Auto insurance in Saskatchewan is provided by a government-run insurance company, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Since 1945, Saskatchewan consumers have had very little choice in how and where they buy their car insurance. If they are dissatisfied with the service provided by SGI or the premiums they are being charged, drivers in Saskatchewan do not have the same options as do drivers in other provinces – the option to switch insurance companies.
Everyone who wants to drive a car in Saskatchewan must, by law, buy a minimum amount of collision and comprehensive insurance and has the option to buy more to suit his or her needs. Saskatchewan drivers must purchase the compulsory minimum insurance from SGI. Government and private insurers compete for business selling optional (fire, theft, comprehensive) coverage.
A competitive business environment is a powerful incentive for insurers to deliver the best service and to understand and meet consumers’ needs. Auto insurance is no exception to this rule. As consumers’ needs change, private insurance companies respond by offering innovative new products and services. Product innovations such as first accident forgiveness, replacement cost coverage, roadside assistance, and payment plans were all adopted in competitive jurisdictions long before they were available in provinces with government-run auto insurance systems.
All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault accident benefits that are paid to all accident victims. The difference across the provinces is the degree to which tort (the right to sue) or no-fault (access to accident benefits) is emphasized. Saskatchewan is a no-fault province, but residents have the option to have their auto insurance through atort system. This choice has been available to Saskatchewan residents since January 1, 2003. Over 6000 Saskatchewan residents, representing more than .6% of the population, have opted for the tort system.
Minimum Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Saskatchewan
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 | |
| If no-fault option selected: | If tort option selected: | |
| Medical payments: | Up to $6,382,084/person | Up to $24,954/person for non-catastrophic, up to $187158for catastrophic injury |
| Funeral expense benefits: | $9,573 | $6,239 |
| Disability income benefits: | 90% of net wages based on gross annual income of maximum $86,463 year; nothing is payable for the first 7 days of disability unless catastrophically injured | $376/week if totally disabled for up to two years; $188/week if partially disabled for up to two years; maximum $19,552 per year |
| Death benefits: | 45% of deceased's net income; min. $65,840 to spouse; 5% of calculated death benefits to each dependent child; if no spouse, $14,631to each surviving parent or child (21+), to a max. $65,840; up to $43,893 spouse education; death of dependent child $29,262 | 45% of deceased's net income to a minimum $56,147 to spouse; 5% of calculated death benefits to each dependent child; if no spouse or dependent, estate receives up to $12,477 |
| Impairment benefits: | Up to $182,888/person for non-catastrophic, up to $223,373 for catastrophic injury | Up to $12,477 /person for non-catastrophic, up to $162,204 for catastrophic injury |
| Right to sue for pain and suffering? | No | Yes, subject to deductible of $5,000 |
| Right to sue for economic loss in excess of no-fault benefits? | Yes. | Yes. |
| Administration: | Government (government and private insurers compete for optional and excess coverage) | Government (government and private insurers compete for optional and excess coverage) |
| Notes: | Saskatchewan is a no-fault province where residents can opt out of the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP), or no-fault, in favour of a tort plan.First-party all perils* insurance is compulsory in Saskatchewan (deductibles vary according to type of vehicle). | |
Steps Required to Become a Fully Licensed Driver in Saskatchewan
Introduced September 2005
How do I become a Learner?
To enter the Learner Phase (Class 7), you must:
- Be at least 16 (or 15 if you are enrolled in a high school driver education program)
- Take a vision test
- Take a driving knowledge test
- Have a parent or guardian’s consent, if you are under 18
How long will I be in the Learner Phase?
You must be in the Learner Phase for nine months, excluding interruptions for non-renewal, refusal, or suspensions.
What are the restrictions while I am in the Learner Phase?
You must drive with a supervising driver, who is experienced, fully licensed (not a probationary driver), and who is in the seat nearest you and the controls. You cannot have passengers between midnight and 5 a.m. who are not immediate family members (except for the supervising driver).You cannot have more passengers than you have seatbelts. You cannot be a supervising driver or get a commercial driver’s licence or a school bus endorsement. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
What else should I know?
You must take either a high school driver education course (at least 30 hours in-class and six hours in-car) or at least six hours of in-class and six hours of in-car instruction from a driving school.
You are subject to all the penalties and fines that apply to other drivers.
How do I enter the Novice 1 Phase?
To enter the Novice 1 Phase (Class 5) from the Learner Phase, you must be at least 16 and you must pass the Class 5 road test.
How long will I be in the Novice 1 Phase?
You must be in the Novice 1 Phase for six months, excluding interruptions for non-renewal, refusal, or suspensions.
What are the restrictions while I am in the Novice 1 Phase?
You can have only one passenger who is not a family member; other passengers must be immediate family members. You cannot have more passengers than you have seatbelts. You cannot be a supervising driver, or get a commercial driver’s licence or a school bus endorsement. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
What else should I know?
You must avoid breaking any traffic rules during this period. If your driving record is not satisfactory, you may have to attend an interview. You could also have your Novice 1 Phase extended. You could be asked to take a defensive driving program, driver improvement training or another driving exam.
How do I enter the Novice 2 Phase?
You enter the Novice 2 Phase (Class 5) at the end of the Novice 1 Phase.
How long will I be in the Novice 2 Phase?
You must be in the Novice 2 Phase for 12 months, excluding interruptions for non-renewal, refusal, or suspensions. During these 12 months, you cannot have an at-fault collision, a traffic conviction or a suspension. If you do, you must restart the 12-month period.
What are the restrictions while I am in the Novice 2 Phase?
You cannot have more passengers than you have seatbelts. You cannot be a supervising driver, or get a commercial driver’s licence or a school bus endorsement. You cannot drink when you are driving – your blood alcohol must be zero.
What else should I know?
You must avoid breaking any traffic rules during this period. If your driving record is not satisfactory, you may have to attend an interview. You will also have your Novice 2 Phase extended.
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