Quebec Car Insurance SAAQ Guide 2025

How Quebec's unique hybrid insurance system keeps premiums the lowest in Canada — and what you still need from private insurers.

Quebec's Unique Two-Part System

Quebec operates a hybrid auto insurance model unlike any other province. The Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ) is a public insurer that covers all bodily injury resulting from automobile accidents, regardless of fault. Property damage — to vehicles and other property — must be purchased from private insurers. This split is why Quebec consistently has the lowest auto insurance premiums in Canada (averaging ~$717/year vs Ontario's ~$1,920).

What SAAQ Covers (Public Plan)

The SAAQ bodily injury plan is funded through driver's license and vehicle registration fees. Coverage includes:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses after a crash injury
• Income replacement benefits (90% of net income, up to a maximum)
• Death benefits for surviving family members
• Permanent disability compensation

Critically, SAAQ covers Quebec residents injured anywhere in Canada or the United States, and non-residents injured in Quebec for accidents that occur in Quebec.

What You Buy from Private Insurers

Quebec's private auto insurance covers property damage only. A standard Quebec private policy includes:

• Section A — Civil Liability: Minimum $50,000 for property damage to others (most drivers carry $1M+). This is much lower than other provinces because bodily injury is handled by SAAQ.
• Section B — Damage to Your Vehicle: Includes collision (Section B1), comprehensive/all-perils (B2), and specified perils (B3/B4).

Average Quebec Premiums (2025)

Profile	Avg Annual Private Premium
Montreal driver, clean record	~$850–$1,100
Quebec City driver	~$650–$850
Rural Quebec	~$450–$650
New driver (Montreal)	~$1,200–$1,800

SAAQ Demerit Points and License Suspension

SAAQ also administers Quebec's demerit point system. Accumulating 15 demerit points leads to license suspension. Traffic violations affect your driving record and can raise your private insurance premiums, but the mechanism is separate from SAAQ's public plan funding. Your private insurer sets property damage premiums based on your record.

Major Quebec Private Insurers

• Desjardins Assurances (largest in Quebec)
• Intact Insurance
• La Capitale
• SSQ Insurance
• Promutuel Assurance
• Belairdirect (Intact subsidiary, online-focused)

Tips to Lower Quebec Private Insurance

• Compare at least 3 insurers — Quebec's competitive market rewards shoppers
• Bundle home and auto with Desjardins or Intact for multi-product discounts
• Take advantage of loyalty programs and alumni group rates
• Increase deductibles on Section B (vehicle damage)
• Drop Section B1 (collision) on older, low-value vehicles