Auto insurance in P.E.I. 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 P.E.I. 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 Islanders are involved in accidents, their insurance companies help them get better, support them if they are unable to work and protect them financially if they hurt someone else and are sued for it.
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.
Changes to P.E.I.’s auto insurance system in November 2003 helped improve that balance of affordability and adequate coverage. But more can be, and is being, done to ensure Islanders are receiving the best coverage for the best possible price.
Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Prince Edward Island
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 $10,000 |
| Medical payments: | $25,000/person; four-year time limit |
| Funeral expense benefits: | $1,000 |
| Disability income benefits: | Maximum $140/week; 104 weeks partial disability; lifetime for totall disability;; must be disabled for at least seven days to qualify; unpaid housekeeper $70/week, maximum 12 weeks |
| Death benefits: | 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. If injury deemed a "minor" maximum award is $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 Prince Edward Island
Introduced April 1, 2007
How do I enter Stage 1 (Instruction Permit - Class 7)?
To get an Instruction Permit (commonly called Beginners Permit), you must:
- Be at least 16
- Take a written exam
- Take a vision test
- Get consent from both parents or a legal guardian if you are under 18
How long will I be in Stage 1?
You will be in Stage 1 for one year (365 days) before you can take a road test to get your Class 5 license and enter Stage 2 of the Graduated Licensing program. If you are enrolled in a driver education program, you can take your first road test after 275 days to enter Stage 2.
What are the restrictions while I am in Stage 1?
You must drive with an accompanying driver who has been fully licensed for a minimum of four years and has a blood alcohol level of less than .05. This instructor must be the only other person in the front seat.
Members of the accompanying driver’s immediate family are the only other passengers allowed in the vehicle. You cannot have more people in the vehicle than you have working seat belts.
If you are 21 or under, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
You cannot drink when you are going to be driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
You may not use handheld cell phones or other handheld communication or entertainment devices while in the Graduated Licensing program. Hands-free cell phones are permitted.
What else should I know?
While in Stage 1, you must have an identifying decal on your windshield. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “L” in the center. For a motorcycle driver in Stage 1 the “L” decal will be placed on the back of the helmet.
If you are convicted of any offences that carry demerit points, which includes seat belt fines, the Instruction Permit will be suspended. The first offence will result in a 30 day suspension, and a second offence will last 90 days. As a newly licensed driver, you can be charged if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
If you are not enrolled in a Driver Education Course, you must complete the Novice Drivers Course.
All drivers re-instated from a demerit point suspension are place on a 1-year mandatory Demerit Point Probation. Any violations carrying demerit points during this period will result in further suspensions.
How do I enter Stage 2 (Class 5)?
If you are enrolled in a driver education program, you can take your first road test to enter Stage 2 after waiting 275 days. If you are not enrolled in driver education, you must wait 365 days. When you successfully pass the road test you will enter Stage 2.
How long will I be in Stage 2?
You will be in Stage 2 for 365 days, provided you have not had any suspensions during this period.
What are the restrictions while I am in Stage 2?
You cannot drink when you are going to be driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
You can only have one non-family member as a passenger. The other passengers must be members of your immediate family, and there cannot be more passengers than there are working seatbelts.
If you are 21 or under, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. While in Stage 2, you can apply for an Exemption for Work Purposes to be exempt from this curfew. You may also drive between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. if you have a passenger who has had a valid driver’s license for at least four years and does not have a blood alcohol level of .05 or more.
You may not use handheld cell phones or other handheld communication or entertainment devices while in the Graduated Licensing program. Hands-free cell phones are permitted.
What else should I know?
While in Stage 2, you must have an identifying decal on your windshield. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “G” in the center. For a motorcycle driver in Stage 2 the “G” decal will be placed on the back of the helmet.
If you are convicted of a seat belt fine while in the Graduated Drivers License Program, your license will be suspended. The first offence will result in a 30-day suspension, and a second offence will last 90 days. As a newly licensed driver, you can be charged if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
All drivers re-instated from a demerit point suspension are place on a 1-year mandatory Demerit Point Probation. Any violations carrying demerit points during this period will result in further suspensions.
How do I enter Stage 3?
If you have not had any suspensions and 365 days have passed since the date showing on your Driver’s License, you are now entering Stage 3. If you have the new PEI Driver’s License you can tell by looking at your license. There is a line on the license that says First License/Prem Permis and a date. This date tells you when you first received your Class 5 license.
How long will I be in Stage 3?
Stage 3 lasts for 365 days.
What are the restrictions while I am in Stage 3?
You cannot drink when you are going to be driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
You may only have as many passengers in the vehicle as there are seatbelts.
You may not use handheld cell phones or other handheld communication or entertainment devices while in the Graduated Licensing Program. Hands-free cell phones are permitted.
What else should I know?
While in Stage 3, you must have an identifying decal on your windshield. The decal is a bright yellow sticker with a large black “G” in the center. For a motorcycle driver in Stage 3 the “G” decal will be placed on the back of the helmet.
If you are convicted of a seat belt fine while in the Graduated Drivers License Program, your license will be suspended. The first offence will result in a 30-day suspension, and a second offence will last 90 days. As a newly licensed driver, you can be charged if a passenger is not wearing a seat belt.
All drivers re-instated from a demerit point suspension are place on a 1-year mandatory Demerit Point Probation. Any violations carrying demerit points during this period will result in further suspensions.
GDL drivers cannot upgrade to a Class 1, 2,3 or 4 until they have successfully passed each stage of the program
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