Quebec Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Quebec"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the province of Quebec?

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Quebec?

Quebec has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways.

To adhere to Quebec's auto insurance rules, you must...

In Quebec, your insurance is provided through government insurance, as well as the private insurance. The government insures against injury and the private insures against property damage. You must maintain a current insurance coverage meeting the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice, although in Quebec the insurer is required to give thirty days notice of renewal, before a policy expires.

1. In Quebec, in the case of bodily injury, the system is pure no fault insurance, which means there is no right to sue for injury, pain, suffering, medical or economic expenses. Quebec also requires all drivers to take out a minimum of $50,000.00 in coverage for damages occurring in Quebec, from a private insurance company.

In Quebec, the off-road vehicle act also requires that you maintain at least $500,000.00 of civil liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and damage to a third party in an accident occurring elsewhere in Canada or the United States.

2. In Quebec, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. If you are in an accident and you are not wearing your seat belt, which is mandatory in Quebec, your insurance could be void and you would be responsible for all damages that occur.

Important facts about auto coverage in Quebec:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Quebec

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: Why is Auto Insurance in Quebec cheaper? And how do I go abouts changing my insurance to Quebec?
I've been told insurance in Quebec is much cheaper. I know a few friends that live there can I change my license address to Quebec then seek insurance over there? Im getting sick of paying 400+ in Ottawa.

Answer: Move to Quebec. Or you could get an address there and lie, but if you're caught your insurance might be null and void. Not worth it.

Question: UK citizen needing Canadian auto insurance (help!)?
Im in Montreal temporarily and will be on a few occassions over the next year. So having a car already here in Montreal I decided to try and make the most of it while Im here. So I called RBC from the UK and received a quote for auto insurance, "just give us a call when you get here and quote this reference number" said the nice voice at the other end. All was well and good. I call RBC today and all of a sudden I need a Quebec driving licence. Ive now called a few places and all are saying I need Quebec licence. I can rent a car if I like and be insured, but cant drive my own car? Can anyone advise if there is anything I can do do to obtain insurance while in Canada. Whaaaaat the fuuuu?!!

Answer: Automobile insurance in Canada is a provincial jurisdiction, therefore the rules in Quebec do not apply in Ontario which do not apply in British Columbia, etc. The rules in Quebec are pretty cut and dry when it comes to needing a Quebec licence, and it appears that everyone is applying the same rule uniformly. I know in British Columbia you can register a vehicle with a foreign licence (you would need to obtain a B.C. licence within 90 days of taking residency in the province), however the cost to transport a vehicle to British Columbia, have it inspected and registered and insured and then transport it to Quebec would be prohibitive to say the least. Plus once the vehicle has been in Quebec for more than 30 days it must be registered and insured in Quebec, so it would ultimately be a lesson in futility. The Quebec version of the Canadian Automobile Association is used to dealing with International Driver's Lincences, so they may be your best (and probably last) hope. Try them at: www.caaquebec.com

Get Insurance for another state/province