Has your child just passed their SAAQ theory test and is begging you to drive them home? It’s best to notify your insurer before letting your teen get behind the wheel! Why take unnecessary risks? Accidents happen so quickly!

In this article, Assurances Multi-Risques wanted to provide you with essential information so that you and your child can be as well protected as possible.

The learner’s permit and the provisional license

The learner’s permit allows young people aged 16 and over who have passed their theory test to drive accompanied by a driving instructor or someone who has held a valid driver’s license for at least two years.

The provisional license is the final step before obtaining a regular driver’s license. Valid for 24 months, it comes with specific restrictions:

Accumulating 4 or more demerit points on your driving record will result in the immediate revocation of your probationary license for a minimum period of 3 months.
Zero tolerance for alcohol: it is strictly forbidden to drive after consuming alcohol;
It is prohibited to accompany another person while they are learning to drive a car, and vice versa.

Additional restrictions for individuals aged 19 or younger who have held a provisional license for less than 12 months:

If the provisional license has been obtained less than 6 months ago, it is not possible to transport more than one passenger aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.
If the provisional license has been obtained for more than 6 months, it is possible to transport up to 3 passengers aged 19 or under between midnight and 5 a.m.

Please note that regardless of the number of months during which the young driver has been driving with a probationary license, immediate family members are excluded from the calculation of the number of passengers.

In addition, passenger restrictions do not apply if an accompanying person who has held a driver’s license for at least two years is able to provide advice and assistance, provided that they are seated in the front passenger seat.

Is insurance mandatory for young drivers?

In Quebec, all drivers are required to have civil liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000. However, we recommend that all motorists opt for coverage of $2,000,000. This insurance covers property damage and bodily injury that may be caused to others in the event of an at-fault accident.

Insurance for damage to your vehicle or your child’s vehicle is optional.

Adding a young driver to your auto insurance policy

Regardless of the type of license your child has, if they drive the family vehicle, even if it’s only a few miles a month, you must add them to your auto insurance policy as an occasional driver. Please note that you don’t have to wait until your policy renews to make this addition.

Forgetting or deliberately failing to declare your child as an occasional driver could have serious consequences. Your insurer could refuse to compensate you in the event of a claim under Article 2411 CcQ.

If your child has their own vehicle, they must be insured as the primary driver in their own auto insurance policy.

Choosing the right insurance

A word of advice: a cheaper premium may mean less coverage… so be careful!

If you choose to compare offers from different insurers yourself in order to find the lowest premium, be sure to request quotes for the same types of coverage.

For example, if you call insurer X and the agent includes replacement cost coverage in your quote, be sure to mention this to insurer Y! If insurer Y gives you a quote that is $100 cheaper but does not include replacement cost coverage, you are not comparing apples to apples!

Deuxième petit conseil : si vous souhaitez obtenir la meilleure protection possible au meilleur prix, contactez plutôt un courtier d’assurance indépendant. Celui-ci magasine pour vous, le contrat d’assurance le plus optimal en fonction de vos besoins spécifiques.

What’s more, your broker can give you lots of tips and advice on how to save money, year after year!

In conclusion

Dear parents, we hope this article has helped you understand the importance of having adequate insurance coverage. Whether for yourself or your children, car insurance should never be taken lightly.

Make your child’s first driving experiences simple, enjoyable, and definitely safe!

Pour obtenir de l’information supplémentaire ou souscrire à la meilleure protection d’assurance au meilleur prix, cliquez ici!