Policy Holder

(Ontario)

Insurance Question

Can I buy a car in my name and my mother have the insurance in her name as the primary driver and myself as an occasional?

Answer

In general, you will not be able to do this.

Many insurers put the driver who is highest risk as a principal operator automatically. Even if they do not, that driver will likely be accounted for in the premium. And in a case where the highest risk operator is the owner then they most certainly want that person as the principal operator.

There are some instances where you would be able to be listed as the occasional and your mother as the principal. One such example would be if part way through the policy term you moved to another part of the country and left your car with your mother. Then it would be clear that she is the principal driver.

The best advice here is to speak with an insurance broker who can check with a variety company's about your specific situation.

Be sure to be completely honest about your situation. Saving money by lying about the facts is not wise. A claim could be denied and an insurance fraud charge could be laid.

Hope that helps!