Quebec Auto Insurance: Getting Covered In La Belle Province

Quebec has a unique car insurance system that combines public and private components. This means that, in the event of an accident, you will receive some coverage from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and will need to purchase additional coverage from other insurers. The public component covers personal injury, while the private component covers property damage and liability. All drivers in Quebec are required by law to have Civil Liability Coverage, which can be purchased from a private insurance company. This covers damage to your own vehicle, damage to other people's property, and liability if you are responsible for causing injury or damage to others in an accident.

Quebec's hybrid auto insurance system

Quebec's auto insurance system is unique in that it combines both public and private insurance. This hybrid model ensures that residents are covered for personal injuries and property damage or loss.

The public portion of Quebec's auto insurance is provided by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This covers bodily injury and income replacement following an accident, as well as compensation for permanent impairment, medication and medical supplies, and death benefits. This no-fault insurance is included in annual driver's license fees and covers all Quebecers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

The private portion of auto insurance must be purchased from a private insurance company and includes mandatory civil liability and property damage coverage, as well as additional optional coverage. The minimum requirement for civil liability coverage is $50,000, although most drivers opt for $1 million or $2 million in coverage, especially if they travel outside of Quebec. This portion covers repairs to your vehicle following a no-fault collision, as well as legal liability for property damage and bodily injury if you are at fault for a collision outside of Quebec.

Quebec has the cheapest auto insurance rates in Canada, with an average annual cost of $717 according to a 2020 report. This is due to the hybrid system and lower mandatory coverage limits, as well as the fact that the SAAQ handles bodily injury claims, keeping costs low for insurance companies.

Mandatory vs. optional insurance coverage

Quebec is unique in that it uses both public and private car insurance systems. The public system covers personal injury, while the private system covers property damage.

Mandatory Coverage

All drivers in Quebec are required by law to have Civil Liability Coverage, also known as Chapter A. This covers any damage to others' property that you may cause in an accident. The minimum compulsory coverage amount is $50,000, but most policies cover at least $1,000,000 as costs can climb quickly after an accident.

Quebecers are also covered by the province's public auto insurance plan, which includes no-fault coverage for bodily injury or death as a result of an accident. This is provided by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and the premium is included in the cost of your driver's licence.

Optional Coverage

Optional coverage in Quebec includes any possible damage to your car, also known as Chapter B. This is only mandatory if your vehicle serves as a guarantee for a loan. This part of the insurance contract is more expensive for drivers with little experience and men tend to pay more than women.

The most common optional auto insurance coverages in Quebec are:

• Collision: Covers repairs to your vehicle following a collision.
• Comprehensive: Covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events such as hail, theft, or vandalism.
• All perils: Combines collision and comprehensive coverage.

Choosing the right insurance company

However, there are some general tips that can help you choose the right insurance company for your needs:

• Listen to existing customers: Google Reviews are a great way to gauge customer satisfaction with regards to pricing, claims, and customer service.
• Shop around: Call as many insurance companies as you can to find the right fit for you.
• Consider a broker: If you don't want to do the legwork yourself, you can contact an insurance broker who will shop around and find the best rate for you.
• Look for discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling home and car insurance, insuring multiple vehicles, or having safety features in your car.
• Compare quotes: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the most competitive rates.
• Check eligibility requirements: Some insurance companies have specific eligibility requirements, such as a minimum age or a clean driving record. Make sure you meet these requirements before signing up.
• Read the fine print: Before committing to an insurance company, carefully review the coverage options, add-ons, and exclusions to ensure they meet your needs.
• Consider your driving habits: If you don't drive often or only use your car for pleasure, you may be able to get a lower rate.
• Ask about loyalty programs: Some insurance companies offer special discounts or rewards for customers who stay with them for a number of years.

How to save on auto insurance

Quebec has the lowest car insurance rates in Canada, but there are still ways to save even more. Here are some tips to help you get cheaper car insurance in Quebec:

• Compare quotes from different insurance providers: Car insurance premiums can vary significantly from one insurer to another, so it's worth shopping around and comparing quotes before choosing a policy. Online tools can help you compare quotes from multiple providers at once.
• Bundle your home and car insurance: Getting your home and car insurance from the same company can often result in a discount on your premiums. This can save you both time and money.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly or annual premium. Just make sure you're comfortable with the amount you'll need to pay out of pocket if you do have an accident.
• Choose a safer car: Cars with safety features like blind-spot monitoring, crash prevention, and anti-theft alarms are less likely to be stolen or involved in accidents, which can lead to cheaper insurance rates.
• Reduce your mileage: Driving fewer kilometres per year, using public transportation, or carpooling can make your insurance premium cheaper.
• Multi-car and multi-driver discounts: Insuring multiple cars or multiple drivers with the same company can often lead to discounts.
• Safe parking: Parking your car in a secure location, such as a garage or driveway, can protect it from theft or vandalism and may result in a discount on your insurance.
• Defensive driving and a clean record: Taking a defensive driving course and maintaining a clean driving record, free of infractions and accidents, will help you get lower insurance rates.
• Pay annually: Paying your premium annually instead of monthly can result in a lower rate, as it reduces administrative costs for the insurer.
• Group rates: If you're a member of a large corporation, union, or a school alumnus, you may be eligible for cheaper car insurance rates.
• Usage-based insurance: If you're a careful driver, you may benefit from a usage-based insurance plan, which offers lower premiums based on your low-risk driving habits.

Quebec's licensing process

Step 1: Register for a Mandatory Driving Course

The first step towards obtaining a driver's licence in Quebec is to enrol in a mandatory driving course. This course is a comprehensive program that covers all the necessary topics for new drivers. It is important to choose a driving school that is recognised by the Association Québécoise du transport et des routes, ensuring the curriculum meets the required standards.

Step 2: Obtain a Learner's Licence

Once you have registered for the driving course, you can initiate the process of obtaining your learner's licence. This involves successfully completing Phase 1 of the driving course, which includes five theoretical modules. The learner's licence allows new drivers to get behind the wheel, but with certain restrictions. Drivers with this licence must maintain a Blood Alcohol Level of 0 and always be accompanied by a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat. Additionally, the supervising driver's Blood Alcohol Level must not exceed 0.08.

Step 3: Pass the Driver's Knowledge Test

After holding the learner's licence for 10 months, you become eligible to take the driver's knowledge test. This test assesses your understanding of road rules, traffic signs, and driving regulations. If you don't pass on your first attempt, don't worry! There is a mandatory waiting period of 28 days before you can retake the test.

Step 4: Advance to the Probationary Licence

Once you have passed the knowledge test and held the learner's licence for 12 months, you can proceed to the next step. Successfully completing the driving course and passing the road test will earn you the probationary licence. Drivers with this licence still need to maintain a Blood Alcohol Level of 0.

Step 5: Achieve the Full Class 5 Driver's Licence

The final step in the licensing process is to obtain the full Class 5 driver's licence. To achieve this, you must hold your probationary licence for 24 months and pass a final road test. This demonstrates your proficiency and readiness to drive independently on Quebec's roads.

It is important to note that maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to safe driving practices are crucial throughout the entire licensing process. Any driving infractions or demerit points accumulated during this period may impact your ability to progress smoothly through the stages and obtain your full driver's licence.

Frequently asked questions