Alyssa Lane
Auto insurance in Saskatchewan is provided by the provincial government through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), a self-sustaining Crown corporation. Basic plate coverage is mandatory for all vehicles and includes physical damage coverage, third-party liability, and personal injury coverage. The minimum protection required by Saskatchewan law includes a maximum of $200,000 in liability insurance and a $700 deductible for damage to one's own vehicle. While basic coverage is provided by SGI, drivers can also purchase additional coverage from private insurance companies.
What You'll Learn
Mandatory basic coverage
In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Auto Fund, administered by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), provides mandatory basic coverage for all vehicles in the province. This basic plate insurance is compulsory for all licensed vehicles and offers a base level of protection for all drivers.
The mandatory basic coverage includes third-party liability protection, auto damage coverage, and personal injury coverage up to $200,000. Third-party liability protection covers damage to other vehicles, property, or injuries to others. Auto damage coverage provides financial protection for physical damage to your vehicle. Personal injury coverage, on the other hand, covers injuries sustained in a vehicle collision.
While this basic coverage is mandatory, it may not be sufficient for all drivers in all situations. For instance, if you have a new vehicle and it is totalled, the basic coverage may not be enough to cover the remaining car loan. Similarly, if you are injured in an accident, the basic coverage limit may not be adequate to cover all your medical expenses and time off from work. Therefore, it is essential to consider your specific needs and circumstances when deciding on your auto insurance coverage.
In addition to the mandatory basic coverage, drivers in Saskatchewan have the option to obtain extended auto coverage from various insurers. This extended coverage can include extra protection for damage to your vehicle, increased third-party liability coverage, lower deductibles, and other additional protections. By choosing extended coverage, you can enhance your overall protection while on the road.
It is important to note that auto insurance requirements can change over time. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a local qualified insurance representative or specialist to stay informed about the current mandatory coverage requirements and explore options that best suit your needs.
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Third-party liability insurance
In Saskatchewan, all vehicles must be insured with the mandatory basic plate insurance coverage through the Saskatchewan Auto Fund, administered by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). This includes third-party liability insurance, which covers damage to other vehicles, property, or injury to others in the event of an accident.
For example, if you rear-end another vehicle, causing injury to the driver and damaging their car, you would be at fault, and a claim would be filed. In this case, third-party liability insurance will cover the cost of repairs to the other person's car, their medical costs, and even loss of wages if they are unable to work. It will also cover legal fees and any damages awarded to the injured party from a lawsuit. However, it is important to note that third-party liability insurance does not cover the cost of injuries to yourself or damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident.
The minimum amount of third-party liability insurance required varies across Canada. In Saskatchewan, the minimum requirement is $200,000, with payment for property damage capped at $10,000. It is recommended to have more than the minimum amount of coverage, as the cost of medical bills and lawsuits can be high. You can increase your coverage limit to $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million without a significant increase in your premium.
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Personal injury coverage
In Saskatchewan, car insurance is mandatory and provided through the government-owned Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). The basic insurance provided is called "plate insurance", which includes personal injury coverage up to $200,000. This covers medical expenses resulting from a vehicle collision.
Personal injury protection is a standard feature of Saskatchewan's no-fault insurance system. This means that in the event of an accident, you will only ever deal with your own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault. The exception to this is if you opt for Tort coverage, which allows you to sue the at-fault driver for damages beyond what is included in the standard coverage. However, choosing Tort coverage means opting out of the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP).
The mandatory third-party liability coverage through SGI has a minimum limit of $200,000, but drivers can increase their liability coverage up to $5 million. While SGI is the sole provider of basic insurance in the province, you can purchase additional coverage from other car insurance companies.
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Collision and comprehensive insurance
In Saskatchewan, collision and comprehensive insurance are part of the optional and extended coverages that you can select from, depending on your personal situation. Basic plate coverage is mandatory for all vehicles in Saskatchewan and is provided through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). It covers physical damage to your vehicle, third-party liability, and personal injury coverage.
Collision coverage reimburses you for the costs of repairing your car after colliding with an object (e.g., a telephone pole, a guard rail, a mailbox) or flipping over. It also covers damage caused by potholes. The average cost of collision coverage is about $290 per year.
Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers damage to your car caused by disasters other than collisions. It includes contact with animals, natural disasters, theft of the car or its parts, and fallen objects such as trees or branches. Comprehensive coverage is more affordable, costing around $134 per year on average.
You can enhance your overall coverage by choosing from various extended and optional coverages offered by private insurance companies. This includes lowering your deductible, increasing liability protection, and obtaining enhanced wage protection coverage.
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Auto insurance extensions
In Saskatchewan, auto insurance extensions are additional coverages that drivers can opt for to enhance their overall protection while on the road. While the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) provides the mandatory basic plate coverage for all vehicles, individuals have the flexibility to customise their policies with various extensions. These extensions serve to bolster their financial protection in the event of accidents, damage, or theft.
One notable aspect of auto insurance extensions is the ability to increase liability limits. This added protection becomes crucial if an individual is deemed at fault in an accident, as it safeguards them from bearing the full financial burden of property damage or injury claims. Similarly, extensions can provide enhanced injury benefits, ensuring more comprehensive coverage for individuals who may be unable to work due to their injuries.
Another advantage of auto insurance extensions is the inclusion of lower deductibles. A deductible is the amount that a policyholder must pay when filing a claim for damage or theft of their vehicle. By opting for an extension, individuals can benefit from lower deductibles, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an incident. This can be especially valuable in situations where the policyholder is not at fault but the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Furthermore, auto insurance extensions cater to diverse needs with optional coverages. For instance, individuals can opt for road hazard glass coverage, which pays for damage to the glass enclosing the passenger compartment of the vehicle due to objects falling or thrown from another vehicle. Another optional coverage is loss of use, which provides payment to rent a vehicle while the insured vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
In conclusion, auto insurance extensions in Saskatchewan offer individuals the flexibility to customise their policies and enhance their protection. By increasing liability limits, lowering deductibles, and including specialised coverages, individuals can ensure they have the financial support they need in various scenarios involving their vehicles. These extensions provide added peace of mind and help individuals manage the risks associated with driving.
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Frequently asked questions
Basic plate coverage is the mandatory coverage for all vehicles in Saskatchewan. It is provided through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and includes financial protection for physical damage coverage for your vehicle, third-party liability, and personal injury coverage in case of a collision.
In Saskatchewan, you can begin the licensing process at 16. If you're enrolled in a high school driver education program, you can start at 15, but all drivers under 18 need consent from a parent or guardian.
If you're caught driving without insurance in Saskatchewan, you'll have to pay a $1,000 fine for your first or second offence. Your driver's license may also be suspended, and your future insurance rates will likely increase.
