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How does Quebec auto insurance work?
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance and MoneySense
Auto insurance in Quebec operates under a unique system that combines public and private insurance components – this means that you'll receive some coverage from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), but you'll also need to purchase additional coverage from other insurers. Here's a basic overview of how it all works.
Public auto insurance in Quebec
As mentioned, the public insurance component is managed by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). It covers personal injury resulting from automobile accidents, meaning that if you are injured in a car accident, your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and income replacement benefits are covered by the insurer.
Private auto insurance in Quebec
The private insurance component covers property damage and liability. This includes damage to your own vehicle, damage to other people's property, and liability if you are responsible for causing injury or damage to others in an accident.
Why is car insurance cheaper in Quebec?
Quebec consistently ranks as the cheapest province in Canada when it comes to auto insurance. This is due to various factors, including the hybrid auto insurance system and lower mandatory coverage limits. For instance, while drivers here only need to purchase a minimum of $50,000 in civil liability coverage, all other provinces require at least $200,000 for third-party liability claims (or $500,000 in the case of Nova Scotia).
The Quebec government also regulates auto insurance rates to ensure fairness and affordability for consumers. Insurers must submit rate proposals to regulatory authorities for approval which helps prevent excessive rate increases across the board. And while other provinces, such as Ontario, also have regulated rates, various external factors – including auto insurance fraud (often linked to organized crime) – only widen the large gap in pricing between the two provinces.
Quebec also runs on a no-fault auto insurance system, but this doesn't mean you won't be deemed at fault in any given accident. Instead, under the no-fault system, anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in Quebec is covered by the SAAQ – regardless of whether they were the driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist – and regardless of who was at fault.
Plus, under the direct compensation for property damage (DCPD) system, if your vehicle needs to be repaired or replaced after an accident, you'll only be handling claims with your own private insurer – again, regardless of who was at fault. This streamlines the claims process and ensures that you can receive prompt service from your provider.
When you register your vehicle with the SAAQ, you automatically enroll in the public insurance plan. The registration fees include the premium for personal injury coverage. You must then purchase private insurance from a licensed insurance company. It's advisable to shop around and compare rates and coverage options across all different providers to make sure you're selecting the best option out there.
Mandatory types of car insurance in Quebec
The following types of car insurance are mandatory in Quebec – it is standard for all auto policies across the province to include these coverages.
Civil liability
Accident benefits (provided by SAAQ)
Optional types of car insurance in Quebec
Here are a few optional coverages you can add to your Quebec auto insurance policy to increase your protection, as well as your peace of mind.
Collision
Comprehensive
Specified perils
All perils
Emergency roadside assistance
Quebec endorsement forms
How much is car insurance in Quebec?
According to Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA), the average cost of Quebec car insurance in 2022 was $796. Could you be paying less? Find out more by comparing free, personalized quotes with us today.
compare quotesThe average cost of car insurance in Quebec over time
Below is a table outlining the average cost of auto insurance in Quebec over time, according to data from Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). The average premium was $796 in 2022, with an average annual increase of 4.9% over the previous ten years.
To break down the cost of Quebec car insurance in 2022, the average premium by coverage type is as follows: civil liability insurance at $360, collision insurance at $331, and comprehensive insurance at $180.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Quebec
While market factors play a big role in the cost of your auto insurance, there are still many steps you can take to ensure you're getting the best rate possible. Here, we cover eight different tips for cheap auto insurance in Quebec.
- Shop and compare
Research which auto insurance companies offers the cheap premiums. While rates may change overtime, comparing Quebec car insurance quotes with us is free.
- Stay loyal
Quebec auto insurance companies tend to give discounts to drivers who remain an active customer for years – especially if there's family members and multiple vehicles on the policy.
- 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.
- Get a multi-car discount
If you have multiple drivers and vehicles in the same household, putting them all on one policy can save you money.
- Ask about discounts
If you’re a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, you could b eligible for cheaper car insurance – just ask your broker or agent for group rate options.
- Pay annual premiums
Paying auto insurance premiums monthly adds administrative costs to your insurer, so if you’re able to pay annually, you can lower your rate. It also shows the company you're planning to stay loyal.
- Maintain a good driving record
If you’re a safe driver, you can reduce your chances of an accident. Car crashes stay on your insurance record for years and can result in higher premiums.
- Take a course
Completing an accredited defensive driving course can qualify you for a discount, as it demonstrates your commitment to safe driving.
