Québec’s Public Automobile Insurance Plan in Brief
Québec's public automobile insurance plan protects all Quebecers involved in a traffic accident in Québec or elsewhere in the world.
An insurance plan that is fair for everyone
All Québecers are covered by Québec's public automobile insurance plan. This plan provides compensation in the event of injury or death as a result of an accident that occurred in Québec or anywhere else in the world.
The plan also covers tourists in Québec on the basis of their share of responsibility in the accident.
One of the founding principles of Québec's automobile insurance plan is no-fault coverage for everyone, regardless of who is responsible for a given accident.
This means that Quebecers who are involved in a traffic accident in Québec are covered by the plan, regardless of whether or not they are responsible for the accident.
As the no-fault compensation principle does not take responsibility for an accident into account, individuals or companies cannot initiate legal proceedings against the person responsible for a traffic accident.
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Mon assurance auto de la SAAQ : est-ce que j’en ai pour mon argent? (Automobile insurance with the SAAQ: am I getting my money’s worth?)
This French-language video aims to answer many of the questions you may have about the public automobile insurance plan, such as what your insurance contributions are used for and whether you are getting your money’s worth.
If the accident is associated with an offence, such as impaired driving, a hit-and-run or dangerous driving, you could be subject to legal proceedings under the Highway Safety Code and the Criminal Code.
If you are imprisoned for a driving-related offence under the Criminal Code, the SAAQ will reduce the amount of any income replacement indemnity to which you may be entitled while you are in prison.
If you are involved in a traffic accident outside Québec
Québec's public automobile insurance plan covers you anywhere in the world, regardless of whether or not you are responsible for the accident.
However, if you are involved in a traffic accident outside Québec, you could be subject to legal proceedings before the courts in the jurisdiction in which you are travelling for damages you have caused to others.
It is important to notify your private insurer when you plan on driving outside Québec so that your insurance coverage can be adjusted accordingly.
If you are involved in an accident outside Québec, it is important that you notify the SAAQ as soon as possible.
The public automobile insurance plan is not a substitute for your private insurer
In Québec, the law requires that all vehicle owners hold a civil liability insurance policy of at least $50,000. This mandatory basic insurance covers property damage you may cause to others.
If you transport goods or people
You are required to hold a private insurance policy of at least 1 million dollars.
If you transport dangerous substances
You are required to hold a private insurance policy of at least 2 million dollars.
If you own an off-road vehicle, such as a snowmobile or an ATV
You are required to hold a private insurance policy of at least $500,000.
Required documents
When driving on the road, you are always required to have your private insurance certificate, your driver's licence and your registration certificate with you.
Last update: January 11, 2023
Costs
No charge, except for medical assessments that may be partly reimbursed on presentation of an invoice or a receipt.
