When renting or borrowing a vehicle, you still need to make sure insurance applies before you drive it. Non-owner car insurance is designed for drivers who frequently drive cars they don’t own.
Non-Owner Car Insurance at a Glance
- Non-owner car insurance may provide coverage when you drive a rented or borrowed vehicle.
- If you already have car insurance in Ontario, you may be able to add OPCF 27 to your existing policy.
- Non-owner car insurance can have the basics of an auto insurance policy, such as liability coverage, accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage. The exact coverage depends on the policy or endorsement.
There are a variety of situations where you may need to rent or borrow a car. What does non-owner car insurance cover? Who is it for? Read on to find out what you need to know.
Can I Insure a Vehicle I Don’t Own?
The vehicle must be insured before you can drive it. Auto insurance policies are usually tied to the vehicle’s registered owner, but other coverage may be available if you have a valid driver’s licence and frequently drive vehicles you don’t own.
An occasional borrower may already be covered by the vehicle owner’s insurance. Check with the owner and their insurer before driving.
Read More: Am I Insured If I Drive Someone Else’s Car?
What Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cover?
Non-owner insurance typically isn’t as comprehensive as an auto insurance policy connected to a car you own. It’s important to know the coverage and limitations of the policy.
Coverage may include:
- third-party liability
- accident benefits
- uninsured automobile coverage
- liability for damage to non-owned vehicles
Read the policy to see what is included and excluded.
When Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance?
There are several situations where non-owner car insurance may be useful.
If you frequently drive a family member’s or friend’s car, tell the vehicle owner’s insurer. Ask whether you need to be listed on the auto insurance policy.
People who rent cars regularly or use car-sharing services may also benefit from non-owner coverage. Compare it with rental car insurance, credit-card coverage and protection offered by the car-sharing company.
Non-Car Owner Insurance in Ontario
In Ontario, an eligible driver who doesn’t own a vehicle may be able to purchase an OPF 2 Driver’s Policy.
OPCF 27 is different. It is an endorsement added to an existing Ontario auto insurance policy and may extend specified coverage when insured people drive, rent or lease eligible vehicles they don’t own.
What Do I Do When I Get Into an Accident in a Vehicle I Don’t Own?
While driving a borrowed or rented car, getting into an accident can have financial and legal implications when it comes to making an insurance claim. To know which insurance policy covers what, you need to understand your coverage, the vehicle owner’s coverage and how fault is determined.
Here are a few tips if you get into an accident:
- Read your policy closely and determine how extensive your coverage is.
- Report the accident to your insurance company and notify the owner of the vehicle so they can let their insurance company know as well.
- Don’t admit fault at the scene of the accident. Let the insurance companies sort that out.
- Take note of all the details you need to properly file a claim.
- Don’t agree to a settlement with another driver at the scene.
- Seek medical attention if needed.
- Keep details about the accident consistent and accurate.