Car insurance is a must for all Canadian drivers to protect their property, themselves, and the people around them. Quebec car insurance, however, is unique from coverage in other provinces as it has both public and private insurance. Both forms are mandatory, but you can get add-ons for your private policy for enhanced protection.
Here, learn more about how Quebec’s 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 Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Quebec?
You can get cheap car insurance in Quebec by taking the following measures:
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.
Public insurance is provided by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and is funded by a portion of your yearly driver’s licence fees. This public coverage includes “no-fault insurance”, which means everyone is covered for death or injuries regardless of who was responsible for the accident.
Private insurance, on the other hand, is also required but is separate from public insurance. Private coverage in Quebec is mandatory, and it typically covers your civil liability as well as property damage. These are three mandatory inclusions for Quebec private car insurance:
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:
Most Expensive Cities to Insure a Car in Quebec
Generally, Montreal, Quebec City and Laval are consistently listed as some of the most expensive cities to insure a car in Quebec. While individual car insurance premiums vary, car insurance quotes are typically higher in these areas because of higher accident rates and more congested roads. Here’s a more in-depth look at the most expensive cities for car insurance in Quebec:
| City | Average Annual Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Montreal | $800 |
| Laval | $795 |
| Quebec City | $778 |
Least Expensive Cities to Insure a Car in Quebec
Car insurance coverage tends to be less expensive in more rural parts of Quebec, as the chances of a collision (and thus, a claim) are lower. If you live in Port-Alfred-Bagotville, Saint-Augustin or Baie-Comeau for example car insurance is cheaper in these areas compared to bigger towns or cities in Quebec.
Here’s a closer look at the least expensive cities to insure a car in Quebec:
| City | Average annual car insurance premium |
|---|---|
| Port-Alfred-Bagotville | $629 |
| Saint-Augustin | $614 |
| Baie-Comeau | $608 |
Car Insurance Cost in Quebec by Age
The table below displays car insurance rates by age in Quebec, illustrating how premiums differ across age groups. It’s an essential tool for Quebec residents to comprehend the age-related financial aspects of car insurance in their province.
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings With MyChoice |
|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | $2,563 | $509 |
| 21-24 | $1,464 | $291 |
| 25-34 | $976 | $194 |
| 35-44 | $718 | $142 |
| 45-54 | $588 | $117 |
| 55-64 | $500 | $99 |
| 65+ | $570 | $113 |
Car Insurance Cost in Quebec by Driving History
Insurance companies in Quebec scrutinize your driving history to set car insurance rates, as it’s a reliable predictor of future driving behaviour. If you have some recent past violations on your record, it will make securing affordable auto insurance rates in Quebec difficult.
Driving violations have a lasting impact, and even a single incident can significantly increase your insurance premiums.
Refer to the table below to understand how different driving violations affect your insurance rates in Quebec.
| Driving violation | Average annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $718 |
| Insurance cancellation due to non-payment | $1,177 |
| Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences | $861 |
| One accident | $1,579 |
| Speeding ticket | $933 |
Quebec Car Insurance Trends
While Quebec offers some of the lowest average premiums in Canada, its rates have gone up in the past five years. From 2018 to 2020, average Quebec car insurance premiums were generally around the $644 to $672 range. However, by 2023, the average premium hit $718 and is expected to rise in the next five years.
Several reasons for the higher premiums include more sophisticated auto technology, the increased cost of labour, and higher prices for materials. Here’s a quick look at average premiums over the years in Quebec and how they’ve changed year on year.
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:
Main Mode of Commuting in Quebec
According to the 2021 Census of Population, most Quebecers who are aged 15 years and over with a usual place of work or no fixed workplace address drive a car, truck, or van as their main mode of commuting (77.7% from 25% sample data). Only 9% take public transit to commute, while 5.6% walk to work.
Commuting Duration in Quebec
Most working Quebecers within the described demographic above take less than half an hour to commute to their workplace. 31.5% take less than 15 minutes to commute to their workplace, while 34.8% need 15 to 29 minutes for their daily commute. Just 6.5% of Quebecers have a commute duration of 60 minutes and over.
Who Provides Car Insurance Quotes 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:
The Most Common Questions About Car Insurance in Quebec
How much does Quebec car insurance cost?
On average, Quebec car insurance costs approximately $718. However, note that the cost of your own policy may go up or down depending on several factors such as your car’s model, age, and where you live in Quebec. Compare rates through an insurance aggregator like MyChoice to find the best quotes from trusted Quebec car insurers.
Can I get Quebec car insurance with an Ontario license?
You can try to get Quebec car insurance with an Ontario license, but you run the risk of having this car insurance policy revoked. This is because Ontario drivers are required by provincial law to buy more extensive car insurance compared to Quebec drivers.
