If you regularly drive a car in British Columbia that you don’t own (whether it belongs to a family member, friend, or employer) you might be wondering: Can I be the principal driver even if I’m not the registered owner? The answer is yes. ICBC car insurance rules are clear: the principal driver (or primary driver) and the vehicle owner do not need to be the same person.
But to avoid unnecessary complications, higher premiums, or financial consequences in the event of a crash, it’s important to set up your insurance policy correctly, especially with ICBC’s newer insurance model, which relies heavily on driver-specific data. And of course, anyone listed must hold a valid driver’s licence to be covered.
Let’s break it down.
What Does “Primary Driver” Mean on Your ICBC Insurance Policy?
In ICBC’s eyes, the principal driver (or primary driver) is the person who uses the vehicle most often. This designation is used by ICBC to determine the car insurance premium, because it reflects the actual risk on the road. ICBC calculates 75% of the driver-related portion of your premium based on the primary driver’s experience and driving record. The other 25% is calculated based on the listed driver with the highest risk.
So even if you don’t legally own the car, if you’re the one commuting, doing errands, or driving the kids to school most days, you should be listed as the principal driver under your insurance policy.
Can a Family Member Be the Primary Driver?
Yes. There are plenty of situations where the person driving the car most often is not the legal owner:
- A university student drives a car owned by their parents.
- A live-in caregiver uses a household vehicle for daily duties.
- A friend or sibling loans their vehicle long-term.
- A small business owns the vehicle but an employee uses it every day.
In each of these scenarios, ICBC expects the actual driver to be listed as the primary driver, regardless of whose name is on the registration, even if that driver is a family member.
In addition to the primary driver, secondary drivers who use the car occasionally like siblings, roommates, or co-workers should also be listed to ensure full protection.
Why Accurate Car Insurance Info Matters to Your Insurance Company
ICBC, like any insurance company, assesses risk based on who is behind the wheel. This means they look at three key factors:
- Who drives the car
- Each listed driver’s experience
- Crash history
When the policy accurately reflects the primary driver, ICBC can set fair and accurate premiums. But if the listed information doesn’t match reality, it could result in:
- Denied claims
- Financial penalties
- Increased premiums in the future
If someone who isn’t listed (like a family member or occasional driver) causes a crash in your vehicle and they should have been listed (such as family, employee, or regular driver), your insurance could take a hit. ICBC might still cover the claim—but you’ll likely face a one-time financial penalty called the Unlisted Driver Accident Premium, unless you’ve purchased Unlisted Driver Protection. However, this protection does not apply to household members, employees, or regular drivers.
Unlisted driver issues remain one of the most common causes of insurance disputes in BC, especially when someone in your family is mistakenly left off the policy.
Crash History Follows the Driving Record, Not the Car
Another reason it’s critical to list the correct primary driver: crashes are tied to the driver, not the vehicle or the owner.
Let’s say your friend regularly borrows your car and gets into an at-fault accident. If they’re listed on your ICBC car insurance policy, the crash goes on their driving record—not yours. That’s why ICBC wants every regular or occasional driver to be listed.
Your premium won’t automatically go up just because you add someone to your policy. It depends on their driving experience and crash history. But failing to list a regular or occasional driver can lead to serious consequences.
What Is the “Driver Factor”?
ICBC uses something called the Driver Factor to help calculate premiums. This is a numeric rating that reflects a person’s driving history and experience. A lower Driver Factor means a lower perceived risk—and a better rate.
This is part of ICBC’s new insurance model, which aims to be more fair and personalized.
The Driver Factor is a key element in determining your insurance premiums and the overall cost of your policy.
This number is unique to each driver and considers:
- At-fault crashes (going back to March 1, 2017)
- Years of driving experience (up to 40 years recognized)
- Convictions for driving offences
So, when you’re listed as the primary driver, ICBC uses your Driver Factor as the basis for most of the premium, even if you’re not the registered owner of the vehicle.
Updating Primary Driver Info on Your Car Insurance Policy
When you visit your Autoplan broker to buy, renew, or update your ICBC policy, be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name
- Driver’s licence number
- Date of birth
- Jurisdiction of licence (if out-of-province)
- Confirmation of a valid driver’s licence
You can add or remove drivers from your policy at any time—not just at renewal.
You should list:
- All household members who drive the car
- Any employees who use it for work
- Learner drivers who regularly practice in the vehicle
- Secondary drivers who operate the vehicle occasionally but on a recurring basis
Learner drivers don’t impact your Driver Factor but do require a flat annual premium (currently ranging from $130 to $230, depending on location).
Common Scenario: Parent-Owned Car, Child is Primary Driver
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. A parent buys a car for their teenager or college-aged child, but keeps the vehicle registered under their own name.
In this case, the child must be listed as the primary driver if they’re using the car regularly. If not, the policy could be flagged as inaccurate, especially if there’s a crash.
The good news is that young or inexperienced drivers can still qualify for Basic insurance discounts while they gain more experience—unless they’re involved in multiple at-fault crashes. One crash won’t eliminate the discount, but a second one will.
Make sure your teen’s driver’s licence number is on the policy as soon as they begin driving the vehicle consistently.
Key Takeaways
- You can be the primary driver even if you don’t own the vehicle.
- 75% of your insurance premium is based on the primary driver’s record and who has driven the vehicle the majority of the time.
- Crashes follow the driver, not the car owner.
- Listing the correct driver (including secondary drivers) protects you financially and ensures your coverage is valid.
- You can update drivers on your policy at any time by contacting your broker.
Need Help? Talk to King Insurance
At King Insurance, we can help you navigate ICBC’s driver listing rules and ensure your policy reflects your real-world driving situation—whether you’re the primary driver, not the owner, a secondary driver, or the owner insuring someone else. Stop by or give us a call and we’ll walk you through the steps to protect yourself and your vehicle.
Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most. Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the right coverage at the best available rate, while making sure they understand their options clearly.