Public Car Insurance (SAAQ) and Private Insurance in Quebec: What’s the Difference?

Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Quebec?

In Quebec, there are two different mandatory car insurance plans:

• Public car insurance (SAAQ): offered by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) for all Quebec residents.
• Private car insurance: must be taken out with an insurance company and comprises two parts: Chapter A (mandatory) and Chapter B (optional).

Both public and private plans are needed to cover all medical expenses, and more. Here’s more information on the two car insurance plans in Quebec.

Public Car Insurance Offered by the SAAQ

Unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec residents are insured (automatically) by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). All Quebecers are covered by this insurance, whether they have a driver’s license or not.

SAAQ car insurance coverage compensates you for injuries sustained in an accident involving a road vehicle, whether in Quebec or abroad. Both the person responsible for the accident and the person involved in the collision are covered for bodily injury. Under this system, those involved in an accident cannot sue each other in court.

For example, if you’re driving a road vehicle and hit a cyclist or pedestrian, everyone involved in the incident will be compensated by the SAAQ (whether you’re at fault or not).

SAAQ car insurance covers medical expenses, but does not cover damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. What’s more, not all medical expenses are covered. That’s why it’s mandatory to take out private car insurance in addition to public insurance.

Private Car Insurance

As mentioned above, not all medical expenses are covered by SAAQ car insurance. You must therefore take out private insurance to cover any expenses not covered (Chapter A). Plus, private car insurance can also cover damage to your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident (Chapter B).

Mandatory Private Insurance: Chapter A (Civil Liability)

Chapter A private car insurance is mandatory in Quebec. It essentially covers civil liability. In Quebec, it’s often called “one-sided insurance”. If you don’t have Chapter A insurance, you could be fined and have your driver’s license suspended.

This protection covers bodily injury caused to another person, which is not covered by the SAAQ, as well as property damage caused by your vehicle. Additionally, damage to your vehicle in a collision will be covered if you are not at fault for the accident. You must get this insurance through an insurance company or a broker such as ClicAssure.

The minimum amount of liability insurance is $50,000 in Quebec. However, insurance companies generally recommend coverage of one or two million dollars. Civil liability insurance offers you the following coverage:

• Bodily injury caused to persons outside Quebec that is not covered by the SAAQ.
• Material damage to other people’s property, such as their homes or fences.
• Material damage to your property if you are not responsible.

Finally, you should always carry your driver’s license, registration certificate and private car insurance certificate with you when driving on the road.

Optional Private Insurance: Chapter B (Damage to Your Vehicle)

Chapter B car insurance coverage is optional. However, it is desirable in many situations, such as when buying a new car. In Quebec, it’s often referred to as “two-sided insurance”. Your Chapter B insurance coverage varies according to the optional coverages you have chosen:

• Collision insurance
• Comprehensive accidents (e.g. theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, etc.)
• Comprehensive insurance
• Specific risks (list of risks specified in your insurance policy)

For example, if you choose collision car insurance or comprehensive insurance, damage to your vehicle will be covered, whether you are at fault or not.

Insurance companies can also offer you additional coverage, called “endorsements”. For example, replacement value, roadside assistance, claims without deductible or personal insurance. Of course, you’ll have to pay additional fees to obtain these protections.

Chapter B car insurance is optional and more expensive, so you get a much more comprehensive car insurance package.

Bottom Line

In short, SAAQ public car insurance covers Quebec residents (with or without a driver’s license). However, it does not cover all medical expenses. That’s why you need to take out private car insurance with an insurance company, which consists of two parts: Chapter A (mandatory) and Chapter B (optional).

To compare insurance quotes, feel free to use our online car insurance comparison tool to find the one that best suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Quebec