Factors that impact your Quebec car insurance quote
There are many individualized factors auto insurance companies look at, in order to determine your personalized quote. Generally speaking, the more risk you bring, the more expensive your Quebec car insurance policy will be – here are a few factors you should be aware of.
Age
Young drivers tend to pay the highest rates. So while most people don't look forward to growing old, at least cheaper premiums come along with it.
Gender
Men are more commonly involved in car accidents, so they tend to pay higher insurance rates. It might not be fair, but insurers like to limit their risk.
Location
Living in busy, populated cities, such as Montreal, can impact your insurance rate negatively – you're more prone to collision and theft.
Vehicle type
Vehicles that cost more to repair and replace inevitably come with increased auto insurance rates. The same goes with highly-stolen cars.
Driving history
Traffic convictions will impact your insurance rate negatively. Insurers like to minimize their risk, so drive safely for the best rates possible.
Driving behaviour
More time on the road increases your chances of having to make a claim. So driving less can actually lower your auto insurance rate.
License class
Graduating through the Quebec licensing system – and obtaining your full license will lead to cheaper auto insurance rates due to the added experience.
Vehicle use
If you use your vehicle for business purposes, you'll most likely need to pay more for insurance. Pleasure-use cars tend to come with cheaper rates.
Are you getting the cheapest car insurance in Quebec?
In just a few steps, you can view customized car insurance quotes from the province's top providers – find your lowest Quebec auto insurance rate with us today.
Frequently asked questions about Quebec auto insurance
How do I get the cheapest car insurance in Quebec?
When it comes to auto insurance, Quebec already has the cheapest rates out of all the provinces in Canada. But be sure to compare personalized car insurance rates with us to find your best option – you won't know which insurer offers the lowest premium until you check out all of them.
What are the best insurance companies in Quebec?
Each car insurance company offers a different rating system to classify a driver's risk level. So the best way to find the right car insurance company for you is to get insurance quotes from multiple Quebec providers. You can use our car insurance calculator to get started today.
Can I get Quebec car insurance with an Ontario license?
Car insurance in Canada is required by law. If you're travelling through different provinces, your insurance will cover you across the country. However, if you try to get Quebec insurance just because it's cheaper, you risk having your policy revoked.
Who can drive my car under my insurance in Quebec?
In Quebec, you can lend your car to anyone who has a valid driver's licence. If a friend gets into an accident while driving your car, the accident will be recorded in your friend's driving record, but it could potentially affect your own auto insurance premium.
Do I need auto insurance in Quebec?
Yes, everyone in Quebec who drives a car is required to buy auto insurance. The public plan is administered by the Société de l’Assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ). The private portion is administered by other companies and can be sold by insurance brokers and agents.
Does my insurance cover me if I drive for Uber or Lyft?
In Quebec, you will always need your own insurance in order to operate a vehicle legally. Uber has a commercial insurance policy in Quebec that offers $1 million civil liability coverage which covers the driver against third-party liability while the app is on. There is also coverage for collision, upset, and all perils.
It is imperative you speak with your personal insurance company about rideshare insurance to inform them of your intentions because you are changing the terms of the original agreement. They could potentially deny you coverage, so you may need to find another option.
Do I need winter tires in Quebec?
Yes, it's the law to have winter tires from December 1st to March 15th. The tires must be approved for the road – so look for the mountain snowflake icon. But if you're just visiting Quebec, you don’t need to worry about being fined.
Is roadside assistance required in Quebec?
No, but it’s a great option for peace of mind in case of a battery failure, tire puncture, or you need a tow. You may be able to purchase it as an additional coverage through your private insurer or from a third-party carrier, like CAA.
How do I file a car insurance claim in Quebec?
Anyone injured in a traffic accident can call the SAAQ at 1-800-361-7620 or use their online portal. Make sure you have your health insurance number, your social insurance number, your driver’s license number, and as many details about the accident as possible (e.g. car make, license plate, driver contact details).
For civil liability and personal property damage claims, be sure to call your Quebec insurance broker or agent as coverage is issued through your private insurance company.
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Quebec?
Quebec operates on a demerit point system. It establishes the number of points that any driver accumulates if found guilty of certain offences. Points are put on your driving record once the SAAQ is notified of your conviction by a court of law. For penalty purposes, these demerit points stay on record for two years after the date of conviction.
Can I bundle my car insurance with home insurance in Quebec?
Yes, just like many other provinces in Canada that operate in a private market you can bundle auto and home insurance in Quebec. It's one of the best ways to save on insurance products annually.