

Do the different drivers licences affect insurance rates?

Yes! A discount is applied with every stage of Ontario’s graduated licensing system, so move through it as quickly as you can to get cheaper insurance.

What is high risk auto insurance and what does it have to do with young drivers?

If you’re a young driver, or a new driver, perhaps you have never heard of high risk auto insurance. You also might not know that you are automatically considered high risk by insurers due to your inexperience out on the road. Young drivers get into more accidents – period. And this means you will pay more for your car insurance coverage. Check out the next section for more information on your to get the best insurance rates, even if you are young.

And if you’d like to learn more about high risk auto insurance, have a look at this post that covers the most common questions around being a high risk driver, or check out this section of our blog with all the posts on this topic.

What age group is put into the young driver or high risk category?

In Ontario, any driver that is under the age of 25 is automatically put into the young drivers category. The younger you are, the more you can expect to pay for insurance.

What happens if you get a DUI as a young or new driver?

We don’t have to get into why driving under the influence is a horrible decision. But if you get caught in this situation, it is very serious for various reasons. How about the repercussions for your auto insurance? You will pay more. Period. We talk about that here.

If you’re a young driver or a novice driver, DUIs are even more serious. In Ontario, there is a zero tolerance program in place for DUIs for drivers that have a G1 or a G2 license. You can have absolutely NO alcohol in your system when driving. Learn more about that here.

Young drivers and getting the best insurance rates

In this section, let’s take a look at some ways you can get cheaper insurance for your car, even if you are young or inexperience.  

How can I get the best insurance rates as a young driver?

~ Start now by building up a clean driving record. As the years of good driving pile up, your rates will go down. Do everything you can to avoid a ticket or infraction.

~ Getting your own car? Choose it carefully, as the vehicle you drive affects your insurance rates.

~ Take a driver training course (see more on that below).

~ Ask your parents if you can get put on their policy (read on below).

~ Ask insurers about student discounts when you are getting a quote for auto insurance.

~ Comparison shop! This is true not just for young drivers but anyone looking for insurance coverage. Different providers have lots of different options and policies, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and look into various insurers to find the one that can offer you the best insurance rates for your particular situation.

~ If you have already been listed on another insurance policy but you were not the primary driver, and you’re now looking to get your own coverage, consider getting an experience letter. This will allow you to show history of being insured and could help you look less risky in the eyes of a potential provider.

Learn more here: How to Get the Best Car Insurance Rates as a Young Driver

Can You Get Cheaper Auto Insurance by Going to a Driving School?

Yes! If you’re a new or young driver, attending a driver’s education course can save you anywhere from 5-15% on your auto insurance rates, depending on the insurance provider. Make sure that you sign up for a course that is recognized by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario and that you provide your insurer with your certificate of completion.

Learn more here: Auto Insurance Q & A – Can You Get Cheaper Insurance by Going to a Driving School?

Common Questions Parents Have About Young Drivers

How can I get cheaper auto insurance for my teen?

When you’ve got a teen or a young driver in the family, you’re going to get hit with higher rates. Check out these tips for getting cheaper insurance rates for young drivers:

~ Add them to your auto insurance policy

~ Put them through driving school (more on that below)

~ Help them out with joint car ownership (learn more about 2 people owning one car in this post)

~ Inform your insurance provider about the specifics of how much they will be driving

Learn more here: How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance for Your Teenager

When do I need to add my teen to my policy as a secondary driver?

When your teen has achieved a G2 licence. To learn more about secondary drivers and your auto insurance policy, click here.

Want more resources about auto insurance for young drivers in Ontario? Check out all of our content here on the blog.

Looking for auto insurance coverage as a young driver in Ontario? Click here to get a quote online. Or click here to reach out to one of our insurance specialists.

car insurance Ontario Click to get a high risk auto insurance quote or give us a call at 1-855-237-2905

This post is intended to provide general information for educational purposes only and is not meant to cover all terms, conditions and exclusions that are found in different insurance policies. If there is any inconsistency between this information and the definitions in your policy, it is your policy that governs. The use of the information in this post is at your discretion.

Copyright © Insurance Buddy™., 2024. All Rights Reserved