Yes, you can generally drive someone else's car in Canada, but it's not an automatic right. The legality hinges entirely on the car owner's insurance policy. Most standard Canadian auto insurance policies include a clause called "permissive use," which extends coverage to other licensed drivers who have the owner's explicit permission. However, you must be a fully licensed driver (not a learner) and the use must be for a legitimate, short-term purpose, not regular or long-term use.
The critical factor is that insurance primarily follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means when you drive a friend's car, their insurance is considered the primary coverage. If you were to get into an accident, their policy would be the first to respond to claims for damages. Your own insurance might act as secondary coverage if the owner's policy limits are exceeded.
There are significant restrictions. The car owner's policy must explicitly allow permissive use. Some policies, especially those with specific restrictions or high-risk drivers listed, might exclude coverage for any other drivers. Additionally, if you are driving the car for a commercial purpose, like making a delivery, the owner's personal policy will almost certainly not cover you.
Before you get behind the wheel, you must confirm two things:
- You have a valid driver's license that is recognized in the province you're driving in.
- The car owner has verified with their insurance provider that their policy covers occasional drivers with permission.
Failing to do this can result in severe financial and legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and being personally liable for all damages in an accident.
| Province/Territory | Insurance Follows | Permissive Use Common? | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Ontario | The Vehicle | Yes | Policy must have "Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles" (OPCF 27) endorsement for specific coverage. |
| British Columbia (ICBC) | The Vehicle | Yes | Driver must have owner's permission and a valid license. Coverage is typically extended. |
| Alberta | The Vehicle | Yes | Standard policies usually include permissive use, but exclusions can apply. |
| Quebec | The Driver (Partially) | Unique System | Publicly-funded insurance covers bodily injury for any driver; vehicle owner's private insurance covers vehicle damage. |
| Nova Scotia | The Vehicle | Yes | Permission is key. The driver must be legally licensed and not excluded from the policy. |
