Overview
No, only the registered owner of a car can buy car insurance for it. Until the car is in your name, the current owner keeps it insured, and they can add you to their policy as an occasional driver so you can drive it.
This applies if you're buying a car or taking one over from someone else, like a family member.
What to do until the car is in your name
- The current owner keeps their car insurance active
- The current owner can add you to their policy as an occasional driver. If their policy is with YouSet, see our Add an occasional driver to your policy article
How to insure the car once it's in your name
- Get a car insurance quote on YouSet.ca
- Answer the questions about you and your car
- Choose a start date on or after the day the car is registered to you
- Complete the checkout online
What happens after
- YouSet reviews your car insurance purchase and sends you a confirmation
- Your policy documents are in your YouSet account within 48 hours
Frequently asked questions
What if the car is already insured with YouSet?
If the current owner's car insurance is with YouSet, add you as an occasional driver while the car is still in their name. Under their car insurance policy, they select Modify Policy, then Occasional driver
Can I get a quote before the car is in my name?
Yes, you can get a car insurance quote to see your price even before the car is officially in your name. However, you can only buy the car insurance policy once you're the registered owner.
Does the current owner need to cancel their car insurance?
Yes, once the car is registered in your name and your own car insurance has started, the current owner can cancel their insurance policy for that vehicle. The current owner may pay a cancellation fee, depending on their policy.