Do you need insurance for G1? Many people G1 drivers are on the internet searching for can a g1 driver get insurance? What happens if a g1 driver crashes, Do you need a parent to get your G1? Should you list your G1 driver on your auto insurance policy, and if they really need insurance for G1. This post will be answering that question and everything you might need to know about G1 insurance.
Well, well, well, another threat, er, I mean a young person in charge, just passed G1 and ready to hit the road. Of course, you or a certified driver should drive a shotgun with them… Good luck with that… But this is an exciting time for them!
They’re probably eager to get going right away, but before you hit the road, let’s clear up some of the questions you may have. The big question most parents have now is driving their vehicle. Should you list your G1 driver on your auto insurance policy? Good question, shall we see?
What is a G1 license?
Before we get into the question, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a G1 license is. A G1 license is the first step in Ontario’s graduate licensing program. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
You must then pass a vision test, followed by a written test. This test challenges candidates based on their knowledge and awareness of traffic rules, road signs and case-related issues. The G1 test must be completed and passed before a driver can get behind the wheel of a car.
G1 License Restriction
G1 drivers must gain 12 months of driving experience before taking a test to obtain a G2 driver’s license. However, taking a driver training course approved by the Ministry of Transport can shorten those 12 months to 8 months.
The Ministry strongly recommends holding such a course. We have to agree as certain insurers are willing to offer lower rates for those who have completed the courses. It is a formal recognition of deeper knowledge and a commitment to road safety.
Keep these restrictions in mind for G1 drivers on the road:
- Your blood alcohol level must be zero and there are no exceptions.
- You must be accompanied by a qualified driver in the front passenger seat who meets these criteria:
- Has a full G driver’s license
- Has 4 years of driving experience
- Have a blood alcohol level of less than 0.5% in the blood
- Everyone in the car must have a working seat belt (this is also a good rule of thumb to follow in general).
- Do not drive between 12:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
- Do not drive on 400 Series highways
- Do not drive on certain high-speed routes, including:
- Queen Elizabeth Way (Hamilton)
- Don Valley Parkway, Toronto
- Gardiner Highway (Toronto)
- EC Driving Highway (Windsor)
- Conestoga Parkway (Kitchenmaker-Waterloo)
It is worth noting that G1 drivers can drive on any road if the driver accompanying them is an on-duty driving instructor who has given permission. After all, this probably happens during a test drive.
Should You List Your G1 Driver On Your Auto Insurance Policy – Do you need a parent to get your G1?
Okay, great, so we’ve discussed what a G1 license is and what its limitations are. Now, back to the question, you asked, should you add them to your auto insurance policy? The answer is NO, you don’t.
All vehicles on the road are legally insured. However, the reason a G1 driver doesn’t have to be on a policy is that he normally drives someone else’s car and that car has their policy, so the G1 driver would be covered by that policy.
And because a G1 driver must be accompanied by a qualified third party who has authorized them to operate their auto insurance companies, there is no charge for G1 drivers.
It’s still a good idea to let your insurance company know that there is a G1 driver in the house, but only when a driver can drive a vehicle independently should he be listed as a driver on a policy.
Do you need insurance for G1 in Ontario?
Not only, as G1 drivers would learn from their parents’ politics. It would be very difficult to get individual car insurance for a G1 driver.
That said, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance company when adding a G1 licensee to your policy. It is also mandatory to inform your insurer when this person obtains a G2 driver’s license as they can drive on the road alone without your supervision. This is where your policy can see changes.
How much is the G1 insurance?
Parents or guardians probably won’t pay more for adding a secondary G1 driver to car insurance because it’s just a student license. The G1 holder cannot drive alone, an experienced driver must always be present (more on this below). The rationale is that the supervisor driver’s experience will keep the G1 driver safe and in good working order.
However, any collisions or driving convictions caused by a G1 driver can affect the insured’s rates, making it important to set clear limits for the driver in training.
It also means that while G1 drivers can certainly buy their cars, they may have a hard time convincing a company to insure them. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to notify your insurer of the new G1 holder.
How to Apply for car insurance with a G1 driver’s license?
We do not currently offer standalone insurance for drivers with a G1 driver’s license in Ontario. However, if you’re about to get your G2 license and want a quote, head over to our quote page to get one in minutes. This gives you a global picture of your potential car insurance costs with us.
Online and mobile options with TD insurance
Manage your insurance policies online with TD MyInsurance. Numerous self-service features allow you to view the details of your home and auto policy, download proof of auto insurance (also known as your “pink card”), manage your payment or contact information, and much more.
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What Happens If A G1 Driver Crashes?
If a driver with a G1 license is involved in an accident, the teen is covered by the vehicle owner’s policy as long as they have the vehicle owner’s permission to drive the vehicle and any restrictions on driving with a G1 license. If the G1 driver is found guilty, the accident will be covered by the vehicle owner’s insurance until the G1 driver is in full possession of their policy.
At that point, the accident can be transferred to your policy. If this happens to you and your teen, you may see an increase in your premiums until your teen is fully licensed.
DO YOU NEED INSURANCE FOR G1 FAQS
We know it can be a new and exciting time for a G1 driver and there are often many questions about what they can and cannot do. We face the big problem when it comes to adding a G1 driver to your insurance, but we often get other good questions too.
We’ve tried to cover some of the most common ones we get below. Do you have any other questions that we haven’t answered? Send us a comment and we’ll do our best to respond.
Do I still have to inform my insurer about a G1 driver?
You will still need to notify your insurance company of a G1 driver, but normally nothing will change on your policy. Most importantly, notify your insurance company when a driver receives their G2 driver’s license at your home. Because a driver with a G2 license can only drive a vehicle, he must be listed on a car insurance policy.
Even if they are just added as an occasional driver. At this point, you will likely see your insurance premiums rise, and sometimes they can go up quite a bit. Therefore, we always recommend taking a certified driver training course as it elevates the G2 driver from a 0-star rating to a 3-star rating assuming there are no claims or convictions during that time. It also helps them make the transition to self-driving vehicles and teaches them to be safe and responsible vehicle drivers.
Can a G1 driver buy a car?
A G1 driver can certainly buy your vehicle. However, when it comes to being able to ensure the vehicle, the situation can be a bit confusing. If the house is in the name of the G1 driver, then the insurance is also in his name. However, they must list a lead driver on the vehicle who has at least his G2 license. This is where a parent or older relative of the family is normally listed as the primary driver. Once the G1 driver has received his G2, he can be transferred to the main operator. Always ask your insurance broker what to do in this scenario.
Can a G1 driver get penalty points?
Yes, a G1 driver can still receive penalty points if convicted of breaking the law while driving. These convictions will still feature on the G1 driver’s record and will be used as a rating factor and will affect the driver award when they receive their G2. If a driver receives too many demerit points, his license may be suspended and he must attend a meeting to explain why he is allowed to keep his license.
Will any claims or convictions you receive while being a G1 driver affect your insurance?
Yes to both. Any convictions or fines you receive with your G1 will affect your insurance when you get your G2 driver’s license. These convictions remain in your file for 3 years. Claims or accidents at fault will also affect your insurance if you get your G2 driver’s license and the rates are usually not very good. Failed accidents remain on your record for 6 years at most companies. If too many penalties or offences are accumulated, you may have to exclude your G1 driver from your policy when he receives his G2.
Conclusion – Do you need insurance for G1?
With a G1 driver’s license, your teen can have time to learn to drive. Enroll your teen in a renowned driver training program to help them improve their driving skills. While your teen has a G1 license, you may want to find the most affordable policy that will cover your child once they have a G2 license.
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