With an Ontario car insurance policy it normally covers the policyholder and those that they give permission to drive it. Under who is covered an Ontario policy typically states that you (the policyholder) are covered when you, or anyone else in possession of a described automobile with your consent, uses or operates it. We will consider these other people insured persons.

So if you were stopped by police or in an accident and needed coverage by your father's insurance you will need to check and make sure they will extend coverage to you. Since you are not a household member you may not be required to be listed as a driver, however if you use the car frequently then they may require you to be added as an occasional driver. You or your dad will need to find out from his insurer what coverages are or are not extended to you at this point in time.

If the insurance company would not cover you under your father's policy for some reason then you may be in trouble for driving without insurance to cover you as a driver.

Under the Traffic Act, insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. Not having insurance is punishable by strict financial penalties. For example, in Ontario, driving a vehicle without insurance may result in a penalty of $5,000 for the first offence and more for a second or third offence.

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) states that if you are found driving without valid automobile insurance, you can have your driver's license suspended and your vehicle impounded.

If you are injured in an accident while driving or occupying an uninsured vehicle you may not be entitled to receive income replacement and/or non-earner benefits; and you may not be allowed to sue the at-fault driver for compensation as a result of injuries received in the accident.

Also if you are found to be at fault for an accident causing injury or death to another person, you may be held personally responsible for his/her medical costs and other losses if you are not covered by insurance. Thus it is important to check with your dad's insurance company to make certain that when he gives you permission to operate his car that you will be covered.

For a Canadian car insurance, click here.