Your child is preparing to take their first driving lesson. What a milestone! Like many parents in this situation, you may be wondering whether your child needs to be insured.
Since your child is not the owner of your vehicle and will only be driving it now and then for practice, do you need to inform your insurer?
First of all, you should know that in Quebec, anyone who drives a car is required to have at least $50,000 of civil liability insurance. For this reason, you should call your broker right away to have your child added to your car insurance policy as an occasional driver. This will protect you and your child in the event of a claim.
If you haven’t notified your insurer that your child occasionally drives your vehicle, several things can happen:
What type of coverage is required for a car driven occasionally by a child?
Whether to save money or because they trust their driving ability, many experienced drivers prefer to have only civil liability insurance (to be insured “on one side”). In the case of a child just learning to drive, however, it’s preferable to opt for complete auto insurance coverage. The increase in your premium will vary from insurer to insurer, so it’s best to consult a broker who can advise you regarding your coverage and recommend the insurer that offers the best value. Whatever you end up paying, it will be much less than what you would have to pay in the event of a claim.
Remember: even if you or someone with at least two years of experience is in the passenger seat while your child is driving, they are still the one behind the wheel! It’s therefore essential to notify your insurer and take the appropriate measures.
Reference: Public automobile insurance plan
