As a teenager, getting your driver’s license is a rite of passage — it’s something that everyone needs to experience to obtain the “freedom” they’ve been yearning for.

If you’ve recently got your G2 driver’s license, then let’s start by saying congratulations! Earning your G2 is no simple task.

But, before you rev your engine, you probably have some questions that you’d like answered. One of the most common questions that we receive from G2 drivers is, “how much is insurance for a new G2 driver in Ontario?”.

That’s where we come in — our team at Surex has put together an extensive list of answers to questions that G2 drivers ask in Ontario.

How do driver’s licenses work in Ontario?

The Ontario government uses a graduated licensing program for driver’s licenses. Here’s a brief review of how driver’s licenses work in Ontario.

At 16, Ontarians are allowed to take the G1 written test. After passing the G1 written test, young drivers have to wait for 12 months before taking their G2 road test (this timeframe is shortened to 8 months if you pass driving school). Once they’ve passed the G2 road test, young drivers have to wait 12 months before finally taking their G road test. 

After passing the G road test, the young driver has completed the testing process.

Bonus — Click this link to learn more about the rules and restrictions for G1 drivers.

What’s the cost of car insurance for G2 drivers in Ontario?

Brand new drivers generally pay much more than the average driver in Ontario.

It’s not unusual for auto insurance companies to tack on an additional 25% to 50% onto G2 driver insurance rates. Currently, the average driver in Ontario pays about $1,444.92 for car insurance. That being said, we can determine that G2 drivers can expect to pay anywhere from $1,806.15 to $2,167.38 for annual car insurance.

This leads to our next question…

Why is car insurance so expensive for G2 drivers?

No, insurance companies don’t have anything against G2 drivers — there’s an objective reason why G2 drivers need to pay more for coverage.

The primary reason that G2 drivers tend to pay more is that they are less experienced than someone who has multiple years’ worth of road time under their belt. Drivers that only have a few weeks or months of driving experience are more prone to accidents and are less prepared to handle unforeseen incidents (cars stopping abruptly, animals crossing the road, etc.).

In turn, these drivers are considered “high risk”. Car insurance companies need to charge G2 drivers more for coverage in order to offset the additional financial risk.

Thankfully, in most cases, you’ll begin to see a decline in the price of your car insurance rates — this is due to the fact that your provider understands that you’re gaining experience, which makes you less of a risk.

However, these savings aren’t set in stone; be sure to ask prospective providers about discounts and pricing options while shopping for an auto insurance policy in Ontario.

How can G2 drivers save on car insurance?

There are several ways that G2 drivers can save money on car insurance in Ontario. Some standard methods include:

Going to driving school

If you haven’t earned your G2 yet but would like to be proactive about saving, you should consider booking some lessons at your local driving school. Passing driving school doesn’t just teach you the basics of the road — it can also help young drivers save 5% to 15% on insurance (while under the age of 25).

Secondary driver

If you are the parent or guardian of a young driver who recently earned their G2, let’s start off by saying, “take a deep breath, it’s ok”, and in all honesty, it will be.

Now that we’re calm again let’s chat about insurance. If your child is planning on using your vehicle every once in a while, you should consider asking your car insurance provider about secondary driver coverage.

Your child can utilize your car insurance for a small cost while using your vehicle. This is much cheaper than your child getting their own policy, especially if they only have a G2 license.

Use an insurance broker

If you want to save money on car insurance in Ontario, you should reach out to a Surex insurance broker. A broker is an insurance expert that works with carriers to find you high-quality, personalized quotes. Drivers that team up with a Surex insurance broker can save up to 25% on car insurance in Ontario!

Care to learn more about how we can help you or your child save money on car insurance? Don’t hesitate to call or click today.

Can I buy a car if I have a G2 license?

In Ontario, you are able to buy a vehicle from a dealership or private seller at any time, regardless of your license class.

However, you must know that you cannot use your new vehicle unless you have a G2 license and the proper car insurance. So, you can technically buy a new car, but you won’t be able to drive very far.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that if you purchase your own vehicle, you’ll have to obtain your own car insurance policy (unless your parent or guardian puts the vehicle under their name).

Bonus — Check out this blog if you'd like to learn about giving or receiving a car as a gift in Ontario.

Are there restrictions that G2 drivers need to be aware of in Ontario?

Yes, there are several restrictions for G2 drivers in Ontario. Young drivers learn about these restrictions in driving school.

Do you need a quick refresher? Here’s a list of G2 driver restrictions:

• The number of passengers cannot exceed the number of seatbelts
• Must have a blood alcohol level of zero
• Cannot drive between 12:00 am and 5:00 am
• Cannot travel on major freeways or 400-series highways by themselves

Ignoring these restrictions could land you in some serious trouble, ranging from a fine to the loss of your license.

Are you ready to hit the road with your G2?

Getting your G2 is undeniably exciting and is something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. If you have any more questions about getting insurance as a G2 driver, don’t hesitate to contact a Surex insurance advisor today.