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What to expect when
driving in Quebec
The Royal Alexandra
Interprovincial Bridge
The Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge (or the Alexandra Bridge, as the locals say) is a bridge that connects Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec over the Ottawa River. Every day, over 15,000 vehicles cross through the border.
Winter tires mandatory by law
In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory by law during the winter months. From December 15 to March 15, all passenger vehicles must be equipped with them.
Turning right on a red light
On the island of Montreal, you cannot turn right on a red light. Everywhere else in Quebec allows this practice unless specified.
Pothole repairs
Over the next 3 years, the Quebec government plans to spend over $75 million on pothole repairs throughout the province.
Bypassing a red light
In Quebec, you cannot cut through a gas station, parking lot or the local Tim Hortons to bypass a red light at an intersection.
Drive in Quebec
In order to drive in Quebec, you must be at least 16 years of age in order to get your learner's permit. You'll also need consent from a parent or legal guardian if you are under the age of 18. You'll have to pass a classroom component as well. Once you get the learner's permit you can take the test for the full licence after you have had 10 months of practice with another licensed driver beside you.
New Drivers in Quebec
So you passed driver's licence test? Congratulations! Driving on your own is a big step in any young person’s life.
Being a new driver means you'll need insurance coverage. Due to your lack of a driving record, your rates may be higher than someone with several years of experience. Statistically speaking, young adults and teenagers between the ages of 20 to 24 are more likely to be involved in accidents resulting in injuries or death.
5 things you need to know when choosing car insurance coverage in Quebec...
1 - Which type of auto insurance is mandatory in Quebec?
Just like the rest of Canada, car insurance is absolutely mandatory to be able to drive in Quebec. This ensures that all parties are covered in the event of an accident that causes property damage or personal injury. In Quebec, the minimum liability coverage required by the Automobile Insurance Act must cover third party liability property damage coverage you could cause to others.
Car Insurance Policy:
Limits Required by Law
Third party Liability:
50,000 of coverage. This minimum coverage is provided by private insurance companies.
Medical Payments:
Covered by the SAAQ.
Disability Income:
The SAAQ will cover 90% of your annual net income, up to $67,500. Impairment benefits will provide up to $229,887 worth of coverage.
Funeral Expenses:
Funeral Expenses You will receive up to $4,913.
The minimum amount of coverage required in Quebec is $50,000 to cover property damage. Personal injuries are covered by the SAAQ as part of their public auto insurance plan. This is why Quebecers have consistently paid the lowest car insurance rates in Canada since 2009. The minimum amount of coverage doesn't include all eventualities so to ensure you get the right amount of coverage you need, consult with our agents.
2 - What is no-fault car insurance in Quebec?
No-fault insurance is Quebec’s public automobile insurance plan used to handle bodily injuries or deaths related to automobile insurance claims in the province. It simply means that, regardless of which party is found responsible for an accident, they will be covered by the plan, regardless of who is at fault. This system is one of the founding principles of Quebec's auto insurance plan.
3 - Do you have to have insurance to drive somebody else's car?
Whenever you have any doubts, check the policy in effect on the car. Insurance is applied to a vehicle, not the driver, and can be extended to multiple drivers. If you borrow a vehicle regularly, you're going to apply as a driver on the vehicle's insurance policy. If you're still not sure, always refer to the policy. Also, always remember: Driving an uninsured vehicle is against the law, no matter who's behind the wheel. Talk to your insurance agent to see what coverage options are best for you.
4 - How do I add a driver to my current auto insurance policy?
In the event that you wish to add a secondary driver to your policy so they can drive your vehicle, you'll need to contact your insurance agent. Several criteria may affect how much the new driver will have to pay such as age, marital status, their driving record and how long they've had their licence. Adding your children as secondary drivers could be an excellent way to bring down their insurance premiums while they are still a high risk to insure. Talk to your insurance agent to find the best coverage solutions for your situation.
5 - Do you have to pay your deductible if the accident was not your fault in Quebec?
In Quebec, if you're involved in an accident where you're proven to have not been at fault, you will not have to pay for the deductible on your car insurance. If the accident was a hit-and-run and you were not able to identify who hit you, the SAAQ may compensate you for any property damage you incurred