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Quebec Car Insurance

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Article Contents
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated on October 31, 2024

Visit author page
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated October 31, 2024

Visit author page

12 minute read

Article Contents

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.

Quick Facts About Auto Insurance in Quebec

  • Quebec car insurance rates have gone up in the past 5 years.
  • The average annual car insurance cost in Quebec for a driver with a clean record is around $723.

Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024

How Can You Get Cheap Car Insurance in Quebec?

You can get cheap car insurance in Quebec by taking the following measures:

Compare quotes between providers

Comparison shopping can help you find the most affordable coverage for your preferred policy type and budget. Save time and money by using MyChoice to compare quotes from different car insurance providers in your area.

Pay annually instead of monthly

While an annual car insurance fee may be heftier, some insurance providers offer a discount if you choose annual payment. This is because it reduces their administrative costs.

Install security features

Having anti-theft alarm systems will deter thieves, reducing the chances of filing a claim. This reassures your insurer that you may be less likely to file a claim, so they may lower your car insurance quotes.

Bundle your insurance policies

Some insurers offer home insurance and car insurance bundles, giving discounts on both types of coverage as long as you get both policies from them.

Drive carefully

By being cautious on the road and keeping a clean driving record, you convince car insurance companies that you’re a low-risk driver. A clean driving record with no demerits generally results in lower car insurance quotes.

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:

The mandatory car insurance requirement for Quebec drivers are:

Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD)

If you’re found to be not at fault for an auto accident, this provides compensation for repairs, replacement, and restoration up to a minimum required limit.

Third-party Liability Coverage

This mandatory inclusion covers you in case you cause damage to someone or their property while driving.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage 

This inclusion provides compensation for injuries or damage sustained in an auto accident caused by an uninsured driver.

Drivers may also opt for add-ons to private insurance that increase their limits or protect them from additional perils. These are some of the most common add-ons that enhance your Quebec car insurance protection:

Emergency roadside assistance

This covers you in case of roadside emergencies that may cost you for repairs or services, such as a flat tire, a dead car battery, or accidentally getting your keys locked into your car.

Collision insurance

This add-on protects you and your car if you’re found to be partially or wholly at fault for a collision.

Comprehensive insurance

This protects you from damage or losses you may suffer while your car is parked. Perils that are typically covered by a comprehensive insurance add-on include fallen tree branches, vandalism, or flooding.

Specified perils insurance

This coverage protects you from damage or losses caused by explicitly listed, select perils, such as earthquakes or fires. While typically cheaper than comprehensive insurance, this also leaves you exposed to risks not named in your policy.

All-perils insurance

This add-on combines the protection of collision insurance and comprehensive insurance, with added coverage in case someone known to you (such as a household member or employee) steals your car.

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:

Age

Younger drivers are seen as less experienced and thus more likely to get into a collision, so their car insurance quotes are typically higher until they reach the age of 25. However, your premiums will rise again when you turn 65, as older drivers have a higher risk of getting into car accidents.

Driving History

Car insurance companies will always ask to look into your driving history to look at any past accidents, demerit points, and other incidents that assess your risk level as a driver. Generally, a clean record means cheaper car insurance premiums.

Vehicle Age

Having an older car can increase your premiums. Because your car’s value goes down as it ages due to depreciation, driving an older car may result in cheaper insurance. However, having an old car isn’t always a guarantee that your car insurance will be affordable: old cars may have higher repair and replacement costs, so your car insurance may still be pricey.

Mileage and Usage

Car insurers will take your annual mileage into account to assess how often you drive and how far to calculate the likelihood of getting into an accident. 

Vehicle Make

If your car is a more expensive model, your car insurance premiums tend to be more expensive as this increases repair or replacement costs if you need to file a claim.

Insurance History

Simply put, if you’ve had more cancellations, claims, or lapses in your previous car insurance policies, your premiums will tend to be higher in the future. A history of consistent payment with no claims or cancellations generally results in lower quotes.

Coverge Options

The higher your coverage limits and the more add-ons you get for your car insurance policy, the higher your premiums will be.

