In Quebec, the SAAQ covers bodily injuries sustained in road accidents, while private insurance companies cover civil liability and, if purchased, optional damage protection for the vehicle itself.
Here we explain how Quebec’s hybrid public-private car insurance system works, how to find cheap car insurance, and how to obtain quotes. We will show you how to reduce your insurance premiums and how to locate the best car insurance policy for you at a price you can afford.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Quebec?
Quebec’s car insurance median price is $1,052 a year. Gatineau is $369 higher than this (35.1%), and Montreal is $584 more (55.5%). Keep in mind that each figure is a median for the city as a whole, not a neighbourhood-specific price.
| 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
Car insurance quotes are offered in Quebec by insurance brokers, insurance agents, aggregators and direct writers. Here is a summary of each of these four insurance quote providers.
How Does Car Insurance Work in Quebec?
In Quebec, car insurance is “hybrid” because it is partly covered by the government and partly covered by private companies. For the most part, if a Québécois is in a motor accident and gets injured or killed, their public insurance coverage will protect them.
Insurance contributions paid with driver’s licence and vehicle-registration charges fund the public plan run by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Qualifying Quebec residents receive compensation when a road accident causes bodily injury or death, no matter who was at fault.
Section A covers civil liability, and Quebec vehicle owners generally must carry at least $50,000. Section B covers damage to the insured vehicle and is optional by law, although a lender or lease may require it. Private insurance remains separate from the SAAQ bodily-injury plan.
How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Quebec?
Here are some things you can do to get affordable car insurance in Quebec:
How Your Car Insurance Quotes Are Calculated in Quebec
Quebec car insurance quotes take several factors into account to estimate how likely you are to submit a claim. In most cases, the more those factors raise the likelihood of a claim, the higher the quoted price will be.
Below are some of the most common elements considered by Quebec auto insurance companies for determining your rates:
Other Factors That Affect Car Insurance Prices in Quebec
The main factors that determine the price of vehicle insurance in Quebec have been presented. However, other factors may also cause your insurance rates to go up or down. Let’s take a look.
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?
Note that when comparing quotes it’s important to make sure they’re for the same driver, car, civil-liability limits, deductibles and Section B coverage. The median quote of $1,052 per year ($88 per month) is a provincial benchmark and is not necessarily available to you.
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?
TD Insurance, The Co-operators and Allstate are well-known companies you might consider for a Quebec policy. The ideal insurer depends on your needs, so compare quotes from different providers to find coverage that fits your preferences and budget.
Who can drive my car under my insurance in Quebec?
You can have someone else drive your car on your car insurance in Quebec. In order for them to be able to drive on your policy in Quebec, the following conditions must be met:
Is auto insurance mandatory in Quebec?
For Quebec residents, contributions paid with driver’s licence and vehicle-registration charges fund the SAAQ public bodily-injury plan. Before driving, most vehicle owners must also buy at least $50,000 in private civil-liability coverage.
Why is car insurance cheaper in Quebec?
Quebec’s public plan pays bodily-injury benefits no matter who caused the crash. Civil liability and any chosen vehicle-damage options are handled by private insurers. Private premiums here omit bodily-injury benefits included in some other provinces, so headline prices cannot be compared directly.
Do I need winter tires in Quebec?
Except in very specific cases and if a valid exemption certificate is in effect, most motorized road vehicles registered in Quebec must have four winter tires that meet regulations, from December 1 to March 15.
Is roadside assistance required in Quebec?
Roadside assistance is not mandatory in Quebec, though you may want it anyway. Roadside assistance provides an extra layer of coverage for events like running out of fuel or getting a flat tire.
How long do driving offences last on my driving record in Quebec?
Two years after the conviction date is the usual period for demerit points to stay on a driving record. The conviction’s effect on insurance can follow a different schedule, so ask the insurer how long it will be rateable.
Can I bundle my car insurance with home insurance in Quebec?
In Quebec, you can bundle car insurance with home insurance just as you can elsewhere in Canada. Combining the policies may produce substantial savings on both. Ask your insurer whether it offers a bundle and how much you could save.
Does a car insurance policy protect both the car and the driver in Quebec?
The SAAQ’s role is to provide Quebec public-plan benefits for bodily injury and death. It does not pay to fix the insured vehicle. Repair costs and property damage go through the private insurer, with protection determined by the liability and optional coverage purchased.
Does Quebec have public auto insurance?
Yes. However, drivers must have private insurance that meets the minimum requirements for civil-liability insurance. They can also purchase collision or comprehensive insurance to protect their own vehicle. The SAAQ offers public protection against bodily injury resulting from a road traffic accident in Quebec.
Is digital proof of insurance legal in Quebec?
Digital proof of auto insurance is accepted in Quebec. You still have to display valid evidence when asked, so save a copy that works offline or carry paper in case the device cannot be used.
Can you drive without insurance in Quebec?
No, you need to have a private civil-liability insurance policy to drive on Quebec roads. The SAAQ’s bodily-injury plan does not cover the costs of repairing or replacing your own car, nor does it replace the private liability insurance you must have.
Is car insurance cheap in Quebec?
Compared to other provinces, such as Ontario, car insurance in Quebec is generally more affordable. This is because it is a mixed system. Keep in mind that your car insurance cost in Quebec might differ based on your driving record, car model and location.
How does no-fault car insurance work in Quebec?
Regardless of who caused the road accident, Quebec residents may receive SAAQ public-plan compensation for eligible bodily injury or death. This public protection does not take the place of private civil-liability insurance or optional coverage for damage to the insured vehicle.
Who regulates insurance in Quebec?
Quebec’s Autorité des marchés financiers regulates insurance companies and oversees consumer protection, while the GAA supports the industry in areas like claims processing and access processes, and the SAAQ runs the public bodily-injury plan.
