Automobile

Insuring your car

When you shop around for car insurance, you have several options. How do you go about choosing the coverage that meets your needs?

Policy ABC's

In Quebec, the automobile insurance policy is a standard contract. The wording of your insurance policy and that of your friend or neighbour are the same. The only difference lies in your choice of coverage. You can add different coverage options in addition to the compulsory civil liability coverage.

Check out the automobile insurance policy.

Compulsory coverage

You are required to have civil liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000. This is compulsory under Quebec's Automobile Insurance Act.

However, it's advisable to hold $1 million of civil liability coverage. You'll be better protected if you cause damage to a third party or if you drive outside Quebec. This coverage is available for only a few dollars more.

In insurance jargon, this portion is known as Section A.

Common deductibles

The deductible is the amount you agree to pay in case of a loss. It applies when you make a claim, with one exception: when you make a claim following a collision in Quebec involving another identified vehicle and for which you are not at fault. In this case, you won't have to pay the deductible.

  • Collision or upset: $250 to $1,000
  • Comprehensive (fire, theft, vandalism, broken windshield, etc.): $100 to $250
  • All perils (includes the above coverage): $250 or $500

Optional coverage

If you were to have an at-fault accident, do you want to be insured for the damage caused to your vehicle? If the answer is yes, then you need to choose coverage for damage to your vehicle.

Insurers offer various coverages. Talk to your agent or broker to make an informed decision.

These coverages are in Section B of the insurance policy.

Civil liability coverage protects you for:

  • Damage caused to your vehicle for a no-fault collision in Quebec.
  • Property damage and bodily injury for an at-fault accident outside Quebec.
  • Material damage caused to a third party and for which you are at-fault.

You can choose between different coverages. Check out the complete list in Section B of your automobile insurance policy. Here are a few:

  • "Collision or Upset": covers damage to the vehicle caused by a collision or by upset if you are at fault.
  • "Comprehensive – Excluding Collision or Upset": specifically covers your vehicle if it's stolen, if the windshield breaks or if damage is caused by fire, vandalism, wind, hail and water. This coverage also pays for damage caused by a collision with persons or animals.
  • "All Perils": covers all damage mentioned in both previous types of coverage.
  • "Specified Perils": coverage is of relatively limited scope and pays only for specifically-listed perils, including fire and theft.