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:

CityAverage Annual Car Insurance Premium
Montreal$805
Laval$800
Quebec City$783

Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024

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:

CityAverage annual car insurance premium
Port-Alfred-Bagotville$633
Saint-Augustin$618
Baie-Comeau$612

Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024

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 GroupAverage CostAnnual Savings With MyChoice
18-20$2,580$512
21-24$1,474$293
25-34$983$195
35-44$723$143
45-54$592$118
55-64$503$100
65+$574$114

Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024

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 violationAverage annual car insurance rate
Clean driving record$723
Insurance cancellation due to non-payment$1,185
Licence suspension for alcohol-related offences$867
One accident$1,590
Speeding ticket$939

Quote data from MyChoice.ca, November 2024

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:

Credit History

While checking credit scores isn’t a common practice for Quebec car insurers, it’s not forbidden by law. Because a poor credit history may indicate a higher risk of late payments or policy cancellations, those with bad credit history may have higher car insurance premiums.

Claims History in Your Location

Car insurance providers will look at the number of claims in your neighbourhood to assess the likelihood that you’ll file a claim in the future. The more claims that have been filed in recent years, the more expensive car insurance is in your area.

Traffic Conditions

Poor traffic conditions, congested highways, and a lack of road maintenance in your area may also cause your car insurance quotes to be higher.

Incidence of Natural Disasters

Because hailstorms, floods, and other natural events can all damage your vehicle, car insurers will note the frequency of such events as well as severe weather occurrences. The more natural disasters there have been in recent years in your city, the pricier your car insurance quotes will be.

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:

Insurance Aggregators

These are sites like MyChoice that allow you to compare car insurance rates and coverage options between a variety of insurance providers. Because they’re online and provide quotes from different providers, aggregators can save you a lot of time and money.

Insurance Agents

Insurance agents are independent professionals who can give you policy information and quotes from the companies they work with.

Insurance Brokers

An insurance broker can represent you as a buyer and get quotes on your behalf from different companies. They can also offer advice about which add-ons to get and how to lower your quotes.

Direct Writers

A direct writer is an insurance company that doesn’t have agents independently offering their policies to potential clients. Instead, they offer quotes through their call centres or official websites.

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 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,

Methodology

Sample Size

We analyzed over 50,000 auto insurance quotes across Canada.

Profiles

Average rates were calculated using a standard profile and incident profiles. All personal details pertaining to the quotes and policies have been kept confidential.

Standard Profile

Single driver, one car, currently insured, and a pristine driving record. Our base profile is a 35-year-old individual (both male and female) with a spotless driving record.

Incident Profiles

We examined how rates change by evaluating profiles with a clean record (standard), one at-fault accident, a single speeding ticket, license suspension for alcohol related offenses and insurance cancellation due to non-payment.

Vehicle Details

These individuals own a 2018 Honda Civic, commute five days a week, and cover a distance of 15,000 kilometres annually.

Vehicle Models

Costs were also analyzed for different vehicles: Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Equinox, and the base 2018 Honda Civic.

Age and Homeownership

Profiles from age 18-65 (standard: 35 years) were considered. Depending on age, individuals might rent or own their homes. Age-related regulations may vary across provinces.

Team

MyChoice data science, MyChoice research.

Sources

1. Mychoice.ca Internal Data, Most Expensive Cities to Insure a Car, Quebec, Car Insurance Quotes Collected, 2024.

2. Mychoice.ca Internal Data, Least Expensive Cities to Insure a Car, Quebec, Car Insurance Quotes Collected, 2024.

3. Mychoice.ca Internal Data, Rate Cost By Age, Quebec, Car Insurance Quotes Collected, 2024.

4. Mychoice.ca Internal Data, Rate Cost By Driving History, Quebec, Car Insurance Quotes Collected, 2024.

5. Statistics Canada, 2021, Census of Population, Quebec, Main Mode of Commuting. Data Published March 29, 2023.

6. Statistics Canada, 2021, Census of Population, Quebec, Commuting Duration. Data Published March 29, 2023.

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