Guide to OPCF 27: Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s)

What is OPCF 27?

OPCF 27 refers to Ontario Policy Change Form 27, or Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobile(s), and Other Coverages When Insured Persons Drive, Rent or Lease Other Automobiles. 

In other words, it’s rental car insurance built into your personal auto insurance policy. 

OPCF 27 is an optional endorsement you can add to your car insurance coverage if you rent or borrow vehicles frequently. It allows you to opt out of the daily insurance coverage offered by rental car companies, which can be pricey, and extends your comprehensive and collision or upset insurance, along with other coverage, to most non-owned vehicles.

What does OPCF 27 cover?

The primary purpose of OPCF 27 is to extend physical damage coverage from your personal auto insurance policy to vehicles you don’t own. OPCF 27 will cover your legal or contractual liability for damage to a rental or borrowed vehicle up to a monetary limit listed on your endorsement form. 

To qualify for coverage under OPCF 27, the following must be true:

• The damage must be caused by a peril covered by your personal auto insurance policy
• The rented or borrowed vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or less
• The vehicle is not owned or leased by anyone living in your home or by your employer
• You used the vehicle with the consent of the owner or lessee

OPCF 27 also extends other coverage on your policy, including third-party liability coverage, accident benefits coverage, direct compensation property damage (DCPD), and uninsured automobile coverage, to non-owned automobiles.

Does a deductible apply to OPCF 27? 

If you make a claim under OPCF 27, a car insurance deductible will apply except as stated in your policy. The endorsement form lists deductibles for all perils, specified perils, collision or upset, and comprehensive coverage. 

What does OPCF 27 not cover?

OPCF 27 only covers non-owned vehicles in Canada and the United States. It won’t cover:
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• Vehicles you rent or borrow for more than 30 days 
• Vehicles that exceed the maximum GVWR of 4,500 kg, which may include some large pickup trucks or vans
• Drivers not listed on or excluded from your policy
• A temporary substitute automobile you drive while your insured vehicle is in the shop
• Any amount that exceeds the coverage limits listed on your OPCF 27 form

Is OPCF 27 better than rental car insurance?

OPCF 27 has some advantages over rental car insurance purchased through a rental company.

How much does it cost to add OPCF 27?

Adding OPCF 27 to your car insurance policy will typically cost $4–$12/month, or $50–$150 per year. 

Costs vary between insurers partly because OPCF 27 is often bundled with other benefits, such as OPCF 20 (Coverage for Transportation Replacement). While you can typically add or remove endorsements individually if working with an insurance broker, online insurance quotes don’t always give the option to add OPCF 27 as a standalone endorsement. 

To compare costs for OPCF 27, we requested car insurance quotes for the same vehicle from five leading auto insurance providers: Aviva, Co-Operators, Desjardins, Intact, and TD. We looked at the price with and without OPCF 27 (or a bundle that includes it).

^{* Difference between monthly insurance quotes for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 Limited with and without OPCF 27 for a 40-year-old single driver with a clean driving record living in London, Ontario.} 

Who needs OPCF 27?

OPCF 27 is likely a good option if:

• You rent vehicles at least once or twice a year for less than 30 days at a time
• You frequently borrow vehicles from people outside of your household (excluding business vehicles)
• You don’t have sufficient rental car coverage through your credit card

When renting a car in Canada, you typically have three insurance options: 1) rental insurance through your credit card, 2) rental car insurance through the rental company, and 3) extended car insurance through OPCF 27. If you anticipate renting or borrowing cars, adding OPCF 27 to your personal insurance policy can reduce costs and hassle at the rental counter while ensuring that you have the coverage you need when driving a vehicle you don’t own. 

But OPCF 27 isn’t mandatory, and not every driver in Ontario needs it. OPCF 27 may not be worth it if you don’t often rent vehicles or know already that you’ll have robust rental car coverage through your credit card.

FAQ: OPCF 27

This article is for general information only and is not insurance or legal advice. Examples and any sample quotes or rate ranges are illustrative and do not constitute an offer or guarantee of coverage, price, or eligibility. Actual coverage, discounts, and premiums depend on your individual circumstances and the insurer provider; if there is any discrepancy, your policy and insurer documentation govern. For advice about your situation, speak with one of our licensed insurance professionals.