Auto insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador is provided by more than 50 private companies that compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Newfoundland and Labrador must by law buy a minimum amount of insurance and has the option to buy more to suit their needs.
Having the right auto insurance coverage is essential for everyone who relies on their car to get them around. When Newfoundlanders are involved in accidents, their insurance companies protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it. And, for drivers who buy accident benefits, insurers help them heal from injuries and support them if they are unable to work.
In Canada, provincial governments decide which mandatory benefits are included in the auto insurance product. The challenge is finding the right balance between affordable price for all drivers and adequate coverage for those who have to make a claim. For instance, if government makes the product very generous, it could become too expensive for many drivers.
Recent changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s auto insurance system helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage. But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Newfoundlanders are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Newfoundland and Labrador
As of May 1, 2013
| Compulsory minimum third-party liability: | $200,000 is available for any one accident; however, if a claim involving both bodily injury and property damage reaches this figure, payment for property damage will be capped at $20,000 |
| Medical payments: | (Optional to buy) $25,000/person; four-year time limit |
| Funeral expense benefits: | (Optional to buy) $1,000 |
| Disability income benefits: | (Optional to buy) Maximum $140/week; 104 weeks for partial disability; lifetime for total disability; must be disabled for at least seven days to qualify; unpaid housekeeper $70/week, maximum 12 weeks |
| Death benefits: | (Optional to buy) Death within 180 days after accident (or two years if continuously disabled prior to death); death of head of household $10,000, plus $1,000 to each dependent survivor after first; death of spouse $10,000; death of dependant $2,000 |
| Impairment benefits: | Through tort action |
| Right to sue for pain and suffering? | Yes, Awards are subject to deductible of $2,500 |
| Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits? | Yes |
| Administration: | Private insurers |
Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Newfoundland and Labrador
Introduced January 1, 1999
How do I get a Class 5, Level I licence?
To get a Level I (Novice) licence, you must:
- Be at least 16
- Take a vision test
- Score at least 85% on a driving knowledge test
- Get parental consent if you are under 19
How long will I be in Level I?
You will be in Level I for at least 12 months. However, if you successfully complete an approved beginner driver education course, this can be reduced to eight months. A Level I licence is valid for a maximum of two years.
What are the restrictions while I am in Level I?
You must drive with a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience and a blood alcohol level of less than .05, and who is in the front seat in a position to help if necessary. You cannot have passengers except for your supervising driver (unless they are your parents or guardians and are accompanied by a licensed instructor).
You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero. If alcohol is detected, your Novice driver’s licence will be suspended at roadside for two months for the first offense, four months for the second offense and six months for the third or subsequent offense. If you get two suspensions, you will have to complete an alcohol education program. If you have three or more suspensions, you will have to undergo an alcohol dependency evaluation/treatment program.
You are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must have the Novice sign displayed on the rear of the vehicle to show that a novice driver is operating a vehicle. The sign "NOVICE DRIVER" must have black letters that are five centimetres (two inches) in height and on a white background.
What else should I know?
If you are convicted of an offence while driving on the highways of Newfoundland and Labrador, or any other Canadian jurisdiction, the appropriate number of points will automatically be added to your record. A Novice driver can accumulate only six demerit points within a one-year period before his/her licence is suspended.
If your licence is suspended, you will return to the beginning of the current level.
Novice drivers cannot apply for a commercial class licence.
How do I enter Novice Level II?
To get to Novice Level II, you must successfully complete a road test in traffic.
How long will I be in Level II?
You must be in Level II for 12 months.
What are the restrictions while I am in Level II?
You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero. If alcohol is detected, your licence will be suspended at roadside for two months for the first offense, four months for the second offense and six months for the third or subsequent offense.
You can have passengers, up to the number of seatbelts available in the vehicle. If you drive between midnight and 5a.m., a licensed driver with four years of driving experience must accompany you. The accompanying driver must comply with the current .05 blood-alcohol level legislation. If you require your vehicle for work purposes, you must supply, upon demand, a letter from your employer certifying your employment and work hours.
You can have passengers, up to the number of seatbelts available in the vehicle. If you drive between midnight and 5a.m., a licensed driver with four years of driving experience must accompany you. The accompanying driver must comply with the current .05 blood-alcohol level legislation. If you require your vehicle for work purposes, you must supply, upon demand, a letter from your employer certifying your employment and work hours.
What else should I know?
If you are convicted of an offence while driving on the highways of Newfoundland and Labrador, or any other Canadian jurisdiction, the appropriate number of points will automatically be added to your record. A Novice driver can accumulate only six demerit points within a one-year period before his/her licence is suspended.
If your licence is suspended, you will return to the beginning of the current level.
Novice drivers cannot apply for a commercial class licence.
For more information, please visit Graduated Licensing Program - Government of Newfoundland & Labrador
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