If an Ontario driver buys comparatively cheaper, less comprehensive Quebec insurance, a Quebec car insurer may flag this as fraud and revoke the policy later. In other cases, they may simply reject your application as Quebec mandatory car insurance doesn’t meet the basic requirements of mandatory Ontario car insurance. Talk to your car insurance provider for more information on mandatory car insurance and other legal requirements in your province.
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;
Note that if an authorized person gets into an accident in your car, that will be filed under their claims file even if you’re the car owner. However, it may still affect your car premiums, so be careful about whom you allow to drive your vehicle.
Is auto insurance mandatory in Quebec?
Yes, auto insurance is mandatory in Quebec. Both public auto insurance and private auto insurance are required to drive a car, and not getting a private auto insurance policy may result in penalties.
Why is car insurance cheaper in Quebec?
Car insurance is cheaper in Quebec mainly due to its hybrid insurance system and no-fault insurance. Quebec’s hybrid system means all drivers have both private and public car insurance. Public car insurance provides coverage for personal injuries and third-party liability, reducing overall insurance costs from private providers.
No-fault insurance ensures that drivers get compensation regardless of who is at fault in a car accident, reducing the need for legal processes and streamlining claim filing. By lowering administrative costs and reducing paperwork, no-fault insurance leads to overall lower car insurance premiums in Quebec.
Do I need winter tires in Quebec?
Yes, you need winter tires in Quebec. Using winter tires is a legal requirement in Quebec from December 1 to March 15 inclusively. All passenger vehicles, including taxis, have to be equipped with winter tires in Quebec during this period.
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 do I file a car insurance claim in Quebec?
The procedure for filing a claim for property damage may vary between Quebec car insurance providers. However, these are the general steps you may follow:
1. Gather information about the cause of damage or loss:
Get all relevant information about the incident, such as the time, date, and contact information and insurance details of the involved drivers. Take photos and videos if possible.
2. Inform your car insurer of the incident:
Contact your insurance provider right away and tell them about the incident. Provide all necessary information so they can walk you through the claims process and any documents you may need.
3. Fill out your claim form and provide necessary supplementary documents:
Your insurer will provide you with a claim form, where you should include accurate and relevant information to your claim. Attach all supporting evidence such as a copy of a police report, repair estimates, or hospital bills.
4. Cooperate with your insurer’s investigation:
Your car insurer may investigate to assess your claim. Follow your insurer’s instructions, including requests for additional documentation.
5. Accept or reject your settlement offer:
When the investigation is finished, your car insurer will provide a settlement offer. If you’re satisfied with the offered amount, you can accept it and proceed to collect your settlement. If not, you may reject it and negotiate for a different settlement amount. Note that this typically requires additional documentation.
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Quebec?
Driving offences result in demerit points in Quebec, and the more serious the offence, the more points go on your driving record. Demerit points stay on your driving record for two years before they’re “reset” and removed from your record.
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 car insurance protects both the car and the driver. Apart from vehicle repair and property damage, car insurance covers impairment benefits, funeral expenses, medical expenses, and disability income up to specified limits.
Does Quebec have public auto insurance?
Yes, Quebec has public auto insurance provided by the SAAQ and funded by your annual driver’s licence fees. Public auto insurance is mandatory in Quebec, as is private auto insurance.
Is digital proof of insurance legal in Quebec?
Yes, digital proof of insurance is legal in Quebec. While your paper certificate of insurance continues to be effective proof of your policy, a digital proof is now accepted. Note that your smartphone or mobile device should be able to properly show the digital proof, so you’ll need decent phone service, an undamaged screen that may obstruct the displayed proof, and sufficient battery charge.
If your device fails to adequately display your digital proof of insurance, this may result in penalties. Keep your paper proof ready as backup in case.
Can you drive without insurance in Quebec?
No, you can’t drive without insurance in Quebec. Every driver in Quebec is required to have both public and private car insurance while driving. Driving without insurance can result in fines ranging from $500 to $2000, jail time, and even suspension of your driver’s licence if you cause an accident. Ensure your insurance policy is updated before you hit the road in Quebec.
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?
Quebec’s public insurance component has no-fault car insurance, where all Quebecers who get into a motor accident have coverage for physical injuries no matter who is considered at fault for the accident. Instead of getting compensation from the at-fault driver, an injured party is compensated by SAAQ.
Who regulates insurance in Quebec?
Car insurance in Quebec is regulated by the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). The GAA streamlines claims settlements, ensures fair car insurance rates across the province, and provides vital insurance information for Quebecers. All auto insurers who do business in Quebec are members of the GAA,