FAQ — Car Insurance in Quebec

In Quebec, mandatory car insurance consists of civil liability insurance, which covers bodily injury or property damage you may cause to others in an accident. The minimum coverage is $50,000, but most drivers opt for higher amounts ($1M or $2M) for better protection.

No, it is illegal to drive without car insurance in Quebec. All drivers must have valid civil liability insurance to drive on public roads. Violations can result in heavy fines, vehicle seizure, and licence suspension.

Quebec has a mixed system: the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) covers bodily injuries for all parties involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Property damage (to your vehicle or someone else’s) is covered by private insurers.

Yes, partially. The SAAQ covers bodily injuries even if the other driver is uninsured. For property damage caused by an uninsured or unidentified driver (hit-and-run), you can add supplementary coverage to your private insurance policy. Ask your broker about your options.

You should report an accident to your insurer as quickly as possible, ideally within 5 to 7 days. Some policies have strict deadlines. Delaying may jeopardize your right to compensation. If there are injuries, also notify the SAAQ.

Your premium is calculated based on several factors:

• Your age and driving experience
• Your driving record (accidents, violations)
• The type, age, and value of your vehicle
• Your geographic location
• Your annual mileage
• The coverages chosen and your deductible amount
• How the vehicle is used (personal, business, ridesharing)

Yes, we strongly recommend it. In a serious accident involving multiple people or significant damage, $1 million may not be enough to cover all property damages. The premium difference between $1M and $2M in civil liability is usually very small (a few dollars per month), but the level of protection is significantly higher.

Several strategies can reduce your premium:

• Bundle your insurance (auto + home) with the same insurer
• Choose a higher deductible
• Maintain a clean driving record
• Shop around and compare quotes regularly
• Take advantage of available discounts (student, senior, loyalty, telematics)
• Reduce your annual mileage when possible

In addition to mandatory civil liability, you can add:

• Comprehensive coverage — covers most damage to your vehicle
• Collision coverage — covers collision damage even if you are at fault
• Theft and vandalism coverage
• Extended civil liability — increase your coverage above the minimum
• Replacement vehicle — rental during repairs
• Accident protection — covers costs if your vehicle is in a serious accident

You have several options:

• Online — fill out our quick quote form on AccesDirect.com
• By phone — contact our team of brokers directly
• Compare multiple insurers — a broker like AccesDirect gets quotes from several companies to find you the best price

Have your personal information, vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN), and driving history ready to speed up the process.

Yes, you have the right to cancel your policy at any time. However:

• Cancellation fees may apply depending on your insurer
• A pro-rated refund of unused premium will generally be issued
• Make sure your new policy is in force before cancelling the old one to avoid any gap in coverage