As you are likely aware Ontario has compulsory automobile insurance. Before you can attach plates to a vehicle or renew your registration, or buy a temporary (trip) permit, the vehicle must be insured. In Ontario, private companies provide insurance coverage.

All vehicles must be insured for third party liability for at least $200,000. This covers you in the event that you injure or kill someone or damage someone's property. Collision insurance to cover damage to your own vehicle is a good idea but not required by law.

When driving your own or someone else's vehicle, you must carry the pink liability insurance card for that particular vehicle. You must show this card when a police officer asks for it. If you do not, you can be fined up to $400.

Every person who operates a vehicle without insurance is guilty of an offence and is liable on a first conviction to a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000. On a subsequent conviction to a fine of not less than $10,000 and not more than $50,000.

It appears this costly fine would be placed upon you whether you owned the uninsured vehicle or was driving someone else's vehicle without insurance on it. If you were cited for this offense in Ontario, Canada you should contact the court to see if there is anything that can be done to reduce the ticket since you unknowingly drove the uninsured car. You may also want to seek legal counsel to find your best options for reducing or dismissing the ticket.