Auto insurance in Quebec is provided by both a government insurer and private insurers. The government insures against injuries to people, and private insurers cover you for property damage.
In the case of bodily injury, Quebec has a pure no fault system, which means there is no right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering or additional medical and economic expenses. For more information, see the web site for government insurer The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec .
For property damage, there are more than 100 private insurers selling auto insurance in Quebec. They compete for customers by offering a different mix of price, coverage and service. Everyone who wants to drive a car in Quebec must by law buy a minimum amount of third-party liability insurance with a private insurer and has the option to buy more to suit their needs. Liability covers you for property damage inside Quebec and personal injury and property damage outside Quebec.
IBC’s Quebec regional office has its own website. If you would like to learn more about Quebec auto insurance issues, click here
Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Quebec
As of April 1, 2012
| Compulsory minimum third-party liability: | $50,000; liability limits relate to property damage claims within Quebec and to personal injury and property damage claims outside Quebec |
| Medical payments: | No time or amount limit; includes rehabilitation |
| Funeral expense benefits: | $4,826 |
| Disability income benefits: | 90% of net wages based on gross annual income of maximum $66,000/year,; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability; indexed |
| Death benefits: | Death anytime; depends on gross annual income multiplied by a factor varying between 1-5, depending on age of the victim, $64,400 minimum, $330,000 maximum to spouse; dependent child based on age gets from $30,588-56,352; if no surviving spouse/dependants $51,617 to parents or estate |
| Impairment benefits: | Scheduled up to $225,822 |
| Right to sue for pain and suffering? | No |
| Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits? | No |
| Administration: | Bodily injury: government; property damage: private insurers |
| Notes: | Lawsuits are not permitted with respect to injuries sustained in automobile accidents in Quebec. Victims and their dependants (if residents of Quebec) are compensated by their government insurer for their injuries whether or not the accident occurs in Quebec. Accident victims who do not reside in Quebec are entitled to compensation only to the extent that they are not responsible for the accident, unless otherwise agreed between the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec and authorities of the victims’ place of residence; additional compensation may be available from their own insurers. |
Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Québec
Introduced June 30, 1997
How do I get a Learner’s licence?
To get a Learner’s licence, you must:
- Be at least 16
- Take a vision test
- Take a driving knowledge test
- Get parental consent if you are under 18
How long will I be in the Learner’s stage?
You will be in the Learner’s stage for at least 12 months. However, if you successfully complete an approved beginner driver education course, this can be reduced to eight months. You can leave the Learner’s stage no earlier than age 16 years and eight months. A Learner's licence is valid for a maximum of eighteen months.
What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner stage?
You must drive with an accompanying rider, who is a fully licensed driver with at least two years of experience and a blood alcohol level of less than .08, and who is in the front seat. A Probationary licence holder is not qualified to serve as an accompanying rider.
You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero. If you drink, you may get four demerit points on your record and a three-month licence suspension. You can drive only Class 5 vehicles.
What else should I know?
If you get four demerit points for any reason, your licence will be suspended for three months. After your suspension is over, your Learner’s licence will be valid for an extra three months.
How do I enter the Probationary stage?
To enter the Probationary stage, you must pass the Class 5 road test. You will need parental consent if you are under 18.
How long will I be in the Probationary stage?
You must be in the Probationary stage for 24 months with a valid licence (i.e., no suspensions) or until age 25, whichever comes first. You can leave the Probationary stage no earlier than 18 years, eight months.
What are the restrictions while I am in the Probationary stage?
You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
What else should I know?
If you get four demerit points for any reason, your licence will be suspended for three months. After your suspension is over, your Probationary licence will be valid for an extra three months.
If you are age 25 or older, you will get a full licence when you pass your driving test; you will not be required to go through the Probationary stage.
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