Guide

New driver insurance in Ontario — G1, G2, and your first policy

New drivers face the highest premiums of anyone on the road. Here's why — and the levers that genuinely bring the number down.

G1, G2 or G — when do you actually need insurance?

A G1 driver is usually covered under the supervising driver's policy at no charge — but tell the insurer anyway. Once you hold a G2 and drive alone, you must be a listed driver on a policy. Your first years insured are the most expensive; the goal is to start the clock early and keep a spotless record.

Why your first policy costs so much

Insurers price on driving history — and you don't have one yet. No years licensed, no years insured, no claims-free record. That stacks three of the biggest rating factors against you at once. It improves every single year you stay insured and clean.

What actually lowers a new driver's premium

• Get listed on a parent's policy instead of your own — usually far cheaper to start
• Driver's training certificate from an MTO-approved school — a real, priced discount
• Telematics / usage-based apps — new drivers often save the most from them
• A modest car — the vehicle's CLEAR rating matters; a sensible sedan beats a turbo coupe
• Stay claims- and ticket-free — nothing compounds faster than a clean record
• Shop the whole market — companies price new drivers VERY differently; this is where a broker earns their keep

The mistake to avoid

Never let coverage lapse to "save money for a while." A gap in insurance history resets your progress and flags you to underwriters — it usually costs more later than it saved.

More guides: How a broker saves you money · Why Ontario car insurance costs what it does · Home insurance, explained simply · Insurance for newcomers to Canada · Why your renewal went up · Buying your first home · High-risk driver? You have options · ਬੀਮਾ ਗਾਈਡ (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ) · ਨਵੇਂ ਆਇਆਂ ਲਈ ਗਾਈਡ (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)