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Compare Montreal Car Insurance Quotes

Everything you need to know about how car insurance in Montreal works. Find out how to customize your policy and uncover the savings.

How car insurance in Montreal, Quebec works

Montreal is a great city full of exciting culture, great food, music, and sports. While it may seem like you’re in the Grand Prix taking tight turns around construction zones, you won’t be driving fast. The Champlain Bridge is one of Canada’s busiest bridges and slows to a crawl during rush hour commutes.

Montreal makes up 15% of claims submitted by Quebec drivers and as a result, pays some of the highest auto premiums in Quebec. But the average annual car insurance premium in Quebec is still the lowest in Canada coming in under $700, most Montreal drivers, however, will pay over $800. 


Since 1978, Quebec car insurance has been a hybrid system. The two components of the mandated system are public (section A) and private (section B). The public or government-run coverage protects against bodily injury, whereas private insurers cover any property damage 

Section A - public insurance

The public policy is administered by the Société de l'Assurance Automobile du Québec (SAAQ). SAAQ ensures all Montreal drivers, regardless of who's at-fault, are covered for injury or death resulting from a vehicle collision. 

No-fault insurance is part of this basic plan. Any Montrealers in a vehicle accident in Quebec are covered by the plan, regardless of whether or not they are responsible for the accident.  No Montreal driver can sue against the person responsible for the traffic accident.

However, if you plan on driving outside the province of Quebec, call your insurance provider to adjust coverage accordingly.  SAAQ will do their best to bring you back to Quebec to recover should something happen while you're away. 

The public coverage receives contributions from licensing and vehicle registration payments. 

Section B - private insurance (required coverage)

Private insurance companies in Montreal are responsible for the following property damage coverages. Their full definitions are further down the page. 

  • Third-party liability 
  • Uninsured Motorist Protection 
  • Direct Compensation Property Damage 

Optional car insurance in Montreal

You have the option to add to your Montreal auto insurance coverage to enhance your policy. The following are some common add-ons. 

  • Collision
  • Comprehensive 
  • All perils 
  • Specified perils 

Montreal insurance endorsements 

You can also modify your existing coverage using Quebec Endorsement Forms (QEF). Here are some popular options. 

  • QEF 5c - extends coverage for a leased vehicle, no longer than 30 days. 
  • QEF 16 - Suspension of coverage during vehicle storage
  • QEF 17 - reinstatement of coverage after vehicle storage
  • QEF 44 - Allows you to carry your existing coverage into other specified countries

You can find a list of all the forms at the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) , an organisation responsible for financial regulation in the Canadian province of Québec

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Mandatory coverage for auto insurance in Montreal

Mandatory insurance is mostly about protecting you from damage you may cause to others and their property. Protecting you personal car is available with optional coverages.

Third-party liability


Accident benefits


Uninsured motorist


Direct compensation property damage


Did you know?

If you increase your deductible it can lower your Montreal auto insurance rate. Find out more about the importance of a car insurance deductible.

Optional coverage for auto insurance in Montreal

The below coverages are optional, unless you lease your car and your lessor requires them. Typically, new cars will get the optional coverages.

Collision insurance


Comprehensive


Emergency roadside assistance


Specified perils


All perils


How much does car insurance cost in Montreal?

The average cost of car insurance in Montreal is $800, just slightly more than the provincial average of $700. While it's the cheapest insurance in Canada, could you be paying less? Let's find out.

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Factors that impact your Montreal car insurance rates

It pays to shop around to find cheap car insurance in Montreal. Even though an insurance application is fairly standard you will find that different insurance companies offer different rates based on their existing users, the number of active claims on their fiscal books, and overall risk tolerance calculations. Furthermore, there are several factors beyond your control that impact a risk tolerance calculation, like if you live in an area with higher than average levels of insurance fraud. Here are seven factors auto insurance companies consider before offering personal car insurance in Montreal:

Driver demographics


Where you live


Vehicle type


Driving history


Driving activity


Type of insurance coverage


Applicable discounts


Curious how much you could save on home insurance?

In less than 5 minutes, compare home insurance quotes from Montreal’s top insurers to see how much you could save.

How to get cheap car insurance in Montreal

  1. Shop and compare

    Research which company provides cheap car insurance in Montreal, and also the best value for you and your vehicle. Rates may change up to four times a year, but lucky for you comparing Montreal car insurance quotes with us is free.

  2. Stay with your current insurer

    Some Montreal car insurance companies will give loyalty discounts to drivers who remain active with them for years. Especially if they add family members or multiple vehicles to their policy.

  3. Bundle your policies

    If you use the same insurance company for both your home and auto insurance needs, your insurer will often thank you with a dip in premiums.

  4. Get a multi car discount

    If you have multiple drivers and vehicles in the same household, by putting them all on one policy can save you money.

  5. Increase your deductible

    Your deductible is the portion you pay when settling a claim before your insurer will pay the rest. If you’re willing to double your deductible, it could save you money.

  6. Ask about discounts

    If you’re a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, it could help you get cheaper Montreal car insurance

  7. Pay premiums annually, instead of monthly

    Paying monthly adds administrative costs to your insurer, so if you’re able to pay in full annually you can lower your premiums.

  8. Maintain a good driving record

    If you’re a safe driver, obey the rules of the road and drive according to road conditions you can reduce your chances of an accident. Car crashes stay on your insurance record for up to ten years and can result in higher premiums.

  9. Try usage-based insurance

    UBI or telematics can save you up to 30% on your car insurance premium.

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Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Montreal

How do I get the cheapest car insurance in Montreal?


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Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio

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