Quebec uses a split auto insurance system. The SAAQ handles bodily injury from road crashes, while private insurers cover civil liability and optional damage to the vehicle.
This page explains how the hybrid car insurance system works, how you can get cheap car insurance, and where to get quotes. We’ll also show you how to lower your premiums so you can find affordable coverage for your needs.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Quebec?
Quebec’s car insurance median price comes to $1,052 pe year. Gatineau is $369, or 35.1%, above that figure, while Montreal is $584, or 55.5%, above that figure. These are citywide benchmarks and should not be treated as neighbourhood-level prices.
| Location | Median annual car insurance premium | Difference from Provincial median |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $1,052 | — |
| Gatineau | $1,421 | +$369 (+35.1%) |
| Montreal | $1,636 | +$584 (+55.5%) |
How to Shop for Car Insurance in Quebec
Insurance brokers, agents, aggregators, and direct writers provide car insurance quotes in Quebec. Here’s an overview of these four insurance quote providers:
How Does Car Insurance Work in Quebec?
Car insurance in Quebec is “hybrid”, meaning it combines public and private coverage. Typically, public insurance coverage for Quebecers protects them in case they are involved in a motor accident that results in injury or death.
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) administers the public plan. Insurance contributions are collected through driver’s licence and vehicle-registration payments. Eligible Quebec residents are compensated for bodily injury or death from road accidents regardless of fault.
Private insurance is separate from the SAAQ bodily-injury plan. Quebec vehicle owners generally must carry at least $50,000 of civil-liability coverage under Section A. Section B protection for damage to the insured vehicle is optional by law, although a lender or lease may require it.
How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Quebec?
You can get cheap car insurance in Quebec by taking the following measures:
How Your Car Insurance Quotes Are Calculated in Quebec
Your car insurance quotes are calculated in Quebec by considering several factors to compute the likelihood of filing a claim. Typically, the more factors that would raise your chances of making a car insurance claim, the more expensive your car insurance quotes will be.
Here are some of the most common factors that Quebec car insurers take into account when calculating your quotes:
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Quebec
Some of the main considerations that affect your car insurance prices in Quebec have already been listed above. Here are some other factors that may also cause your car insurance premiums to go up or down:
Read More: A Canada-Wide Guide to Winter Tires
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Quebec
How much does Quebec car insurance cost?
The median annual quote shown on this page is $1,052, or about $88 per month. It is a provincial benchmark rather than a guaranteed price. Compare personal quotes using the same driver, vehicle, civil-liability limit, deductibles and Section B protection.
Can I get Quebec car insurance with an Ontario license?
Contact the provincial licensing authority and a private insurer as soon as you establish residence in Quebec. Bring proof of prior insurance and driving experience because it may help the insurer rate the policy correctly. Do not assume an old province’s licence, registration or policy can stay in place indefinitely.
The correct policy depends on where you live and where the vehicle is registered and principally kept. Give the SAAQ and insurer accurate information about residence, registration, garaging address and vehicle use when moving between Ontario and Quebec.
What are the best insurance companies in Quebec?
The best insurance company in Quebec for your needs will depend on your unique preferences, desired coverage level, and budget. Compare quotes between different providers to see which one is the best fit for you. Some well-known insurance companies in Quebec that you may consider for a policy include TD Insurance, The Co-operators, and Allstate.
Who can drive my car under my insurance in Quebec?
You or someone authorized to borrow your car can drive it under your personal car insurance in Quebec. For an authorized person to be able to drive under your insurance in Quebec, they need to fulfill the following requirements:
• Driving for a legal purpose (e.g. no illegal street racing);
• Have your permission to borrow and drive the car;
• Have a valid driver’s licence;
A claim involving a permitted driver can affect the policy and future insurance costs. Tell the insurer about regular or household drivers and confirm any restrictions before lending the vehicle.
Is auto insurance mandatory in Quebec?
Quebec residents are covered by the SAAQ public bodily-injury plan through insurance contributions collected with licence and registration payments. Vehicle owners generally must also buy at least $50,000 of private civil-liability coverage before the vehicle is driven.
Why is car insurance cheaper in Quebec?
Quebec’s public plan compensates bodily injury without regard to fault, while private insurers handle civil liability and optional vehicle damage. Because the private premium does not include the same bodily-injury benefits as policies in some other provinces, headline premiums are not directly comparable.
Do I need winter tires in Quebec?
Most motorized road vehicles registered in Quebec must have four compliant winter tires from December 1 through March 15. Limited exceptions apply, including vehicles covered by a valid winter-tire exemption certificate.
Is roadside assistance required in Quebec?
No, roadside assistance is not required in Quebec. However, you may still want to get it as additional protection in case of roadside incidents that may leave you out of pocket, such as an empty gas tank or flat tires.
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Quebec?
Demerit points generally remain on the driving record for two years after the conviction date. The conviction itself and its insurance effect may follow a different timeline, so ask the insurer how long it remains rateable.
Can I bundle my car insurance with home insurance in Quebec?
Yes, you can bundle your car insurance with home insurance in Quebec, just like in other Canadian provinces. Bundling insurance policies can give you substantial savings on both coverage options – talk to your insurance provider to see if they offer this and how much you can save.
Does a car insurance policy protect both the car and the driver in Quebec?
Quebec’s public SAAQ plan covers bodily injury and death benefits, not repairs to the insured vehicle. Property damage and vehicle repairs are handled through private insurance, depending on the liability and optional coverage purchased.
Does Quebec have public auto insurance?
Yes. The SAAQ provides Quebec’s public bodily-injury protection for road crashes. Drivers still need a private policy with at least the required civil-liability coverage, and they can add collision or comprehensive protection for their own vehicle.
Is digital proof of insurance legal in Quebec?
Yes. Presenting electronic proof of automobile insurance is accepted in Quebec. The driver must still be able to display valid proof when requested, so keeping an accessible offline or paper copy can prevent problems if the device is unavailable.
Electronic proof does not change the underlying requirement to carry valid private insurance and provide evidence of it when required.
Can you drive without insurance in Quebec?
No. A vehicle used on Quebec roads needs private civil-liability insurance. The SAAQ bodily-injury plan does not replace that private policy or pay for damage to your own car.
Is car insurance cheap in Quebec?
Car insurance tends to be cheaper in Quebec than in other Canadian provinces such as Ontario, largely due to the hybrid nature of its insurance system. Note that your own car insurance rates in Quebec may vary due to factors like your driving history, car make, and neighbourhood.
How does no-fault car insurance work in Quebec?
The SAAQ public plan compensates Quebec residents for eligible bodily injury or death from road accidents regardless of fault. It does not replace private civil-liability insurance or optional protection for damage to the insured vehicle.
Who regulates insurance in Quebec?
Several bodies have different roles. Quebec’s Autorité des marchés financiers oversees insurers and consumer protection, while the GAA supports industry systems such as claims and access mechanisms. The SAAQ administers the public bodily-injury plan.
