It pays to understand important facts about auto insurance in Quebec so you can get the right coverage and save on insurance premiums.
Below are a few FAQs that can guide you in buying auto insurance and taking advantage of the lowest insurance rates from our partner brokers.
What is “mandatory insurance” in Quebec?
The public insurance from the SAAQ does not pay for all types of damage such as damage to your vehicle. For this reason, you are required to have private car insurance from an insurance company.
In Quebec, all insurers offer the same type of private car insurance using the “Quebec Policy Form.”
It has two sections – Section A for civil liability as explained above and Section B.
Car owners are required to have Section A insurance. Vehicle owners must have a minimum of $50,000 in civil liability insurance.
Section B covers damage to your vehicle for at-fault accidents. It is not mandatory but insurance experts recommend it for vehicles with high replacement value.
What is “two-way” insurance and is it necessary?
This type of insurance is optional which means you can choose to buy it or not.
This type of auto insurance can pay for the damage to your car due to an accident wherein you are at fault. It can also pay for the theft of your car, and other risks.
What can you do if you get denied auto insurance coverage by insurers because of a bad record or a criminal record?
If you are unable to get approved for the civil liability insurance required by law, you can request assistance from the Insurance Information Center at 514 288-4321 or 1 877 288-4321.
Access to insurance guarantees the minimum insurance coverage mandated by law. The service is free but you have to pay for the insurance premiums.
Will my auto insurance premiums increase if I file a claim?
There is a strong likelihood that your premium will go up after a claim. This is why it is good to maintain a claim-free record. Of course, certain circumstances may necessitate filing a claim such as damage to your vehicle. There are other ways to save money such as getting coverage for home and auto insurance with one insurance company or insuring multiple cars with one insurer.
Should you claim from your auto insurer for minor damage?
Most insurance experts discourage filing a claim for less than $1,000. Don’t forget that the insurer will take into account the amount of your deductible. Once you do the math, you will realize that the potential increase in your premiums is just not worth it.
Where should I go for lower auto insurance rates?
We recommend getting auto insurance quotes from our partner brokers. They have access to multiple insurers in their networks. They can shop for the lowest rates on your behalf, free of charge, and offer you multiple quotes to compare so you can save.
If you speak directly to an insurance agent from an insurer, you will only get the prices of their own products, thus limiting your options.
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